Chapter 5 - For Peace

The Moretti Castle - The Royal Garden: Princess Evangeline

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Father had asked me to prepare the garden for our guests, he wanted everyone to be in a peaceful environment to discuss exactly why the two mysterious Kings sought counsel with us. Sonja made sure I emerged from the cocoon of my chambers in order for all the preparations to go smoothly.

I appreciated the beauty of the royal garden for few moments after everything was complete. Sitting on a lone bench looking out at the lovely flora. All the flowers were in bloom; I was certain they would remain in bloom for quite some time. The grass below me was so green that I felt tempted to take my shoes off and feel the sun-warmed blades between my toes.

A sigh left me. That wouldn't be very appropriate of me.

"What is the matter Princess?"

Squealing loudly, I clutched my chest just above my racing heart, "You frightened me King Alexander."

The tall man didn't look remorseful in the slightest as he grinned at me, "My apologies Princess. Now," He moved and came to sit beside me on the bench, "Tell me why you look so unhappy."

I felt the shift in the air and a sudden urge to sit closer to the King, another thing that would be inappropriate of me to do as a Princess.

"Nothing concerning has upset me your highness." I said offhandedly and turned my attention back to the garden. If I stared any longer at the King I might have seemed crude. Or worse, as though I was admiring him.

His eyes followed mine and I saw him cross his arms in contemplation from my peripheral view.

"You could always speak to me if something is amiss."

A soft laugh bubbled from my lips, "Are you offering to be my confidante?"

In a tone that sounded much too childlike, he confessed; possibly hurt. "I don't believe there is anything strange about that."

"Well I do your highness. Imagine that, a King listening to the ceaseless mutterings of a princess." I turned to the King.

He looked right back at me with a sudden seriousness, "I will listen to anything you have to say Princess."

The tension in the air became slightly unbearable and I sprung to my feet, "I do not wish to burden you with that responsibility your highness. Now, if you will excuse me."

I did not wait for him to reply, instead taking my leave swiftly. I didn't dare look back either.

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I could breathe better when I was out of proximity of King Alexander. His presence affected me in ways that I was unfamiliar with, I was unsure whether or not I wanted to accept all these effects. King Alexander was shrouded in too much mystery. I could not trust what I knew so little off. No matter how charming the creature.

"Perhaps I should seek advice from my companions in the town... they always seem to know more when foreign affairs are concerned-"

My soliloquy was interrupted by the sound of voices approaching me from the east wing staircase.

Two figures emerged. King Kade and his stoic associate Greyson. They seemed to be in deep discussion about something. I stopped in my tracks to make my presence known to the pair.

The King noticed me first, his fast catlike eyes sweeping over me before he greeted, "Good day Princess Evangeline." Something about the way he said my name sent a prickling chill down my spine.

Despite that I nodded, "It is, isn't it?"

General Greyson bowed and murmured his greeting with little zeal. I forced a smile in the peculiar pairs direction and the Kings eyes seemed to sparkle with some unknown emotion.

"I've been summoned to the royal garden, do you perhaps know in which direction we should be headed Princess?" King Kade asked, his lips pursed in confusion.

A frown took residence on my face, "My father didn't send servants to escort you?" I looked at the King.

His gaze remained on me, "Unfortunately, he did not Princess," Then he looked at the General, "I took no offence." He let out a robust laugh and smiled widely at me, his eyes smiling along; two crescent moons on his face.

That smile did nothing to reassure me that he took no offence. I had thought King Alexander confused me, but King Kade did much more. Something about him was unsettling in the worst ways possible. I felt like prey under his gaze despite his 'warm' words and smiles.

"Follow me then. Your highness; General."

They both fell in step behind me and I could hear their faint chatter until we arrived at the garden. My father and King Alexander already in deep conversation in front of a rosebush. I avoided Alexander's searching eyes and instead stood beside my father to escape the feeling King Kade had infected me with.

"Eva, King Alexander and I were just discussing the possibility of the two of you spending some time together."

"All of us?" I asked. My eyes met King Kade's and he smiled again.

My father stroked my hair and clarified, "No, just the two of you."

I nearly sighed a breath of relief but my father spoke again.

"King Alexander wishes to ask your hand in marriage if it all goes well." He announced.

King Alexander looked at me as I glared at my father openly, "And you approve this? A complete stranger from a foreign kingdom? Father, you cannot be serious."

"That is why I suggested that the two of you get to know one another first Eva." His eyes had a pleading look in them, "Do not be stubborn Eva, please. Give King Alexander a chance."

My gaze flitted to Alexanders, my heart was racing. Then I looked to King Kade and his smile looked even more sinister.

"Fine."

I hoped that I was making the right choice, despite my unsettled suspicions about both kings and their sudden appearance in our lives.