7. A BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS FOR JAMES
James walked along the hallway trailing his father to his study with anxiety. His father's long strides and urgent pace had triggered the panic alarm in his system, increasing his heartbeat and causing cold sweat. His father's icy eyes and cold voice clearly told him the next conversation wouldn't be the one in his favor. He set his mind to be mentally ready for any eventualities.
His father opened the heavy wooden oak door of the room and went straight to his study table before taking his seat. Facing each other, only then James could get a better look at his father's expression. James couldn't see any fury in his father's eyes, but they certainly weren't as friendly as he usually sees them. James stood there at the center of the room, casting his view towards his feet. He didn't dare to look up to see that eyeballs, for fearing their sharp glare might tear his remaining spirit into pieces.
"Why didn't you see Sir Bartleby for your first Defense Department's meeting?" Asked his father in a deep low tone, a kind of tone his father usually uses when he wasn't pleased. A voice that was ready to explode if the answer he receives doesn't suit him well.
James had expected that question. But he didn't prepare for the answer. He lifted his face to look up at his father. The king raised an eyebrow and staring sharply at him, demanding for an answer.
"I... I just didn't feel like wanting to go to any meeting, today. I... I just came back from my military training and I thought, I... I should get at least a day off." James stammered in his guilty tone.
"I see." Said the king.
The short response from his father just made him feel worse and useless. He sighed heavily. Then, there was a long silence in the room as if they were in deep thinking for their next reaction.
"I didn't go to that appointment, because... I wanted to spend time with Sofia." James finally admitted, he suddenly had found strength in him to say it honestly to the king in front of him.
"What!" Exclaimed the king in disbelief, glaring daggers at the young prince.
James nodded.
"It was my fault, and I'm ready to bear the consequences of my mistake." He stated firmly.
It was the king's turn to sigh heavily. He looked intently at James.
"James, you couldn't just throw your responsibility out like that for whatever reason you deemed suitable." There was a long pause before the king continued.
"... Even for someone you cared very much. Responsibility is above everything else, even family. You are always responsible for how you act, no matter how you feel." The king said, at the same time, stressing his last sentence. This made James lift his gaze to catch a glance at his father, and study his face. To understand what his father knew about what he feels.
The king had yet to finish his lecture, "As the future king of Enchancia, you must know that great power comes with great responsibility. It's our duty to uphold any responsibility entrusted to us and being in control of your behavior. I believe, these were the things you learned in the military training, didn't you?" Asked the king.
James nodded again, rather sheepishly.
"I am sorry, dad." Was all he could say.
"I'll let you off this time, but remember, if you pull the same stunt again, I will not hesitate to make Amber, heir to the throne and Enchancia's future queen." King Roland threatened.
"What?!" James stunned, gaping at his father in disbelief. He opened his mouth to protest, but King Roland held his hand up to silence him.
Pointing his fingers at James, the king continued. "You choose what you want to be, by acting rightfully or foolishly. There is no one other than yourself to be blamed. You decide whether you want to be a king or a pauper by behaving accordingly. You and only you are responsible for every decision and choice you make. Period." Said the king decisively. Threatening actually.
James could only look at his father speechless. Honestly, he had never thought his idiotic action could bring such a significant impact on him like it just did. But, he had nothing worth to defense of himself. He shut his eyes, silently admitting his mistake.
"I understand, dad". He conceded in a weak voice. The king finally nodded in approval.
James exhaled deeply and turned away to leave the room as soon as possible, for he couldn't stand the stressed atmosphere in there any longer.
"There's one other thing." Said the king, sternly.
James turned back to look at his father again, wondering what else he wanted to say. Instead, his father motioned for him to take a seat in front of him. James obeyed.
Suddenly his father smiled delightedly. James frowned at the sudden change of mood of his father.
"You have grown up well, and of age." His father started. His voice was soft and warm, a tremendous change from his previous unfriendly icy tone.
James's heart began to race, up and down in uncertain rhythm, the moment he heard that tone of his father. Living life as a son, he knows his father very well like the back of his hand. He recognized that 'something fishy' in his voice. He stiffened in his seat holding his breath, waiting patiently the next thing his father was going to say.
