“Eileen,” he murmured, holding me close. I clutched his uniform as I burrowed against him. He leaned down to my ear. “Don’t worry, I’m explaining everything to Father.”
I peeked out. One glimpse of the king’s hardened countenance revealed that Aiden’s explanation wasn’t going well. His mustache quivered as he glared first at me, then at General Duncan.
“What is the meaning of this? I gave explicit orders for the imposter to be taken to the dungeon.”
Alarm filled Aiden’s expression. Without releasing me, he turned his hard fury towards his father. “You ordered her to be taken to the dungeon?”
The king nodded without any sign of regret or apology. “I certainly did. As you can see, my orders weren’t carried out. Explain, General Duncan.”
He stepped forward and bowed. “I initially obeyed you, Your Majesty, until the princess reminded me that royal law grants her the right to come before you to plead her case.”
The king pursed his lips and didn’t respond. Aiden took the opportunity to wind his arm around my waist and turn us to face his father. “Your Majesty, may I present Princess Eileen, my chosen bride.”
I shakily curtsied.
The king cocked an eyebrow. “Princess Eileen? Not Princess Gemma of Malvagaria? There’s clearly been some deception going on and I won’t stand for it.” He gave Aiden an accusing look. “She’s not even a princess, is she? I’ve suspected something amiss about her. It appears my instincts were correct and my decision to send this imposter to the dungeon was warranted.”
My chest tightened, making each hitching breath a struggle.
The king’s frown deepened as he surveyed us. “So it’s true? You’re nothing more than a peasant? Speak up, girl.”
I swallowed and struggled to force words past my parched throat. “Yes, Your Majesty, but I swear it was never my intention…” The confidence I’d exhibited in the dungeon seemed to have disappeared. I trailed off, fear silencing me.
Aiden hastily interjected. “As I’ve been explaining, Father, I’m the one who—”
The king’s hand snapped up in silent command and Aiden stilled. He continued to stare at me, the force of his accusing eyes causing my heartbeat to escalate.
One of the accompanying advisors was the first to break the tense silence. “Your Majesty, if I may…”
The king lazily waved his hand in permission for his advisor to continue.
“The Princess Competition was meant to bring together all the eligible princesses and noblewomen from the surrounding kingdoms in order to form an advantageous political alliance. To have His Royal Highness choose a peasant as his bride is unacceptable.”
Another advisor stepped forward. “I must agree. It would harm our relations with Draceria when they learn that Prince Deidric rejected Princess Rheanna in favor of one so common. Besides, how can we be certain we can trust her? She could be a spy sent to infiltrate our kingdom.”
I frantically shook my head. “That’s not true, Your Majesty.” But my protests came out as only a squeak.
The king raised his eyebrow in challenge. “Then how do you explain the presence of a village girl competing for the hand of the crown prince? And how did you even gain access to the palace? You must have had an accomplice.”
I pressed myself closer to Aiden. His hand soothingly ran over my back. “She’s innocent of these charges. She knew nothing about the competition until she stumbled upon the palace.”
The king shook his head. “Too coincidental.”
“You’re correct; it’s no mere coincidence,” Aiden said. “I told the Forest to lead her here so she could compete for my hand. We had met before.”
My head jerked towards him in astonishment. He’d given the Forest such instructions? My heart fluttered at this realization.
“Eileen knew nothing about the competition until after her arrival, when I told the guards and servants she was Princess Gemma,” Aiden continued. “She didn’t even know my true identity. I kept it hidden from her due to her reluctance to marry a prince. But I love her and want no one but her to be my queen. I’m just hoping she’ll still have me now that she knows I’m the crown prince.”
The king’s expression darkened as he slowly rose, tall and foreboding arrayed in his royal regalia. He took an imposing step closer. “Yes, you’re the crown prince, while she’s nothing more than a commoner.” He slowly raked his gaze over me. Despite my elegant appearance, he sneered in disgust. “Dressing her up can’t change her inferiority. She’ll never do.”
I stiffened and Aiden’s hold around my waist tightened. “But she passed all your tests,” he protested.
“She barely scraped by, undoubtedly due to your efforts, making her unqualified to rule. I only agreed to allow you to break your engagement if you found someone just as eligible as Princess Rheanna to marry. You agreed to choose a true princess, which this girl clearly is not.”
I trembled under his piercing glare.
“She’s just as eligible as the other candidates,” Aiden protested. “If the terms of our agreement were that my chosen bride were of noble or royal birth, then you’d be correct, but instead you merely dictated I marry someone shown to be eligible within the confines of the contest you designed, something her participation has proven. There’s no law forbidding the crown prince from marrying a commoner.”
The king’s jaw tightened. “Perhaps not, but there’s tradition to marry within your own station, and it’s a tradition that we’ll maintain.” His eyes flashed as he advanced another step. “Who exactly are you? You tell me you’re not a spy and you don’t want to be a princess. What other possible motivation do you have to infiltrate the palace at the risk of your life should you be caught?”
My gaze met Aiden’s. “I love him.”
The king snorted. “What does love have to do with his duties and obligations as the crown prince? His responsibility is to find a suitable wife to be Queen of Sortileya. And you, as a commoner, are not suited.”
