Chapter 1: The Birthday Surprise
As the rising sun shined its glorious rays on the palace, a beautiful princess awakened to the sound of chirping birds and the shuffling of feet in her room.
"Good morning, Princess. I trust you slept well last night?" said Anna.
"Actually I slept very well." said the Princess. As she got out of bed she went to the balcony to observe the rising sun and the beautiful land that was her home.
"I'm glad. Your bath will be ready in five minutes and breakfast will be served in an hour. We're having a variety of things this morning and everything's your favorite." replied Charlene.
"Good I'm extremely hungry this morning." said the Princess. Soon she was bathed and dressed in her favorite dress of blue taffeta and seated at the table with her parents waiting for breakfast to be placed before them.
"Good morning Father, Mother, I hope you had a pleasant sleep." said the Princess.
"Good morning." replied her parents simultaneously.
"It seems you are well rested for a wonderful day." replied her mother.
"I am because today is the day that I turn 17. I am expecting wonderful gifts and good fun." said the Princess.
"I'm glad you're in the mood for surprises Tabitha because today is the day that you meet your betrothed." said her father.
"Usually you don't meet them until the day of the wedding, but we figured you're only 17 once." said her mother.
"Father, Mother" she looked at each affectionately, "I know that you both mean well, but why would a marry a man I've never met and lets not mention the fact that he has a child." said Tabitha
"What makes you think he has a child?" said her mother.
"That's the only hint you and father have given me about this Prince or whatever he is. Besides I want to be madly in love with my husband and vice-versa. I don't think that I should marry a man because it's a good social arrangement and could benefit our kingdom." said Tabitha.
"That hardly seems fair Tabitha considering you've never met the man and the fact that he has a child from a previous marriage has nothing to do with the quality of the man himself. Even if you feel we're being unfair, this marriage for you-" said her father before he was interrupted by his headstrong daughter.
"No, Father, this marriage will benefit you, not me, and the fact that I am nothing more than a pawn in the negotiations so that this kingdom may prosper is highly unfair." stated Tabitha.
"You really should calm yourself." her mother said. "The man we've chosen for you to marry is a respectable man with a powerful background and a kind heart. Isn't it you who is always saying 'you can never judge the quality of honey unless you taste it'. Besides King Andrew is a wonderful young man, if I must say so myself." said her mother. It took a while for Tabitha to register that her mother had named the worst person imaginable.
"KING ANDREW!" screamed Tabitha. "You must be kidding. King Andrew is such a bore. He never goes to balls or plays or anywhere outside of his castle. If you ask me the way he hides in there he must be ashamed of himself or something."
"Tabitha, you are a princess and as such you must do your duty to better service your country. Each and every person in this kingdom has their role to play. Your role is simply to ensure that your land and people will be prosperous and happy and financially stable." said her Father. As Tabitha began to speak he raised his hand and finished his statement. "You will do as you are told in this matter and you will marry King Andrew whether you like it or not." her father said.
"But-" started Tabitha but her Father interrupted her and said, "End of discussion." Tabitha looked to her mother for help but her mother raised her hands as if to say there is nothing I can do. Silently the Pentior family finished their breakfast in a strained atmosphere.
Meanwhile in the kingdom of Camdon
A tall man walks into the dark room and sees a bundle in the bed. He silently walks toward the draped windows and pulls them wide to let in the sunlight.
"Arise, Your Majesty. It's time to start a new day." said Christoph. All he got for a reply was a chorus of mumbles.
"I trust you haven't forgotten that you are meeting the Princess of Antwerp this evening and that she turns seventeen today."
"Who am I meeting and whose birthday is it?" replied King Andrew. Christoph smiled for he knew very well that his master knew of whom he referred to.
"Princess Tabitha of Antwerp and today is her birthday. You are invited to attend her celebration this evening." said Christoph. As King Andrew sat up in his bed he looked towards the already rising sun.
"Tell me Christoph, why is it that even though I have an heir to my kingdom that I must marry some child against my will? Do you know what that means; it means that I will have one irritable female on my hands now and one 15 years from now. Either way it goes I don't see how I benefit from this marriage."
"Your Majesty we all agreed that it would be in her highness's best interest to have a mother and a woman's influence. Or do you have so little regard for your daughter that you would deny her the joy of having a mother?" Although Andrew was angry with what Christoph had said, he knew that he was right. He loved his daughter to much to let her grow up without a woman's influence. But why that woman-child had to be this particular Princess he was uncertain.
"Sir, will you and the Princess have breakfast downstairs?"
"No, I'm too aggravated to go downstairs. We'll eat in the informal breakfast room; she likes to look at the garden in the morning."
"Alright I'll see to your breakfast after you've stepped into your bathing room."
"Before I do that, tell me something Christoph?" Christoph gave his full attention to his king. "When I ask you this I want you to reply as a man addressing another man, not as a man addressing his king." Christoph nodded because he knew it would be one of those questions where one had to discover the answer for oneself. "By marrying this Princess I gain a wife for myself, a mother for my daughter, and a queen for Lyria. Is it really worth it?"
