My New Husband
I'm shaken awake by Amelia, my personal servant. I sit up in bed and rub my eyes.
Me: Amelia, what is today?
Amelia: Today is your twenty-first Iris.
Me: Oh no! Father will kill me!
I spring out of bed and start to get ready. I was in a full-on panic mode. I was running around the room when Amelia grabs my arm. She lets out a small laugh.
Amelia: King John is out on an errand. You have time to eat and prepare my dear. I let out a sigh of relief.
Me: What would I do without you?
Amelia: Continue to lose your mind.
I laugh and head to the dining hall where Amelia made sure the servants prepared my favorite breakfast. Eggs with cheese on the side, a bowl of fruit covered in honey, and porridge.
Me: Amelia, you know me so well.
Amelia: I have looked after you since you were seven, dear.
Me: Amelia, have a seat.
Amelia: I couldn't.
Me: I'm the princess. I said sit.
She sits down and I start laughing. I slide my fruit bowl over to her and we share it. My father hated that I treated her like a person and not a servant but after my mother's passing, she was the one I turned to for guidance. She was the only one allowed to call me by my name.
Amelia: Are you ready?
I start poking at my eggs.
Me: Not really but a princess has to serve her kingdom.
Amelia: Well, I've heard from some of the other servants Prince Elias is gorgeous and he will cherish you. Unlike Drogo.
Me: Who is Drogo?
Amelia: Elias has a twin brother. They look alike but are completely different.
Me: Great! Two headaches.
She laughs.
Amelia: Don't be so quick to judge.
Me: I know, I know.
I hear heavy boots and Amelia jumps out of her seat. The dining hall doors open and my father walks in.
Father: Iris. Amelia.
Me: Good morning father.
Father: Morning.
He can be a man of few words at times. He walks over a kisses my forehead.
Father: Happy birthday princess.
Me: Thank you.
Father: Iris, tod--.
Me: I know father. Today, I leave to the Kingdom of Valar to marry Prince Elias.
Father: Not Drogo.
Me: I know father.
Father: I'm making sure. King Silvan first asked for your hand in marriage to his son Drogo and I refused.
Me: Why?
Father: You are my daughter and a princess. You should be treated as one. Not as some...some common whore!
He slams his hand down on the table.
Me: You have nothing to worry about father. I will only have eyes for Prince Elias and pray he feels the same way.
Father: He will. No Prince I've ever met has been more fitting for my little girl.
I smile.
Father: Now finish up, you party is tonight.
Night rolled around and ballroom was full. I was mingling amongst my guests. I was drinking a glass of wine when someone walked up to me. He bows and I bow back.
Man: What a lovely party Princess Iris.
I laugh.
Me: It is my twenty-first.
He takes my hand and kisses it.
Man: Prince Drogo at your service.
Me: Is your brother perhaps Prince Elias?
Drogo: He is. How do you know that?
Me: Ah! I am betrothed to your brother.
Drogo: Betrothed?
I nod my head. He starts laughing.
Drogo: I was not aware of that.
Me: Is he here?
I start looking around.
Drogo: Unfortunately, he was unable to attend. It would be my honor to escort you to the palace though.
Me: I shall see myself there.
Drogo: As you wish. Can I get you another drink?
Me: How kind of you.
He walks off and comes back with a drink for me. I take a sip.
Drogo: Would you like to dance?
Me: I would love too.
I take his hand and we make our way to the dance floor. Halfway through the dance, my father storms over and pushes him away.
Father: Don't even think about it!
Drogo raises his hands.
Me: Father, it was just a dance.
I whisper to my father.
Me: I can handle myself father.
Amelia comes over with my drink and I finish it. I make my way over to servant who was serving drinks. I have another glass and start to feel dizzy. Amelia helps steady me when Drogo comes over to help.
Amelia: Princess, are you ok?
Me: I'm fee--.
Drogo: I got it. I'll carry her to her room.
Amelia: Ah! So sweet you are.
Me: Dr--.
Drogo: Where is her room?
Amelia: Down the hall, sixth room on the left.
Me: Dr--.
Drogo: Thank you.
He lifts me in his arms and carries me off.
Me: P-Put me...down.
Drogo: Shhh princess. You're not feeling well. It seems your betrothed to the wrong prince. I shall take care of that.
He passes my room.
Me: W-Where are you...taking me?
Drogo: Home. You will be marrying me.
Me: N-No.
There was a man at the end of the hall. I couldn't make out his face. Drogo passes me to him.
Drogo: Get her to the carriage. And keep her drugged. I will not have her ruin this.
Man: Yes, your Majesty.
Drogo turns and heads back to the party as the man carries me down the stairs and out the back door. I was carried to the front gate and thrown into the back of a carriage. He hands me and drink and I push it away. He grabs my mouth holding it open as he pours the drink down my throat. My vision started to get worse, and my head started to hurt. It was the last thing I remember before passing out on my way to Valar. Not knowing my whole life was about to change.