The advisors all nodded in agreement.
My hold around Aiden’s hand tightened. “Your Majesty, I swear I never wanted to be a princess; I only want Aiden.” The thought of being queen churned my stomach.
“You cannot have him,” the king said. “I’ll hear no more of this. You will leave the palace immediately and return to your village.” His hardened gaze snapped to Aiden. “Deidric, you’ll proceed to the ball at once and choose your wife from among the many eligible women in attendance.”
“Father, you can’t force me into an unwanted marriage. I agreed to the engagement to Rheanna in order to please you and for the benefit of our kingdom, but now that I’ve found love I cannot settle for a mere political alliance.” Aiden lifted his chin defiantly. “If I’m not allowed to marry Eileen, then I’ll not marry at all. Your royal line will die with me, and the throne will pass to Oscar.”
The advisors sputtered in protest. “Your Majesty, we can’t allow that to happen. He’d ruin Sortileya within the year.”
The king’s mustache twitched. “My inept nephew cannot be trusted with such a responsibility. But do you honestly believe your peasant will handle it any better?”
With a wavering breath I released Aiden’s hand and stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I never aspired to be queen, and I don’t claim that I will be a perfect one. I merely chose Aiden, and while that choice put me on a path not of my choosing, I’ll gladly walk it as long as he’s by my side. But I assure you that I will do my best to live up to the title that will come from being with him.”
The king’s attention remained fixed on me. I lifted my chin and continued.
“I believe a queen with my common background will provide the monarchy with a unique and invaluable perspective on how to better rule Sortileya. During my time at the palace, I’ve come to learn that despite my initial doubts, I have it within me to become a queen. In this competition you’ve tested for poise and knowledge, but are there not greater qualities for a ruler to posses
s, such as compassion and love for the people? I will care for your subjects because I’m one of them, and will therefore bring a benevolence to the position that a foreign princess wouldn’t.”
The king’s eyebrows rose in clear surprise. “You’re a common girl and yet you speak with a bearing that could almost pass for a true princess. How is that possible?”
“She may be of common birth,” Aiden said, “but I have no doubt she’ll rise to her position and serve our people well. Her natural compassion will make her a beloved ruler.”
The king’s brow furrowed as he considered for a moment before adamantly shaking his head. “No, that doesn’t matter. You must marry a princess in order to secure a political alliance. If Princess Rheanna was not to your liking, there are others.”
“Father, I’m afraid I must stand my ground on this.” Aiden hastily continued as the king’s face grew a rich shade of purple. “Please consider that there are other advantages to Eileen becoming our future queen. I have hopes that our marriage will help defuse the restlessness that has begun to break out amongst some of the poorer villages. Not to mention I will make a better monarch with her by my side.”
The king's angry expression lessened slightly and he glanced at me with a sharp, speculative look. He glanced at the advisor standing directly at his elbow, clearly seeking his opinion.
The advisor harrumphed and began to pace back and forth. “The poorer villages…yes…possibly…their restlessness might calm down...but we should not have to bend so far as to break with honored tradition.”
The king nodded sagely. “I agree. Tradition must be upheld at all costs.”
“I believe it’s some of our honored traditions that have been part of the problem,” Aiden said. “Eileen can help us reach out to them and gain their trust. She has a natural grace and bearing that befits a queen, yet she is comfortable and at ease with the villagers.”
A myriad of expressions ran over the king's features. He glared at me for a while longer. “She has a long way to go to be a suitable queen.”
“But she has already proven how much she can learn in a short span of time, making her an even worthier candidate.”
“That’s only because she’s addled your mind, Son.”
“No, she’s made me a better man.” Aiden ascended the steps dividing him from his father, gently taking me with him. When he reached the king, he lowered his voice. “Please, Father. Let me marry her. I’ve spent too many years caught up in darkness. She’s helped me experience light and happiness again. Surely you can see that I’m different, and it’s all because of Eileen.”
The king's unyielding expression faltered as he gazed at Aiden. "You do seem different." He paused, considering. “You truly love her?”
“More than anything,” Aiden said fiercely.
A flicker of pain crossed the king's expression. “The way she looks at you…it reminds me of the way your dear mother looked at me.” His hardened manner softened, and I wondered how much he had suffered with the queen's death. “I thought a political arrangement would help spare you the pain that can come from loving your wife.”
The heartbreak filling the king’s expression gave me the bravery to speak up. “My mother taught me that the beauty and joy that comes from love is worth any risk or pain.”
The king considered for a long moment before he nodded and returned to his throne. “Very well then.” He straightened back into his regal posture. “For the good of the kingdom, and for your own happiness, I grant my permission for you to marry…this commoner.”
“But Your Majesty—” one of the advisors protested.
The king lifted his hand, immediately silencing him. “The decision has been made.”
My heart lifted and Aiden’s arm around me tightened with his own relief. His face broke into a boyish grin. “Thank you, Father.”
A timid knock at the door announced the arrival of a footman. “Forgive the interruption, Your Majesty, but many of the guests are questioning your absence, as well as the absence of the crown prince.”
