Chapter 2: Duty

"Vanessa, dear, please have a seat," Queen Evelyn's gentle voice broke through the silence. Vanessa turned to see her parents entering the room, their expressions serious yet it seems their minds were made up already.

Vanessa Richardson stood by the grand window of the drawing room in the Palace, her gaze fixed on the gardens below. The sight was serene, but her heart pounded with anxiety as she waited for her parents, King Harry and Queen Evelyn, to join her.

Taking a deep breath, Vanessa moved to sit on the sofa opposite her parents. King Harry settled beside her mother, his usually jovial expression now followed with gravity, one could sense the king's aura even from afar.

"Vanessa, my darling," King Harry began, his voice carrying the weight of responsibility that came with centuries of royal lineage, "as you know, our family is facing unprecedented financial crises."

Vanessa nodded silently, her eyes not focusing on anything but wanders between her father's stern expression and her mother's worried face. The gossips among the palace staff had hinted at their recent crises, but hearing it confirmed made her stomach twist with unease.

"We've explored every avenue to secure the future of our kingdom," Queen Charlotte continued, her voice steady despite the underlying tension. "But the reality in here. Our finances are nothing to write home about."

"And so," King Harry interjected, his tone grave, "we have come to a decision that will ensure the survival of our legacy."

Vanessa's pulse quickened. She had heard whispers among the palace staff of potential union, of strategic marriages meant to boost their pockets. But never had she imagined she would be at the centre of such a transaction.

"You are to be married, Vanessa," Queen Evelyn said softly, her voice trembling. "To Edward Clark."

She have have seen his face in one of the papers, she definitely know who Edward Clark is, very famous and wealthy and devilishly handsome, which made women to always throw themselves at him.

Because of these things, it made him very arrogant, proud  and think less of other people 

"Why Edward Clark?" Vanessa blurted out, unable to contain her temper. "Why him?"

These reasons made Vanessa heart to palpitate, also given the reasons that Vanessa loved her people very much, she would do anything for them, even making sacrifices.

"Edward's father, Richard Clark, has expressed a keen interest in investing in our assets," King Harry explained. "In exchange, he has requested a marriage alliance with you, Vanessa."

"And if I refuse?" Vanessa asked, her voice barely above a whisper, “because this seems like I am being used as collateral damage” Vanessa added.

"There is no refusal, Vanessa," Queen Evelyn replied gently. "This is about more than just you. It's about the future of our kingdom, our people."

Vanessa looked at her parents, their faces full with determination. She knew they were right, this is for the good of her people . But the thought of marrying a man she did not know, filled her with a sense of misery.

"When... when is this to happen?" Vanessa asked quietly, her voice barely steady.

"Edward will arrive in London next week," King Harry said regretfully. "The wedding will follow soon after, am very sorry my dear if this arrangement doesn't favour you"

“We're on a very tight spot”, the king added 

Vanessa nodded numbly, her mind filled with different emotions.

"Take some time, Vanessa. We will discuss the details later." 

As her parents left the the room,Vanessa remain seated as she buried her face in her palms, her heart aches but they was nothing she could do about it

Edward Clark. The name kept ringing in her head as she went to bed that day.

It was a new week and the Clark's family had arrived at the palace to finalise their arrangements.

As the two families gathered in the opulent drawing room of the Richardson's palace Vanessa sat beside her parents, her hands folded in her lap, her gaze turning towards Edward Clark from time to time, who stood tall and composed next to his father, Damian Clark.

"Thank you for hosting us in your palace, King Harry, Queen Evelyn, Vanessa," Damian Clark began, his voice smooth yet carrying a tone of authority. "I believe we are all here with a shared understanding of the purpose of this meeting."

King Harry nodded solemnly. "Indeed, Richard. We appreciate your willingness to discuss this matter openly."

Vanessa bit her lip, stealing a glance at Edward. His facial expressions gave no clues, his eyes from time to time meeting hers before flickering away. She knew little about him beyond his public personality: wealthy, influential, and undeniably arrogant.

Damian Clark continued, addressing both families with a calm voice. "As you are aware, our proposal is based on mutual benefit. The Clark family is prepared to make significant investments in Richardson Kingdom's assets, provided the union between Edward and Vanessa solidifies our partnership."

Feeling something of unease in her stomach . This is not just a marriage; it is a strategy to align with the save her kingdom from financial ruin. She looked at her parents, silently begging for another way out of her problems.

"I understand the gravity of this arrangement," King Harry spoke, his voice full with regret. "And we are grateful for the Clark family's support during our time of need."

Damian Clark nodded approvingly. "Rest assured, King Harry, Queen Evelyn, Vanessa. The Clark family values its alliances as much as it values its investments. This union will be beneficial for both parties."

Edward finally spoke, his voice calm yet carrying an edge of defiance. "Father, may I have a moment alone with Vanessa?"

Damian Clark hesitated for a brief moment, then nodded. "Of course, Edward. You can take your time but don't keep us waiting."

Edward gestured towards a private room, and Vanessa followed hesitantly. Once they were alone, he turned to her, his expression serious.

"Vanessa, I understand this situation is not of our choosing," Edward began, his tone surprisingly gentle. "But I want you to know that I am not blind to the weight of responsibility placed upon us."

"I... I don't know you, Edward. And this... this feels like..."

"Like a transaction?" Edward finished for her, "I won't pretend. My family and your family have made a decision based on necessity rather than choice."

They stood there silently 

"I care deeply for my people," she admitted, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "But I had always hoped... for a different path."

“Perhaps they is a way to go around this to favour us both” Edward proposed 

Vanessa raised her brow, intrigued, “and what do you propose?”

"We tell our parents that we've come to an understanding. That we're ready for this marriage to proceed. But between us, we maintain our independence.”

“Are you saying we should deceive our parents?” Vanessa asked.

“Yeah” Edward nodded “this could benefit us both, let's make it work for us it won't define who we are”

Vanessa was reluctant to accept that proposal as she studied his face “what if they find out?”

“We will cross that bridge when we get there,” Edward responded.

Vanessa's mind ran through this risky idea that could save her from her current circumstances, she looked at Edward and saw that this arrogant man can be this vulnerable.

“Alright” Vanessa finally agreed, “let's show them we can do this, Edward nodded with relief “Now let's not keep them waiting for long”.

As they returned to the drawing hall Vanessa took one more glance at Edward with an unreasonable facial expression as their eyes met and a moment of non verbal communication took place in agreement.

"Have you reached an understanding, Edward, Vanessa?" Damian Clark inquired, his voice carrying a note of finality.

Edward glanced at Vanessa briefly before answering. "Yes, Father. We understand our roles in this alliance."

Vanessa swallowed a lump in her throat that she refused to let go for a while now and spoke, her voice steady despite the agony within her heart. "I will fulfil my duty to my kingdom, Father."

Richard Clark nodded approvingly. "Good. Then let us proceed with the preparations for the union. Time is of the essence."

As the families discussed the final details of the upcoming union, Vanessa sensed something was not right. The tension in the room was noticeable, but she couldn't get a  grip of it.

The huge doors to the drawing suddenly room swung opene with a loud bang. A palace guard rushed in as everyone watched eyes, He had a letter in his hand.

"Your Majesties," he said, bowing quickly. "A letter has arrived for Edward. It was delivered by a woman who insisted it be given to him immediately."

Damian was not comfortable. "What is written there?" he inquired.

Edward snatched the letter from the guard, He broke the seal and read it. He went through the letter in silence before speaking. "It's about my past," he said, and stormed out of the drawing room