"Well in your situation I would say yes." As Christoph answered he walked towards the door and turned back suddenly, "But under the circumstances you gain more than that. You get a wife, a mother, a queen, and someone to share your burdens with and take care of you when you're sick. Trust me; it will not be so bad having a wife unlike the first time. I've heard only good things about Princess Tabitha. Rumors say that she is as beautiful as those sunrises you enjoy so much. Besides that, the rest of the servants would like for your daughter to have a playmate." And with that said Christoph walked out. As Andrew sunk down into the bath he realized what Christoph's meaning had implied and he smiled.
Later that day in the castle of Cambridge
"It isn't fair Marie. My Father stated strictly that I would marry this man no matter what I thought of him. He says it's all about doing my part to make the kingdom and my people happy and prosperous. Why should I have to marry this strange man who hardly anyone sees? If you ask me I think he hates people, I mean why else would you be in such an unfriendly mood on perfect days such as this one." complained Tabitha. As Marie listened to her friend continue on her many reasons of why she shouldn't marry anyone not of her choosing she realized that her friend could be very mature when she wanted to be and right now, she chose not to be. But Queen Marie knew just how her friend felt for she was only two years older than Princess Tabitha and she had hated her betrothed also and for the exact same reasons, except Philippe didn't have a daughter. But in the end they grew to love and respect each other to a degree that Marie sometimes had to pinch herself to make sure she had married this wonderful man. And now the fruit of their love would give them a child in December, which was six months away. If the truth be told Marie had met Andrew because he was in fact her brother-in-law, but no one knew this and Andrew wished it to remain so. He didn't like for everyone to know his business and he preferred the secretive lifestyle he had created for himself, his child, and the people within his home. Unfortunately because of this lifestyle many people think the worst of Andrew, but not his servants because they know what a kind man he his. It was at this time Queen Marie realized that Tabitha had asked her a question while she had been involved in her own thoughts.
"I'm sorry Tabitha, but I did not hear your question?" said Queen Marie.
"That's because you were wondering off into space, Your Highness. I said what do you think I should do about King Andrew? Should I marry him or not? I really don't know what to do and I need your help and guidance Marie." said Tabitha. Marie looked at her kindhearted friend for she truly was a gentle person. It was just that sometimes Tabitha had the habit of overreacting to a situation before she has thoroughly examined every possibility, like now.
"Personally Tabitha, and as a friend, I think you should meet King Andrew and spend some time with him. Get to know him and try to understand his point of view. He's probably thinking what kind of mother you will be to his child for that seems like the only logical reason that he would remarry. I mean after all Andrew could have easily been a forty- something year old man with children as old as you. Be glad that you know Andrew isn't forty." said Marie.
"I guess you're right. Andrew could be forty, but I really have no idea how old he is. I've never even seen him." replied Tabitha. While pondering Andrew's age for an afterthought she looked at the clock and realized that she was going to be late for her own celebration.
"As much as I enjoy our time together and getting your advice I must go. I wish we could do this regularly like we used. I don't want to be late for my celebration; I wish you could come."
As Marie walked Tabitha to the front gate towards the carriage she replied, "Me too, but someone has to be here to greet Philippe, especially if his meeting in Aria doesn't go well. Anyway, remember what I told you; get to know him and judge his character for yourself." said Marie.
As Tabitha stepped into the carriage she stuck her head out of the window and replied, "Yes Your Highness and tell Philippe I said hello. See you later Marie." As the carriage pulled away Marie silently prayed that her friend would see Andrew for the person he truly is and not the person she makes him up to be.
That evening at Camdon
A knock on the heavy oak door signaled that someone else wanted his attention. It was hard enough reading the documents without getting a headache but with the aggravating echo caused because of a simple knock.
"Yes." replied Andrew sternly. The door opened and a young woman, Jessica, popped her head through.
"Your Highness, I know you hate being disturbed when you're working-" Jessica began.
"Then why disturb me."
"Well, it seems that Her Highness is very upset over something and she won't tell any of us what it is. She specifically said that she could only tell you."
"I'm coming, just give me a few minutes." And with that said Jessica disappeared and Andrew contemplated over the work he would have to do tomorrow. As he got up and walked away from his desk he looked back and realized that he wouldn't get any rest between tonight and tomorrow night. As he walked up the stairs to his daughter's play room he heard a distinct and very strong "NO." When he entered the room he noticed that two of Juliet's nanny's were trying to calm her down. Andrew dismissed to two women and just as they shut the door Andrew pulled up a chair to Juliet's little table. He felt so much love and joy by having Juliet in his life. Her blond hair she had gotten from her mother, but her eyes were the same color as his. It made him think they could see where each other was. As he picked Juliet up and placed her on his lap he began his interrogation for her unhappiness.
