Chapter Four

"That vase is off center, fix it." Elara ordered, and the maid nodded, rushing to the table.

It was a new week, and the grand halls of Bellmere Castle echoed with hurried footsteps of servants as they finalized all arrangements for Kieran Blake's arrival. The male servants rearranged furniture and paintings whilst the females went around polishing all surfaces, windows and fixtures so that it gleamed under the reflection of the large chandelier. 

Princess Elara walked through the halls, her sharp gaze swept over the details. As much as possible, she would ensure that Bellmere Castle defeated all of Kieran's expectations. 

"These pieces are obviously broken, who put them here?" She questioned, her voice echoing through the room.

The maids responsible hurried to carry the pieces away, trembling as they walked away and Elara shook her as she turned to Romanus who was trailing behing her silently.

"Do they need me to tell them how things should be done?" 

A small smile graced his lips. "They never needed to be so thorough under your father. It is as a result of your care."

"Care or fear?" She muttered, stepping out of the grand ballroom to the courtyard.

She spotted the head gardener along with his subordinates tending to the gardens and paused for a bit, her skin radiating under the sun.

"Make sure the lilies and camellias face the fountains, i dont want them buried in the hedges"

The elderly man turned to her and bowed in acknowledgment, turning back to instruct them further.

As she turned back, her beige ball gown swished, her brown hair swaying in the gentle breeze. 

Romanus observed her in silent concern. "Your Highness, you seem to be pushing yourself a bit too far."

Elara shook her head. "Of course, I am. First impressions matter."

"That is important, Your Highness, " he agreed calmly "But you also need to rest as well"

Elara stopped in her tracks, turning to look at him. "I will only rest once this is over, Romanus. End of subject."

She began walking, her blood boiling as she increased her pace to leave him behind. Only she can really understand how important this first meeting was. She had a point to prove to not only Kieran, but the whole world.

On reaching the visitor hall, they were met by Lady Seraphina who stood waiting with her maid in tow.

"Your Royal Highness," she greeted with a graceful smile, her green court gown fanning out around her.

Elara smiled, gesturing for her to step into the doors which were being opened. "Lady Seraphina, I didn't expect to see you today. Court has been postponed, hasn't it?"

The room was spacious, its arched windows framing the vast scenery of forests and mountains in the distance. Elara settled into the red chair that had once been her father's, and let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

"You must be tired dear" Seraphina observed, settling down into the chair across her.

"A bit," Elara responded "but I'll be fine"

"Will you?" Seraphina asked, tilting her head as she met Elara's confused gaze.

"Although the kingdom relies on this, you are allowed to feel something about all this."

Her words caused Elara to frown slightly, "My feelings do not matter, Bellmere does."

"That's wrong." Seraphina refuted. "You are allowed to, afterall it iss a wedding, and Mr. Blake will be your husband."

The word 'husband' caused Elara to stiffen in her seat, and she adjusted her posture to be more upright.

"You say it like it is more. This alliance is merely a business proposal, and we both understand it fully." she reasoned, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Seraphina watched silently, observing her demeanor. "You're lying to yourself."

"Excuse me?" Elara asked, giving her a sharp look.

"Forgive me your highness," Seraphina begun. "But it seems that you've oversimplified the situation."

"The fact that this is merely a business alliance is only known by you both, but the people of Bellmere and the neighboring kingdoms don't know that." She stated.

"To them, it is more than that, so they expect to see unity and love between you both. The neighboring kingdoms will also be watching closely to find any weakness. If there are any differences between you and Kieran, they will have leverage over us."

"He and I both know what's at stake," "He's here for business. I'm here for my kingdom. That's how arranged marriages work—there's no room for complications."

Elara's mind drifted back to the rumors of the neighboring kingdoms—how they were pooling resources and building armies, waiting for Bellmere to falter. It had been one of the reasons she had agreed to Kieran's proposal in the first place.

Elara found Seraphina's words to be true, she could not afford to let her guard down.

Sighing, Elara massaged her throbbing temples. "So, you're saying I should feign a connection with a man I barely know?"

"I'm saying that you should give it a chance. Kieran is no fool, he will understand the stakes once you let him know. You both need to be a united front " Seraphina explained gently.

"And how do you suggest this happens?" Elara asked hesitantly, staring at the crackling flames from the fireplace behind Seraphina.

"I believe it would be prudent for you and Mr. Blake to undergo a brief course in royal etiquette. It's not just about appearances; it's about unity. You must present a strong, united front."

Elara pinched her nose with a sigh . "There isn't time, the engagement takes places in a few days and that training takes months."

"Precisely why you will take the most essential lessons." Seraphina countered.

"You both cannot afford to look unprepared. There are well-wishers, yes, but also those who would love to see cracks in this alliance."

Romanus, who had stood silently behind Elara throughout the conversation, finally spoke. "Your Highness, Lady Seraphina is right. Mr. Blake especially must be fully prepared according to the Kingdoms traditions before the engagement is finalized."

"And who will do the classes in such a short time?" Elara frowned, but Seraphina replied immediately.

"I will oversee everything, Your Highness. I just need your approval." 

Elara sighed reluctantly. Seeing that Seraphina had actually thought it through, she could not refuse.

"Do whatever needs to be done then." She approved, and Seraphina smiled, rising from her seat and offering a curtsy.

"You won't regret this decision, Your Highness. I'll ensure everything is in place before his arrival."

As Seraphina exited, her gaze falling back to the fire, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the armrest of her chair.

Romanus cleared his throat. "Is there anything else you'd like me to arrange, Your Highness?"

"No," Elara murmured. "Just make sure the other arrangements are ready."

"Of course Your Highness. " Romanus said, bowing before leaving the room.

Alone, Elara stared into the flames, her thoughts swirling. She had convinced herself that this marriage was nothing more than a duty, a means to save Bellmere. But for the first time, doubt crept into her mind.

What if this marriage turns out to be more than just a duty?

Her pulse quickened. The idea unsettled her. She'd convinced herself that this was just business. But Kieran was no ordinary man.

 His confidence, his ambition, the way he looked at her with a mixture of challenge and curiosity...could she ignore all of that once they were married?