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PHYSIENTS WILL ALWAYS OFFERS BEST STORIES AND LIVE STREAMING ALL TIME
Selecting a Crown Princess (3)
"Answering the prime minister's question earlier, yes I have someone in mind to take as my future wife and 'Crown Princess' of Grandcrest." Regaelon said with pride.
Everyone in the throne room gasped in surprise.
"A crown princess you say?" My king father asked in disbelief.
"Yes your majesty." Prince Regaleon answered without any hesitation.
"Hahaha. Then all the more the eldest princess is the most suitable for the role." Left prime minister Stanley was beaming with joy. "Isn't that right your majesty?" He asked king father.
"Well that is correct." King father replied.
King father had a smile drawn in his face. Rather than a happy smile, it seemed to me that it was a malicious smile. It was as if there was a hidden meaning to it.
'What are you thinking father?' I thought.
"I am sure my eldest Veronica is willing to take the role." King father asked and looked at Veronica.
Veronica's face was beaming with happiness.
"Yes king father." Veronica bowed. "I have been studying many things, such as history and politics at such an early age. And also I have been always on top in manners and etiquette. I will not fail you, your highness prince Regaelon."
Veronica's words were full of pride. Her words was said as if she was chosen already. It is true that she had been educated properly as a princess of Alvannia.
This is the first time in my life that I want to stand up and fight my sister.
'Leon is the only one that I won't give up to you.' I thought to myself while clenching my fist. 'I may have been lenient in the past because you are the legitimate children. But I won't let you take away my happiness any longer.'
By that time I heard prince Regaleon chuckled lightly that only I, who was near him can hear. His back was turned at me so I can't see his expression.
'What is Leon thinking?' I thought.
"I am sure that princess Veronica is an appropriate candidate to become a crown princess." Prince Regaleon said.
Everyone present started to chatter. Officials and ministers had smiles on their faces, maybe thinking that Veronica would be selected to be the crown princess for sure.
This political marriage will pave a way and a brighter future for Alvannia. Having a princess from our country became crown princess and future queen of Grandcrest can give power and privileges no one can even imagine.
Just a while ago these officials and ministers were happy just to have a princess from Alvannia as a wife/concubine for the future king of Grandcrest. But now they are ecstatic to hear that prince Regaleon is eyeing for a crown princess to take.
I look at my side where my step mother and sisters are. My step mother the queen had a smiling face looking at her eldest daughter with pride.
Elizabeth was giggling while talking to Veronica. As for Veronica, she had a face of triumph.
Her eyes caught me looking their way. She gave me a wicked smile, as if mocking me.
"I am sure that princess Veronica would be a suitable wife." Prince Regaleon continued. "But she is not the one I have chosen."
The room was shocked once again. All eyes of the spectators in the room went wide in surprise.
"Pardon me your highness." It was my grandpa Robert that talked. With all the spectators around, he was the only one who remained calm and composed. "I remember you said that you have already someone in mind to take as your wife. Can you tell us who she is?"
"Yes general Robert, indeed I have said I have someone in mind to take as my wife." Prince Regaleon's voice was firm yet it had a tinge of mockery, albeat towards the other party.
"I came here to ask the hand in marriage of the girl that I have personally chosen to be my crown princess." Prince Regaleon continued. "As you know this isn't the first time I have visted your country. But there was one time that was etched in my mind and my heart."
The throne room was silent at this point. Everyone was keen in hearing prince Regaleon's story.
"Two years ago I came here because of an invitation to a young princess' birthday ball, where she was presented in high society and the public." Prince Regaleon said. "At that time I was mesmerized by that young girl's beauty that I stole her first dance from her father the king."
Upon hearing these words, my cheeks felt hot. I remember that time when I first saw him, prince Regaleon of Grandcrest.
~~~
[A tall young man wearing a black suit with gold trimmings emerged from the shadows. He was wearing a mask covering half of his face. His hair was as black as the night and his eyes was dark blue like the ocean deep.
