An Unexpected Gesture

**

"Did you have a good night rest?" The king asked. He barely touched his food. I began to wonder why they set such a grand breakfast for someone who would not eat half a plate.

I was on my second plate of food. His question brought me back to present. I could not understand immediately because of the amount of food stuck in my mouth. A smile appeared on his face and he relaxed to his seat and watched me.

A cold shiver ran down my spine when our eyes met. I lowered mine to continue chewing. The food was too delicious and I haven't eaten a good meal in days. This was like a dream come true for me even though I was beginning to mess things up. Alistair might get angry soon.

"You should be careful," He chuckled, handing me his cup to drink from.

Did he not know that it was his cup? We were not related and it would be foolish of me to drink from same cup. I wanted to say no but was afraid for my throat. The cup which was meant for me was not closed by.

I looked across the room and found seven male servants standing like statues. I saw Roland as well. He stole glances at me from time to time. Was he feeling pain? Did he ever felt something for me?

I took the cup from the king and drank from it. The cold water cooled the hotness in my throat. It was a relief.

After that, I drank wine only. My stomach was full and there was no way I could take another bite. The king sat there watching me. He was smiling sheepishly and it got me worried. What has he planned this time?

"You wanted to see me," He broke the silence again. His raven black hair was beautifully groomed and tied into a knot. It was shiny and I wondered if it still smells of the spicy perfume, he wore yesterday.

My eyes traveled to his face. His eyebrows were thick and carved into an arc-shaped. His eyelashes were long and shaped. Whenever he closed his eyes, they pressed against his impressive cheekbones.

I sat upright with my shoulders straight and answered with confidence, not letting his charm get the best of me "Yes, your highness. I came so that we can talk about the marriage."

"The marriage?" Alistair placed his hand on his forehead. I guessed he was tired of it already. But what shall I do? Everything was happening for a reason. It might be for the betterment of my people.

I nodded and he continued "Do you want to marry me?"

Oh why did you care all of sudden? I found not inner self screaming. A few hours ago, he shouted and said I was not his type. Why was he changing his mind today?

"Not really, your high…" I started before he interrupted me.

"Alistair…you can call me Alistair, drop the formality, Arabella of Thule," He told me.

I faked a smile and continued "it doesn't matter what I want right now. You are the king and your command is what I will do."

Okay, I got him on this one. The sudden confusion that clouded his face was thrilling. He stood up from his seat and walked to where I was.

I wondered what he was doing. Alistair was so closed that the hair on my skin stood. I was having goosebumps.

With one of his knees bent, He brought out a box from his pocket and opened it.

Her heart skipped for a moment. It was a diamond ring fit for a queen. Wait, was he proposing? I sat still not allowing his behavior to affect me.

I looked at the servants standing at the other side. They were trying their best not to look even though it was tempting. Some of them could no longer stop their eyes and they stared at us from time to time.

I could not see Roland's face nor read his expression. He changed position and was standing closed to the door. There, it was dark.

I returned my gaze to the box. The king was waiting for an answer. It would be bad if I keep him waiting.

"Yes, I will," I managed to say. My throat went dry this minute I needed it.

He seemed excited to fix the ring. It went right in to my middle finger and he kissed it.

Cold chills ran all over my body down. But what was shocking was the reaction my lower body gave. I noticed a rush down…I felt a sudden wetness.

Quickly, I withdrew my hand and said "thank you."

His smile never disappeared. If only he knew what it did to me, he would not continue with it.

"I have a meeting. We shall see in the evening, future wifey," he winked at me as he went to Roland. I could hear his orders. "Announce to the people that I am engaged and the princess is off the market. If there is anyone nursing a plan to marry her then tell him she is mine."

"Y-Yes, your highness," He stuttered.

A few minutes later, I found myself outside the king's quarters. Roland kept his distance this time. He was trying to talk to me for days. But now, he was avoiding me.

"My lady," it's was Liza. She was excited to see me. I wanted to tell her that the king proposed she I did not know how I felt about it. "I heard about it. You are engaged to the king now."

Okay, that was too fast. Roland was the one to spread the news yet he was with me the whole time so how it travel so fast?

"Are you happy about it? Do you really want it?" she asked.

I continued to walk "I have no choice, Liza. If this is the will of God, then, j shall marry the king."

"Your parents will be so proud of you."

"You think so?" I stopped walking.

"I know so. Who won't be proud of a daughter like you? You saved their lives without them knowing."

I nodded. I just want them to be happy and that's all.

When we got to my Chambers, it was locked. Roland had no idea why. A maid passing by told us that the queen mother changed my bedroom. I was on my way to my new room when Roland informed me about the family dinner. I would be introduced to the family.

Family? I thought it was just the king and his mother. Were they other people? If yes, why didn't I see them