A few minutes passed as James felt his father was studying him. He knew his father was good at judging and reading people, so he felt a need to mask his emotion as best as he could.
"In accordance with the custom of the land, I'm sure that you know it's about time you find a wife, the future queen of Enchancia." Proclaimed His father, finally.
James exhaled. He knew the topic would someday be brought up no matter what. But, he didn't expect it to be mentioned, that day. Of course, he had ever thought about it... sometimes. Especially when he looks at the beautiful princesses around him, specifically those at the Royal Prep College. But to be honest to himself, he hasn't found anyone that he was going to be smitten with, the one who could really fill the space in his heart, who could make him happy and make him feel so complete, except... her. His little step-sister, Sofia.
"Tell me who do you want?" His father's voice echoed through the quiet room.
James hesitated.
"As you know, the other princes are also back from their military training and it's not that long before they will start to pursue a princess to become their wives. I will not be surprised if we will receive a courtship proposal for Amber or even Sofia soon. Well, you must act fast if you do not want to lose your dream princess to another prince." The king pointed out his opinion.
Hearing his father mention that Sofia might be courted by some other prince made him shudder. He knew it very well that few princes at the Royal Prep College had developed a crush on his younger sister, especially Prince Hugo. It was not a secret, at least amongst guys, that Hugo wanted Sofia very much. James had a feeling that it's just a matter of time before the prince will ask for Sofia's hand. Oh, how he hates that prince. He hates Hugo not because they have a problem with each other or that he is his enemy, but because the prince likes Sofia, a lot. Of all the princesses in the Royal Prep Academy, why must Hugo want the princess that he also wants?
"Do you like anyone?" Asked his father again.
James sighed.
Yes, dad. I like Sofia. I'm in love with her, He admitted. Silently. Only to himself.
If he is to admit his feeling to his father, would that old man accept it openly? James didn't know what to expect. Remembering the tense air he had shared with his father earlier, James decided it wasn't a perfect time yet to reveal about his love for Sofia.
"I don't." He finally replied. Yes, he finally made up his mind.
Unfortunately, he regretted it very much, a second later. Suddenly he felt he wanted to change his statement. He wanted to amend as he realized he had just made a stupid decision that he might be regretting forever in his life. He felt that he needed to just tell his father about his feelings for Sofia. No matter what happens, he's willing to take whatever might come to him including his father's wrath. Yes, he probably needs to be honest with his father and to himself, this time. But before he could say anything, he heard his father again.
"Good. Now I want to let you know that, we have received an invitation from the Kingdom of Khaldune." The king waved a letter sealed with the Kingdom of Khaldune's royal family crest in front of James.
"King Nasir has invited suitors to be present at a special ceremony to offer his daughter's hand, Princess Leena. The princess will choose one of the suitors for her husband. You may try your luck with her if you are interested."
"She's a lovely princess, but she is not my type. Let the other princes try their luck for her hand." James stated firmly. Princess Leena is no doubt quite an attractive deal. She is pretty, kind and came from one of wealthiest kingdoms. A marriage with the princess will strengthen the alliance between their kingdoms and elevate his status further as one of the most influential future kings. But, he has no feeling for her. She is nothing more than a schoolmate, just like the other princesses.
" Well, if you say so, we will then proceed with my plan." Said King Rolland with a smirk.
"Plan? What plan?" Asked James, surprised. His father's words entirely extinguished his sigh of relief.
"I had made an arrangement with King Matthew of Eastenland. His daughter, Princess Catherine will come over to our castle in a few days. I heard she is very beautiful and that her beauty is unrivaled by any the other princesses." Said King Rolland with beaming eyes and excited tone. "We assume her visit to be an acquaintance session and unofficial courtship between you and the princess. If everything goes well, you will officially court her and later we may ask for her hand and proceed with the royal engagement." said the king.
"What!" James exclaimed. "Dad, how can you do this to me? You should have at least asked for my opinion before making such an arrangement. I disagree!" James protested almost yelling to his father.
