Chapter Ninty Six: The Prince's Obligation

" Obligation or not, they still have to go through the Choosing ceremony. And that could mean that they don't bond at all. If they don't, then there is very little that we can do" Lysette knew that the only option they truly had was that Gabriel would not take to the girl during the Choosing Ceremony. If Gabriel reacted to her scent and she reacted to his in a positive manner, then this would be a confirmation of their issue. However, if they didn't, then they could not be placed together.

" That will not happen " The woman spoke, completely monotone.

" My daughter is destined for him. And they will not reject each other. I know this, I can feel it. They are perfect together and will lead the Kingdom to Prosperity. And though it is an inconvenience, it will also be what is best for the world. " The woman was, admittedly, extremely unsettling to Lysette and the King. They weren't quite sure what to make of her, and all they could do was hope that the Choosing Ceremony went to their favor.

Suddenly, the door bursts opened and the one of the Maidens stepped through. " The Queen has given birth! " The King and Lysette followed the maid down to the Queens bed chamber and opened the door to find the baby, young Gabriel being held in the arms of his mother, who was completely exhausted.

" My love, are you well? " The King rushed to his wife's side, and shared a gentle kiss and a smile as they gazed down upon their child. Their first and only son. And he was everything that they hoped he would be. They knew that he would be great, and he was already great. The King had not yet broke the news to his beloved about the compromising position they had found themselves in, as he knew she would be just as upset.

" He is beautiful" Lysette smiled at little Gabriel who cried, as loud as he could. Roaring through the castle, so loud the entire kingdom could hear, and know that the Prince had been born. The people erupted with cheers and screams, happy at the arrival of their Prince and promise of a new day.

" He truly is marvelous" The woman smiled, standing in the doorway, with her ever present creepy smile. Lysette turned to the woman and tried to push her away from the room. " The king and Queen neither privacy. The Commonwealth can view the child later" she grunted, trying to move the woman from her spot who refused.

" I wish to see the boy. He is betrothed to my daughter after all" The woman argued as Lysette continued trying to remove the woman.

" Who is this woman? " The Queen questioned which made Lysette stop In her tracks.

" It is nothing my love. We will discuss it later, I promise you this" The King smiled down, trying to hide the worry.

" Don't try to hide it my love. I may have given birth but I still have ears, and I heard what she said. And I want to meet with this woman" The Queen motioned to the woman to approach her, and after Lysette stepped back, the woman did as she was asked.

" Thank you for approaching " The Queen smiled, weakily.

" Now please tell me, why is it that you believe your daughter has a claim to marriage with our son? " The Queen was struggling to keep her eyes open, but she knew that this woman, was making bold claims and that her husband was shortsighted at times.

" The deal with my family and yours happened years ago. I admit, that even the King had no idea. But it is true all the same. My daughter has been meant for your son, since before your highness was born" The woman smiled and spoke softly, no longer seeming to be in a trance.

" But our son is promised to another" The Queen looked to her husband, who could now reveal her concerned through a small tear creeping from his eye.

" However, if what you say is true then we will discuss this further once I have time to rest. I assure you that we will have this matter sorted" The Queen then dismissed the woman who took her leave from the room, which Lysette found strange since she had insisted so boldly and avidly to see the child, which she barely even gazed at whilst speaking with the Queen.

" May I take my leave for the time being? " Lysette request and the King allowed her to be excused from the room.

Lysette made her way out of the castle and back to the home of Sybil, hoping she had returned home after being dragged away to attend to the King.

After a few firm knocks upon the door, the door was opened and she was greeted by Sybil who was happy to see her friend again. " Gabriel has been born" Lysette informed as she stepped through the door and proceeded to explain the situation of the two betrothed. Sybil took a few moments to process all that she had been told.

" So what do you think they will do? " Sybil finally managed to ask.

" I'm not sure, but I also know, that for right now, I need to leave. And I need you to stay and I need you to watch over the situation and let me know if anything develops" Lysette knew this would be alot to ask Sybil but her friend, whom had become a trusted ally for her, was her only option.

" I will do whatever I can to help you" Sybil smiled. " I assume you will be going after the Thorns? "

" That..and I have some other things that have to be done. Because if things don't go smoothly here..we are going to need a back up plan. And there is only one person that will be able to help us" Lysette answered.

" And who is that? " Sybil questioned.

" A Prince.."