My Cursed Alpha Prince

CHAPTER 7

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Trumpets rang out over the palace grounds, and they drifted straight down until they came over Caspian who was still lying in bed with his head buried under the pillow.

"f*****g hell!" he groaned, rolling over on the bed and rubbing his eyes. Sunlight was streaming in through the open window, and the chatter of several people right outside his door immediately drew his attention.

Caspian had barely sat down before the door burst open and six women fluttered into his chambers, a flurry of giggles and smiles. They were all dressed in rosy pink gowns which were clear enough that he could see the outlines of their n*****s. They all looked like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves as they made their way to his bed and sat down all around him.

"Good morning, your Grace," they all said in unison, which Caspian found slightly confusing.

"What the f**k is going on?" he asked.

"We were sent here by the king, your Grace," the one to his right said in a singsong voice, placing her hand on his shoulder. "It's the beginning of your wedding ceremony, and we were told to prepare you for the day."

Caspian wasn't sure what that meant. No one had informed him of this, and as nice as it may seem, he was not entirely amused by having all these women staring at him with their shimmering eyes and their almost translucent skin.

"What do you mean by 'prepare me for the day' exactly?" he asked.

"We've been instructed to bath the prince and prepare him for his trip to Avarel," the one behind him said. "We must make him look presentable for when he meets his future bride. After all, the future queen of Xania will want to meet her husband while he's shining like the diamond he is."

All the girls giggled, and Caspian rolled his eyes so much that they almost fell into the back of his head. Of course his father would try something like this. He wasn't even surprised at all. Ever since he was a little kid, his father had tried to indoctrinate him in the Xanian way of royals, which meant having to learn how to keep multiple women around and have them at his beck and call. Caspian never wanted any of that. And he believed that was part of the reason why his father despised him so much.

“Come along, your Grace,” the first one said. “Everyone is waiting for you.”

They led him to the bathhouse, where the pit was already filled with boiling water. Caspian stood and waited as the women began to disrobe him, and they continued to giggle incessantly as they led him towards the pit.

“He’s very handsome, isn’t he?” one of them said as she pulled him forward. “Look at all his muscles and his fine, luscious hair.”

“Enough, Laila,” the first one said. “He’s to be married soon. We must not speak of him that way.”

“But it’s not fair,” the one called Laila said. “There isn’t another man who is half as handsome as him in al of Xania. What am I supposed to do with myself?”

“You’re a palace maid,” another one replied. “You have no chance with the prince. Only a princess is worthy of him.”

“You do realise I’m standing right here, don’t you?” Caspian asked, a slightly amused expression on his face.

“My apologies, your Grace,” Laila said. “I did not mean any disrespect.”

Caspian merely shrugged as he lowered himself into the pit. The water was scalding hot, and it burned his skin so much that he felt the heat travel all the way to his bones. But he liked it this way. He had always preferred the boiling water to lukewarm, for reasons which remained unknown to him.

“Your Grace,” Laila said as she and the others poured different scented oils into the water, “do you have any idea what your betrothed looks like?”

“Laila!”

“It was only a question,” she said, raising her hands innocently. “He doesn’t have to answer if he doesn’t want to.

“Not at all,” Caspian replied in a dreary tone. “I suppose she looks like any ordinary lady. It’s not my concern what she looks like.”

In truth, Caspian had thought a lot about the woman he would be marrying. He had imagined a hundred different faces, each more unsettling than the last. Beauty was not something he desperately sought after, because he didn’t even want the marriage in the first place. But if he was to have a woman stand by his side and be his queen, he would want her to at least not be horrible to look at.

Not that any of it mattered, truth be told. He had experienced his fair share of broken hearts, and even though he tried desperately to forget, the wound which had festered on his heart remained. Fifteen years, and yet it still felt like it was yesterday when his heart had been ripped out of his chest and dashed on the floor.

He tried not to think about it, and shook his head as the girls poured the scalding water over his face. He leaned back and sighed, willing himself to forget the face which had haunted his dreams for a decade and a half.

“Your Grace,” Laila persisted, “will the wedding take place here or in Avarel?”

“Laila, for heaven’s sake!”

“It’s a simple question,” she repeated.