"It didn't matter whether I ask your opinion or not, but I'm telling you, now!" Replied the king in a high pitched tone that matched James's. "Even if you don't agree, the outcome will be the same. The decision has been made, and it's final."
"Don't I have a say in this matter, after all? Didn't I have a right to choose my own bride, my future wife?" His face and ears turned bright red as James felt he no longer can hold back his rage.
"You can choose your bride... and I can choose my heir!" Said King Rolland with a triumphant smile, ready to put a stop to their argument. James was shocked and stared at his father in disbelief. His father had threatened him twice in a day about taking another heir, damn it! Certainly, today is not his best day. The king and the prince looked at each other sternly in a highly tensed atmosphere. He gritted his teeth and held his fist tightly aching just to slam it onto his father's study to show off his objection. James didn't know what happened to his father. It was as if three years passed had changed him to become someone he didn't know. His father has become someone so inconsiderate and selfish, or maybe his hormones were altered as he was getting older. He just couldn't understand him at that moment.
They just looked at each other for a few minutes and then seemed like both were lost in their thoughts. The room that just now roared with the arguments now become silent and James was certain he could hear his heart beat.
"You've made your decision, dad. And nothing much I can say." Said James in a weak voice, almost unheard.
"Good. Since both of us had come to an agreement regarding this matter, we'll make necessary preparations for the princess's arrival." Concluded the king and ended their conversation, at the same time motioning for James's dismissal.
James walked out of the room feeling terrible, upset, disappointed and helpless.
Dad, if you want it your way, I've no problem to play along. James suddenly found a chilling spark running down his spine.
TUSoPS
Prince James, Princess Amber, Princess Sofia, a few nobles with several castle staffs and guards were standing in one of the castle's many courtyards waiting for Princess Catherine's arrival. Her flying carriage was scheduled to arrive any time now, and the whole castle was obviously excited about it. James stood calmly, tried his very best to mask his emotion while occasionally stealing a glance at his crush to catch her expression. Sofia looked happy and lovely as always while Amber was dressed more extravagant than usual with her long hair up on a hairdo of curls. The two princesses were busy whispering to each other that James could almost see Amber smirking behind her fan. They looked up to the sky for a sign of foreign flying carriage entering the castle's airspace.
Sofia shot a quick gaze at James who stood tall in control, poised, somewhat arrogant-like and noticed how well-dressed he was in his full princely suit. He looks handsome and charming, today. He's sure hard to be resisted!
Not long after that, the awaited princess arrived when a flying carriage bore the Kingdoms of Eastenland royal crest landed not far from their waiting area. The princess got out of the flying carriage followed by a middle-aged woman whom they assumed to be her handmaiden. Princess Catherine was indeed a beautiful and elegant princess. She walked gracefully towards the waiting crowd, head held high. Her wavy raven lock slipped past her shoulder contrasting her milky white complexion that enhanced her radiant beauty naturally. Her dress hugged her perfect curves in a modest way, but teasing at the same time. She had no doubt won over every eye that laid on her in flying colors if not a perfect score.
James walked towards her and bowed before the beautiful princess.
"Princess Catherine, my pleasure to meet you." James kissed the princess's hand. "I've heard so much about you... and your beauty." Princess Catherine blushed at James words.
"Pleasure meeting you as well, Prince James." Said the princess in soft and sultry voice, at the same time giving James her charming smile. They gazed at each other for awhile, taking in the appealing sight before them until James heard Amber clearing her throat out loud.
"Please meet my sisters, Princess Amber and Princess Sofia." James gestured at the two princesses slightly behind him.
The three princesses then exchanged curtseys as Princess Catherine was introduced to Princesses Amber and Sofia. Princess Catherine looked at both Enchancia's princesses with high interest and took note of their beauty.
The prince and princesses of this kingdom are all gorgeous! Hm... Princess Catherine was astounded at her own finding.
James held his arm out to Princess Catherine and she looped her arm through his, allowing him to guide her into the castle for an audience with the king and the queen. Princess Catherine felt delighted whereas James felt guilt well up inside him.