"Who might the gentleman be?" I asked courteously.
"I am Regaleon of Grandcrest." He greeted. "I give my greetings to the third princess of Alvannia." He bowed down. I replied with a courtesy.]
[The young man guided me into dancing. I have been a klutz while learning how to dance. But with this young man guiding my steps, it was like I have been dancing my whole life.
The feeling was ecstatic. Every twist and turn we do was graceful and elegant. I didn't realize that I was wearing a smile on my face. The young man who was leading me and smiled while looking at me. I looked at his deep dark blue eyes. They were enchanting. I felt like I would let them engulf me in their depths anytime. It was like we were the only ones in the ballroom, we were in our own world.]
~~~
Just by remembering it made me feel embarrassed. I held my cheeks and it felt hot to the touch.
'I might be blushing red by now.' I realized.
"Two years ago I have decided to take her as my wife and crown princess." Prince Regaleon continued. "I have given her a blue rose that very night, the national symbol of our kingdom of Grandcrest."
'A blue rose?!' I thought. Then a flash back came to me again.
~~~
[Regaleon walked towards me and came closer. I was surprised with his closeness that I involuntary stepped back and tripped. But he caught me by the hand and pulled me into his embrace.
"S-sir." I said awkwardly.
"I'm sorry to startle you." Regaleon said. "I just want to give you this."
I saw Regaleon holding a blue rose in his hand.
"A blue rose?" I asked.]
~~~
"For me, a member of the royal family to give a blue rose, symbolizes that I have chosen her as my legal wife to be." Prince Regaleon concluded.
I involuntarily hold the blue rose that prince Regaleon gave to me a while ago. I placed it on my hair near my right ear. By then I can feel eyes staring at me.
___________
_______
Prior Engagement?!
I can feel the stares of the people around me. I am wearing on my head the blue rose that prince Regaleon just gave me this morning.
It was just after Regaleon's little speech, no wonder everyone's eyes are on me now. I look around and see the mixed faces of surprise and bewilderment.
When my eyes passed by grandpa Robert, he had a face that was saying 'I thought so'. Richard who was besides grandpa had a genuine smile.
My eyes passed by the officials and ministers that looked unsatisfied. I straightened out myself walked towards Regaleon. I stand up beside him with pride and dignity.
'It was prince Regaleon who chose me. Even if I am an illegitimate child of king father, I won't let them look down on me.' I thought.
I glanced up prince Regaleon. He gave me a smile of satisfaction with my action just now. Now I know where I will put all the training that I have done these past two years. It is to become prince Regaleon's crown princess consort. I answered his smile with my own smile thinking 'I won't let you down'.
"So it is princess Alicia that you have chosen, prince Regaleon." Prime minister Murdoc asked. "As for formalities, I guess it is fine because she is still a princess of Alvannia. But as I have heard two years ago, she was sent to the country side to recuperate from a disease that almost cost her life."
Yes, as I remember I left the capital and go to the country side as a pretense of being sick and needing recuperation.
"I am just afraid that she can't perform the duties of being your crown princess." Prime minister Murdoc continued.
His words doesn't harbor any mocking or ill intention. He has said this for the sake of the good relationship between our kingdoms.
It is true that if I cannot perform well as a crown princess, then it will just bring disappointment to our kingdoms of Alvannia.
"Do not worry about that prime minister Murdoc." It was the royal physician Dr. Andrew that spoke. "I have been the one taking care of the princess these past two years. And I can say that she has come back to a great bill of health now. I am sure that her body can withstand the strenuous activities included in being a crown princess consort."
I was surprised that Dr. Andrew was here in this gathering and speaking up for me. He looked at me and gave me a warm friendly smile. My heart skipped a beat.
"Even though she has regained her health, how can we be sure that she can perform the responsibilities of being a crown princess." Veronica blurted out of the blue.
I was surprised that she tried to butt in because these kind of talks are between the officials, ministers, and king father to discuss.
