ZILAYEFA CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

The king's voice boomed through the throne room, echoing off the stone walls. "So, I am told that you, Zilayefa, claim to be betrothed to Duke Larry?" His gaze pierced through her, demanding truth.

Zilayefa stood tall, Duke Larry by her side, Prince Alastair observing with interest. "Yes, Your Majesty," she replied, her voice steady.

The king's expression darkened. "My son informs me that you stated this yourself. Is it true, Duke Larry?"

Duke Larry bowed slightly. "Yes, Your Majesty. Zilayefa and I have an understanding."

Prince Alastair shifted, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Father, I believe there's more to this story."

Prince Alastair stepped forward, his voice measured. "Father, I believe Zilayefa's claim of betrothal to Duke Larry may be a ruse. She's clever, and I suspect she's trying to avoid my... attentions."

The king's expression turned thoughtful. "Go on."

"I propose a test, Father," Prince Alastair said, his eyes locked on Zilayefa. "If she's truly committed to Duke Larry, she'll agree to a formal announcement of their betrothal. If not... perhaps she'll consider my own proposal."

Zilayefa's eyes flashed with determination. "I will not be used as a pawn in your games, Prince Alastair. My betrothal to Duke Larry is real, and I won't back down."

Duke Larry stepped forward, his voice firm. "Your Majesty, I stand by Zilayefa's words. We're committed to each other."

The king's gaze lingered on Zilayefa, then Duke Larry, before nodding. "Very well. I'll expect a formal announcement of your betrothal soon. Prince Alastair, it seems you'll need to look elsewhere for a bride."

Here's a continuation:

Prince Alastair's eyes locked on Zilayefa, his voice low and menacing. "Mark my words, Duke Larry, I'll take what's mine. You can't protect her forever."

The king cleared his throat, intervening. "Enough, Alastair. Let's focus on the matter at hand." He turned to Zilayefa. "Tell me, young one, where are you from?"

Zilayefa curtsied. "I'm from the village of Ama, Your Majesty. My father passed away recently, and my family... my mother and siblings are now living with Duke Larry."

The king's eyebrows rose, and Prince Alastair's eyes widened in surprise. "Your family resides with Duke Larry?" the king asked, his tone intrigued.

Duke Larry nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. I've taken them in."

The king nodded thoughtfully. "Very well. Duke Larry, I task you with hosting a ball in two weeks' time. You will announce Zilayefa as your betrothed, and her family must be present."

Zilayefa's eyes widened, and Duke Larry's face showed surprise. "Two weeks, Your Majesty?" Duke Larry asked, hesitating.

The king nodded. "Yes. I expect nothing but the best. See to it."

As the king dismissed them, Zilayefa and Duke Larry exchanged worried glances. This wasn't part of his plan.

After they were dismissed by the king, Duke Larry and Zilayefa got into the carriage and headed for Ralston Castle. The Duke wasn't happy with the turn of events, and he stared at Zilayefa.

"Was this your plan to get married to me? Why lie to the king that you are betrothed to me? Why not tell him who your real fiancé is—your village prince?" he asked her, anger etched on his face. Duke Larry had promised himself never to get married. His father was a monster of a husband, and his mother was just as wicked as his father. Their relationship was a mess.

Zilayefa stared at Duke Larry angrily. "Where were you when the prince took me away and tried to molest me?" she asked, tears escaping her eyes. The Duke knew that something like that would definitely happen. "I waited for you for hours, hoping, just maybe, you'd come to my rescue, but you did not show up. What did you want me to do? Give myself willingly to a man like him?" she asked, wiping away her tears with her dress.

"I don't want to argue with you. The deal is done, and now you are going to be married to me. I don't want to hear any objections about it because you were the one who got yourself into this mess," he said, looking at her sternly.

"I don't want to marry you. It's Prince Stevenson that I love," she said stubbornly. The Duke moved toward her, grabbed her by the waist, and kissed her. "You are now mine. You declared yourself as mine in the presence of the king. Now you can't take back your words, my dear." Zilayefa tried pushing him away, but he did not let her go.

"I don't belong to anyone. I said that because I was scared of being married to the prince," she tried reasoning with him.

"I must say, you have great taste in men. Look who you chose out of all the eligible bachelors in the kingdom," he teased her.

Zilayefa allowed him to hold her tightly, and they stayed like that until they got to the castle. When they arrived, they were both asleep inside the carriage in each other's arms. The doorman called to tell them they had arrived. That was when they realized they had been in each other's arms throughout the trip.