The Enchancia's Royal Family and their royal guest later went to the garden for the afternoon tea. King Rolland and Queen Miranda were thrilled to get to know better their son's prospect and were more than pleased when they see how beautiful and well mannered she was. The conversation went rather casual as the topics they talked about were more about family, hobbies and personal interest, occasionally touching about the kingdom affairs.
"So, what are your hobbies, Princess Catherine?" Asked Queen Miranda.
"Please call me just Catherine, my queen. I love dancing, singing and opera." Answered the princess delightedly.
"That's great. Perhaps James could accompany you to visit our music studio later, so maybe we could hear you singing." Suggested Queen Miranda.
"Thank you, my queen. I am looking forward to the opportunity of visiting your music studio." Said the princess, smiling, at the same time cast a glance at James who sat across her. James was silent almost throughout the conversation, preferred to be just a passive listener and stole gazes at Sofia once in a while.
"You know, James was the best pianist in his school. He had always got full marks in musical instruments." Told Queen Miranda in an amusing tone.
"Mom, that's when I was ten years old. Besides, I've not been playing piano for years and had no time for practicing."
"Oh! James, I'm sure playing the piano is no harder that carrying a sword. Do not hide your talent, dear." Said Queen Miranda, ignoring James's pleading eyes.
The next day, they brought Princess Catherine to the music studio right after breakfast as the princess insisted on listening to James playing the piano. Queen Miranda took her time to join them and made James feel even more nervous with her ridiculous suggestions like Catherine and James should duet on a song or that James should compose a love song and sing for her. To make it worse, Princess Catherine seemed to like the idea very much and started to plan for them to spend more time together in the music studio. The princess was mesmerized upon seeing the spacious, modern and well-equipped music studio in which she considered better than the one she had in her castle. Queen Miranda suggested that James played the piano while Catherine sang which agreed by the princess instantly.
Reluctantly, James moved towards the piano at the center of the room and found himself cursing the stars.
Hell, do I really need to do this to impress someone I don't want to? He almost groaned.
Indeed, he had never imagined he would be playing music to woo a princess. What he was always dreaming about was entirely different than what he was going to do next. He had always imagined himself rescuing his dream girl like a true warrior, and then they will ride a white derby horse high up in the sky above the silky clouds chasing for the rainbow or watching the sunset from a higher point than the sun. For a second, James felt he was smiling to himself.
Then, his nervousness came back to him when he realized he was still in the music studio. James saw all eyes were on him and his feelings just didn't get any better. Placing his hands on the keyboards, he could feel they were shaking and his finger moved clumsily as he started to play the song. The music tune ran out of pitch here and there, and James was certain that masterpiece of the song had just been ruined, from wonderful to awful. But when Princess Catherine started to sing, all attention was on her as everyone in the room was surprised and captivated by her melodious angelic voice. Her voice produced a very pleasant sound that could make people fall into a happy slumber or forget their world and thought they were in heaven listening to a singing angel. Queen Miranda gave a big applause as soon as she finished her song and even Amber was impressed.
"That's the sweetest voice I've ever heard!" Queen Miranda exclaimed.
"She isn't just beautiful, she is a complete package." James heard Amber praising Catherine.
"She is perfect!" James heard Sofia said.
James was relieved that the singing session was finally over, but then they were all wanted her to sing again to listen to her beautiful voice. Princess Catherine was more than pleased to sing again, and she couldn't help but feel overjoyed by all the admiration and attention she received from the other princesses. One song led to another, and this time Princess Catherine wanted to sing her favorite songs and announced that they were all dedicated especially to James. To his horror, the princess later sang the songs she knew in her entire life, including her childhood songs and then her kingdom's anthem and then the lullaby songs she used to sing for her baby cousin, not forgetting to include her bathroom songs! James sighed silently, now that he was stuck in the room with an enthusiastic princess and noticed his mom and sisters had left the room leaving the two of them alone. He was unsure whether they tried to give them some privacy or they were bored by her continuous singing. But he was getting agitated and that his fingers had already ached from pressing the piano's keys too long, a record time in his life. Glancing at his watch, he noticed both of them had missed the lunch, no wonder his stomach rumbled like the storm. He prayed for time to move faster for him that day so he could get out of that goddamned room and get rid of himself from the crazy princess that drove him crazy.