Veronica was trying to keep her cool but I can see that she was containing her anger.
"That is correct your highness, prince Regaleon." Left minister Stanley backed up Veronica. "I don't want to point it out but princess Alicia is only an illegitimate daughter of our king. She wasn't given the lessons to be a proper princess consort."
I can see that Veronica has her own allies that are helping her. Veronica smiled with contempt with minister Stanley's words.
"Left minister Stanley, are you forgetting who I am?" Prince Regaleon said with animosity.
"Y-Your highness?" Left minister Stanley was caught in surprise. "Of course I know. You are the crown prince of Grandcrest, prince Regaleon." He said with some nervousness.
"That is correct. I am the crown prince and the future king of Grandcrest." Regaleon said. "Do you think I will be ignorant with such information?"
"T-Then your highness..." Left minister Stanley was about to say something to back his words.
"I don't care about such formalities." Prince Regaleon said with such voice, letting everybody know that he is the highest person in authority in this room, even higher to my father the king of Alvannia.
"If I say I want to take Alicia as my wife, then no one in this country or in this continent can stop me." Prince Regaleon said with such conviction.
Everyone in the room was silent. No one can still object with prince Regaleon's words. Veronica's face was red with anger. It was only step mother who was holding her back from making a scene.
King father was also reigning in his anger. I guess being belittled by prince Regaleon who is still young, stroke one of his strings.
"I understand your concern, prince Regaleon." King father said. "I won't object if that is what you wish, and also what my daughter princess Alicia wishes." Father's voice was firm and resolute.
"Father!" Veronica said in protest. King father shot her a look that made her silence.
"But there is just one problem, I am afraid." King father said, looking at prince Regaleon mockingly.
"And what is it, your majesty?" Prince Regaleon replied.
"Just before Alicia came back here in the capital, Duke Cunningham and his son and heir William came to me with a proposal of marriage." King father said. "And I am afraid that I have approved of their proposal. So Alicia is now engaged with the future Duke William Cunningham."
___________
"But there is just one problem, I am afraid." King father said, looking at prince Regaleon mockingly.
"And what is it, your majesty?" Prince Regaleon replied.
"Just before Alicia came back here in the capital, Duke Cunningham and his son and heir William came to me with a proposal of marriage." King father said. "And I am afraid that I have approved of their proposal. So Alicia is now engaged with the future Duke William Cunningham."
'What is king father saying?' I was also puzzled with what I just heard. 'How can I get engaged without myself knowing of the engagement.'
"NO!!!" Elizabeth's voice roared inside the throne room. "How can she be engaged with sir William?! Father, you have promised me an engagement with sir William."
"Dear, calm down." My step mother was trying to calm Elizabeth down. "I am sure that your king father is doing this for a good reason."
"NO! I won't let you do this." Elizabeth was starting to get hysterical. "Father promised me marriage to sir William Cunningham. You promised me that I would become the future duchess Cunningham! Please explain, father!"
"Silence!" King father roared. He looked at Elizabeth with burning fury. "When have I, the king, needed to explain to anyone?!"
Elizabeth was shocked in silence. She cowered back in fright.
"King husband, please quell your anger." Step mother said. "Our daughter was just shocked with the news. She didn't mean to say such things."
"If she doesn't have anything better to say, then help her out. Now!" King father yelled.
Step mother helped Elizabeth out of the room who was shivering in fear.
After my step mother and Elizabeth left the officials and ministers resumed their gazes between me and crown prince Regaleon.
I glanced at Regaleon who was just standing beside me. His demeanor didn't change one bit. I was a bit curious what he is thinking right now.
"Oh yes, it was just two weeks ago that duke Cunningham and his son and heir William came to the palace." Left minister Stanley said. "As I recall the duke has already given betrothal gifts. And it is quite a fortune."
My eyes darted towards the left prime minister with intensity. He was pouring oil with this little fire.
