The situation had now grown from bad to worse. King Henry took in deep breaths to calm himself while Roselyn just stared at her father in surprise. What he had said had made some sense though he was also to blame. He wanted to force her to get married to someone she didn’t want. And he was wise indeed. He had chosen Lord Richberry as her suitor this time. So he thought she was a piece of property worth exchanging for, huh? Then he was wrong. She had them to thank for her rebellious nature.

These were the times that Roselyn regretted being born a princess. She had no rights concerning her life. Hell, she had no rights at all. All that was expected from her was to act ladylike as she grew to only be married off, or rather sold to some rich Lord or king. That was the price one had to pay for being born a princess.

"What if I tell you that all you think or say is wrong?" Queen Victoria said. Everyone looked at her skeptically, especially Roselyn. Nothing was wrong with what her father had said.

"I bear with me great and good news, especially to you, Roselyn," she began. The others scoffed, seeming uninterested in what she was about to say. What good news would come from Valoria right now? Even the citizens had started evacuating the capital due to the impending war. No sane leader would give out their land just like that. It was a sign of cowardness. A leader better dies defending their kingdom than give in to the demands of another kingdom. And it was a character of every king or queen, prince, and princess alike.

"And what is this ’great news’ that you have Your Majesty?" King Henry asked in a mocking tone.

"I doubt that you’ll believe it but for the sake of Roselyn here, I’ll say it. Crown prince Alexander has offered Her Highness, Princess Roselyn a hand in marriage," she said without taking a breath. It was intended for one person after all, so she didn’t care if the rest heard what she said. Besides, Rosely was close enough to hear.

Roselyn’s face was all shades of emotions now. Confusion, surprise, disbelief, and joy were all written on her face. This was too good to be true. Was Queen Victoria speaking of the same Alexander that she knew? Or was this one of her schemes to make her stay in Valoria? But Victoria had never lied to her. She had to confirm it.

"Did Alexander say this, or was he influenced by someone else to say it?" She asked. She wanted to be certain that it was indeed the heartless Alexander she knew. If it was him, then this was a dream come true. She waited with bated breath for Victoria’s reply.

"Yes, he did. He wants you to get married to him this week," Queen Victoria said happily. Roselyn could not suppress her happiness anymore. She jumped like a little child and hugged Victoria out of the blue.

"I am getting married to Alexander!" She said that to herself more than anyone else. She wanted to assure herself that this was not some kind of a dream. Hugging Victoria all made it more real. Tears of joy now streamed down her face.

While the little hunky punky was going on between the Queen and Roselyn, two people were not happy at all. Both King Henry and Sir Brandon had not been happy. The news could be termed devastating to them. It was as if they had been struck by a thunderbolt out of the midday blue sky.

Sir Brandon couldn’t believe that it was actually true. He had been by Roselyn’s side all this time and saw how the prince had treated her while she was still here. Not a shred of emotion or love Alexander did share with Roselyn. How comes then that he had decided to marry her? He had sworn to never marry her, and that, Sir Brandon could never forget. How then had it come to this? Or maybe he had been pressured to take a wife by the council and saw Roselyn as the only option?

But why her of all the people? He could have taken another woman, or that maid if he liked. Wait! What if Alexander had decided to marry Roselyn so that Arcadia would aid Valoria in the upcoming war? Clever bastard! So the prince didn’t actually want to marry her out of pure love. Sir Brandon clenched his fists tightly. He knew it.

And who knew he would dispose her later and marry another woman? Roselyn would live a life of regret. If there is anything that hurt Sir Brandon the most, it was seeing Roselyn hurt, both physically and emotionally. But still, he had her to blame for all this. Had she not stayed a little longer....

King Henry’s insides were churning, if not burning. All of his plain had been a fail. He watched as the two women hugged in excitement. Yes! He had always wanted what was best for his daughter. And wasn’t marrying Alexander what she had always wanted. But why did it feel all wrong? Wasn’t he supposed to be happy for his daughter now.

His gaze shifted to his wife and he could see the dreamy look on her eyes. She was smiling at her daughter! She was happy for her! But did they know what this meant to him and Arcadia? Did they know that Lord Richberry had already paid the bride price? Did they know that by Roselyn getting married to Alexander, Arcadia would be part of Valoria, and therefore be targeted by Crescia as well? No, they didn’t. A king has to look far and beyond. He could not afford the shame of returning the bride price to a Lord. He would be a laughingstock in his own kingdom. ’A king who cannot control his daughter.’ Yes. That was what they would call him. And that, he wasn’t going to allow. Not when he was breathing. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

"My daughter is getting married to no one!"