"My King, Princess Arianna is here to—"
"Let her in." The king's deep voice echoed through the hall.
"Yes, Your Majesty." The guard bowed and left. A few seconds later, Princess Arianna entered.
"Your Majesty." Arianna bowed deeply.
The king nodded, his eyes lingering on her. Arianna, his daughter, was the most beautiful princess in the palace. Too bad he was marrying her off. But what pleased him most was that she was to marry the great King of the Shaakina Kingdom.
"Speak." The king's voice was commanding.
Arianna stared at her father, then immediately fell to her knees.
"I came to see my father, not the king," she said, her voice trembling.
"Speak… for your father is all ears, Arianna," the king replied, his tone softer but still firm.
Tears slid down Arianna's cheeks.
"Father… I ask of you… will you withdraw my marriage to an old man?" she pleaded, keeping her head bowed.
"He is a great king, not an old man, Arianna!" The king hissed angrily.
"But he is old enough to be my father," Arianna sniffed. "I want to marry for love, not for political affairs."
"Enough! Do you dare argue with your father and king?" he demanded.
Arianna's heart skipped a beat in fear. She lowered her gaze even further, shaking.
"I dare not," she muttered.
"This conversation is over… guards!" The king called. Two guards entered promptly.
"Escort the princess to her chamber," the king commanded.
"Yes, Your Majesty." The guards bowed and faced Arianna, who had slowly risen to her feet.
"May you live long, Your Majesty," Arianna said, bowing once more. Inside, she knew the king would never change his mind. This was her fate, and she had no choice but to face it.
As Arianna and the guards left the chamber, King Ingnar sighed and stood. He had no other choice but to give his beautiful daughter to King Basmus. He did it to strengthen his kingdom. After all, the Shaakina Kingdom was the most powerful in their universe.
KINGDOM OF SHAAKINA-
A month later _Arianna was now officially married to King Basmus. The wedding had been grand and magnificent. Many were envious of her beauty—especially the first queen.
Arianna sat in her chamber, waiting for her newlywed husband, knowing the marriage was soon to be consummated.
The king entered, his eyes fixed on her. She was a beauty to behold, her amber eyes gleaming even in the soft candlelight.
She was in her undergarments. Arianna wasn't as scared anymore. The king wasn't as old as she had imagined, and though she accepted him physically, her heart remained distant.
"Arianna… I will make you my last, if you submit to me. I promise to give you my heart, my beautiful queen," the king whispered, gently caressing her cheeks.
Arianna remained silent. This was the way things always went—he would soon marry another wife.
She nodded outwardly, but her heart said otherwise.
The king laid her on the bed and took her in his arms, making love to her.