"And because princess Alicia is already engaged. I am sure that the next candidate to be the crown prince's fiancee is none other than princess Veronica." Left prime minister Stanley said.
Veronica was now smirking. I am sure she is looking at this as a victory.
"I have never been informed of this engagement." I said firmly. "How can I be engaged without me being informed prior?"
The officials and ministers eyes were shocked with my words. They may be surprised that I have talked for the very first time, and in such a gathering.
"I have not consented of the engagement with sir William." I said at ease.
"What is your reason princess Alicia?" Prime minister Murdoc asked. "Do you have any bad blood with sir William to not consent the marriage made by your king father to him?"
I shook my head. "No prime minister. I don't have any bad relationship with sir William. In fact we are good friends."
"Then why are you rejecting this marriage?" Left minister Stanley.
'When did I say reject?' I thought. Left minister Stanley is deliberately twisting my words.
"As I have said. I had no prior knowledge to this engagement. And so I am not giving my 'consent'." I gave emphasis to the word consent.
"But I am afraid you have no say with your engagement princess." Left minister Stanley said with a grin. "Here in our country, those who are noble born will always have an arranged marriage chosen by their parents."
"I am afraid left minister is correct princess Alicia." Prime minister Murdoc said. "As a princess you're marriage will be decided by the king and queen."
"Thank you ministers for your explanation." King father said. He looked at me with fatherly eyes. "I have accepted the duke Cunningham's proposal thinking of your best interest my daughter. William is a good man and I know you will be in good hands."
After father's words I heard Regaleon scoffed lightly.
"So, is it true that duke Cunningham gave quite a fortune in his betrothal gifts?" Regaleon asked.
"Yes!" Left prime minister Stanley said enthusiastically. "I have heard he has also given quite a few lands in his dukedom to the princess."
I look at Regaleon and see him smirk. 'What is he planning?' I thought curiously.
"Do you remember the five towns between the borders of Alvannia and Grandcrest?" Regaleon said.
"Yes, of course we remember prince Regaleon." Prime minister Murdoc was the one to answer. "What of it?"
"As I remember, Alvannia's lands were infertile after the war. Because Grandcrest and Alvannia were allies in the war against Atlantia. And so Grandcrest 'lent' the five towns in the border so that Alvannia can start anew." Regaleon said. "Those town's lands are very fertile so Alvannia never starved and was able to last until the lands in Alvannia started to flourish again."
The officials and ministers were shocked in silence.
I also have a brief knowledge with those five towns. I remember reading them in one of the books when I was studying. It was true that Grandcrest 'lent' those five towns after the war so that Alvannia can start anew after the war.
But I guess 'town' is an understatement. One town is as big as a city. And the lands those towns are in are Alvannia's primary source of food and crops. If ever Grandcrest take away even one town, Alvannia will have a hard time producing crops that can feed the whole country.
"What are you trying to say, prince Regaleon?" King father broke the silence.
"I think you know what I mean your majesty." Regaleon's smirk was so evident in his face. It was like he was mocking the king.
King father was reeling in his anger. He knows what the crown prince meant when he mentioned the five towns. Grandcrest can get those five towns back easily.
"Duke Cunningham has given a land to the princess as one of his betrothal gifts, correct?" Regaleon said. "Then I am willing to give three of the other towns beside the border together with the five towns Grandcrest have 'lent' you."
Regaleon's smirk was beaming now. His confidence was showing with his princely aura.
This kind of gift that Regaleon mentioned was a gift so amazing that no one can say no to.
________
I am her official fiancee (2)
"Duke Cunningham has given a land to the princess as one of his betrothal gifts, correct?" Regaleon said. "Then I am willing to give three of the other towns beside the border together with the five towns Grandcrest have 'lent' you."
Regaleon's smirk was beaming now. His confidence was showing with his princely aura.
This kind of gift that Regaleon mentioned was a gift so amazing that no one can say no to.
