Chapter 1
There is no escape from fate.
That’s what I’ve always been told. To become worthy of becoming Queen of my kingdom, I must find a King or so, my parents say. Despite my extreme lack of interest, they insist on it. Oh, spare my life!
The kingdom of Guinevere was established many moons ago. King Kendrix, a man of ambition, fell in with Queen Guinevere, a noble yet powerful woman. Her skills were not to be denied though historians wish to. She could take on the General himself if she wanted to, in terms of both brains and brawn. Her attractive face and dominating nature appealed to Kendrix and he attempted to woo her. In my suspicions, she pitied him at first, and after a while, she fell in love with him.
Kendrix decided to visit the neighboring kingdom to sign a peace treaty and put the Queen in charge. But unfortunately, men don’t like powerful women ruling them. When a certain band of boys heard of the news, their brains could not comprehend the idea of the woman being in charge. So, they gathered their weapons and barged into the castle. No guards bothered to stop them. “If she is so strong, she should be able to fend for herself” was the cry. A long battle led to her death. When the King returned, his face lost all its color on seeing his beloved, dead in their bedroom. He sought to punish the boys who dared to lay a finger on her. But he thought of something better. He gave the kingdom her name so, that for as long as the kingdom shall live, her name shall rule.
What a tale! I silently shut the book, whose ink-stained pages held the history of the kingdom. Ironic as the tale is, my situation is nothing of the sort. I gently stood up and proceeded to the door of my quarter. I placed my hand on the door and sighed. It’s suppertime. That means my mother is going to force me into marriage yet again. I wish she could see how capable I am. I know of our history; I can fight alongside our people and make financial decisions without the help of a King. I never raised my voice at her, but she is taking this too far. She wants to get me married quickly. It’s not like the kingdom will disappear tomorrow.
I made my way downstairs where I was welcomed by General Carter.
He bowed upon my arrival and offered his hand to guide me. “Good evening, Your Highness. The Queen awaits your arrival.” This man is a peculiar one. Despite his young age, he glided his way to the rank of 'General’. His jet-black hair which is too stubborn to be tamed by a comb was neatly kept (it looked more like an attempt). He had a chiseled face and a lean, muscular frame. His olive skin is smooth and untouched by recent training. Surely, I need a tip or two. The General always shows genuine respect toward everyone around him. Which is rare to see in this century. Nothing he implies or says is to impress those around him.
Since the General has a lot of free time on his hands, he makes it a point to check on me. Which leads to quite a joyful conversation. Sometimes even a debate or two.
Suddenly, my thoughts were interjected by the General, “Forgive me, Your Highness. But I must inquire you.”
“Of course, General.”
“What is it that has gotten you so pleased? It is quite rare to see you so calm before supper.” he clutched his arm. He has always been insecure about his left arm ever since it got paralyzed two years ago. It shall remain paralyzed for the unforeseeable future. That is why he now plays a role indoors as the General, also as a bodyguard for the royal family, till a worthy soldier inherits the title.
I chuckled.
“Well, I just am in a good mood.”
“You? In a good mood? Well, that just scrambles my eggs!”
He seemed very pleased with his response so, I didn’t go any further to tease. That certainly improved my day. We finally reached the dining hall where a battle awaits. Another discussion of the next heir while the true heir sits in front of them.
“Oh!”
My mother yelped upon noticing me. She silently composed herself and gestured for me to take a seat. The General sat on the other side of the room facing the King. I always felt that the room was unnecessarily grand. The walls were painted red with golden branches adding color to the room. Portraits of past rulers were hung according to the year they ruled. By rulers, I meant just the male rulers. None of them bothered to crack a smile. I smirked at the portraits and started to eat my smoked lamb with mashed potatoes. The chef has truly outdone himself this time.
“Athena, dear. Isn’t time we throw a ball for you and find a worthy King for the kingdom.” my mother inquired.
I scoffed. What pure tomfoolery! Is a King worthy of this kingdom? No disrespect to the ones beyond this kingdom but how can a foreign prince ever love this kingdom as much as I? He will neither love me nor my kingdom. So, how can I accept him? I refuse!
“Dear, it is time to let go of your pride and find a suitor!”
“How can some foreigner know and love this kingdom?! They know nothing of us!”
“Athena! Do not speak to your elders like that! Have some manners!”
“I apologize, Mother,” I said softly. I straightened my back and looked toward my father. The man has always had my back since young. But ever since I came of age, he does not even look at me anymore.
“We have already sent invites for the ball.”
“T- the ball?” I stuttered. Even my father and the General were taken aback. This was another impulse of hers. She does this whenever I don’t agree with her.
“You were confused, dear. So, I decided for you.” She said with a smug look on her face. I was too shocked for words.
“Jessica, marriage is no impulsive decision.” my father snapped. “You should’ve informed me and my daughter!”
My mother shrunk in her chair. The General remained silent. I was struck with panic and fear. I immediately stood up and fled the scene. I want no more of this.
“Athena!” my mother shouted.
“Leave her be, Jessica!” my father ordered.
I felt the moisture in my eyes falls down my cheeks. I kept running till I reached my bedroom. Gut-wrenching sobs tore my chest. I tried to calmly sit on the bed, but I couldn’t control the tears. I can’t believe this is my fate! I don’t want this! I don’t!
I felt like a child, crying for someone to protect her from thunder. Suddenly, I heard a soft knock outside the door.
“Your Highness, are you alright?”
It was the General! I quickly wiped away my tears and composed myself. I silently approached the door and opened it. As soon as I opened the door, his smile softened. He opened his mouth to say something but immediately stopped himself.
