Chapter 2

For the fiftieth time I tried to brush down that annoyingly, stubborn lock. It continued to pop up as my father's personal secretary and advisor droned on.

"Princess Anastasia, as you know, it is very much against this marriage because she believes you to be...rather, well rather rash and perhaps arrogant. Because of this fact, you must be on your best behavior today when you meet her. You must be anything but rash and arrogant. Do you understand, Prince Lance?"

"Hey. What about her? If I'm going to be the perfect gentleman, why can't she be the perfect lady? She has a temper if you haven't noticed. Besides I don't want to get married to just as much as she doesn't. I'm not brash, rash, arrogant, or what ever. I am perfectly fine. She's the one with problems." I licked my hand and pressed it down on that piece of hair.

The meeting was a silly one. It was going to explain to our fathers what they would get out from the marriage and what thier kingdoms would get. I silently hoped my father would be displeased with what King Mordred the III had to give us. Or the other way around. Then this dreaded marriage would be stopped. But that was way too much to hope for. They things had been settled, Princess Anastasia and I were as good as married.

"You must accept this marriage, Prince Lance. It is the only..."

I turned away from the mirror sastisfied and brushed past him. "I know, I know. I can not be a king without a queen and since my father's health is getting worse, it is very essential that I wed immediately. I get the picture. I got it ten years ago. Now, Lord Lisbon ifyou'llexcuse me I have a snotty princess to see."

Princess Anastasia held her high a little bit higher when she heard the door open. Prince Lance had arrived. She put on a face of dislike, almost hatred, but also a promise not to claw at him like she wished. She watched his tall figure stride across the room and into the one of the chairs. He didn't even glance at her.

That was one of the things Anastasia dislike about Prince Lance, he never cared about anything and it infuriated her. She continued to gaze at with contempt and thought, Well at least I'm not marrying anyone ugly. No, Prince Lance was anything but ugly. His hair was a darker brown that curled all over his head. He had tried to brush it back but a few strands fell across his forehead, making him even more handsome. His eyes were a dark blue that made Anastasia rather jealous, and make her dislike him all the more. At the moment his handsome features were looking bored as he glanced around at all the solemn faced advisors, lords, and ladies.

"King Augustine and King Mordred," said Duke Arundel, a large man in his mid thirties, Anastacia dislike him much, but she had often seen Lance talking to him with great pleasure. "We have come discuss the marriage between Prince Lance and Princess Anastacia. King Mordred is here to state the princess's dowery, and King Augustine will in turn tell what the kingdom of Adelfos has to offer."

He bowed and backed into a seat beside the Prince.

King Mordred arose with great pomp and dignity and after giving everyone a stern glare, especially his daughter, said, "Not only will the kingdom of Adelfos be given a future queen with beauty and knowledge but also a very good port which is daily bringing in scores of things from lands beyond. They are the best in the land, and it will help the inlandkingdom of Adelfos a great deal. They have been running fo centuries. Ever since mygreat-great- grandfather conquered the land. Ports like these and much more is what the kingdom of Kaduna have to offer in giving thier precious jewel, Princess Anastasia, away to the kingdom of Adelfos and Prince Lance." He sat stiffly down.

Anastasia couldn't help feeling a little proud. She sneaked a glance at the prince and thought, Beat that.

Prince Lance looked ready to fall asleep as he stifled a yawn.

She cursed him under her tongue and looked at his father with a snicker.

The feeble King Augustine arose and said, "The ports are very fine, Mordred and your daughter is truly a beautiful and wise creature, we will be blessed to have her and her wisdom."

Lance rolled his eyes and Anastasia strained to keep her face calm, instead of looking fit to kill.

"As many of you well know, the kingdom of Adelfos is greatly admired for thier vast number of valient knights. Because of them we have always been well protected and could always easily defeat rich countries to get thier wealth. King Mordred, your daughter will be very safe with us."

Duke Arundel and several others smiled, but Anastasia only huffed, to herself.

The old king hesitated then continued more slowly, "Our next greatesttreasure does not lie in our store houses, our businesses, or even our people. It lies in the fields and stables. Our horses, King Mordred are the finest. As you well know the king of Gaul sends us a fine horse each year. We control this great horse country, and I assure you, you will not find a better.

Anastasia was horrified. They were giving her father horses in exchange for her? Her face must've read her thoughts because Prince Lance suddenly smirked at her. She bit her lip and glanced at her father, hoping desprately that this degrading offer would put off the marriage.

It did not.

King Mordred nodded and the two monarchs solemnly shook hands. It was done. There was nothing that could stop the marriage between Princess Anastasia and Prince Lance now.

Anastasia stood abruptly and left the room.