The king sighed. “Undoubtedly, rumors are already spreading as to why my son hasn’t yet shown up to fulfill his duty for the final task.”
“I couldn’t say, Your Majesty,” the servant stuttered.
“Inform our guests that we’ll be there shortly.” The king waved him out. The footman departed with a bow, and Aiden glanced back at the king.
“There’s no more purpose for this ball; I’ve already chosen my bride.”
“Regardless of your choice, you’ll fulfill your duty as crown prince and see this competition through till the end.”
Aiden bowed. “Very well, Your Majesty.”
The king muttered darkly to himself as he strode from the room, followed closely by his entourage of advisors and guards, leaving behind Princess Seren, whose initial gleeful smirk had twisted into a glower. Aiden’s hardened persona returned as he glared at his sister.
“You’ve gone too far this time, Seren,” he said. “I warned you not to interfere, especially when you know I’ve been your only ally against the arranged betrothal you detest so much.”
I rested my hand on his arm, a warning not to allow his dark persona to overcome him. He took a deep, calming breath before turning back to his sister.
“Treat Eileen with the respect she deserves; otherwise I suggest you prepare for your voyage.”
Princess Seren’s haughty disdain melted away and her face paled. Without another word, Aiden escorted me from the room. I followed in a daze, my head spinning with all that had transpired. Aiden was the Dark Prince. His father, the king, was begrudgingly allowing us to be married. All the worries of the past week melted away. Despite my fears of being caught coming to pass, I’d somehow escaped the consequences. Aiden had protected me, just as he’d promised, and I’d stood up for myself with a confidence I didn’t know I had.
I now knew that whatever obstacles we faced in our life together, they could be overcome as long as we walked our path together.
Chapter 25
When we were several paces away from the throne room, I released my pent-up breath. Aiden tugged me into an alcove and enfolded my hands in his, his gaze earnest. “Are you alright, Eileen?”
I nodded as I nestled against his settling heartbeat. “You kept your promise.”
“I’d never let anything happen to you. I can’t lose you.” He pressed a soft kiss on the back of each hand.
“Unfortunately, I’m not out of danger yet,” I said. “I may have survived the dungeon, but I may not live through the ball.”
“Is there any doubt you won’t after the detailed tutelage from your skilled dancing instructor?”
I giggled breathlessly, feeling slightly giddy with the feelings of relief coursing through me. For the first time since arriving at the palace, the constant cloud of worry over being discovered for who I truly was had vanished along with all my fears and reservations, leaving only the sweet feelings I felt for Aiden.
“Will you save a dance for your prized pupil?”
“I’ll save you every one I’m not obligated to give to the other participants.” He played with my fingers, his gaze fixated to mine. “There’s so much I need to say to you, so many apologies and explanations, but there isn’t time now. I promise I’ll explain everything soon.”
I nodded, believing him. How wonderful it felt to trust him.
He kissed me, smiling against my lips. “Then, my dear, you should quickly prepare for the ball, where the crown prince will at last reveal his choice to the court.”
I grinned slyly. “Does this mean I won the competition?”
He laughed. “You won before it even started. It was never a contest, merely a formality to appease my father.”
“You did more than that—you somehow convinced him we should be allowed to marry.”
“We did,” he corrected.
I hooked my arms around his neck and beamed up at him. “I still couldn’t have done it without you.
What payment do I owe you for our triumph?”
“Hmm, I haven’t actually thought about it.” He considered before grinning mischievously. “How about your firstborn child?”
I laughed. “You only want my firstborn? It seems fitting I share them all with you.”
“Deal.” He gave me an affectionate squeeze before releasing me and escorting me to my room.
“So, Deidric, is it?” I asked with a teasing smile. He blushed and rolled his eyes.
“No, please, I hate that name. It was my father’s choice, and my middle name, Aiden, was my mother’s. All my close friends call me Aiden.” He paused outside my door and raised my hand to kiss it softly. “I’ll see you soon. Don’t keep your prince waiting.”
“I won’t,” I whispered breathlessly. After giving my fingers a gentle squeeze, he departed. I watched him disappear down the hallway before I slipped inside my room, where Alaina awaited me, expression frantic.
“Oh, thank goodness,” she tittered. “I’ve been so worried about you. The ball has been going on for ages. We have to get you ready.”
She bustled over to tug off my dress and replace it with a violet satin ballgown with silver trim, the royal colors of Sortileya. “I hope you’re not too late,” she said as she plopped me in front of the vanity to fuss with my hair. “I daresay the crown prince has danced with every eligible lady by now and has made his choice.”
My lips twitched. He had made his choice, and it was me. I pressed my hand to my heart as if the gesture could keep my happiness from swelling to bursting.
Alaina had me readied in record time. Guard Alastar awaited me outside the door. He offered a half-smile in congratulations that everything had worked out between Aiden and me. I returned it, mine full of giddy relief. How everything had changed. I could barely contain my bubbling joy.
He offered me his arm. “May I escort you, Princess Eileen?”
For the first time, the title no longer felt wrong, but a part of me. I accepted his arm and allowed him to lead me down to the gilded ballroom, swarming with crowds of nobility dressed in their finery, swaying to the soft, twirling music.
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