Prince Ivar's Game

Alissa came back with a big frown on her face. She looked like she was slapped by a ghost. Speaking about ghosts, it seemed they existed in this palace. Although it's was big and beautiful, the palace still lack something. I couldn't picture what it's was but the people here were not really happy. Every one looked like they were going to die soon. I wondered how my dear husband might look?

Alissa passed over and whispered to the queen whose face clouded with confusion. (Ever since we arrived, she carried that same expression.)

Again, she stood up and left me there. People came around to congratulate me. In the midst of those happy ones, were the sad faces telling me welcome to hell, Princess. The young princesses who came gave me a look that stirred jealously. They said congratulations to you, prince Ivar’s bride. On the other hand, I knew they were wishing me quick death, so that they could take my place.

I wished they were bold enough to tell this to the prince, this would have helped me too. He would have freed me of my Marital duties at least.

“Alissa, come here” I called her in a low tone. She was standing at the back of the Empress' throne.

“Yes my lady” She came forward and bowed to me. I urged her to draw nearer.

“What happened?” I asked , looking out for the empress, who might come back anytime soon.

“Nothing, princess Rania” Alissa looked down. I knew at once she was hiding it from me.

“You shouldn't be afraid of me” I assured. “Tell me what Happened?”

She looked behind her before bringing her lips to my ears "Prince Alaric had a fight with his brother. He refused to honor the reception with his presence. Which is not good.”

“How?”

“He gave his consent to this marriage. As the next king in line, he is supposed to be at his father's side no matter what.”

“Oh I see...” It was matters of the throne. The game of thrones were bloody scenes in the royal family. Every one fights for the crown including the women. But only one person gets to wear it. Parents kill their children and siblings kill each other to get there.  What a waste of blood. "Thank you, Alissa."

I sank back to my seat as she went back to her space. Few minutes later, the Empress came back and Prince Alaric was with her. He looked sad and avoided me the whole time. This was unbearable for me. I went to meet him, where he stood alone.

“My prince” I curtsied, holding my dress in the other hand. “How are you doing?”

He sighed before giving an answer "The same way you feel , my princess. I wanted to make my intention known to your parents before my father chose you for Ivar. I am sorry that you faced such embarrassment from my people. My apologies.”

“Don't say that , your highness. This is fate and we are both victims. If you can talk to your brother... Then he may let me go” I tried to get in to his head. This was the only way out. 

“Do you think I didn't try ? My parents ignored me. Speaking of Ivar, we never spoke about this” Prince Alaric said, with his hands crossed in front of his chest. They were beautiful. I mean the chest. Those muscular arms could be clearly seen even though he wore a garment on.

“You should try him” I encouraged him. Why will he refuse? They were siblings and siblings helped in each other in need.

The Emperor stood up and announced that the party was over. The guests were unhappy and they murmured. The prince wasted their time  , in the end he did not show up.

May be Ivar was missing. That will be the best thing that have ever happened in my life. The Empress ordered the maids to take me to prince Ivar's room. I did not hesitate because he wasn't around. Joy fully and happily, I climbed the stairs of the harem and I went in to his room. 

Wow! I had a room all to my self!

When I entered the room , the maids bid me goodnight and left. I wanted Alissa to stay but she told me that the Empress gave her orders to take me to the room and go back downstairs. What a woman! She handed me a candle light and left.

I pulled my dress and I loosed my long dark hair. The herbs Alissa applied was still scenting. I took the edges of the hair to my nose and took a long breath.

I glared in to the mirror and noticed there was a figure on the bed. Quickly I stood up and took the only candle in the room but it's went off.

I began to panic when it's stood up from the bed. This was scary. Only then did I remember that I was not the owner of the room. Maybe he was the one or his ghost friend....

**

After feeding Prince Ivar rushed back to his room. The candle lights were on and female perfume filled the air. There was no need for a town courier to announce that his bride has arrived. The first thing she did was to change the way things were in his room.

He never left a candle on, no matter what. The mirror table already had local lipsticks and powders on it. There were bangles and jewelries too. Who told her that they were going to share the same room in the first place?

He never gave his consent to this marriage. Having a wife was the last thing on his mind. The emperor told him that she was sold to pay off some old debt. Which was okay . She was his property.

Prince Ivar put off the lights and went to his bed to rest. The reception was going on downstairs but it's was not business. He did not tell them to organize such parties for him.

The door of the room opened. A girl spoke to Alissa and went out of the room. She had a candle in her hand. 

The strong female scent came back to him and Ivar recognized  her as princess Rania, his debtor. He did not make any sign for her to know that there was someone in the room. .

She went to the mirror and loosed her long dark. Yes, it's was beautiful but that did not change the fact that he was not going to share his room with any body.

Princess Rania stood up from the seat and turned towards the bed with fear. He blew air to her and the candle went off. 

The fear he smelled, made him happy. This was the very game , he was waiting for.

“Prince Ivar? Are you there??”  She took a step backwards and stammered “I-I know Y..you are in here.”

Really did she?