All the officials and minsters in the throne room started murmuring. It looks like Regaleon's offer is hard to decline.
"Crown prince Regaleon." It was prime minister Murdoc who spoke. "The matter of princess Alicia's engagement has become a rather important talk between our two countries. Can you please give us some time to talk about this with ourselves? We will call upon you after a decision has been made."
All of the officials and ministers around nodded in agreement. King father looked stressed with the sudden issue at hand. I am sure that the talks with his ministers won't be an easy one.
"Then I will take my leave then." Prince Regaleon said. "But please make haste. I also don't want to wait any longer. As you know I have decided princess Alicia as my bride to be on her fourteenth birthday. And so I am her official fiancee since two years ago."
The officials and ministers started murmuring again. Regaleon's gesture on my fourteenth birthday, presenting me a blue rose, was a sign of choosing ones future partner for a royalty in Grandcrest. I am curious if the officials and ministers knows about this, because I clearly didn't know. I have read books about other kingdoms but I have never read about this.
I guess Regaleon said this to add to his claim that he has been my fiancee since I was fourteen. This realization made me blush.
"Then I will take my leave gentlemen." Prince Regaleon slightly bowed his head as courtesy. "And I will take princess Alicia with me."
With one graceful turn, Regaleon put his arms around my waist and ushered me outside the throne room.
"—ehh..." I was left speechless with his sudden action. The eyes of everyone inside the throne room was focused on us.
"B-But, king father hasn't dismissed me yet." I said while Regaelon ushered me.
"That does not matter anymore." Regaleon said with a smile. "Whatever they say, you are now my bride to be, my fiancee. Your rank is much more higher than them now, not to mention you are now higher than your father."
My eyes went wide with Regaleon's words. Me having a much higher rank than my king father, I have never even imagined.
"Come, I want to show you something beautiful." Regaleon said with a sparkle in his eyes and a hint of playfulness.
What just happened inside the throne room now was a pressing matter. But with Regaleon by my side, I feel that these matters are inferior now. I feel the safe in his arms.
"Where are we going?" I asked curiously.
"It's a secret." Regaleon looked at me mischievously. "But I am sure you will love it once you see it."
As I see his mischievous and care free smile, I can see my personal knight Leon. Regaleon may be wearing a regal attire right now as a crown prince, but still I can see the man I fell in love with behind the mask.
Regaleon took my hand and pulled me away the throne room that had a heavy aura.
"Don't mind those old men talking about politics." Regaleon said.
"But it is about our future." I said worriedly.
"Like I said, whatever they say, you are now my fiancee and future wife. The crown princess of Grandcrest." Regaleon said and kissed the back of my hand.
His show of affection moved my heart.
____________
King Edward’s Thoughts
(This chapter will be King Edward's POV)
"Your majesty, the vote has been casted between all the officials and ministers present." Prime minister Murdoc said. "The majority of the votes is in favor of princess Alicia being crown prince Regaleon's crown princess and bride to be."
After that brat Regaleon had left towing my daughter with him, the talks about the crown princess candidate started.
As expected they talked about the pros and cons of the engagement with Alicia and that brat Regaleon.
The five towns were truly of importance to Alvannia. The majority of food and crops comes form those five towns. With Regaleon's little speech a while ago, he was threatening to take back the 'lent' towns if we don't approve of Alicia's engagement to him.
The consequences of losing those towns were huge. And so I was not surprised that the majority of the votes are in favor of Alicia being Regaleon's bride and crown princess of Grandcrest.
"But the third princess wasn't educated with the proper lessons on being of royalty." Left minister Stanley objected. "She is of low birth, born from a lowly maid. She is not fit to be married to the crown prince of Grandcrest."
It was like a vain popped from my forehead. Hearing Stanley calling Leticia a 'lowly maid' got to my nerves.
I remember Leticia. I was just a prince when I first saw her in the garden inside the palace. She was as beautiful as the flowers she was always taking care of. Her long platinum blonde hair like silver strings are floating with the wind. Her silver eyes sparkle like diamonds. She was the most beautiful person I have ever met. The time I first laid eyes on her, my heart was stolen from me that instant.
