Chapter Two

"This is preposterous Princess! Why did you not see it fit to inform us before agreeing to an alliance? We simply cannot accept your decision!" Lord Henry's voice boomed through the high vaulted court chambers.

Princess Elara sat poised on her father's late throne, her expression calm as she clenched her palmz tightly to her gown. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the court, as their noise added to the growing headache she felt from the ornate heavy crown resting on mer head.

It seemed not to help that she was dragged out of her well deserved rest by these noble lords who had appeared with demands for answers on how her meeting went.

 "Princess, it is not in our tradition for a royal blood to marry a commoner. This is madness" Lord Alfred bristled in agreement, his face flushed red as he gestured angrily.

Elara's gaze sharpened at his words and she leaned forward, her fingers drumming lightly on the gilded armrest of the throne.

"It was not madness when you all encouraged me to go there" she said evenly, her tone carrying an edge of irritation. 

 The Lords stilled, exchanging uneasy glances.

"You would not expect a man like Kieran Blake to just agree to give his funds to a failing kingdom without some sort of authority over it" Elara added, her tone clipped.

"That may be true, but what he wants and how he wants it is unreasonable!" Duke Chesterfield burst out.

"Your Highness Kieran is a slimy snake! If he ascends the throne, there is no telling that he will not go rogue!" 

Elara's heart raced at his words, as that is her very worry with Kieran. On the flight back to Bellmere it was one of the major concerns she had, as her father had fought mercilessly to make sure the kingdom was fully in her possession before he passed away. 

But then Kieran's words in his office had echoed in her mind:

"You're not just saving the kingdom—you're also saving yourself."

Those words resonated through her, because somewhere deep down, she wanted to believe them.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the soft, measured voice of Lady Seraphina.

 "In my opinion," Seraphina began, her composure in stark contrast to the lords' bluster, "we should give Mr. Blake a chance. His vision to modernize Bellmere is bold, yes, but it is what we need. We are in no position to reject his offer."

Elara caught Seraphina's gaze and offered her a small, grateful smile. At least one person in this chamber seemed to understand the gravity of their situation.

"Of course you would think that, Seraphina." Lord Henry spat, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Bellmere needs no modernisation! We are built on our culture and legacy, and we will not give it up for anyone!" 

Elara's eyes narrowed as she straightened in her seat, her voice cutting through the escalating noise.

"Well then, I suppose you have a better solution, Lord Henry? Perhaps you have the funds to clear our debts while maintaining the tradition and legacy you hold so dear?" 

The room fell silent and Lord Henry adjusted in his seat uncomfortably, but Elara was not done.

"And what of you, Lord Alfred and Duke Chesterfield? Do you have a grand plan to get us out of this mess and save Bellmere?" 

Her question hung heavy in the air like a challenge no one was willing to take up. With no response, she pressed on icily.

"I thought as much. You're all just fu., of empty words"

She turned to the guard standing by the great oak doors of the chamber.

"Call Romanus, tell him to bring the financial statements for the Kingdom at once!" she ordered coldly, and the guard hurried away.

After a while, Romanus arrived minutes later, accompanied by two servants carrying thick ledgers, he bowed low before her. 

"Your Highness," he said with calm deference.

"Romanus, please brief the court of the financial statement as at last month" she ordered, and he nodded and turned to signal the attendants to open the books.

"Your Highness, as of last month, Bellmere's revenue totaled five hundred million. However, after accounting for debts owed to neighboring kingdoms, the total debt still exceeds fifty billion. Our investors have ceased further collaboration until these debts are settled. In short, the kingdom faces financial ruin unless immediate action is taken." Romanus briefed the court loudly, and Elara watched as their faces contorted into discomfort.

"Do you see now?" Elara asked sharply. "Traditions will not pay our debts. It will not sustain Bellmere. My father in your counsel ran the kingdom to the ground in order to maintain a false sense of security and uphold the tradition you all so love."

The court froze in silent at her words.

"And since his passing a year ago, none of you have sacrificed your personal assets to resolve this issue. Rather, you have kept private businesses, homes and companies outside Bellmere so if the kingdom perhaps collapses you can comfortably flee, leaving me to face the rubble." 

Her words hung in the air, the weight of her accusations settling on the room. She then stood up, a firm glint in her eyes.

"I've made my decision. Kieran Blake is our only option. His motives align with ours—his success depends on Bellmere's stability. No businessman would invest in something only to watch it fail. This alliance will proceed." Elara announced.

The court members murmured in disagreement, but on seeing her cold glare they fell silent immediately. 

"This session is dismissed," she declared.

The nobles began leaving reluctantly, their expressions a mix of resentment and resignation. Elara remained on the throne, her head pounding as the heavy doors groaned shut behind them.

Romanus approached her quietly. "Your Highness, your instructions?"

"Summon the royal lawyer to the castle immediately," Elara said firmly. "The marriage contract must be drafted without delay."

Romanus bowed and turned to leave, his footsteps echoing softly through the now-empty chamber.

Just as the doors opened, Lord Henry paused, lingering behind the others. He turned to face Elara, his lips curling into a sneer. 

"You will regret this decision, Princess Elara. Mark my words—this alliance will be your undoing."

Elara held his gaze, refusing to let him see the flicker of fear his words ignited. "I'll take that risk, Lord Henry," she replied coldly. "Good day."

As the doors shut behind him, the silence in the chamber was deafening. Elara sank back onto the throne, her hands trembling slightly as she gripped the armrests as a question rang in her mind.

What if I've made a mistake?