Book To Read
50
CHAPTER FIFTY
Alice’s POV
A year had passed since my uncle’s defeat and my coronation as the queen of the lost kingdom. It was a long and difficult road, but I finally found peace and stability for my people. I thought of Edward often, wondering how he was faring in the neighboring kingdom.
As the Queen of the Kingdom of Ull, I have been working tirelessly to make sure my people are prosperous and happy. I take my duties seriously, and I’m always looking for ways to improve their lives.
I’ve made sure that everyone has access to clean water, food, and healthcare. The economy of the kingdom has improved, and businesses are flourishing. My people are proud to call Ull their home, and I’m proud to lead them.
I live in a beautiful castle, located at the heart of the kingdom. It’s a grand building with tall towers and spacious rooms. The castle has been passed down from generation to generation, and I feel honored to continue the legacy.
The castle is not only my home, but it’s also a symbol of the power and stability of the Kingdom of Ull. The walls are made of stone, and the towers are adorned with beautiful stained-glass windows that let in the warm sunshine.
The castle has a large courtyard, which is perfect for hosting events and celebrations. Inside, the rooms are spacious and elegant, with high ceilings, beautiful chandeliers, and intricate carvings.
My personal quarters are cozy and comfortable, a perfect place to relax after a long day of governing the kingdom. The castle is not just a home to me, it’s a symbol of the rich history and the future of the Kingdom of Ull
As a newly crowned queen, my focus was on helping my people and rebuilding the kingdom after my uncle’s reign. But despite all my efforts, my thoughts often strayed to Prince Edward. I wondered if he ever thought of me and if he felt the same way I did. It hurt that he never came to look for me, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was just a distant memory to him.
My advisors and the seven leaders of my council were constantly reminding me of my duty as a queen to marry. They said I was of age and needed a man by my side to lead the kingdom. They said that a ceremony would soon be held and noble men from all over the country would come to ask for my hand in marriage.
I was in my chambers, lost in thought, when my advisor, Marcus, came in. “Your Highness,” he said, bowing respectfully. “We need to discuss the upcoming marriage ceremony.”
I sighed. “I know, Marcus. It’s just… I’m not ready for that kind of commitment yet. And I can’t help but feel that there’s someone else out there for me.”
Marcus looked at me sympathetically. “I understand, Your Highness. But you must remember that as the queen, your personal feelings must take a backseat to the needs of the kingdom. A strong alliance through marriage can only strengthen our position and secure the future of the kingdom.”
I knew he was right, but it still felt like a heavy weight on my chest. “I understand,” I said, trying to keep the sadness out of my voice. “But can we at least wait until after the ceremony to make a decision? I need time to consider all my options and what’s best for the kingdom.”
Marcus nodded. “Of course, Your Highness. Take all the time you need.”
The next few days were filled with preparations for the ceremony. Noblemen from all over the country arrived, each one more impressive than the last. But despite their wealth, titles, and impressive bloodlines, none of them sparked any kind of interest in me.
The day of the ceremony arrived, and I sat on my throne, trying to keep a neutral expression as each suitor came forward to present their proposal. But as the last suitor took his leave, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. None of them felt like the right fit for me or for the kingdom.
That night, I sat alone in my chambers, thinking about all the pressure to marry and how it felt like a weight on my chest. I wished more than anything that I could talk to someone about it, but as the queen, I couldn’t show any weakness.
Just then, there was a knock on my door. I walked over and opened it, surprised to see Marcus standing on the other side. “Your Highness,” he said. “I’m sorry to bother you so late, but I have something important to discuss with you.”
“Of course, Marcus,” I said, stepping aside to let him in. “What is it?”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
“I’ve received word that Prince Edward is on his way to the kingdom,” he said, his tone serious.
My heart skipped a beat. “What?” I asked, shocked. “Why is he coming here?”
“We’re not sure, Your Highness,” Marcus said. “But some are speculating that he may be here to ask for your hand in marriage.”
I felt a flutter of excitement in my chest at the thought, but I pushed it down. “But why would he come now, after all this time?”
“I have no idea, Your Highness. He may not know who you are after all the name of the kingdom had been changed and it was not like before. And we have also expanded our boundaries which now makes us closer to them.” He said. I nodded my head to tell him that I was listening but my heart was beating fast.
I only have asked them to be on the lookout for that kingdom because the King might want to fight with us again like he helped my uncle to do once. I dismissed him and went to bed early.
I woke up the next day with bags under my eyes. Even though I slept, my worries remain. As my maids got done with their preparation of me for the day, Marcus enters again
“Your Highness. Pardon my intrusion.” He said
“Come in Marcus.” I permitted him. I laughed because I could remember the training that Lily drilled into me before I could be this regal.
“My Queen, we have gotten a report that Prince Edward was just passing by and he had no intention of coming into the Kingdom of Ull whatsoever.” He reported.
“Haaa….” I reacted then I smiled sadly to myself of course I thought too much into it. “You are excused Marcus.” I said sending him out, as soon as he was out of sight a tear slipped down my face. I saw my ladies in waiting looking at me wondering what was wrong.