Chapter Five

"Attention, we have arrived at Bellmere and we'll soon be landing. Kindly wear your seatbelt as we prepare to land" The air hostess's voice blasted through the intercom and Kieran ended the business call.

As he adjusted his golden cufflinks, he glanced through the window to see the scenery of Bellmere unfolding as they neared the ground. The rolling hills and sprawling forests framed the kingdom like a portrait and seemed like a fairytale. However, Kieran knew too well that this beauty was just a facade, hiding the cruel reality, and as the jet hit the tarmac he relaxed into his cushioned leather seat.

"Sir, we have landed" Frederick appeared behind him, and Kieran stood up with a smirk on his lips.

He could not wait to meet the traditionalists of Bellmere and see their faces in real-time as they watched a businessman become a King as well. He was not one to cower from criticism and wrong opinions, he loved underestimating, as it gave him he upper hand.

As he came down from the plane, he was met by an entourage waiting for him with a carriage.

A man from amongst them walked up to him and bowed before him.

"Good day Master Blake. We have been assigned to bring you to the castle" he explained.

"How traditional," he mused, eyeing the glistening cabin carriage "I was expecting something more modern.... like a sports car" he said, and the man only gave a small smile.

"Sir, this is our tradition to honor Her Royal Highness's guests" he stated, and Kieran scoffed as he began walking towards the carriage.

Frederick followed behind him, and when Kieran entered the carriage he was stopped by the man.

"Master Blake is to be alone for the welcome ceremony, you can follow the car arriving with servants to bring the luggage." He declared, and Frederick stood shocked, looking to his boss for confirmation.

Up till this moment, it was his duty to be close to his boss at all times during the day, as his boss was always in need of some kind of assistance. But now, as he looked at his boss, he was casually waved off.

"Don't bother Frederick, just do as he says till further notice" he instructed and Frederick nodded, watching as his boss was driven off by the coachman.

As Frederick watched his boss being taken away, he felt a slight sense of freedom breeze through him. 

As Kieran began his journey into the castle, he settled into the plush interior of the carriage with only one thought in mind...Elara. 

***************************

"Your Highness, The carriage will soon be arriving at the Castle" Romanus's voice boomed through Elara's ears.

She stood at the balcony of her father's room, which overlooked the road leading to the Castle. Elara stood here to clear her thoughts away from the noise of the people as the only conversation that was on the lips of the servants and the council members was the arrival of the businessman, and her ally.... somewhat.

"I know, Romanus" Elara answered, smoothing her hands over the green ball gown she wore today. 

"I can hear the sounds of the horses from the distance" She informed, her eyes glistening with nostalgia as she stared at the road ahead.

As a little girl, she would sneak away from her maids into her father's room, and would stare at this road for hours when her dad would go for business or diplomatic trips. She would wait for him to come back, and would know when he returned as the hooves of the horse clicked rapidly on the ground.

Years later, her dad was not here, but she was still waiting for someone. A lone tear dropped from her eye, and she wiped it off immediately turning to Romanus. 

"You can go ahead, I'll be there now" she instructed, and he nodded before walking off.

Now, the horses drew nearer, and Elara swallowed her tears as she closed the balcony door. Walking to her father's portrait, she placed her hand on it and closed her eyes to gather the strength she needed to move on, and she finally closed the room with a lock. Taking a deep breath, Elara stepped toward the wide staircase leading down to the main courtyard, her heart beating faster than she liked.

She wasn't nervous....not exactly. Kieran had been challenging, confident, and entirely too perceptive for her comfort. He had a way of looking at her that felt like he could see right through her carefully constructed facade, and she doesn't want that to happen. She walked down the hallway to the castle's main wing, and as she passed her maids rushed to help her hold the ends of the dress.

As she stepped into the afternoon sunlight, her dress glimmered, the diamond jewelry sitting elegantly on her neck, along out with the crown on her head. The procession was already waiting accordingly, the elders included as they watched the grand gates open and the carriage rolled in.

As the sound of the carriage wheels echoed through the stone courtyard, the air was heavy with anticipation, and Elara found herself holding her breath as the horses came to a stop.

The footman opened the carriage door, and Kieran Blake stepped out with a casual elegance, stunning everyone to silence. His navy suit was perfectly tailored, his dark hair slightly tousled from the journey, but his composure was still as commanding. 

 His sharp blue eyes scanned everyone's appearances before landing on her, and subconsciously Elara straightened her shoulders, lifting her chin. 

She stepped forward, offering a polite smile. "Mr. Blake. Welcome to Bellmere Castle."

Kieran's smirk returned, faint but undeniable as he bowed before her.

 "Your Highness. A pleasure, as always."