My love for her was not a joke, she was the only person I fell in love with. If not for the political marriage I had with Erica and the power of her family that I needed to be the king of this country and ousted my brothers in succession, I would have married Leticia.
If I have a regret in my life, that is not choosing Leticia and chose the throne instead. If I wasn't that ambitious with the throne, I would have just resined to a simple life. A life of a lowly prince with Leticia and my daughter Alicia.
'Oh my daughter Alicia.' I thought. She was a spitting image of her mother.
If I just knew Leticia was pregnant with our child, I would have done everything in my power to fight against Erica and make Leticia my concubine.
But as a king, I have my hands tied behind my back. I let Erica kick Leticia out of the palace, knowing she will be much safer outside far from Erica's grasps.
It was too late when I knew what Erica had done. Even though Leticia was away, Erica was still insecure. Her family's power was great, it was not something to be trifled with. With that power, she was able to find Leticia and erase her from this world for good.
That is why I took Alicia inside the palace. At least I can keep an eye on her. I won't make the mistake I have done with her mother. But still I have to maintain a distance from her. Because if I show even a hint of gentleness towards Alicia, Erica can do unimaginable things.
'And now that brat crown prince wants to take her away from me.' I thought.
That damn crown prince just had to mention taking a crown princess. And his attitude that of being superior than me ticks me off. This made me furious.
My plan was to marry of Alicia to duke Cunningham's son and heir, William. Two weeks ago he visited the palace with his father the duke. He had heard that Alicia would be coming home after two years away and wanted to ask her hand in marriage when she came back.
Having Alicia married of the the future duke can also ensure her safety, away from the scrutinizing eyes of Erica.
It was true that the betrothal gifts they offered was quite a fortune. It just shows William's sincerity towards Alicia. I didn't give them any answer yet and told them to wait until Alicia came.
'My prior plan went into flames because of that brat prince.' I can't stop my fury remembering that crown prince.
And being crown princess will surely be hard. I wouldn't want Alicia to be made a fool. She didn't have the knowledge and training needed to take such a role.
'And to top it iff, that useless brat just have to take up the five towns as hostages.' My vain was popping up with anger.
"If we don't give in with the crown prince's demands, then we will lose those five towns." Prime minister Murdoc said. "Do you know what the consequences would be, left minister?"
Murdoc looked at Stanley with fierceness. Stanley can't do anything but bow his head in defeat.
"Do not worry about princess Alicia's educational attainment." Doctor Andrew said. "I was her tutor this past two years. The king personally asked me to be her tutor when she were in the country side."
It was true that I asked him to also tutor Alicia while he also nurse her back to health. I thought that while she is outside the palace, away from Erica's eyes, a little education will be beneficial for her.
"Princess Alicia is a fast learner and passed all my lessons with flying colors." Doctor Andrew said. "She won't bring shame to our country of Alvannia when she becomes crown princess."
I was relieved with Dr. Andrew's words. At least Alicia won't be shamed. It looks like I can't stop Alicia being engaged with that Regaleon.
"Then it is settled then. Princess Alicia will be married off to the crown prince of Grandcrest, prince Regaleon and be his crown princess." Murdoc said. "Your majesty, do you have anything to add?"
I gave a heavy sigh. "Then let it be so." I said with a heavy heart.
"Then this meeting is over. You are now all dismissed." Prime minister said.
All of the officials and ministers stood from their sits and bowed towards me.
"Long live your majesty, the sun of our kingdom." They said all together.
And with this I just gave my daughter Alicia to that brat of a crown prince. I will dance in that crown prince's tune for now.
'It was only an engagement and not yet marriage.' I thought. 'And not long, our plans with Jennova will start. The lands that he is threatening to take would be legally ours. And in the end I will be happy to see him leave this world.'
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