MARRIAGE ALLIANCE
The cheers and hurrays echoed through the air as I triumphantly entered the gate with my armies. With my head held high and my shoulders back, I waved to our people with my left hand.
As I rode to the palace, a smile formed on my lips because I knew that I had accomplished something that no one else could, proving my capabilities to the nation.
“Princess Akira has arrived,” the announcer proclaimed my presence as I entered the throne room filled with officials and princesses.
It was quite a pity that the kingdom had no princes.
“Father.” With my head bowed, I greeted the king on his throne as he extended his hand, to which I placed a kiss, before turning to my mother.
“Mother.” I greeted the queen of Astrra with a slight bow, then the king took my hand and we both faced the court.
“Today is a joyous occasion for this nation. While I may not have been blessed with a son, I have been blessed with a child worth more than a son; a warrior with the strength of a thousand armies. With her by our side, we can sleep peacefully without worrying about our enemies,” Father said, happiness filling his face as he raised his cup.
“Hear me, all! Today I proudly announce my daughter, Princess Akira of Astrra, as the...”
“Your Majesty!” The queen suddenly exclaimed, causing my fist to tighten and all eyes to turn to her.
“I am very sorry, just clearing my throat. Please continue,” she said with a wide smile, which seemed to conceal deceit.
“I hereby announce her as the commander of…”
“Father!!!”
I called out in surprised as he quickly regain his right senses.
“Oh, my apologies, you already hold the title of commander. Then I hereby bestow upon you the title of supreme commander of Astrra,” he announced, and my world collapsed.
I glanced back at the queen, her smirk confirming my suspicions behind her interruption. The throne room filled with sounds of congratulations, but consumed by anger, I left the hall. My father called after me, but at that moment, all I could think of was tearing off his queen’s head.
Upon reaching my chamber, I slammed into anything in my path, letting out a loud scream as everything I had worked hard for seemed to crumble.
“You need to calm down. You know you won’t have your way as long as she remains queen,” Bryn, my lieutenant, said, his voice attempting to soothe my rage. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.
“Then we’ll take her crown. If she won’t yield, I’ll remove her from my path,” I declared, a plan forming in my mind.
“Summon all my personal guards secretly. I’ll meet them tonight,” I ordered, and Bryn swiftly departed to carry out my command.
“No one could blame me for this; she dug her own grave.”
As I started to undress, Fiona, my maid, entered.
“I’ll assist you with that,” she offered, moving closer to remove my armor and then undress me.
She escorted me to the bath, where she slowly washed away the day’s tensions and I closed my eyes to enjoy the warm bath.
After a long soak, I returned to my room, dressing in my royal attire just as a knock echoed at the door.
“Check who’s there,” I instructed Fiona.
Upon returning, Fiona announced, “The king requests your presence in his chamber.”
“Why does he need me when he has his witch by his side?” I seethed with anger, but then reconsidered, thinking he might have changed his mind.
Without hesitation, I rushed to the king’s chamber, finding him on his bed with one of his mistresses. As she saw me, he ordered her to leave, and she hurriedly dressed and departed.
“You sent for me,” I said, bowing my head slightly.
“Akira, I understand your anger, but I had to do what I did for the sake of peace. You know I have many enemies seeking to weaken me, to leave me vulnerable to attack.
“I don’t believe that should prevent you from naming me your heir.”
“It did, because your time here is limited,” he replied cryptically, leaving me to wonder what he meant by that.
“Father, what do you mean? Why won’t I be here?” I asked in confusion.
“In five days, you will marry King Alfred of Spook Nation. The engagement has been arranged, and everything is set for the wedding,” he announced.
I was speechless, unable to comprehend what he was saying. I had returned from war only today, and he had already arranged my marriage without consulting me. And to a nation known for its barbarism and lack of humanity. How could he do this to me?
“Why me? There are fifteen princesses of Astrra. Why choose me? Is it because I’m illegitimate? Remember, I’m not your only illegitimate child. There are others who have done nothing but good for this nation,” I protested.
“But none of them were born of a slave. Their mothers were either from noble families or princesses of other kingdoms. You, on the other hand, are born of a slave. That’s why you’re the perfect candidate for that nation. Your slave blood mixed with their barbaric blood; it’s a suitable combination,” he explained callously, his words cutting deep.
Tears streamed down my face. I had never known love, as my mother had died shortly after my birth. I had spent my life fighting for this kingdom since I was 12, only to be treated like this. Now I realized I had no one; I was merely a tool of war to be discarded at their convenience.
“Consider this as my last act of generosity as I had been informed about you, summoning your private army to attack my kingdom and take down my queen.” He disclosed and then Bryn emerged from one corner and I felt betrayed.
Without a word, I turned and stormed out of his chamber, intent on leaving everything behind. I would find a place where I was valued. After packing my stuff, I took a look around my chamber once more and then reached for the door, but as I reached the door, I found it locked.
“Now I’m trapped.”
“Since all you’ve known is fighting on the battlefield, allow me to teach you the decorum and etiquette that a princess should possess,” The queen said, entering my chamber. I didn’t even bother to show her any courtesy; she disgusted me.
“You must be delighted to finally be rid of me. What have I done to deserve your hatred? You don’t treat the other princesses like this, so why me?” I demanded.
She paused, then approached me, using her index finger to raise my head. “Blame your filthy mother, and blame your creator for giving you such a face,” she sneered, her sharp nails digging into my skin. I quickly recoiled, blood welling up where she had scratched me.
“Strip her,” she ordered, and the maids advanced towards me, seizing me.
“What do you think you’re doing? How dare you lay your hands on me!” I protested, struggling to break free. In my fury, I managed to slap one of the maids, but the queen’s retaliation was swift as she also slapped me back.
“You need to face reality. You’re nothing but the future wife of those lowly barbarians. It’s best you learn your place,” she spat, raising her hand to strike me again. But before she could, a guard burst into the room.
“A message has arrived from the Wraitmoor Nation,” he announced and the queen’s face brimmed with joy as she quickly moved closer to the guard.
“Where is the king?” She demanded.
“He’s heading to the throne room,” the guard replied, and she hurriedly left. I attempted to follow, but the guards blocked the door, locking it behind them.
A glimmer of hope stirred within me. If the Wraitmoor Nation had responded positively, it meant the alliance was secured, and I wouldn’t have to marry those barbarians after all.
According to legend, the Wraitmoor Nation commands the largest armies and holds sway over the biggest territory. Their military forces have remained undefeated for many decades which makes other nations scared of them. It was even rumored that they have spies across all nations as they are aware of any threat before the enemies launch at them.
Joy flooded my heart, as I let out a loud, piercing scream and punched the air.
“Alright, I need to compose myself,” I muttered, taking a deep breath and trying to regain my composure.