“I have no idea,” Caspian replied. “I assume there will be a ceremony over there for her people, and then the proper wedding will take place here.”

“It will be a grand ceremony indeed,” Laila sighed dreamily. “My mother tells me that a royal wedding is the most breathtaking spectacle ever. She was a handmaid during the queen’s wedding, and she said it was the most spectacular ceremony ever.”

“I would prefer if you didn’t speak to me about my parent’s wedding,” Caspian said, settling into the water even more. “Heaven knows I’ve heard enough about it since I was a child.”

His voice had a sharp edge to it, and the girls realised that he was pissed. Immediately, they fell silent and exchanged knowing looks while they continued to scrub his shoulders and arms. The bathroom fell silent, and none of them dared to say another word again. Caspian wasn’t bothered by this. He needed time to think, after all. He could still hear the rumblings of the guests who were starting to arrive downstairs. They would gather in the great hall and wait for him to arrive, where his father would officially announce his betrothal to the people. After that, he would set off with his escorts and head for Avarel, where his bride would be waiting with a ridiculous grin on her face, and a pathetic speech about how much she had been waiting for this day her entire life.

As if he cared about any of that.

When they finished, Laila combed his hair back and washed it, before Caspian stepped out of the water and wrapped himself in his robe. The women escorted him back to his room, where his garments for the day had already been laid out on the bed.

The golden sigil of his house was printed on the front of the garments, a crescent moon with a wolf howling in front of it. The tunic was silver, with black breeches and even blacker boots. A white cape sat beside them, which he had absolutely no intention of wearing. He would rather throw himself off the palace walls than show up looking like an imbecile.

While the girls dressed him, Laila set about brushing his hair and wiping the last droplets of water off his forehead. Caspian took the time to study her face, and he could have sworn she looked oddly familiar. Bright blue doe eyes, thin red lips and a sharp jawline made her look like she was of noble birth. Her skin was darker than his, giving her an exotic look. She was definitely a foreigner, perhaps from the islands of Salantis.

Her eyes shifted to his, and Caspian was surprised when he saw a shimmering light in them. She leaned forward, and with her head down, she brought her lips to his ears and said, “King Raemon has his spies stationed everywhere, your Grace. Trust no one.”

Caspian’s eyes flew open, but before he could say anything, the girls had already packed their things and were moving towards the door.

“Wait,” he called, but by the time he reached the door, they had slipped out and were already down the stairs.

Caspian stood in the middle of his room, a hollow feeling spreading through his chest. He couldn’t believe what he had just heard, especially because it had come from such an unexpected person.

What exactly did she mean by that? What was king Raemon planning? This definitely confirmed his suspicions, that the king of Dalmatia was plotting against them. As to what exactly he was planning, Caspian couldn’t say. But Laila’s words remained with him, and his suspicion grew like a flame which had just been fanned.

Trust no one.

Was that a warning that someone who was already in his circle was working for king Raemon? Caspian didn’t keep multiple people close to him. If what Laila had said was true, then there were only about four people who he would need to keep an eye on.

This was insane. He was supposed to be getting ready to embark on a journey he didn’t want, to meet a woman he didn’t like for a wedding he wasn’t looking forward to. He hated this, and he hated the fact that he didn’t even know what he was getting himself into with this marriage. Why did he even agree to it? He should be marching down there right now and telling his father off, and refusing to marry the Avarelian girl.

But he wouldn’t do that. He was far too respectful for his own good. And when the time came for him to go down to the great hall and meet the congregation, he did so without question or hesitation.

Caspian walked into a hall with his head held high where the guests were gathered and waiting to congratulate him on his betrothal, holding himself with an air of confidence. The hall was elegant and brightly lit, with bright decorations and a central chandelier hung above everyone. The floor was covered in plush red carpet, and the walls were lined with windows that provided a view of the bright morning sky.

Several hundred guests had gathered there to celebrate this momentous occasion. They had arrived from all over the kingdom, some arriving by horseback, others arriving on foot or by carriage. They would remain in the palace while Caspian is away, until he returned with his bride and the royal wedding was done. Only after that would they return to their homes.