“I see that you are doing fine, shall I leave?” he muttered.
I smiled at him and nodded. He took it as his cue to leave. Did I manage to fool him? I highly doubt it. He seemed considerably upset and worried when I opened the door. I don’t blame him. The poor guy has to deal with such a dramatic family. Oh! I feel much better right now. Could it be...? Of course not! Maybe I just needed a change of pace. Right now, I have no choice but to focus on the ball and play the role of the attractive damsel. I laid my head on the pillow and closed my eyes and forced myself into slumber.
The bright light fell on my face which once again forced my awakening. The night passed quicker than ever. I slowly lifted myself. I didn’t even bother to change out of my gown. I should be ashamed. I approached my dressing table whose amenities are infinite. I reached for a comb and brushed my long brown hair. I was never a fan of Brown. Or maybe I am just not a fan of it on me. Who knows?
I heard a gentle knock on the door.
“Your Highness, please let me inside.” requested a familiar friendly voice.
I opened the door and greeted the visitor with a smile. It was Estelle, as fair as ever. Estelle, my good friend, is the Duchess of Quentin. Her gentle smile and light blonde hair lit up the room.
“Estelle, didn’t I tell you to leave aside the formalities?” I teased.
Her face grew red in embarrassment. I feel she is still not used to being referred to informally. Estelle and I have been friends for a year now. She has been raised very dignified and kindly by her parents. You can see by her posture and words that she is no fool of elegance. She is very tender-hearted and kind.
“I apologize, Athena.” I dismiss her apology with a smile.
“Oh! I’ve heard the news! You’re throwing a ball!”
“Oh yes, very much against my will.”
She shrunk. I placed my hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes, trying to comfort her. Her blue eyes reflected mine. Her presence brings me ease. She should visit more often. Then perhaps, I might not kill my future husband. Suddenly, she gasped. I looked at her, baffled by her reaction.
“Oh, Athena! Even if the ball is not what you desire, let us at least make it yours!”
I was intrigued. I gestured for her to continue.
“Soon, you will have to choose a gown to wear! I have a designer, Pierre, who shall make it however you desire. Anyway, you like it!”
Is this how good girls rebel against the patriarchy? If so, then I like it. Is Estelle suggesting a way to have fun? I ought to encourage this.
“Then let us!” I respond. Her smile grew wider. She held my hand and informed me of the details. In a few hours, the designer shall arrive in Quentin, which is very much nearby, I tell you. Till then, I can spend my free hour, in the royal library. Full of excitement, I rushed downstairs to finish my book. When I reached the library, I picked up my book which I left on the table. ‘The History of Guinevere’ was the title given to the book. In my opinion, the only one with the most fascinating facts. I felt the words take over me and I started to read. The history of my kingdom continues to inspire me.
In all of the silence, I heard footsteps approaching. Why! It was General Carter.
“Fancy seeing you here, General.” I chimed.
“Well, it is much more entertaining to be in your Highness’s presence rather than with my subordinates who continue the banter of which dish is the best,” he smirked.
He took a seat in front of me and read the title. His eyes widened. He then looked at me with a fading smile. “May I ask how you are feeling, Your Highness?”
“I’m doing much better, General.” My, he is giving such great concern to me. I must’ve made quite a dramatic exit if I worried him.
“General, tell me. This book speaks of the men who feared the Queen in power. Why so?”
He sat upright and thought for a while.
“I am not quite sure if I am qualified to answer such a question, but I will do so.” he leaned forward as to be heard. “A man often fears those who are above him. Some may call it respect. Some may call it fear. They are used to being in control. So, when someone with whom they usually are in control is now above them. It ignites a fit of childish anger in them. They wish to always be in control of those around them. They do not wish to fear/ respect a woman, whom they used to control.”
He sighed as if disappointed with the reality of his answer. It is true what he said.
“But I am in power here, General. Does that fear you?”
He shot up, surprised by my question. He stroked his face (for the man is incapable of maintaining a beard) and finally answered, “No, Your Highness. I fear and respect you with all of my heart. Not only that, but I also admire you. You are headstrong and very witty. Unlike my subordinates, you would make a fine addition to the army. Forgive my chivalry but, I would not make you fight. Not because I believe you are weak, but because I believe you can do better.”
“Hearing that from you, General brings me pleasure,” I replied.
“Since you have asked me a question, it is only fair if I inquire you. Don’t you agree?” I nodded in response.
“Are you against marriage, Your Highness?” he asked with a questionable expression.
I smiled sadly. “I am not against it, General. I do believe it can be a wonderful thing. But wonderful things do not involve forcefulness and politics. A foreign prince, according to my beliefs, will want nothing to do with the people but with our riches. He shall extract our riches and bring them to his kingdom along with me. I’ve seen it happen multiple times. It is occurring in Quentin. The young Duke who has recently wedded Estelle has been draining her kingdom’s wealth. Fortunately, her people were few so, they now live in Quentin and her kingdom is no more. I do not wish that for Guinevere.”
He smiled in agreement. It seemed forced. Well, no matter how much he desires to, he has his own beliefs.
“I very much agree with you, Your Highness. If it was in my power, I would let no tyrant lay a hand on our riches and our future Queen.”
I am glad there is someone who finally understands what I feel. He stood up and gave a bow. I nodded and allowed him to leave. His answer pleased me very much. How can there be such a man who speaks so eloquently? He truly is a rare gem. Well then, I must head to Quentin. The ball is in a few weeks.
