Accepting Defeat

The garden was most beautiful at night, under the light of the moon. I sat at my favorite bench, letting my thoughts overwhelm me. I know I’d embarrassed my father, but I’d meant every word. Thinking of anyone but my family ruling over Oceane was not an option. For generations, we’d helped our people prosper and ruled with elegant grace. That’s what I told myself my reasoning was, anyways. The truth was much more selfish.

  For generations, The Royals of Ocean had given birth to men. Those men had always chosen Oceane as their place of residence, never allowing their birthright to go to waste. My mother had been the first woman to be first born in our bloodline. She was an only child. For years, her parents feared a prince would take her to his kingdom and Oceane’s fate would fall to another ruler. My father had saved them from their worry. He had gracefully chosen Oceane, because he loved my mother with everything he had. I wanted to live in Oceane, because I wanted to be surrounded by her memory. I wanted to remember her kindness and passion with everything in me. She had died when I was very young. She was the ruler I wanted to be. I doubted that kind of emotion was relevant in Arsenal.

  I heard rustling and I looked up just in time to see Sadeon coming through the bushes. He offered me a smile, but I disregarded him. It was a few moments before he came to sit beside me on the bench. It was a few more moments before he spoke.

  “I knew you’d be here.”

  I scoffed.

  “Kiara, will you please talk to me?”

  “Why? We don’t know each other. Why are you even here?”

  He was silent for a long time and I turned to look at him. He met my eyes and that ripple of excitement ran up my spine again. I loathed myself for how infatuated I was with him. I loathed myself even more when I remembered how many other Princesses he attracted.

  “We were friends once. I know I haven’t been here in a long time, but I thought there might still be a trace of that person I knew back then. I hoped you’d know I’d never force you to do anything you didn’t want to do.”

  “I don’t want to be married.” I said simply. “Are you going to make me do that?”

  He shook his head. “No, but who would you trust more than Arsenal to keep your kingdom safe? With me as King and you as my Queen, we would be able to protect Oceane thoroughly.”

  “We can’t do that if the new Royals don’t want Arsenal within Oceane walls.”

  “Are you that sure your brother will deny his birthright?”

  “Armelle would rather be out at sea than answering to all the grueling expectations of being king. He doesn’t want to be locked away; he wants to be free. That’s why he left the birthright to me in the first place.”

  He thought for a moment. “Armelle is not an abandoner. I’m sure he would take responsibility if he had to.”

  “Why should he have to? If I refuse your proposal, I can rule Oceane alone.”

  “Every kingdom has a king.” He clenched his jaw. “The other kingdoms wouldn’t respect you; they might even think they could overthrow Oceane. What then?”

  “Are you that sure I can’t defend my own kingdom?”

  He laughed. “No, I am definitely not doubting your capabilities. Especially since your outburst at dinner. Nobody talks to my father like that.”

  “That much more of a reason to not trust Arsenal.” I eyed him.

  His smile faded. “Do you not trust me?”

  “What reason have you given me to trust you?”

  He shrugged. “Well, for one, I knew you’d be out in the garden because it’s your favorite place in the palace and I didn’t tell the Kings. They’re looking for you as we speak.”

  I swallowed. “Why wouldn’t you tell them?”

  He shrugged again. “Because I’d miss my chance to get to talk to you alone. In front of my father, I have to talk tactic, but I know that’s not how I’m going to win you over.”

  “Excuse me?” I narrowed my eyes.

  “You said it yourself. You have the right to reject, even if your father gives his blessing. That means I have to win you over, and I plan to do so.”

  “Why in the hell would you want to do that? I just openly rejected you in front of both our fathers.”

  He laughed.. “I think it’s admirable. The other Princesses of the other kingdoms are very compliant. They do as they’re told without question. Arsenal isn’t known for it’s compliancy, as you know. I don’t find that kind of thing attractive.”

  My heart skipped a beat. “The other Royals know their place. I’m defiant.”

  “You’re not defiant, you’re human. You have thoughts and emotions. The difference between you and the other Royals is you actually express them. I don’t want to be with someone who submits to me because it’s their duty.”

  I smiled, for the first time realizing Sadeon hadn’t changed that much since we were kids. “I remember you saying something like that when we were young.”

  He nodded, focusing on the rose bush in front of us. “My father really wanted me to be the first to ask for your hand in marriage, but I thought it might be weird since you and I were childhood friends. He pushed me, only relenting when I told him I was visiting every kingdom before I made a decision. I even visited some of the less known kingdoms. That was until I learned of your rejection list. The other three kingdoms were all very disappointed to be denied the Princess of Oceane. You’re like a golden ticket now. I hear rumors that some of the lesser kingdoms were going to send in requests. Princess Kiara, the woman who does not accept just anyone. That’s when I knew it was time to come.”