At the end of the hall, seated upon his golden throne with his crown shimmering in the sunlight, Caspian’s father stared down at him with a half-smile. He did not wish to look unhappy on a day like this, because that would send the wrong message and people would definitely start to talk. He would have to act cordial at the very least, and Caspian was suddenly aware of the fact that no matter what he did, his father would be forced to act respectful towards him. It was a delectable discovery, and one he wished to use to his full advantage.

All eyes were on him as he slowly made his way forward, well aware of the women who were sighing dreamily, trying to catch his gaze by waving their fans about and smiling suggestively at him. But all it did was leave a sour taste in his mouth. He ignored every last one of them, and he kept his focus instead on his parents who were sitting in front of him and waiting.

When Caspian reached them, his father stood up and placed his hand on his shoulder. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Caspian saw his father smile directly at him. His eyes lit up, and if he didn’t know any better, Caspian would have genuinely believed that he was happy for him.

“Chin up, son,” he said. “Today is the start of a brand new figure, filled with all sorts of possibilities. Today is the start of your future, and everything you’ve ever hoped for. You should be happy.”

Caspian merely grimaced before he made his way over to his mother’s side, where she cupped his face and kissed his forehead.

“I’m proud of you, son,” she said. “This is the start of a journey which will hopefully bring so much joy and happiness into your life.”

Caspian smiled faintly at her as well, then he made his way over to the side and turned to face the hall. His father stepped forward, and he settled his gaze on everyone who stood and stared at him with gleaming, identical expressions.

“Welcome, one and all,” he began in a booming voice which filled the entire hall. It was the voice he used when he was addressing a large crowd, and it was how Caspian believed a king was meant to sound. His voice commanded respect, and no one would dare to disobey his orders if he spoke to them with that voice.

“Today, we mark the start of a new era,” his father continued, the crowd hanging on his every word. “Today, my son will take a great step that will bring him one step closer to the throne to Xania. As is our tradition, a prince cannot sit on the throne without taking a wife. And in keeping with that tradition, Caspian has asked me to choose a wife for him. He has asked for a woman who is suitable and capable of becoming queen of this great kingdom.”

A filthy lie, but he would allow it. Appearances had to be kept up after all.

“When I was a boy just like him,” his father continued, “I used to think that marriage was a terrifying experience, and I would forever be lost in an endless loop of never-ending normalcy. I was afraid that my marriage would not be the right thing to do, and that I would let myself and everyone of you down. But ever since I found my beautiful queen, not a single day has gone by when I’m not eternal grateful for having her by my side. Marriage is a beautiful thing. It is the one thing which binds us together, two souls united as one. It is this magic which holds the kingdom together, and today, prince Caspian will be the next person to try and unite the kingdom in that regard. Today, Caspian will travel to Avarel to meet your future queen, who I have chosen for him with the help of King Stefan. I am pleased to inform you that her name is Diana Cardale, and she’s the daughter of a nobleman who serves in the king’s court. She is the fairest in all the land, wise beyond her years and as beautiful as the moonlight on a clear, starry night. Diana will make an excellent queen, and I am certain that when you all meet her, you will come to realise that as well.”

The royal band struck up a tune, and Diana’s name was whispered around the hall several times, each person testing it out on their tongues as if her name was a piece of fine china they were considering purchasing.

Diana.

Caspian said the name in a whisper of his own, and it felt entirely wrong. Something about it just didn’t feel right. Maybe it was the fact that he had never actually said it out loud before. Or maybe it was because the name didn’t suit the troll he had imagined in his head. Diana was a normal name, and she certainly seemed like she was a human being, at least. That was more than he had been counting on.

Diana.

It didn’t sound so bad. She didn’t sound so bad. Maybe it wouldn’t be as horrible as he imagined. But he was still aware of his promise to himself, and he knew that he wasn’t going to back down on his word. He would never allow himself to love her, and he would keep her as far away from him as possible. The people might need a queen, but he certainly didn’t need a wife. And when the time came, he would make it clear to her that he did not intend to have any form of relationship with her. It would be for the best. Because no matter what he did, he would never be able to give himself completely to her.

“Today, Caspian will set forth for Avarel,” his father said. “And when he returns, it will be with his new bride. But for now, let us rejoice. Celebrate with us, eat and drink to your heart’s content, and join my in wishing my son a happy future.”

