Summary: Alexandria Beaun Causilas, daughter of the Great King Causilas has staked her reputation on her beauty, wits and most of all loyalty to her father, family and country. Prince Lucien Decruz, future king of Sieghart, is known for his charm, leadership and vision.Tension between kingdoms caused the paths of Alexandria and Prince Lucian to cross. As sparks fly between them, Alexandria must choose between love for her country and loyalty to her heart. Forbidden love tastes the sweetest, can they resist the temptation or succumb to their deepest desires?
Chapter One
Alexandria" Young lady, how many times must I warn you! I keep telling you again and again to dress up and be on time for dinner! How old are you? SEVENTEEN! It's almost time to eat. Yet look at you! Ergh! The filth and mud all over your…" Queen mother paused and fell back a few steps in pure horror.
I winced. She noticed it after all.
" Pants! Are YOU wearing PANTS?"
My younger sister, Arabel, all groomed and fresh from her bath was seated at the table as well. She was biting her lips trying so hard not to laugh. I scowled at her and she shrugged her shoulders helplessly. All right, I'm on my own on this one.
" But mother you can't expect me to run or ride around in dresses or frocks? Besides father gave me permission to do so… you mean he DIDN'T tell you?" I defended myself stubbornly and managed to change the subject at the same time. Father deserved it after all, king or no king. He was the one who wanted a boy so badly that he taught his eldest daughter to ride and play with swords instead of embroidery or art.
I used to discuss politics with my father all the time, until mother forced me out of the study and into the sewing room to learn to paint, sing and what nots. I. Hate. It.
I could understand the fact that I should probably pick up some of the skills. But I was even forbidden to discuss any political affairs with my father in future. Talk about injustice.
Now, mother was reprimanding father instead of me. Excellent. I could see that Ara was grinning broadly behind them. Arabel was my sister who was three years younger than me. We call her Ms Prim and Proper. Mother loves her manners and etiquette.
" Come on Freda," I whispered to my maid-in-waiting, "let's go before we get into anymore trouble." With that we retreated swiftly out of the dining hall and ran straight to my chamber.
Back in my room, I took off my mud soaked clothing and stepped into the hot bath of water that Freda had prepared for me. I closed my eyes for a split second to enjoy the warmth of the water after the hours in the rain when the sound of trumpets at the castle gates broke the peace. I jolted up immediately. No wonder mother was so upset; the Vanford Family was joining us for dinner today.
Any moment now… just a little while…
" Alexandria Beaun Causilas! Get yourself out of the tub and dress up immediately!"
Bingo! The doors burst open revealing a red faced Mrs Bossiln. Her hair was in a tight bun and her frock neat and tidy. Mrs Bossiln my caretaker had been looking after me since I was barely a toddler. Her fierce temper had always kept me on my toes. I know how fussy she was about punctuality.
Freda helped me out of the tub without a second later and I slipped into my corset and dress unwillingly. Experienced hands braided my hair and I was hustled into the dining hall once again.
I curtsied politely after entering the room and sat next to my father. I couldn't help but notice the worried look on Ara's face.
" A little late but it's great to see Alexandria again. It's been six months since I met you. Look how pretty you've grown."
" It's nice to see you too Lady Vanford, my apologies for the delay. I hope I didn't miss out anything." I felt father giving my hand a tight squeeze as soon as I spoke. Wonder what's going on…
" In fact, Lady Vanford and I was discussing about your betrothal to their son Calvin. I mentioned it to you once remembered?" It was then Mother dropped the bomb on me.
I was going to open my mouth to protest when father interrupted me and saved the discussion for another day so that we could have our dinner in peace.
This was the last straw. Eat in peace? Well they can, but me I could hardly calm down. I excused myself halfway through the meal regardless of how rude it may seem and tore down the hallways. Stopping only when I reached the gardens. My chest was hurting and hot tears stung my eyes.
For once, I felt like a speck of dust in the entire universe. I was a princess, one who could not choose her own life, marry her love and chase her dream, and one whose fate was controlled by others not herself.
Calvin was a gentlemen and a fine boy, but I only could imagine our relationship being platonic. Anything beyond that was impossible. What am I to do?
Thunder rumbled as lightning stroked across the velvet sky splitting it into two halves. Funny. It seems to coincide with the way I feel inside. Raindrops started falling down beating against my face as I stare up into the stars, half wishing that I could be among them. My cheeks felt wet…did I cry? No, no I couldn't have, it must have been the rain.
Please review my work! It's my first fan fic and i do needLOTS of advice. i already have the next chapter ready. if u want it then REVEIW!