Alliance

Chapter 7

In a distant clan high walls and endless gardens surrounded a grand palace , inside princess Bridget lived a quite life, rarely did she get to leave her chambers, preferring the comfort of her book and the soft sunlight that slipped through her window. Few people ever saw her, and fewer even knew her

A soft crack on the door pulled me from my reading,

"Princess Bridget" my maid wispered bowing slightly," it's time to prepare your suitor has arrived."

I sighed, marking my page with a scrap of paper. "I don’t see why I need preparing. I have no intention of being impressed by someone who only flaunts his title,” I muttered, standing reluctantly.

Before I could protest further, Mother appeared, her presence commanding the room. "Bridget, my dear,"she said, smoothing my gown, “remember, appearances matter. You are the princess. Today is important. At least look your best.”

I pressed my lips together, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. “Yes, Mother,” I said softly, adjusting my hair.

I hated that I had to to this , but pleasing my mother was a number one priority.

Just then the maid came in, he has arrived your majesty.

The door opened and he stepped in .

he's tall. Hair the color of burnished gold. He moved with a grace that felt effortless, yet calculated. His eyes were green, striking against his perfectly carved features.

" Princess Bridget, " he said bowing slightly. I am lord Maldric it's an honor to finally meet you.

He stepped closer, letting his gaze linger on me as if he were appraising a rare jewel. “Your reputation precedes you. I have heard tales of your intellect, your grace, and of course, your beauty. But nothing compares to seeing it in person.”

I forced a nod. “I’m glad you think so.”

Here, I said leading him to a garden where the maids already prepared some light snack's on the table.

And then he began ....oh, how he began. A flood of words about his achievements, his victories, stubborn kingdoms he had conqured, his cleverness, his… everything. He rarely paused, and when he did, it was only to glance at me, waiting for the admiration he assumed I felt.

And then," he said, leaning casually against a chair, “my latest venture in the northern provinces brought me wealth beyond measure. I secured three new alliances just last month. Truly, I am a man destined for greatness. You understand what I mean, of course?"

I clenched my hands at my sides. I had hoped for a conversation, some interest in me, perhaps a question about my life. But every word he spoke was about himself.

I sat down planning my next move on how to exit his presence, what arrogance, I said within me.

I wish to have twelve kids , he said with a grin "his eyes looming all around my body ."

"Twelve.......what?"

“I… I see,” I said carefully, keeping my voice polite. “That is… impressive.”

“Impressive hardly does it justice,” he said, eyes sparkling with pride. “You must see, Princess, that someone like me well, I am the ideal match for a woman of your status. You would do well to recognize the value I bring.”

I could feel my patience snap. I wanted to run, to escape this endless parade of self-admiration. Then an idea came a way out, polite and believable.

“My lord…” I began, lowering my voice to a soft, apologetic tone. “I am terribly sorry, but I must excuse myself. I have… a rather pressing matter.”

He frowned. “A matter? Surely, Princess, you can spare a moment for your husband to be.”

" Husband to be?" someone I can't spend a day with. I nodded, hiding a smirk. “It is most embarrassing, but I have… a running stomach. I should leave before it becomes… uncomfortable.”

Maldric blinked, caught off guard. “I… understand. Of course. Health comes first,” he said awkwardly, stepping back as I gave a curt nod. I swept past him, my heart soaring with relief.

As I hurried down the corridor, I didn’t stop until I reached the quiet of my library. There, surrounded by my books, I let out a long, triumphant sigh. Finally, I was free, free from pomp, pride, and endless boasting. Here, in the company of words and stories, no one demanded my admiration, no one stole my calm, and no one made me endure another second of Maldric’s self-obsession.

After leaving the pompous Lord Maldric behind, I wandered the quiet palace halls, hoping to find a moment of peace. My footsteps echoed softly against the stone floor, and for a moment, I let myself relax. Then I heard voices ahead.

Curious, I tiptoed closer to the slightly open door of the council room. Through the gap, I could see my father sitting at the head of a long table. Two men were seated across from him. Their expressions were serious, and the room smelled of candles and old paper.

"You honor us with your visit, "king Theron said our council is ready to discuss terms.

Aaron as usual leaned back with a playful smile, Roshan gave a respectable nod to the King.

The discussion began terms where offered, objections raised and negotiations went back and forth. Roshan spoke clearly, commanding attention . Aaron at the other hand tested the patience of the councillors.

.....

I was about to leave quietly, but my father’s voice stopped me.

“Bridget,” he called, “come in. I want you to meet our guests.”

My heart skipped a beat. I stepped inside, curtsying lightly. Father gestured toward the men.

“Princess Bridget, these are Beta Roshan and Lord Aaron of silvercrest .”

Roshan nodded at me calmly. His dark eyes were steady and kind, but strong. There was something about him that made him seem very confident without being loud.

Lord Aaron, however, stared at me with sharp gray eyes. I felt my shoulders tighten. His gaze was intense, almost like he was trying to read my thoughts.

I forced a polite smile. “It is nice to meet you, Lord Aaron. And you, Beta Roshan.”

They nodded. I thought about the meeting they had come for an alliance.

" Alliance"

Aaron spoke first, his voice smooth but firm. “Princess, I hope you understand the seriousness of this meeting. The safety of our lands depends on clear minds and strong choices.”

I lifted my chin. “I am not unfamiliar with responsibility,” I said. “I may not lead armies, but I understand the dangers my people face.”

Aaron’s eyebrow lifted. “Understanding and acting are very different things. Do you really know what it means to make choices that affect hundreds?”

“I understand perfectly,” I said, my voice firm. “And I do not need someone to lecture me, Lord Aaron. I am not a child.”

“Forgive me, Princess, but it seems your knowledge is mostly from books. Do you really think reading can prepare you for real decisions?”

I felt anger rise in me. “Books have taught me more than arrogance ever could. Maybe if you stopped talking about yourself for a moment, you might learn something too.”

Aaron’s eyes narrowed. “Bold words. I like courage, but hope you are ready to act when words are not enough.”

I clenched my hands but forced a calm smile. “And I hope you are ready to listen. Sometimes watching and thinking teaches more than talking.”

my father seemed a little amused. Aaron leaned back, silent now, but the tension stayed in the room.

For the rest of the meeting, I could feel it Aaron and I had clashed, and neither of us would forget it soon. I wanted to retreat to my books, but I also felt… curious. Perhaps this alliance, and these men, were going to change more than I thought.

...

I finally returned to my chambers, closing the heavy door behind me with a soft click. The room was quiet, lit only by the flickering glow of a single candle. I sank onto the edge of my bed, my mind still buzzing from the meeting earlier.

I tried to focus on something else my books, my papers, anything but a thought kept creeping in. "Aaron" His piercing gray eyes. His sharp tone. The way he had looked at me as if I were both a puzzle and a challenge.

I hated that I was thinking about him. Truly hated it. Yet the more I tried to push it away, the stronger it came, twisting in my chest like a strange, uncomfortable knot.

I stood and began pacing. Back and forth across the polished floor, I muttered to myself. “It’s ridiculous. I do not like him. He’s arrogant, rude… impossible.”