1: News Of Marriage

Amaris paced around her chambers. Her mind swarmed with thoughts. At first, they concerned her studies that her mother always seem to lay out for her. Some that she questioned if they were truly necessary for her to take due to the fact alone she would not rule her father's kingdom but her brother, Vasya, was the one that would rule. Soon her mind drifted to another matter, her birthday which was a week away from now. Thinking upon that left knots forming in her stomach. She wasn't quiet ready to turn eighteen due to the fact she had nothing to look forward to. She was not engaged or at to marry anyone to her knowledge. Yet, all her younger siblings already were betrothed, set to marry into respectful Royal families.

She knew better than to get her hopes up in regards to marriage. Not many people paid her much attention. Stating she was too plain and boring in both appearances and personality to give much thought of courting her let alone marriage. Everyone's focus seemed to be on her younger siblings, giving her no hope to catch anyone's fancy. Making her believe she was to die an old maid or marry an old and dying man.

A long sigh escaped her lips in exasperation. Amaris pacing came to a halt before sitting upon a small ivory chair cushioned with a creamy velvet cushion near the fireplace. Her mind contemplating 'what-if' scenarios. Her future… But her thoughts were interrupted by her chamber doors suddenly being opened causing her to jump in fright at the sudden intrusion. Her gaze drifted from the fireplace to her chamber door only to see her mother standing in the archway with a grin on her face. This only made Amaris perplexed at her mother's expression.

"My dear Amaris. There are some things that we need to discuss before your eighteenth birthday comes to pass," her mother, Kalilah, said in a light and even tone. Fixing her posture immediately before nodding her head in agreement to her mother's words.

"Please sit down and get more comfortable as we discuss whatever is on your mind mother but I am curious on what you wish to discuss," Amaris said as she motioned for Kalilah to sit down. This caused her mother to grin slightly more before taking a seat in a matching chair across from Amaris. There was a moment of silence as Kalilah thought of the right way to tell Amaris the news she withheld from her all these years.

"There is something that you must know that I should have told you many years ago but I guess today is a good day as any to tell you this," Kalilah paused once again before continuing what she was going to say. "You are to marry King Rhys of the Speirs kingdom. You two shall be wed shortly after your eighteenth birthday."

Amaris flinched upon hearing the King of Speirs name being mentioned aloud in front of her. Standing up in haste as anger slowly took hold of her. "You want me to marry a cold hearted and cruel man? A man said to murder his mistresses and lovers?! Does father even know that I am to marry his enemy?" Amaris questioned her mother harshly which caused Kalilah's eyes to harder with the tone of voice her daughter was using on her.

"You are to marry King Rhys of Speirs. You have no input on the matter for he would be a great ally to this kingdom. As Princess of the Timpeall kingdom, it is not only your duty but your honor to marry such a person of great importance. You will do what is in the beat interest of this family," Kalilah said in a cold manner. Amaris couldn't help but look at her mother in pure shock and disbelief. That would explain all the lessons her mother had her take all these years…

"So, I am nothing but a pawn for the kingdom to use. The same kingdom who chooses to ignore meat every turn like I am nothing," Amaris stated with pure bitterness. Kalilah's eyes darkened as those words striked a cord within her. Giving a tight smile to hide how much those words had affected her.

"Yes. You know that's how our world works. Now understand this and listen carefully because I will not be repeating myself in this regard Amaris. No one is to know about this marriage until your eighteenth birthday. That's when it will be announced. Is that understood?"

This caused Amaris frown to deepen but she nodded nonetheless, not wanting to argue any further with her mother. With a quick gesture of her hand, Amaris quickly stated she wished to be left alone to dwell on the matter. Kalilah couldn't help but frown herself but stood up regardless and left her daughter alone. Kalilah looked at the guards, giving them orders not to let Amaris leave her chambers unless she gave orders otherwise. With that, Kalilah left the area and went somewhere else within the castle.

Amaris remained exasperated. 'How could her own mother want her to marry someone as coldblooded as the King of Speirs?' Was one of many thoughts passing through her head. Raging inside her head until she could no longer take it. She picked up the closes thing near her and threw it. Shattering into pieces once it made contact to the wall near the fireplace.

"I will not marry him nor can mother make me of father knows nothing of this arrangement. I need to speak to him," Amaris said with determination as she made her way to her chamber doors. Opening them up only to be stopped by her guards before she could even step out of the threshold.

"We apologize, Princess Amaris, but Lady Kalilah has forbidden you from leaving unless she grants you permission otherwise," one guard stated apologetically before closing the door once more. This only led to her growing frustration.