The king's expression was fierce, seeing Liora on her knees begging for her father's life hurt him; he only wanted to reward her. Not ruin her honor.
"Lower your weapon's ," the king commanded.
The guards retracted their weapons, immediately giving a bow before taking few steps back.
Queen Seraphina's jaw tightened in anger. She turned towards the king, hoping to ask him to punish Master Thalen for the blatant insult he rained on her son, but was met with the king's blazing eyes.
Her throat tightened as she swallowed hard, eyes fixed on the king's clenched jaw. He was clearly furious. She dared not speak. With one final glare at the father and daughter, she returned and walked back to her throne,with her chin lifted high.
"The king's face fell as he spoke."
"I apologize, Master Thalen Elowen of Ardentor." This was supposed to be a joyous occasion for us, and no amount of apologies can take away the humiliation that was caused to you and your family.
Seeing the tension getting calm, Liora got up on her feet gently with Celestial holding her by her side .
Master Thalen's face softened at hearing the king's heartfelt apologies; all he wanted now was to get away from this castle and take his daughter away with him.
To make up for it, I, King Aldric Vanycrest of thalmaris, betrothed Liora Elowen to the second prince. Prince Kealen Varyncrest.The courtroom was soon filled with murmurs. Liora lost her balance slightly.
"I thought it was over. Why am I betrothed to another prince?" Panicking, she doesn't want to have anything to do with Thalmaris.
Queen Seraphina smirked. At least it isn't my son getting married to her. She didn't care about the second prince, nor who Liora was betrothed to.
Master Thalen bowed.
Your Majesty, I implore you to reconsider I beg of you, what if the second prince rejects her too? My daughter is my world. I can't bear to see her in any more pain or humiliation.
His eyes looked at the king pleadingly. The king sighed, thinking about it , staring at the girl whose face was as white as a sheet now due to fear.
He realized he might be pushing too far. He would have loved the girl in his family, but he couldn't force his opinion on her; it's best to let her go, he thought.
Alright! The king began, before the king could finish
A deep voice echoed in the throne room.
"I, Prince Kealan vanycrest of Thalmaris,accept the marriage to Princess Liora Elowen of Adrentor."
Liora's eyes shot up to look at him, and with their eyes meeting, her heart thudded loudly in her.
He was without his mask this time, and the intensity at which he stared at her made her heart flutter. His gaze on her was gentle, not with pity but with longing. He was handsome.
The black and red attire he wore added to her anxiety; she loved it and couldn't deny it. Why? Confused at why he would want her, she was only a healer. They both stared at each other, lost in their world .
Master Thalen turned to look at his daughter to see any sign of resistance, but seeing the two stare at each other, oblivious of their surroundings, his eyebrows twitched in confusion.
Soon they snap out of their thoughts, with Kealan forcefully dragging his gaze away from her. Why does she make his heart beat this way? He flushed, quickly hiding his embarrassment.
Your Majesty, please bless our union,kealan bowed.
The throne room soon turned noisy as murmurings went on, the ladies admiring the second prince's beauty,others having different opinions.
It's not all the time they get to see his face, as he prefers to be in a mask, but now just his appearance was making the ladies drool, also with jealousy of why Liora gets to have him.
The king was in confliction he stared at Master Thalen Elowen, who doesn't want his daughter to remain in the castle anymore.
Noticing the tumor in the king's eyes. Kealan walked gracefully to Master Thalen and Matron Mearina Elowen.
"I know this is abrupt, but please do me the honor of marrying your precious daughter, and I swear to protect her with my life and cherish her.
Please give Liora to me. We can postpone the wedding date till you accept me as her husband. Allow me to win your trust and marry the princess."
Master Thalen's eyes softened; he could feel the sincerity, but he was still cautious. He stared at his wife, who gave him a slight nod of approval.
Before looking at Liora, who felt her face flush in shyness before using her hair as a shield to hide herself. My daughter is not a princess but a healer.
I guess the second prince must be mistaken. Do you still want to marry her knowing that?
The courtroom soon turned silent, and Liora clenched her dress, ready for another rejection. Kealan watched the fear in her eyes and his chest ached.
"No one is ever going to hurt you anymore, he vowed silently to himself."
He gave a smile to Master Thalen.
"I know she isn't a princess or a duke's daughter, Titles don't matter.
Saying these words with longing and possessiveness."She's my princess, my wife, my Liora."
Liora's lips opened slightly at his bold declaration; Kealan gave her a smile, which made her tummy flutter. She came back to her senses with celestial giggling and a blushing face.
This is a fairytale celestial tickled, Liora, in happiness. Stop it, Celestial, she blushed.
Master Thalen put on a stoic expression.
"Is this little brat trying to flirt with my daughter ?" While Maerina smiled at the blatant confession of the second prince.
Gavin felt a tug within him. How dare Kealan claim her as his? He soon turned to the realization that he doesn't own her anymore and she isn't his betrothal. That was what he wanted, but why was he angry seeing her with someone else?
King Aldric was beyond shock. Kealan never expressed his emotions, and he never joined the throne room discussions. He just lived like he didn't exist, cutting everyone off and just living in his own world alone after the death of his mother.
He has his father couldn't fill the gap, as no matter how hard he tried getting his attention, he just couldn't.
"This is the first time my son wants something, and I'm glad it's Lady Liora.
" I, King Aldric of Thalmaris, bless this union.
"I, Master Thalen Elowen of Ardentor, bless this union."
Now the decision was left to Liora. With all attention on her, she panicked her gaze darting from face to face.The walls felt like they were closing in. Why was everyone staring at her?.
Her eyes soon landed on Kealan, whose gaze begged her to accept him.Kealan had never felt this nervous in his life.
He had to admit to himself he had fallen in love with her, but does she feel the same? She already went through a lot today, he didn't want to add to her turmoil; he wanted to ease it.
Please accept me, princess, he whispered as if he was making a wish. Liora read his lips. She had never felt this longing from anyone except her family.
"I, Liora of Ardentor"...Time seemed to be ticking as everyone waited to hear her response. "Accept this marriage proposal."