Chapter 9 Thirteen years later

NOTICE

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Encouraging and criticing comments are welcome.

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"Hurry up you slugs....the ceremony is about to commence and nothing is in place yet!!! Do you not want your heads?!!!" An elderly woman with an upturned nose and short hair with a round frame roared all-over the place. The little ladies, practically maids who had not had a wink of sleep last night, blessed with eyebags and sore bodies because of the unending ceremony preparations having worked endlessly scurried away in fear at her roar and got themselves down to business. Though they were dead tired, they didn't have the luxury to request for a rest as they were slaves, lowlifes living to serve their masters unconditionally.

The halls were decorated with royal blue silk curtains with a creamy outline, fresh and newly bloomed flowers adorned the majestic halls and soldiers stood still not daring to even breath or look away from their posts. Well renowned individuals were to attend and their safety was a top priority as it may affect the image of the kingdom incase anything went wrong, so they dared not sluck off.

In the royal kitchen, the maids were metiliciously organising grand meals on golden trays moving them to the ceremonial hall carefully and the chefs put in their utmost skills to ensure the best meal of all times.

Maids rushed to and fro like busy ants transferring reorganising and rechecking everything as the long awaited hour of the day was close. People of the higher class, royals, dukes, highly respected individuals came from far and wide to attent the extravagant cornation of the crown prince of Hayals kingdom Prince Adrian.

Outside the palace walls, a bright yellow morning sun shone upon the lands birds chripping happily welcoming the Slaz festive season of the Hayals kingdom which had arrived and this was the most auspicious time for the kingdom to gain in trade dealings while having various visitors from all around. Colorful decor hung on the sidewaysgiving the perfect ambience of festivity, merchants called onto buyers to their stalls, entertainers didn't miss out on their performances garnering happy crowds around them. Extravagant carriages along with a few of their soldiers and maids having a soldier of Hayals leading the way brought in nobles delegations through the capital heading for the palace. The kids were humpty dumpty all around as they played.

"Do I really have to have myself dolled up this much? Am only going to attend for a few minutes and I'll be out!" An irritated voice rang out from the dressing room.

Inside the room, an old man dressed in eunch attire made of royal blue and gold stood respectfully as he watched his whinning master get prepared for the cornation. "There among the guests, you shall manage to seek out your future queen, your Highness!" He replied to the youngman with blonde hair and light grey irises who stood before a roof to floor mirror as he was being helped to dress up.

"Huh," he scoffed irritably rolling his eyes, this made the Oldman smile. "And what makes you think I'll chose someone from outside our lands? I already made my choice and there's nothing you can do about it." he spoke with a shrug. The Oldman only shook his head at the Prince's thich skull. This had been a topic of discussion ever since he turned 15 years of age but the king and Queen had also failed to convence him! The king almost went crazy talking to his son who nonchantly ignored him.....well he was the only son to the king with alot of sisters who unfortunately couldn't take over the throne but rather be sent off to distant kingdoms for marriage alliances to strengthen their stand in the continent.

"May I come in?" they heard a sweet melodious voice that drew the youngman's attention to his door making him shiver uncontrollably with joy. If his eunch had not held him down, he'd have rushed to open the door himself which was unroyal like.

The head maid a lady in her mid thirties went to the door suppressing a helpless sigh and opened it allowing in a small frame of a blooming lady to make her way through the entrance with her eyes cast down. She greeted them and walked to deliver the set of clothes that had been covered by a golden cloth handing them to the other maids.

Trying hard not to drool, Prince Adrian's eyes shone with a glow that could put the galaxy to shame. 'There stands my queen!' the youngman grinned at his crazy thoughts as his gaze innocently scanned his fantasy. She was so beautiful.....heaven defyingly beautiful. He had gone through lengths to have her attend to him as he planned on confessing his love to her.

"Ariel," he called out to her softly, he was careful as though afraid that if he raised his voice any higher, she'd shatter into pieces. The purplish eyes adorned on a flawless white skin left the ground and rose to the youngman causing him to take a sharp inhale of breathe holding it for dear life's sake.

So Beautiful!!!!!! he rasped. The way her eyes glittered and her lashes fluttered, her sharp small nose and tiny rose petal lips pursed into a thin line left the prince on a brink of having a heart shutdown.

Looking for a mere second, she bowed again and when she didn't hear him say a word after calling out for her, she made her way to the door only to be stopped again. "Ariel, you stay, everybody else out!" He commanded, he had to be with her!!

Freezing in her tracks, Ariel watched as the other helpers made their way out in haste and she felt cold sweat drip down her spine. Prince Adrian strolled to where she was and stood behind her, feeling his presence, she gulped down a lump in her throat and dared not to raise her head.

Noticing her discomfort, he took steps back to help her relax, he he laughed innocently. "Haha, why are you so stiff Ariel?" this had been her behaviour whenever she was around him, she was always stiff!! " Am not going to bite! Come join me for a cup of tea." He said as he urshered her to the tea table next to the balcony.

Remains frozen in place, she spoke in a meek voice. "Am sorry your Highness but I can't."

Feeling sour from within, he asked with a slightly stern voice."And why's that?" He knew she'd never sit with him, while the maidens of the kingdom threw themselves at him, he chased after what kept running away instead. He had tried not to get frustrated and angry at this chase but it seemed like he had reached his limits. For thirteen years, he has been hot on her heels but she never gave up her run from him.

"I have a few issues to handle..." she spoke.

"It's an order from me!" he roared at her that she shook in fear. "Now come and join me."

Not needing to be told twice, Ariel walked back to where he was and watched him sit down on his chair. She served him his tea only to stand again being stifff.

"What are you doing?" He asked when he noticed she had not sat down. "Sit down with me Ariel, am sure you don't want to make me angry.He spoke mellowing down his tune as she looked like she'd almost flee the room. "Please!" he begged. Unfortunately, he couldn't kneel before her because he would have done so if it meant making her stay with him.

Ignoring all what had been said by him, her thoughts tan down the memory lane.

Lots of love from litto-ways ❤️❤️❤️❤️