Decision

Raquel moved the piece of fish around her plate, annoyed by the whole thing. Sighing, she placed her fork down and looked up to see everyone enjoying themselves. Well, almost everyone.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed the chef whispering sharply at one of the servants, probably asking why Raquel wasn’t eating. Was she going to kill him for not making food to her standards.

It made her want to laugh. But she couldn’t, seeing as it would make her seem even crazier. Nor could she tell the chef the truth that she was allergic to fish.

No one could know of her weakness because the moment they did, she would be forced to eat fish by her stepmothers or half-siblings. It was the easiest way to get rid of someone without getting blamed for it after all.

Raquel had seen it multiple times over the years happen to nobles and her half-siblings.

“Are you done, your highness?” A servant asked nervously.

“Yes. You can take the plate away.” Raquel murmured before pausing for a second. “And tell the chef to prepare more of those meat pastries for me.”

“Of course, your highness.” The servant bowed, taking the deadly plate away from Raquel.

As the servant hurried off, Raquel picked up her wineglass and stared at it, wondering when the banquet was to end. She was exhausted and bored, watching as various royals and nobles gossiped and made deals.

Even the duke seemed to be enjoying himself, talking to Faina and the Prince of Tignor. Raquel felt her stomach clench as she watched her half-sister try to seduce the duke.

She took a sip of wine as she watched the exchange, glad when Ryker began talking to the prince instead.

Maybe I should take his offer. It’s not like I’m going to get a better one and it’ll at least end this whole suitor business. Raquel thought, placing her empty glass down. Besides, he is open about the fact that this marriage will benefit him and then there’s the fact he knows a lot of mages so maybe…

Raquel quickly shook her head to get rid of the thought. She couldn’t get her hopes up just because the duchy ran a few research labs.

However, she had still made up her mind.

Pushing her chair back, she stood up and took a deep breath. “I have decided who I’ll marry!”

Her voice echoed through the huge room, instantly silencing the room. Twenty pairs of eyes turned to look at her, some with confusion while others with curiosity.

“Ahem…” Raquel cleared her throat and straightened her back. “As I was saying, I have made my decision on who to marry and would like to announce it now.”

“Crown Princess-” Raquel’s father started saying, getting up too.

But Raquel didn’t let him finish and quickly declared, “Duke Ryker and I will be getting married.”

Raquel watched as the room filled with small murmurs, people looking at each other in surprise, some shocked or disappointed. Ryker himself had a mix of emotions on his face, clearly speechless from the sudden announcement.

“I thank everyone who came today and do not wish to waste anyone’s time.” Raquel continued, the room going silent again. “Thus the wedding will be held in two weeks' time. My stepmother, Lady Diana will be preparing it and I invite you all. Of course, you are free to make your way home if you do not wish to stay for the wedding.”

With those words, Raquel turned her heel and hurried towards the exit before anyone could say anything to her. As the dining hall door closed behind her, she felt a presence behind her.

“That was a quick decision.” A voice said. “Lady Diana is not going to like having to prepare a royal wedding in such a short amount of time.”

“Well, I enjoy tormenting her.” Raquel responded, turning her head to the side to see Nicole following closely behind her.

“Still…The emperor is not going to be pleased about this decision.” Nicole retorted.

“I know…” Raquel murmured. “It was probably a rash decision but out of all the vultures in that room, the one I can trust the most is the honest vulture.”

“And Duke Ryker is the honest vulture?”

“Yes. We…um had a great conversation earlier…”

“I see…” Nicole nodded in understanding. “I just pray to Adath that you made the right decision.”

“I hope I did.” Raquel said as she entered her quarters. “I really hope I did.”

***

Ryker sat in the dining hall, dazed after what the princess had announced. They were going to marry in two weeks. Everything was in motion now that he had the most critical piece in place.

Still…

He couldn’t believe his ears. Had the princess really announced that they were to be wed or was he dreaming.

“Congratulations, Duke Ryker.” A voice said as someone patted him on the back.

He looked to see Prince Aki giving him a small smile, almost as if he was looking at a man walking to his death.

“Did…” Ryker murmured, not able to complete his sentence.

“She did.” Prince Aki nodded. “Are you…okay?”

“I’m fine…just shocked at the sudden announcement.” Ryker murmured, suddenly noticing Raquel leaving. “Hold on…”

Ryker got up, hurrying over to the door Raquel had just left from. He needed to talk to the princess and ask her what suddenly changed her mind.

“Will you be okay?” A voice said in his head.

Ryker, knowing it was Prince Aki, nodded and answered, “I’ll be fine. We can continue talking tomorrow. We can meet at my quarters.”

“Alright….And good luck.”

Once he left the dining hall, he noticed Raquel and her maid walking towards the princess’s quarters. Ryker hurried after them, wanting to catch the princess before she entered her quarters and made it impossible for him to talk to her.

“Crown Princess Raquel!” Ryker called out, seeing her maid open the door to her quarters. “Please let us talk for a moment.”