"Alright young lady, can you tell me what has caused you to cry a river of tears?" At the sound of her father's voice Juliet held out her hand and point to a little scratch. It wouldn't even be noticeable if it weren't for the bruised coloring on it.
"And what do you want me to do little one?"
"Kiss it better, daddy." And with that said Andrew planted a kiss on Juliet's cut and a thousand other kisses all over her. He was rewarded to hear her squeal with laughter. The face that was stained with tears was now screaming with laughter. Andrew spent the rest of the afternoon playing with his daughter. While Juliet was looking for Andrew during their game of hide and seek someone knocked on the door.
"Your Majesty, are you in there?" It was Christoph for he only materialized when it was important.
"Yes Christoph, I'm in here." said Andrew. As he revealed his hiding place Juliet laughed at finding her father behind her stuffed toys. As Christoph entered he suddenly stopped from fear of tripping over a toy.
"Your Majesty, I know you hate social obligations but have you forgotten that you are to appear at the Kingdom of Antwerp in less than two hours?" said Christoph.
"I completely forgot. Someone who was more fun had my attention." replied Andrew.
"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, but you only have two hours before the celebration begins. In that amount of time you must have the carriage harnessed, bath, and appear when the gala begins. Do you think you can rush through all of that in two hours considering it takes one hour just to reach the Pentior home?" said Christoph.
"I understand and I'm coming. While I find someone to clean this room you go ahead and have my clothes laid out and a bath run." said Andrew.
"It's already been done, they're just waiting on you. I'll find someone to clean this room you just get ready to leave." said Christoph.
"Alright." and with that said Christoph left. "Come here princess. I have to go somewhere tonight and I want you to be on your very best behavior once I leave. No screaming for any reason, unless it's an emergency and no making a mess while I'm gone, okay?" said Andrew.
"Okay. When do come back?" asked Juliet.
"By the time I get back you'll be asleep little one. I won't get to tuck you into bed this time, but I promise that tomorrow I'll tuck you in and read you a story." Andrew held up his pinky and said, "Is that a deal?" Juliet's chubby little pinky grabbed her father's and they shook on it. Afterwards Andrew kissed her good night, handed her to Jessica, and rushed to his room in order to get prepared for a long night.
That evening at the Pentior's home
"Where is she? Doesn't she know that the guests are beginning to arrive and that King Andrew will be here soon." said King Kunzite as he took a sip of his champagne.
"Oh stop worrying Kunzite. I'm sure Tabitha will not disappoint her guests or us." said Queen Minako. "But if it will make you feel better I will go up and tell her to hurry, okay."
"Of course; but please hurry. It will soon be time for dinner to be served and we can't start without her." said King Kunzite.
upstairs in Tabitha's room
It's not like I want to marry King Andrew, but it would be mean if I embarrassed Mother and Father in front of their friends and colleagues. Oh Tabitha what are you going to do? I could do one of two things: I could lock myself in my room, runaway, and join a band of gypsies or I could do the mature thing and go downstairs to greet my guests and King Andrew and follow Marie's advice. Suddenly there was a knock on her door.
"Tabitha, it's me, your mother, is everything okay?" Tabitha thought Oh great, it is nice to be caught thinking about running away, but I won't because Tabitha Pentior is no coward.
She replied, "Everything's fine Mother, I'll be out in a minute." As she checked her reflection one more time she decided she was presentable for her guests. As Tabitha walked through the halls somewhat easily because of the design of her dress which was white with thick straps, a bodice with heavy sequence and a full skirt with light sequence all over. The shoes were clear with a silver heel and silver flowers along the bottom of the foot. As Tabitha reached the entrance to the ballroom steps the odd man announced her name. Everything came to a sudden halt as she looked at everyone's face; some with a look of awe and others with a look of disdain. As Tabitha descended the articulately decorated staircase her pulse began to pick up speed. Once she reached the bottom the music started up again finishing a song and she thought Whew! That was the easy part. Then her Father approached her and whispered in her ear, "You look very beautiful and I know that you will make your mother and me very proud." With that said he took her hand and gently placed a kiss upon it causing unshed tears to mist in her eyes. It was then that Tabitha realized that her father only wants what is best for his kingdom, but most importantly what is best for her. And with that gesture the music started up playing 'Canon in D' as Tabitha and her Father shared the first dance of the evening.
After much dancing, fruit punch, and socializing Tabitha had discovered that no one had seen King Andrew. She was beginning to get a bit anxious on whether King Andrew would show up or not. She silently thought maybe I'll be spared and he won't show up at all. But as soon as she thought it a hush fell over the palace as everyone turned to look at the dashingly handsome young man at the top of the stairs. In those shorts seconds Tabitha seemed to be unable to think of one coherent thought while looking at this man. As the announcer noticed the attention was on him the odd man announced his name with perfect clarification "King Andrew of Camdon." And with that said the attractive man came down the stairs in stopped in front of Tabitha's parents.