5

King Rhys made his way from King Cyrus's study and was led by guards back to the celebration of his wife-to-be's eighteenth birthday. He couldn't help but smile to himself at how well kept the secret of their betrothal was hidden from the King of Timpeall Kingdom. That went to show he had no control over his first wife. Soon his thoughts were interrupted by the guards stopping in front of him.

"Here we are, King Rhys. The celebration is just beyond these doors," stated the guard. King Rhys gave a brief nod as they opened the doors and walked past them. The further he went into the ballroom. The more he tried to look for Princess Amaris only to find her conversing with his mother and sister. Then he saw something he hadn't seen in a long time, his mother smiling and laughing. Intrigued, he walked up to them and placed his hand on the small of Princess Amaris's back. He felt her tense up beneath his touch only to relax slightly as she heard his voice.

"What seems to be going on over here?" he inquired. His sister, Princess Audrey, gave a mischievous grin but did not answer him so he looked over to his mother who also had a mischievous grin upon her face.

"We were simply discussing things," Lady Layla responded sweetly. A chuckle escaping both her and Princess Audrey. King Rhys looked over to Princess Amaris and noticed her cheeks flushed a light shade of pink.

"And what would you three be discussing?" he inquired once more. Princess Audrey looked like she was about to answer until Princess Amaris quickly covered her mouth and gave King Rhys a sheepish smile.

"N-Nothing King Rhys," she stuttered. Causing both Lady Layla and Princess Audrey to laugh, much to Princess Amaris's embarrassment. King Rhys muffled his laugh with a cough and gave her a genuine smile.

They continued to converse with each other until a loud banging sound came from the balcony above. "Royalty of different kingdoms. Lords and Ladies. Here are King Cyrus and Lady Kalilah of the Timpeall kingdom!" A servant stated as they both came out upon the balcony and looked down at their guest, distant from one another. Lady Kalilah smiled down at them while King Cyrus had a serious look upon his face.

"We are all here to celebrate my firstborn daughter's 18th birthday and to announce her chosen, the man that she is to marry..." King Cyrus trailed off uncertainty before continuing. "Please come up here so everyone may know who was chosen for our daughter."

Amaris looked over at King Rhys sheepishly. Hesitant on going up there with him. He gave her a reassuring smile and offered his arm to her. Leaning over to whisper into her ear. "It's alright. Ignore those who are staring at you. Hold your head up high and give them that dazzling smile that you showed me earlier..." King Rhys trailed off. Amaris took a deep breath and took his advice. Placing her hand on the bend of his arm before smiling up at him. Giving a curt nod, he led them to where King Cyrus was standing. Once they were standing near King Cyrus, the ballroom erupted with gasp and murmurs as those within it stilled at the very knowledge that was revealed to them.

Amaris couldn't help but stand absolutely still next to King Rhys. She wasn't used to the type of attention she was getting. She just wanted to go hide within her room. King Rhys began to notice how tense she was and began to rub small circles into the small of her back. Trying to soothe her unease.

King Rhys led Amaris forward before he made an announcement. "I will be marrying Princess Amaris Lyon of Timpeall. She will become the next Queen of the Speirs kingdom. We hope this marriage will create an alliance between our two kingdoms." King Rhys smiled down at Princess Amaris and she smiled up at him. Butterflies filling her stomach. The ballroom slowly filled with applause. The unease was still heavy in the air. 

King Cyrus was still mad that this situation was beyond his control. 'An Alliance? Not with this cold-blooded killer... not to one of his children. That gave King Rhys too much power over his kingdom.'  The thought crossed his mind, causing a frown to form on his face. Kalilah noticed her husband's reaction and went to grab his hand to calm him down but he pulled his hand away from her.

"This is your fault Kalilah. You may be my first wife but this time you overstepped yourself this time," King Cyrus growled. Walking away from her and rejoining the festivities. Amaris overheard her parent's interaction. Her heart dropping knowing she was the cause of it.

"Don't blame yourself. Remember there are things that we don't always see or hear. Today is your day. Enjoy it," King Rhys whispered into her ear. She gave a small nod and let him lead her back to the ballroom floor but once there. They were swarmed by people. Some congratulating them on the news announced moments ago. That's how the night continued. No time to themselves. At some point, Amaris politely told them that she was growing exhausted and wished to rest. Stepping away from King Rhys she went to get some fresh air. The cool night breeze putting her mind at ease instantly. If this what her life was going to be like in the future... then she was definitely going to need some time to get used to it. Her bed sounded good right about now.

"Now Princess Amaris, you left me all behind. How cruel of you," said a voice she recognized well by now. Turning around with a smile on her face and a shake of her head. Walking up to him she couldn't help but laugh at his teasing mannerism.

"I am not used to such attention King Rhys if I am being truthful. I simply came out for some fresh air before retiring to my chambers for the night," Princess Amaris responded gently.

"Then if you'll let me... I'll walk you to your chambers and we can talk some more on the way there. Deal?"

"Deal," she beamed at him.