Royal: PROLOGUE

Instructions

“CITIZENS OF ALBANNAK… and esteemed guests,” King Fortitude said. A hush fell across the stadium. I squirmed in my seat. Something bad was about to be announced. Edward had called me to his kingdom, telling me that something was to be announced. “My son has something to say.” Edward stepped onto the stage. “This war has been going on for a few weeks. I’m going to be going to the opposing country to gain advantageous information. I—” “No! You’re not going!” I shouted, rising. Why didn’t he tell me? Eddie didn’t hear me. “You can’t go!” I repeated, louder. “What?” he replied, looking as though he were straining to hear me. I stepped down from the royal box and made my way through the crowd onto the stage. “You can’t go, Eddie. I’m not going to let you go.” “I’m sorry, buttercup. I wish I could stay, but my country needs me,” Eddie replied. “So do I!” I stepped down from the royal box. “My uncle is at blame for this. If he hadn’t asked for the treaty with your kingdom, none of this would have happened!” I burst into tears. “B— but… I need you.” “I need you too. Which is why I have to do this. I’m not just going to stand around while some other prince marries you. Nothing is going to happen to me.” “How can you be sure?” “I don’t know, buttercup. I’m hoping it won’t last the entire war. Will you at least come to the party?” Any ‘party’ saying goodbye to Edward wasn’t a good party. I sighed, glancing at the crowd. “I guess.” “Good,” he said, stepping toward me. “I’ll miss you,” I whispered, breathing in the scent of him. “I’ll miss you too,” he breathed into my hair. “I don’t want you to go.” I placed my hands on his face. He shook me off. “I don’t want to break your heart any more when I have to leave,” he explained. But he won’t. Just start it already. I thought. Edward spun on his heel and started to go. “Edward?” He turned back to me, a longing look in his eyes as he mouthed, “I’m sorry.” I sank to my knees, my face in my hands as I covered tears. “Welcome back, your highness,” my butler said as I entered my room. “Thank you, Tristan.” Before he could reply, another servant came through the doorway. “The king would like you in the council room.” I just got home! Can’t I have a moment of peace? I nodded, turning to walk down the stairs. “What do you need me for, Father?” I asked as I entered the large room. “The council is at an impasse, you are the breaker.” “For what? Give me your options.” “In the war, should we choose to fight with our allies in Albannak or Kemar?” Why is he asking me? This question is easy. “Albannak, without a doubt.” Father nodded. “Thank you, you may go now.” I felt my heart sink. “Why did you agree to the treaty anyway? You know I love Edward.” “It was an idiotic mistake.” “That you’re afraid to fix?” Father didn’t answer. I threw my hands in the air. Of course, he was. I stormed out of the room.