Chapter 2: Arranged Marriage

"Someone call the court physician!", Zuerien shouted and on hearing this, Queen Anne turned back and she saw Zuerien standing by King Edward who placed his hand on his chest and groaning in pains. She made her way towards them immediately half running.

"Edward!” She called and touched him but he hit her hand away.

"Do not lay your hands on me!"

"Really? Okay, then", she said and stood up.

"Mother."

"You heard what your father said. I will make sure I don't touch him again. You there!” She said to the guards who were already running towards them. "Take His Majesty to his Chambers and call the court physician."

"Okay, Queen."

She turned to the King. "The court physician will treat you and I hope you get better", she said and walked out on him yet again that day.

King Edward felt hurt that she left even though he was the one that told her not to touch him.

She went to her room putting on a strong face but deep down, she was hurting and angry. Hurt because he was in pain and angry because he would not allow her to touch him. She is a doctor too and can treat him, so why would he not allow her attend to him? 

'That is because of the argument you had', her inner woman spoke up.

She went to her daughter Leah's quarters and saw the girl with her tutor reading a book.

"Mother!” The little girl shouted on seeing her.

"Your Majesty", the tutor greeted.

"How are you coping with her? I hope you enjoy teaching her."

"Of course, Your Majesty. Princess Leah is not at all a problem. She is a sweet kid."

"That is a relief. You can take a break now and continue tomorrow."

"Thank you, Your Majesty", she said and left.

"Mother", Princess Leah called running towards The Queen.

"My Princess. Do you understand all what you were taught?"

"Yes, Mother. I learnt a lot about the Kingdom and the duties of a Princess."

"That is good. Leah?"

"Yes, mother."

"How old are you now?"

"I'm Eight years old, mother."

"That's good. You know I always want you to be happy. No matter what it is that brings you happiness, I'll always get it for you even if I have to risk my life. Do you know why?"

"Why?"

"Because nothing in this world can measure up to happiness. When you are happy, life is worth living. I may not be happy but I want you and your brother to be the happiest people on heart. Promise me you will tell me what makes you happy and I promise to always get it for you."

"I promise, Mother."

"Thank you", she said and Princess Leah hugged her.

As Queen Anne hugged her daughter, her mind drifted to King Edward. She still felt bad for leaving him like that. 

"Are you crying, Mother?” Princess Leah asked looking at her mother.

Queen Anne didn't even notice she was crying. She wiped the tears away and shook her head. "No. I'm not. Let's go to your father's chambers."

"Why?"

"He is a little bit indisposed."

"Indisposed? But I still saw him this morning and he was healthy."

"It just happened now."

"Okay. But what are you not with him."

"Nothing sweetheart."

"Okay."

They made their way to the King's Chambers and met the physician just coming out of the King's room.

"How is he?” Queen Anne asked in haste.

"He is like that because he hasn't been resting. All he needs is to rest a lot and eat healthy food."

"Are you sure that is all?"

"Yes, my Queen. I will request one of the nurses to bring him some medications."

"Thank you."

"I'm just doing my job."

The doctor left and Queen Anne opened the door with Princess Leah behind her. On the bed, she saw King Edward sleeping peacefully and Prince Zuerien was sitting beside him.

On seeing his mother, Zuerien stood up from the chair and Queen Anne sat down and held the King's hand. 

Zuerien just couldn't understand the relationship between his parents. One minute they are at each other's throats - especially his father- and the second their faces are showing how hurt they are for speaking wrongly to each other.

Princess Leah also moved to her father and asked her brother. "How come?"

He shrugged. "It just happened."

She sighed. Although she is not very close to her father, she still loves him. 

"Let us go now. He needs to rest", Queen Anne said and they all went out of the room.

They went out of the room and walked towards the Queen's Chambers.

"Mother, may I ask you something?” Prince Zuerien asked.

"You may."

"You said your marriage with Father was arranged."

"Yes, it was."

"But it seems you both feel something for each other."

Queen Anne looked at him with shock painting her face. "What do you mean by that?"

He shrugged. "I am not psychic but I can see. One minute the both of you can't seem to stand each other and the next you are looking hurt for leaving each other. I sometimes wonder how Leah and I were born."

She chuckled. "It is complicated."

"Well, I may need you to break it down so it would not be."

"Your Father and I were friends since we were kids but I felt nothing for him even if he felt something for me. Our parents thought we were in love with each other but I was not in love with him. I was in love with someone else but being the Grand Duke's daughter, I had to get married out of duty not out of love. Your father was fully aware that I feel nothing for him except being friends but since the day we were married, he tried to have a place in my heart but I didn't allow it because someone's place was there. He tried until he finally gave up and changed towards me. I know I deserve every bit of his actions towards me but there is nothing I can do again. It's too late."

Zuerien felt bad for the both of us them but there was nothing he can do. Leah listened carefully to her mother's words.

"You asked how the both of you were born. Well, that was also out of duty just like my Mother would say. She would always look at me and say, 'Anne, marriage isn't about love but duty.' But I sorely disagree. And that is why I don't want you to get married out of duty but out of love. I want you two to be happy always. Nothing in this life can beat pure love and happiness."

"But Father wants me to marry Lady Sophie. There is nothing I can do."

"I'm sorry for being so helpless in this situation but I will do something about it when the time comes. For now, let it be. You trust me, right?"

"I do, mother. I always do."

She smiled. "Thank you for trusting your mother."

"I trust you, too, Mother", Princess Leah said and hugged her mother.

"Thank you, my princess."

Zuerien smiled and felt assured. 

*~*~*~*

"Congratulations once again, little princess", Charles said to his daughter as they clicked their glasses together.