  “Because you think you can get the golden ticket?” I crossed my arms jokingly.

  He laughed. “I like a challenge.”

  He met my gaze, his eyes glinting with confidence. My heart began to race, and I was suddenly very aware we were alone. A cool breeze rustled the bushes around us and I shivered, but I wasn’t positive it was from the cold. He was so sure of himself, he almost made me believe for a second. Then I thought of my mother and the chance of Oceane falling to someone else and I turned away from him.

  “I don’t want to go to Arsenal.” I spoke quietly.

  There was a long silence that followed in which neither of us dared to move until he finally spoke. “What if we stayed in Oceane? Would you consider then?”

  I met his eyes again. “You would do that?”

  He nodded, but his expression was full of uncertainty. “I’d consider it. It would be a change from my home, but for you, I might just make an exception.”

  I laughed. “That’s a huge exception to make for a stranger.”

  “Why do you keep thinking I don’t know you? Don’t forget, I was there for all the classic moments.”

  I smiled and shook my head. “Like what?”

  “Like when you scared the life out of Lyla with those firecrackers. Or when you shredded all of your father’s robes. I know exactly what you are Kiara; you’re trouble.” He smirked.

  I raised an eyebrow. “And you want to be married to me?”

  His hand rested on mine tentatively. “It would be an honor to be married to my childhood best friend.”

  I couldn’t ignore the electricity that shot through me at his touch. For better or for worse, I was drawn to him. The memories of us hiding out together in the garden while our fathers talked business in the palace came flooding back to me. It took everything in me to withdraw my hand from his and let it rest in my lap. I was still unclaimed and I wasn’t about to let him know he’d won.

  We walked back to the palace in silence. Our fathers were now sitting in the lounge room, a glass of brandy in each of their hands. My father only drank brandy when he had guests. My mother used to say he secretly hated the taste, but it made him look more assertive when he had it in hand. Sadeon took a seat next to Thaddeus and I took a seat next to my father. Thaddeus rose an eyebrow.

  “Sneaking off like when you were children?”

  To my surprise, Sadeon’s expression gave nothing away. “Kiara just needed some time to herself.”

  “Now that you’ve had a moment, we need to return to the topic of the union.”

  I stiffened at Thaddeus’ brazenness but swallowed my irritation. “Of course.”

  My father cleared his throat. “I’m prepared to accept the Prince’s proposal.”

  Thaddeus gave an unnerving smile. “Wonderful.” He turned his attention to me. “Are you prepared to reject?”

  I raised my chin. “I’m prepared to accept as well.”

  I caught the glint of admiration in Sadeon’s eyes. “And I’ve decided to move to assume Oceane.”

  To my surprise, Thaddeus turned on his son with an expression of rage. “You absolutely will not.”

  “Isn’t that the boy’s decision?” my father narrowed his eyes.

  Thaddeus ignored him. “You are the rightful ruler of Arsenal. Your place is at home, not here. The plan was to find a bride to help you rule over our kingdom, not hers.”

  Sadeon met his father’s gaze. “I’m assuming Oceane.”

  “You will not be making any such decision based off a girl.” Thaddeus stood, pulling his son up with him by his arm, and turned to my father. “We have plenty of worthy women waiting in line to marry the Arsenal Prince. So, if you think your daughter is going to corrupt my son, you have another thing coming.”

  “Are you accusing me of conspiring?” my father rose to his feet.

  Rashid and his two soldiers took a step towards their King, instinctively wanting to protect him. The seriousness of the situation made my heart stutter and before I knew what I was doing, I was in between the two Kings, a hand on each of their chests.

  “Sadeon hasn’t made a decision yet. He was only trying to make me feel better.” I turned to the Prince. “Sadeon, I will accept your proposal. Even if you decide to reside in Arsenal. My brother can assume control of Oceane; I was being selfish before. This union is beneficial for everyone.”

  Sadeon looked like he wanted to say something but instead he lowered his gaze. Thaddeus let go of his son and took a step back with a smile.

  “Alright then, it’s settled. We will come in two weeks’ time with the proper proposal prepared. I shall make preparations for the wedding.” He turned to me. “As an extension of my gratitude, I’ll prepare for the wedding to be in Oceane.”

  I forced a smile. “Thank you, King Thaddeus.”

  They moved towards the door with the intention of leaving, but before Sadeon disappeared, he grabbed my wrist. My father raised an eyebrow at the gesture but made no move towards him.

    Sadeon leaned into whisper. “Before I go, I want you to know I prefer Sade. Sadeon is just the name I use for the public.”

  I was taken back by his sudden need to tell me this but I smiled. He raised the corners of his mouth briefly before turning and following his father out.