TUSoPS
James was waiting for Princess Catherine to take her out on their first date night. He had been sitting in the castle's lobby for more than half an hour waiting for the princess, but she still didn't show up, making him wonder what had happened to the princess. So he decided to check into her room to see what had delayed her. He was about to knock the door when he heard a loud shriek from the inside and then a cry.
What's happening in there? Is she alright? He thought for a moment before that shout came again.
"I've told you to bring that red dress, not this one!" He heard the princess's voice.
"But I thought this was your favorite dress. You have always wanted this dress." Answered another woman in a shaky voice.
"This dress is old, you idiot! The red dress is new and prettier. I remember telling you about the new dress, were you deaf?"
"I'm sorry, princess. But since we only have this dress now, maybe you-"
"How dare you ruin my important date. You brainless servant!" Then he heard a 'slap' and a louder sob from the handmaiden. James turned on his heel back to the castle's lobby unsure what should he do. But he definitely didn't want to interfere in whatever conflict the princess had with her handmaiden.
After another half an hour, Princess Catherine eventually appeared in the lobby, smiling sweetly to James. She looked elegant in a glistening black off the shoulder cocktail dress with a low cut neckline revealing an ample amount of her cleavage. The dress hugged tightly to her body exposing every contour of her beautiful figure. James agreed that she looked absolutely stunning... and delicious.
"My deepest apology for keeping you waiting." Said Princess Catherine politely in her trademark sweet, sultry voice. But she didn't offer an explanation for her lateness.
"Apology accepted." James smiled, trying not to look at her in critical assessment.
"Shall we?" He offered his arm to the princess and she immediately slipped her arm through his in relief. They walked out of the lobby towards the awaiting carriage to continue with their plan.
The carriage stopped in front of the most exclusive club located at the center of Enchancia's city. According to James, the club belonged to a Count of Enchancia's and it was run under the permission of the king to cater for the royals and nobles. Some of the wealthy and famous people are allowed to enter the club provided they paid a certain fee to become a member. The guards bowed deeply upon seeing James and a club attendant ushered them to the VVIP area. The musicians covered some hit songs of the time and few couples could be seen dancing on the floor. James smirked to see some couples were making out at the corner of the floor, but most of the guests were just chatting and simply enjoying their meal or the songs.
"That is Dame Jennifer, the most famous Enchancia's singer. We often invite her to the castle to entertain our royal guests." James gestured at a lovely lady on stage.
"Oh, I know her!" Said Princess Catherine excitedly.
"And I would like to tell you that your voice is just as amazing as hers. You could become a singer!" James couldn't help but flatter the princess in front of him, earning him a delighted squeal from the princess.
James hated dancing, but Princess Catherine was looking at him in anticipation, so he guessed his companion wanted to have a dance or two with him. They went onto the floor for a dance and their bodies soon moved following the beat of a romantic love song. Princess Catherine clung onto James, her head rested on his chest, her eyes closed as she was breathing him in. James then wrapped his arms around her waist and he heard her sigh happily. As they swayed in one another's arms, James felt his body start to betray him as he leaned in closer and melted into her warm body. Empowered now, Princess Catherine moved her hands more confidently on him, stroking down his back and he just let her. She then leaned up and kissed him gently. The kiss last for a second before an alarm rang in his mind. A sudden realization dawned on him and a pang of guilt tingling down his spine.
Shit! James pulled away from the princess and stared at her perplexedly. This wasn't what I need, especially not with her!
Princess Catherine looked up at James in confusion. What on earth is going on with him? She wondered.
Luckily for James, the song had finished timely, and he pulled Princess Catherine back to their seats.
"Hey, Your Highness! What the hell are you doing here?" James felt a slap on his shoulder. He turned and saw a tanned young man was grinning at him. He immediately recognized the man who was now sitting on the empty seat beside him uninvited.
"Viscount Edmund!" They shook hands and gave a light and quick hug to each other. Viscount Edmund arched an eyebrow at James and cast a sideways glance in the Princess Catherine's direction. James grinned knowingly before introducing his companion to the young Viscount.