"Thanks, Dad."

They drank their wine and Charles cleared his throat.

"Aurora?"

"Yes, Dad."

"Do you think I'm a good father?"

She suddenly looked pale. "Why do you ask that question?"

"You know, I didn't raise you up like I should raise a girl. I make you learn self-defense and archery when other girls your age are busy with social lives. I make you read a lot when your peers are either painting their nails or shopping for clothes. I'm sure your Mum wouldn't approve of the way I raise you."

She sighed and held her Dad's big hand in her own smaller ones. "All those things doesn't matter to me, Dad. I prefer learning self-defense and archery than partying. I prefer reading that painting my nails or whatnot. I like the way you raise me. You raise me to be independent. I may not be a social person but I can still cope. I like the way I am, Dad. I really do. And I don't think Mum will be disappointed. I'm very sure she would be happy." She smiled. "And by the way, I prefer hanging out with you than any other person."

He smiled. "Thanks for being my daughter."

"And thanks for being my Dad."

"You are welcome." He tasted the cookies on the table. "Hmm... This cookies are just so delicious just like your Mum's."

"Well, it's her recipe. Dad?"

"Yes, princess."

"You know it's been 13 years since Mum passed."

"I know."

"Do you have any plans of remarrying?"

"Remarrying?"

"Yes."

He sighed. "I actually didn't know how to break it you but there is actually a lady that I like but I haven't thought of marrying her."

"Why? Is she not to your taste?"

He laughed. "It's not that. I just haven't thought about it yet."

"Why? If you love her, why don't you go for her?"

He looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "You aren't even against the fact that I'm trying to replace your Mum."

Aurora once again held her father's hand. "Dad, listen. No one can replace Mum. It's not possible. Mum is different and whoever that lady is, she is different. I have been with you since Mum passed away and I wonder how you've been able to live being lonely like this."

"I'm not lonely, princess. I have you."

"I know. But there are some things you need a wife for. You deserve to be happy again and it's not your fault Mum died. I'm very sure she would want you to move on."

"You think so?"

"I know so."

He sighed. "Okay, then. If you say so."

She drank from her wine. "So, tell me about the Beau."

He laughed. "Her name is Bianca and she is one of my workers."

"When do I get to meet her?"

"You want to?"

"Of course, I want to."

He shrugged. "Well, if you want to meet her, I have no right to deny you of that. And one more thing."

"What is it?"

"She has a son."

"So, she had been married before."

"Yes. Her husband is dead."

"Ohh! How old is her son?"

"I'm not sure of his age but he is a bit older than you."

"Woah! That would be cool. I'd like to meet the both of them."

"As your Lordship pleases", he said and bowed.

"Rise."

He raised his head and the both of them laughed. "I'm really going to miss you when you leave for college. I wonder why you chose to go to college very far from home."

"Ohh, Dad. Don't be sad. I'll only be gone for 3 years."

"3 years is a great deal!"

"Dad! It's not like I won't come home at all. I'll make sure I come home anytime I have the chance to. I promise."

"You better don't break your promise."

"I won't. I cross my heart."

"That's my girl. Well, we've talked about my love life, what about yours?"

She instantly choke on the wine she was drinking and he ran to her and slapped her gently on her back.

"Dad?!"

"What? Can't I ask a question?"

"You can. And I'll give you your answer. You know I have never dated and I don't have a boyfriend."

His face fell. "It's my fault, right?"

"Dad?!"

"It's my fault. You are 18 and I have never allowed you to live life like other teenagers. It's my fault."

"Dad! It's not your fault. I told you I like myself this way. Besides, I don't want a boyfriend that will make me want to divide my time between him and you. I prefer staying with you always."

He shook his head. "You know you are gonna get married one day, right?"

She shrugged. "I don't want to."

This time it was the father's turn to choke on wine. "What?!"

"Yes. I don't want to get married. I want to stay with you forever."

He took her small hand in his much bigger ones. "Aurora, do you know the most beautiful thing in life."

"Diamond?", She asked.

He shook his head. "No, princess. Nothing is more beautiful than finding true love. Being with the right person is the most beautiful thing you can ever find."

"But I love you."

"But you can't get married to me, can you?” He asked and she shook her head. "That's it. I'm sorry I had to raise you like this but I didn't know what to do. When your Mum died, I didn't know how I was going to raise a 5 year old girl on my own. I then decided to follow my instinct and raise you just like my heart told me to. But I guess I was wrong. I failed to make you realize some things. Love is the greatest gift nature can give to you. I hope one day you will find true love and get married to the right man."

She shrugged. "Maybe."

"You aren't taking this serious, are you?"

She shrugged. "Maybe not."

He shook his head. "There will be a day that you'll eventually find yourself in the boat of love and you'll remember this day."

"I doubt that."

"Stubborn. Just like her Mum."

"I like it like that." She let out a yawn.

"Sleepy?"

"Very."

"Head to bed now. I'll do the dishes."

"Okay, Dad. Goodnight."

"You may not see me as you wake tomorrow because I'm going to the company very early. I have a shareholders meeting very early. Make sure you practice your archery."

"Yes, sir", she said and salute him.

He laughed. "Naughty kid. Go to bed. Goodnight."

"Goodnight", she said and kissed his cheeks before going to bed.

Charles watched her as she went to her room and wondered how fast she has grown over the years. He looked up. "Sandra, our little princess is no longer little. She's grown into a very beautiful woman just like you were. I hope you approve of the way I raised her. Even if you don't, I hope you forgive me. I didn't know how else to go about it. I'm sorry."