Chapter Sixteen
Serafina
He definitely was not what I was expecting. Even as we made our way back to the double doors, he seemed to return to his stoic self from earlier. Although more relaxed, I couldn’t help but feel that he did not have a positive opinion of me.
Standing at the entrance, seemingly waiting for us, was our parents. All three of them. My father stood frowning at Marek’s tender gaze towards Regina. It took Elek clearing his throat for them to notice us. I allowed him to take the lead, as I would need to be able to do damage control later.
“I would like to begin negotiations as soon as possible. We would like to be married.” He said, squaring his shoulders as he stood in front of them.
My father’s jaw dropped as Marek’s violet eyes lit up with excitement. Regina gave me a hard stare, as if asking me if it was true. I avoided eye contact, not wanting to be given a reason to back out. Marek’s hands boomed as they clasped together in delight.
“That’s wonderful to hear.” Then he clapped my father on the shoulder. “Let’s start talking while we eat.”
He didn’t give anyone time to respond before he led the way to the Dining Hall.
Dinner began quietly with Dea and Marek sitting side by side, both appearing quite accomplished. Dea even managed to call together all members of the Grand Council for dinner. My father sat in his seat visibly fuming over the unexpected guests and my brother would cast frequent disappointed gazes in my direction.
When the soup came forward, Marek took the opportunity to address the table.
“I’m going to cut to the chase. The happiness of my children is my happiness. As such, I’m willing to forgo a dowry for Princess Serafina and I will provide my own daughter with ten million gold. And in a show of good faith for my desire to strengthen the bond between our nations, I am also willing to commission three battleships and three merchant ships, along with gifting Regnum the Fort Aquila that resides on the island between our nations.”
Even the expression on Elek’s face from down the table told me it was an unheard of offer. There was clearly more to why Marek wanted me to marry his son, but I was willing to overlook it - for now. My father, however, had other plans as his glass clanked hard on the table.
“I haven’t even agreed to anything yet. There are still other proposals to review, such as Anton Brent or Oberron’s son.” He said stiffly.
“With respect, Your Majesty, the Duke of Maris has nothing to offer. He has a wonderful handle on the finances, probably thanks to his upbringing, but we would never approve of him if an offer like this is on the table. However, we would be open to hearing what King Oberron has to offer.” Gunther announced from Zander’s other side.
The others of the council nodded in agreement and I felt my stomach flip. I knew there would be resistance from my father and brother, but the Grand Council was open for a bidding war.
“With respect, Councilman, Anton is an asset to our nation and would be an appropriate match for my sister.” Zander said.
Soon I caught him wince in pain as the side of my foot met the side of his shin. I was not going to allow him to start this up again.
“Be that as it may,” Gunther continued, seemingly ignoring my brother’s pained expression, “if King Oberron’s offer is less than King Marek’s then we will happily accept it.”
A light cough came from my grandmother, who pulled out a folded piece of paper.
“You’ll be happy to know that Oberron has sent an offer and that I have it here.”
“Mother, you are not to rummage through my office.” My father seethed.
“It was hardly rummaging when it was just laying on top of your desk.” Dea said casually and then held up the paper. “He offers a new trade agreement, instead of a dowry they offer three million gold, and exclusive rights to a grove for red timber.”
“While impressive, I think they fell short.” Mira commented, bringing her glass up to her lips.
The walls of the room seemed to tighten around us. This could be it. Father has to agree. I looked over at him to see his jaw painfully clenched.
“It’s a lot to think about. We shouldn’t be rash and decide it all tonight.” He announced, and then looked at me. “Would you even be alright with this? You haven’t said a word this whole time.”
“I would like to do what’s best for Regnum.” I replied with caution.
“At least you have some intelligence, girl.” Dea snipped, but I tried to ignore her.
“Honestly, I don’t mind as much as I thought I would. And it is quite the offer.” I said to my father.
“I don’t want it to be something for you to worry about. I feel like you are taking this too lightly.”
“Far too lightly.” Zander intercepted, but I didn’t acknowledge him.
“I’m not, Father. To be honest, I’ve been thinking about it for some time. At least since you added me to the line. It would be negligent to our country if I didn’t do my part.”
“Old friend,” Marek began, as my father cast him a look of displeasure, “your daughter could not be put in more protective hands than with my son. In Demarcus she will be respected, cared for, and above all, she will be safe. After this last incident; what does that make this? Eight times? I would think that you would want to consider new measures for her well-being.”
It was a low blow, to strike my father’s capability of being a parent as well as keeping his own staff in check. All of the Grand Council members seemed to agree as they began to nod and murmur among themselves.
Gunther cleared his throat to call attention.
“Your Majesty, if Princess Serafina is compliant in this matter then I don’t see any issue with moving forward. Even you must admit that this is a fine offer and the only ones with hesitation are you and Prince Zander.”
A sense of burning ran along the side of my face. I turned to see Elek next to his father, staring at me intently. Although he seemed to have many thoughts on the matter, by the conflict in his eyes, he voiced none of them. He just continued to look at me as if I would suddenly take back my acceptance. Well, that was too bad for him. He was my chance at something new, even without the Chain of Fate.
“Let’s discuss this more tomorrow. We can have lunch. This will give us all time to think it over and come to the table tomorrow with clear heads.” My father suggested.
Whether out of respect for his rank or pity for his conflicted thoughts over me, everyone agreed to his request.
When I returned to my room later that night, I followed Leena towards her room. She turned to face me, her face blank.
“Yes, Serafina?” She sounded so cold.
“I didn’t know if you wanted to continue with my lessons tonight.” I inquired, hoping to bridge the gap that had come between us.
“No. I’ve done all that I can for you. Now you have to take those basics and expand them on your own.” She answered, continuing with her icy demeanor.
“Then will you at least stop being so angry at me?” There was a pleading in my tone, but I didn’t care. I just wanted her to not look at me like I was a disappointment to her anymore.
Her shoulders dropped as her gaze softened slightly.
“I’m frustrated, Serafina. But I’m not going to just stop loving you because I don’t agree with your choices in life. That’s not how our family works. Now, get some sleep. Anton is coming tomorrow and your brother has planned a day out.”
A burden was lifted from my shoulders. I could live with her being upset at me if I knew it was just temporary and that she loved me regardless.
That night I became plagued with the sense of drowning. Water continued to push down on my chest until my back scraped against the seafloor. Breathe, I told myself. Why would I attempt to breathe when water was still pushing down on me?
