chapter 17
The Announcement
Princess (softly):
"So… tomorrow is my wedding after all."
The words lingered heavily in the silent room.
---
Stonehaven Throne Hall
In the grand hall of Stonehaven, the Prince paced before the throne of the King, his fists clenched, voice echoing through the chamber.
Prince (shouting):
"Why is my wedding tomorrow, and I wasn't even informed?! What are you planning? Are you trying to sacrifice me for your schemes—for the so-called sake of the people?!"
He slammed his fist against the throne's edge.
Prince (furious):
"I refuse! I will not marry that Princess! Do you hear me? I will not accept this arrangement under any circumstances!"
For a moment, the hall fell into silence.
Then—
A soft knock broke it.
Soldier (announcing):
"Your Majesty… the Princess of Moonyvale has arrived."
The doors opened.
The Princess entered gracefully and bowed.
Princess:
"Your Majesty."
The Prince's expression twisted in frustration. Without a word, he turned sharply and left the hall.
The heavy doors closed behind him.
---
The King and the Princess
The King observed her quietly.
King:
"Yes, Princess. What brings you here?"
Princess (calm, composed):
"I came to discuss the wedding arrangements."
King:
"Very well. Let us speak."
---
The Private Chamber
Later, they sat in a quieter hall.
Sunlight poured through tall windows. A tray of tea rested between them.
King:
"This is better for conversation, don't you think?"
Princess:
"Yes. Thank you for the tea, Your Majesty."
A pause.
Princess:
"Why the rush for this wedding?"
The King studied her before answering.
King:
"Your kingdom needs us… and we need stability in return."
Princess (careful):
"You mean manpower."
King:
"Yes."
Princess:
"But why now? We are not at war."
King:
"Our forces are weakened. We cannot afford vulnerability."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
Princess:
"Then I can offer protection. Why force marriage?"
The King leaned back.
King:
"A union of kingdoms is stronger than any contract. It ensures trust… permanence."
The Princess exhaled slowly.
Princess:
"From what I see… neither I nor your son want this."
A pause.
Princess:
"I hope you understand—we should find another way."
The King studied her for a long moment.
Then—
A faint smile appeared.
King:
"You are bold, Princess. Few speak so freely before me."
Princess:
"I speak the truth."
The King nodded slowly.
King:
"Then perhaps you should speak directly with the King of Stonehaven. A proper conversation may clear these matters better than rushed decisions."
The Princess tilted her head slightly.
Princess:
"You suggest I speak with him directly?"
King:
"Yes. And I respect your honesty enough to allow that choice."
---
Outside the Hall
The Princess stepped out, her expression calm—but her eyes carried restrained anger.
Princess:
"Tell Commander Marco to come to my chamber immediately."
Soldier:
"Yes, Your Highness."
---
Princess's Chamber
Marco stood before her, attentive.
Princess (firm):
"The King will not cancel the marriage. It is moving forward—but I need to know why."
Her gaze sharpened.
Princess:
"We are not in crisis. So why this urgency?"
Marco remained composed.
Marco:
"Your Highness… we don't yet have the full picture from our kingdom."
Princess (coldly):
"Then get it. Immediately."
A pause.
Princess:
"I want full intelligence on what is happening back home. Do not let decisions be made blindly."
Marco:
"It will be done."
---
Guinevere Joins
Later, Guinevere stood near the window, arms crossed.
Guinevere:
"Tell me this is a joke."
The Princess didn't turn immediately.
Guinevere:
"That old King… I could strangle him myself."
The Princess finally glanced at her reflection in the glass.
Princess (calmly):
"Lower your voice. Even walls listen."
Guinevere scoffed.
Guinevere:
"So what's really going on? If food is the issue, there are other solutions. Why a marriage?"
The Princess adjusted her sleeve.
Princess:
"Stonehaven is one of the few kingdoms still producing crops. The curse has destroyed most lands—including ours."
She paused.
Princess:
"This alliance ensures survival. That is the truth."
Guinevere's jaw tightened.
Guinevere:
"But this timing… it's too fast. It feels like pressure, not diplomacy."
The Princess said nothing.
Guinevere continued.
Guinevere:
"And that Prince… I can't stand him."
The Princess exhaled.
Princess:
"This isn't just politics. This marriage places Lumivale at the center of every kingdom's attention."
Guinevere thought for a moment.
Guinevere:
"Stonehaven is strong in food… but weak in power and military."
She stepped closer.
Guinevere:
"They gain influence over us. And access to everything we have."
The Princess nodded slightly.
Princess:
"Now you understand why their King refuses to break it."
A pause.
Then Guinevere's voice dropped.
Guinevere:
"Then why not take them by force?"
The Princess shook her head.
Princess:
"The world is already suffering under the curse. Another war would only deepen it."
Guinevere clicked her tongue.
Guinevere:
"That's exactly why they're doing this. Control through marriage. Today food… tomorrow authority."
A silence fell.
Then the Princess smiled faintly.
Princess:
"Do you really think I would allow that?"
Guinevere blinked.
The Princess turned fully toward her.
Princess:
"Just wait and watch."
Guinevere sighed.
Guinevere:
"…Fine."
---
Night — Soldiers' Quarters
The camp was quiet.
Most soldiers slept.
But John lay awake.
Staring at the ceiling.
John (thinking):
She's getting married…
A strange tightness pressed in his chest.
He turned slightly.
John (thinking):
Why does it feel like this…?
Nearby soldiers whispered.
Soldier 1:
"Did you hear about the Princess?"
John sat up.
John:
"What are you talking about?"
Soldier 2:
"She doesn't seem happy about the marriage."
John's expression darkened.
He said nothing—but the feeling inside him deepened.
---
Princess's Chamber — Late Night
The palace was silent.
Inside her training space, the Princess swung her sword repeatedly.
Fast. Controlled. Frustrated.
Her thoughts raced.
The kingdom… the marriage… this pressure…
A knock interrupted her.
Princess:
"Who is it?"
The door opened.
John stood there.
...CHAPTER 17END...