Four guards stood at attention outside the grand doors of King Alexander's study, their formation flawless. As Princess Helena stepped out, they bowed in unison. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes red and swollen, tears still clinging to her lashes. One guard, unable to look away, caught a glimpse of her distress and lingered a second longer than he should have, concern flickering across his face.
"What are you staring at?"
The sharp voice came from behind him.
Startled, the guard spun around, "Y-Your Highness, I, my apologies... I meant no disrespect."
Prince Henry stood there, his expression dark, "Were you watching my sister?"
"I apologize, Your Highness."
"Do you find your service to this kingdom tiresome?" Henry pressed.
"No, Your Highness."
"Then why were your eyes on my sister? I hope your intentions were honorable."
"Yes, Your Royal Highness," the guard said quickly, "I merely noticed that Her Royal Highness appeared distressed. I did not see any of her personal guards nearby and was… concerned."
Henry's frown deepened, "My sister is upset?" He paused, "Do you know why?"
"No, Your Highness."
Without another word, Prince Henry turned and strode down the corridor toward the eastern wing, where Helena's chambers were located.
As he approached, Colin, Princess Helena's head guard, stepped forward and bowed, "Your Royal Highness."
"Colin," Henry said curtly, "where is my sister?"
"In her chambers, Your Highness," Colin replied, "She has requested not to be disturbed by anyone. Not even the King."
Henry's jaw tightened, "Inform her that I wish to see her."
Colin hesitated, "I must apologize, Your Highness, but Princess Helena was very clear. She wishes to see no one."
Henry fixed him with a hard stare. Then, without waiting for permission, he moved past him and down the hall. The guards nearby exchanged uneasy glances as Prince Henry continued forward, Colin reluctantly following.
When they reached Helena's door, Henry stopped.
"Shall I knock," he asked coolly, "or will you, Colin?"
With a sigh, Colin stepped forward and knocked. "Your Highness, Prince Henry wishes to speak with you."
Silence.
"Knock again," Henry ordered.
Colin knocked once more. This time, the door creaked open slowly.
Princess Helena stood in the doorway, her eyes sharp, her expression brittle. She stared at Colin as though she might strike him.
"Were my instructions unclear?" she demanded, "I explicitly said I did not wish to be disturbed by anyone. Including the King!"
Colin bowed his head, "I apologize, Your Highness."
Helena ignored him and turned her gaze to her brother.
"Why are you here?" she asked coldly, "Did Father send you?"
Henry blinked, caught off guard. To him, Helena had always been the very image of a graceful princess, composed, gentle in both word and manner. This sharpness was unfamiliar, unsettling even to him.
He gestured for Colin to leave. The guard looked to Helena, who gave a small, dismissive wink. Colin withdrew at once, leaving the siblings alone.
Helena stepped aside, widening the door. Henry entered, and she closed it behind him.
"I heard you crying," Henry said quietly, "That is why I came." He studied her as she stood by the window, dressed in soft pink, staring out at the gardens below, "And no, Father did not send me."
She did not answer.
Henry moved to her side, first gazing out at the gardens, then turning toward her. Tears slipped freely down her cheeks. Without thinking, he pulled her into his arms, resting her head against his shoulder. Helena clung to him, gripping his coat as though it were the only thing keeping her upright.
"What happened?" he asked gently.
She pulled back, wiping her face with trembling hands, "Father has arranged my marriage."
Henry stared at her. This was news to him. News his father had never once hinted at.
"To whom?" he asked, "From which kingdom?"
Her sobs deepened, "To the devil's offspring."
Henry let out a soft chuckle, assuming she spoke in anger rather than truth, "And which 'devil's child' is unfortunate enough to earn your hatred?"
"From Hell," Helena said flatly.
Still uncertain, Henry guided her to the bed and sat beside her.
"Come," he murmured, "Marriage is frightening at first. I know I lack experience, but people learn. In time, happiness follows. It always does."
She did not respond.
"Which kingdom?" he asked again.
Helena turned to him, her eyes desperate, "I told you," she whispered. "Hell."
The seriousness in her gaze struck him like a blade. Henry stiffened, releasing her slowly. His throat tightened, "What do you mean?"
"Father has promised me to the devil himself," Helena said through tears, "And I am to marry his son."
Henry shot to his feet.
"What?" Rage flared across his face, his ears burning, his hands clenching, "Are you serious?"
Helena could only cry.
With a sharp breath, Prince Henry turned and stormed out of the chamber, slamming the door so hard it echoed down the hall, leaving Helena alone once more, shaking in the aftermath.