Attraction?

.

"I hope we never meet again"

"Oh we will and maybe the next time we do, you'll be walking down the aisle...with me"

"Jerk"

.

Orchid took a local carriage back to the palace, it was almost night time when she arrived. She tightly held the bag and walked in

There she saw her step mother along with her sisters

"I got the ribbons" she placed the bag on the couch besides Greta

"Oh that...it's no longer needed. I guess the ribbons were enough" Greta smiled

"Mum, what do you think prince Ciaran and father might be talking about?" Neera's question totally got Orchid's attention

"P-prince Ciaran is here? He's with His Majesty?" Orchid asked

"What? Why do you look so surprised?"

'Oh we will and maybe the next time we do, you'll be walking down the aisle...with me'

"Oh no, could it be?..."

.

"What are you saying, prince Ciaran? Could you be more specific?" King Gabriel asked, staring at the lad who sat across him

"I wish to marry the third princess"

"Hah?" King Gabriel obviously couldn't hide his shock "Prince Ciaran, the third princess is not quite... available "

"Why? Does she have someone else?"

"That's not it"

"Then what's getting in my way?" he questioned

"Prince Ciaran, why the sudden attraction towards the third princess? You met her just few days back"

"Attraction? It's impossible not to like her. Yes, we met only few days ago but I don't think that's a problem. I like your daughter and I wish to make her my wife"

"You see...it's not that easy-"

"Then make it. I can see how hard you're trying to build up Atlank's image, you can do that better by getting acquainted with Regalon"

"I'll set up a date for-"

"Tomorrow"

"Pardon?"

"I want to get married to the princess tomorrow" King Gabriel awkwardly laughed at his statement

"That's impossible. Tomorrow is the wedding of the first princess"

"Move it to a different timing. My wedding should come first" Ciaran spoke in a matter of fact tone

"Prince Ciaran, you only showed up today to tell me the interest you have in the third princess, the wedding can't hold tomorrow"

"Then move the first princess's wedding to the day after"

"Prince Ciaran-"

"Regalon is the first ranking kingdoms out of the four. And Seaton is just the second-"

"I can't, Prince Ciaran. The first princess's wedding cannot be moved"

"Ah. Don't offend me, King Gabriel. I came here nicely asking for your daughter's hand" King Gabriel paused and then nodded

"Fine, let's say I do agree and the wedding takes place tomorrow. What about Orchid? She would never agree to this"

"You...just do the work on the wedding and I'll deal with my bride" Ciaran said and stood up

"This is going too fast. We're going to have two weddings on the same day. Others might think we're so desperate to get power"

"Aren't you?"

"Give me some time to discuss it with my family"

"You can do that today. I'll get going, Your Majesty" Ciaran left the room

.

"That bastard. Who does he think he is?" Gabriel yelled, angrily slamming his hand on his desk

"Father, calm down. What did the prince ask for?"

"The prince wants to get married to Orchid. Tomorrow" Gabriel answered through gritted teeth

"Tomorrow? Brenda's wedding's tomorrow"

"We'll have to move it to the day after or a different time. Orchid must get married to the prince tomorrow"

"Dad, we all know her. She'll never allow to this" Neera scoffed

"Don't worry, dear. I'm sure she'll agree, she can't be that selfish" Greta said with a smile "We'll be having some peace in this palace now that she's leaving. Neera dear, relay the news to your sister"

"Yes mum"

.

Orchid paced worriedly in her room, her mind occupied with the thought of the conversation that had transpired between the prince and her father

She turned around with a frown and a light gasp left her lips when she saw him standing before her