A thunderous applause broke out everywhere, and the royal and struck up another lively tune. Everyone cheered, while Caspian smiled and waved unenthusiastically. He was not so keen on meeting his beloved, but he had no other choice. And so, he continued to wave at them, the joy not even coming close to his heart. It was all a formality. And when his father gave the order for the royal carriage to be made ready, Caspian had to stand and receive congratulations from all the foreign dignitaries. By the time it was done, the sun was already high in the sky. And when he shook the hands of the last lord, he slipped away from the crowd and tried to find a secluded place where he could gather his thoughts.

“f*****g hell!” he groaned when he finally found an empty room he could it in. He raked his fingers through his hair, then drew in a long and sharp breath. He was exhausted, and it wasn’t even midday yet. What he really needed was a glass of wine. But even that would require him to return to the hall, and he could not stand another congratulatory remark. A glass of wine was not worth the stress. So he chose to stay put and while away the afternoon until he would be able to leave.

“You should have known it would be this chaotic,” a woman’s voice suddenly came behind him, and Caspian turned to find Laila standing behind him with a low smirk on her lips.

“How did you get in here?” he asked.

“I’ve been here the whole time, your Grace,” she said. “Perhaps you were just too tired to notice.”

Caspian turned back, and he groaned once again.

“It’s a joyous day for you and for the kingdom,” sha said in a curious voice. “And yet you do not seem so happy. Might I ask why that is?”

“I’d rather not talk about it,” he said, waving dismissively. “That is the exact reason why I came here.”

“My apologies, your Grace,” she said. “I meant no disrespect.”

Caspian merely shrugged, but then she came over and sat across from him. She looked like she wanted to say something, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it.

“Your warning,” he said, leaning forward. “What did it mean?”

“Exactly what I said, your Grace,” she said. “King Raemon is a cunning man. And he will do whatever is necessary to get what he wants.”

“And what exactly is it that he wants?”

“Xania, of course,” she said. “Our kingdom is much larger than his, and it is much closer to Avarel, where there is an endless supply of humans who they can feed on. King Raemon wishes to conquer Xania for this purpose. He is already making plans to do just that.”

“And how do you know all this?” he asked.

“I have friends in high places,” she said. “Friends who often reveal the secrets of the royal houses to me. I know everything there is to know about every royal family, your Grace; including yours.”

Caspian raised a suspicious eyebrow. He couldn’t possibly guess what Laila was talking about, because as far as he knew, there were no secrets in his family.

“Who are they spies you warned me of?” he asked.

“I have no idea who they are,” she said. “That’s why I told you to trust no one. Right now, the only thing you can believe is that everyone is an enemy. The darkness is coming for all of us, your Grace. And when the time is right, the traitors shall be revealed. But for now, while there is no certainty who those traitors are, you must watch your back and make sure that you do not give them a chance to drive a knife through your heart. The last thing this kingdom needs is for our future king to lose his life because he trusted the wrong people.”

“And how do I know I can trust you?”

“You don’t,” she said. “I may be a traitor as well. You would be wise not to trust me.”

Caspian settled back into his seat, and he fixed a cold gaze on her. He couldn’t tell what exactly she was playing at. But she didn’t seem like she was lying as well. As far as he could tell, she was telling the truth. And if king Raemon was indeed plotting to attack Xania, then his marriage certainly seemed so insignificant at this moment. He had to inform his father about this. And even if he refused to listen, then he would force him to do so, one way or another.”

“I can see what you’re planning to do,” she said. “But you and I both know that your father will not agree to attack. And in that, I would agree with him. The best thing for you to do right now is to go to Avarel and take your bride.”

“You must be joking,” Caspian snapped. “Who the f**k is thinking of marriage at a time like this?”

“Your Grace, when your father was speaking about ancient magic, he was not just trying to be dramatic,” she said. “A royal wedding hold a far deeper meaning than you will ever know. You need to go to Diana and marry her. You will realise the importance of that marriage once you’ve put your ring on her finger.”

She stood up and walked away without another word, and Caspian watched her do so with confusion written all over his face. He thought about what she said long after she left. And later that day, as he sat off for Avarel with his royal escorts, he wondered how on earth something as simple as a marriage would be the solution to stopping an impending attack on the kingdom.

But, as he would later find out, his marriage to Diana was going to solve much more than that.

***