"Princess Catherine, this is Viscount Edmund, my childhood friend. His father is the Count of Enchancia, also the owner of this club. Ed, this is Princess Catherine of Eastenland. King Matthew's daughter." He introduced them.
"My pleasure meeting you, princess." Viscount Edmund took her hand and kissed it. "I don't know King Matthew has a very beautiful daughter. You are the most beautiful woman, I've ever seen. You shine so bright like a full moon in the darkest night." He did not hesitate the slightest to utter some lame pickup lines, earning him a warm smile from the princess. James smirked.
When the band played a new song, Viscount Edmund asked Princess Catherine for a dance. To James' surprise, she agreed. He watched the couple danced in the middle of the dance floor and noticed that Princess Catherine had been comfortable instantly to her dancing partner. When the music changed to a romantic song, they moved their body closer and held each other intimately like the lovers always do. Viscount Edmund shot a wink at James and displayed an impish smile. James scoffed.
What had I expected? Just like singing, she loves dancing. Nothing else mattered. James could just see Viscount Edmund flirting with Princess Catherine. Nothing he could do and nothing he wanted to do.
The couple danced song after song, and after an eternity, they finally made their way back to the seats. The three of them chatted for a while before James decided to retire and go back the castle. Viscount Edmund accompanied them out to their waiting carriage.
"I look forward to seeing you again, princess. And, have a safe journey, brother in law." Said Viscount Edmund grinning.
James was a bit startled at his friend's unexpected remark. He pulled the young viscount aside, away from Princess Catherine.
"What do you mean?" James hissed.
"Of course you will become my brother in law. You know, when I marry the most beautiful woman of all Enchancia, Princess Sofia." He replied, grinning even more widely.
James felt color ran to his face and sudden anger boiled in his stomach. "You marry Sofia? You are unworthy of her!" He grunted. His hands reflectively caught Viscount Edmund's collar of his shirt, ready to start a fight. James heard a distant gasp from Princess Catherine.
"Cool man! Relax, I was just joking." Viscount Edmund raised his hands up in defeat. James then released his collar and walked away.
"Still acting like a protective big brother, huh, James?" Said Viscount Edmund aloud, watching James and Princess Catherine got into the carriage.
TUSoPS
Princess Catherine bid her farewell and left the castle of Enchancia earlier that morning after about a week's stay. She had told James how she hoped their relationship could move further into the next stage and that she fell in love with James at first sight. James, on the other hand, told her that he likes her but he needs more time to think about it. He also promised to keep in touch with her and to visit her kingdom some day.
There, James was sitting in his father's study reasoning with his old man, why the princess certainly was not meant for him. And that he did his best to get to know her, but still his heart wasn't for her. He told his father that they were a total mismatch. They certainly couldn't be a perfect couple but they may end up to be the worst. This time, his father listened to him and seemed to understand his point of view. The king didn't push the subject further, and James walked out of the room with a triumphant smile.
Looking down at the main hall from the upper corridor, James saw his dream girl was walking gracefully, holding a bunch of flowers she had picked from the garden. Smiling to the maids, she gave the flowers and talked something to them politely before all of them walked together towards the big vase located at the corner of the hall. The princess and the maids engaged in a light-hearted conversation, and James could hear their laughter as they arranged the flowers in the big vase.
His dream girl, is genuine. Not a pretender.
His dream girl, has always respected people. King or servant.
His dream girl, has always considered others. Not a self-centered.
His dream girl, is loyal. Will stick by her man no matter what.
His dream girl, is beautiful. In and out.
James smiled.
AN: I'm sorry for the late update. I was a bit busy last few weeks. But I gave you one long chapter. Hope you enjoyed the story.
NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW: Princess Sofia was summoned by the Secret Library for some revelations. Something about this revelation that Hugfia will unfold further in the later chapters.
REVIEW: SofiaxHugo Fan; Hi! Thank you very much for your review. Give me one more chapter to reveal something about Sofia's personal life, then, on chapter 9, we will change venue to the Kingdom of Albuqerque for Hugfia's romance and little adventure. *Wink*
