Chapter 3: Preparation

They reached the table, Margareth sat next to Isabella, as did the king. The prince was next to his mother and facing them.

He looked at her from time to time trying to fall into reality, he was not satisfied at all. Princess Elizabeth was enjoying each dish so much that she did not stop for a second to look at the prince.

Margareth watched her out of the corner of her eye and occasionally gave her a little push.

"What good taste these people have."

She promised me to behave well and she got it, thanks to Clara that she has prepared a tray for me on the way.

The prince is handsome like in the novels he read, but he has a terribly sour face... I'm sure he didn't like the food, I understand, they usually serve me a lot of green leaves, as if he were a cow. Maybe they are confused, because of my muscles!

My mother was talking to the queen about the wedding, they wanted to do it quickly; I don't understand why the rush. Here the only one who wins is King Joseph, his kingdom has been very threatened lately.

"What do the princes think?" asked Queen Loren.

"Whatever they decide, it's fine by me." replied the prince.

"I think it's all too rushed!" (I said what I think).

Margareth quickly interrupted my comment and said that we can have the wedding tomorrow. This woman is going to give me a heart attack, my fiancé was probably dead in life, she didn't comment the whole lunch.

Luckily they abandoned me, I urgently need a bath after the great marathon I ran, I was all sweaty.

The kings were still at the table, chatting on different topics.

"I'm sure his and mine's kingdom will be one of the greatest in history." King Roberts commented.

"It is a great honor for me to have you as an ally. I have heard of your exploits in the war, it was impressive."

"It's true! You should have seen the face of Carlos II." he replied between laughs.

"King Roberts, I hope our alliance will be more beneficial than the one you had with the Billinghusts." Queen Loren commented, causing discomfort to everyone present.

John Billinghust, had formed an alliance with King Roberts, both of whom were considered great leaders. Together they managed to expand their lands after great victories. King Roberts dethroned him and seized all his lands.

Queen Margareth was silent, she knew that Queen Loren was a very intelligent and direct woman when she had any concerns. She was afraid that he would make any comment about her coming to her kingdom, she was the only one who knew where she would come from.

"Roberts, I would like to take a tour of the castle in the afternoon, I would like to show you something."

"Well, we won't find out this afternoon."

"We have a lot of work, we have to prepare everything for tomorrow's wedding." commented Queen Margareth.

"You don't have to worry about anything dear, I have everything ready... I would just like to talk about Isabella's likes."

"You are awesome!"

........................................

My father is a bastard! He promised me the three thousand soldiers and only gave me about five hundred. I will not carry out any coup, but I fear that the enemy will soon knock on the doors.

The wedding was going to be something intimate. If the enemy knew, he would take precautions, but doing so was pointless. I didn't say anything, I already feel very exposed outside my cave.

I went to the room where my parents were, I wanted to talk to him.

"What are you doing here, Isabella?"

"Father, I came to ask you; when are you going to send me the two thousand five hundred soldiers that you lack?"

"You have no enemies here Isabella, if something happens I'll send you the whole army. Alone, if necessary."

"Good.

My father was a fierce man and his gaze was like that of a lion stalking its prey. I preferred to leave, I'm sure he'll remember me when we're in trouble.

I went to my room, "my new cave", I'm sure that will be my forte.

………………………

"I can't believe it. Is this a joke? How can they do this to me! Nobody is going to respect me after this humiliation!"

"I understand your anger prince." Franky replied.

"There are ways to form an alliance between both kingdoms without nuptial commitments involved, and it is through agreements."

"Attention! His Majesty, King Joseph."

The prince was silent when he saw his father enter through that door.

"Back off!"

"What does this mean? I could hear you screaming from the hallway."

The prince was so upset, but still, he couldn't face his father, he knew he wouldn't back down.

"He is nothing father."

"If you have something to say, do it now."

"It's…for the princess!"

"What is the problem?"

"Rumours are heard in the halls about his appearance."

"Tomorrow you will marry the princess, it's not a question; it's an order! Do you understand?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The prince stayed in his room, very frustrated by the conversation he had had with his father.

"Prince, Mr. Frankie is here!"

"Bring him."

"What did the king tell them?"

"Your decision on him is made… I can't believe this is happening! I can't allow this kind of humiliation, I have to do something."

"

"It's nothing... Let's have a drink, Frankie... I don't want to talk about this anymore, at least until after the wedding, then I'll see."

"You have to consume the marriage, that's crucial."

"Damn. Why do you have to record it for me? I can't even see her face, I hate that little smile and also when she tries to be interesting... I should be more considerate and give up. It's easy for her, if it wasn't for her power, she would be a spinster all her life."

"Why don't you send for three of my girls to calm my grief friend?"

"I don't recommend it sir! If your father or King Roberts found out, all hell would break loose."

………………..................

I should be happy, tomorrow I will marry one of the most handsome princes, it seems that I am living in a fairy tale. But there's no happily ever after here.

I just left the kitchen and heard the horrified prince, I didn't want to stay to listen, I'm not that masochistic. That man will try to commit suicide before marrying me, I don't blame him; he must have the most beautiful women surrendered at his feet, pity for them... I won the prize from him.

God is punishing me for being so rude, from purgatory I went straight to hell. That doesn't bother me, my parents made sure that my life is a torment… This place will be like my home.

They sent me a wedding dress, but I didn't like it, it doesn't let me breathe. That doesn't worry me, I don't even know if the wedding is going to take place. Despite everything, the prince has never disrespected me; according to Clara, he said that he never stopped looking at me during lunch. I did not give importance to that comment, if there is someone who despises me more than my parents, that is my fiancé.

"Princess… Queen Loren invites you to have breakfast with her tomorrow in her garden."

"Oh my God! Tell him I broke my leg... Or that I can't because I have a busy schedule."

"PRINCESS ISABELLA!... don't talk like that!"