"Why wasn't I informed before this decision was made?".
He shot a glance at Estrella, like he was disgusted.
The King wiped his mouth with a napkin, his gaze strong on Eric. "This decision was made after thorough deliberations, for the good of the Kingdom, your future ".
He looked at his mother while she nudged him beneath the table, to agree to the marriage. But he stood up pulling his chair backwards.
When the Princess tried to speak, he immediately walked towards the large doors but then stopped. His voice slightly raised, he tightened his jaw.
"And father, I am old enough to make good decisions for my future ".
Estrella seemed somewhat disappointed. Word got across the Kingdom that the Prince was calm and charming, but he was cold and distinct to her. He didn't even glance at her once. She let out a bitter smile.
"He has been stressed lately due to some mishaps in the court. He will come around in the morning".
The Queen patted her hand comforting her.
The next morning....
In Eric's chambers....
His body was slightly slouched as he sat on a wooden chair, as if weighed down by invisible burdens. His eyes was fixed on the window as his arms rested loosely on the arm rest. He shifted occasionally, the movement barely noticeable.
Time seemed to pause around him, as if the moment belonged only to his mind.
He kept thinking about his marriage with Estrella.
Then he remembered her...
His first love, Tyra.
During his stay in the Academy, he thought he would forget about her. But she lingered in his mind every passing day. Her memories were like torments in his mind, his soul.
Her scent,smile, giggles and her gazes - soft, tender and unwavering.
He remembered their first dance. Her nervous hands, unsure movements and light grip.
Then their first kiss - gentle and memorable.
Everything was like a first with her. Then the memory of her father's anger in the garden flashed through his memory, like a sword had pierced his heart.
He clenched his fists.
He returned to the Palace hoping to see her once again but she was gone for good. A grudge settled in his heart.
He was distracted from his thoughts...
"What has you lost in thoughts that you didn't even hear me knocking?".
He remained on the chair staring at her.
He recalled his mother sweet talking the King whenever he did something wrong in the past or convincing him to change the decisions made for him.
But the woman before him was different now. She knew fully well that he was strongly against his marriage with Estrella.
"Eric". She cupped his cheek, her voice low and calm.
"An alliance with the Hadrons will bring you good fortune when you become King in future. And your father has made it possible for that to happen. Why don't you just agree to this marriage?".
They looked at each other for few seconds till her gaze hardened.
"Is it about that girl?". She said with disdain.
Eric looked away, flaring up with anger. He hated the way his mother spoke about Tyra.
"Your marriage with Estrella is already finalised. I have arranged for your lunch at the Bishon lake, by noon tomorrow ".
She came closer to him now, her gaze more fierce now.
"You dare not disobey me, son".
Eric stood up, he closed up the gap between he and his mother. His figure overshadowing her small stature. His jaw tightened, eyes flaring up.
"Is that a threat?".
He despised the fact that he was controlled by his parents. Every decision concerning him was finalised by them.
She adjusted his collar, smiling.
"It's a warning".
Her smile soon faded away. Her eyes bore no emotions, she sounded cold.
This sent shivers down his spine. Raina could be sweet but also endearing. He understood that about his mother.
...
At Bishon...
The resting waters of the lake stretched like polished glass, undisturbed and glistened with flecks of light. Willows dipped their tender branches into the water, with their leaves dancing with the rhythm of the gentle breeze. The air was warm, filled with the scent of wildflowers, distant hum of birds, rustling of grasses and gentle ripple of fishes beneath the surface.
It was east of the Palace, beyond the Rastling Fields.
Estrella had waited under a large tree. It's canopy forming a shade over the grasses beneath. Beside her were pastries and fruits placed neatly on a velvet picnic cloth.
She was already pissed from waiting for hours alone till she saw Eric from a distance. She forced a smile.
"I was beginning to think you wouldn't come".
"You thought right. I changed my mind just seconds ago". He sat down few inches away from her.
She noticed the distance between them, slightly hurt.
"You hate me don't you?". She let out a bitter laugh.
Eric stared at her for few seconds. It wasn't her decision to get married to him, she had no control over the situation. He didn't hate her, he wasn't just ready for marriage, not with her.
He sighed heavily.
"You are indeed very beautiful Princess, but...".
She cut him off," My Lord, I thought about this alliance before traveling to this Kingdom and agreed to it without hesitating. There is a long list of noble men seeking for my hand in marriage but I ignored them to come to you".
Eric laughed. She looked at him, slightly embarrassed by what she said.
"Then I am greatly honoured my Princess".
He sat upright,"I do not want to put you to shame in public by refusing our alliance. This is why I ask you to refuse this marriage, you wouldn't be happy afterwards if you agreed".
She scoffed.
"Is there someone else you love My Lord?".
Eric's gaze softened.
Yes, he still loved her.
Infact, one of the sole reasons for refusing this marriage is the fact that he still hoped for Tyra's return.
What she returned someday and he was married? That thought alone made his heart ache.
"I can't wait to see her for myself. What makes her so different from me?".
Estrella turned away sipping her tea. She was hurt, it was evident in her eyes. In that moment, she felt somewhat jealous.
She was excited about her marriage with the Prince and seeing him made her anticipate dearly for her wedding. But his response destroyed every bit of excitement.
Maybe there was still hope, just a little bit of hope left.