Prince Kingstonbath and dress for the court assembly some minutes after rose left his chamber. His face back to his stoic and no nonsense expression. And yet his people love him alot because of his love for duty and care for the citizens.
Whenever he goes out of the palace, sometimes as a prince but most times an undercover, he is always carefree, approachable and friendly with the people, a smile always on his lips not like his cold stare in the palace. Going undercover can be hard for him sometimes because most of the people in the kingdom recognizes him.
Throughout the walk from his room to the royal court, his mind was on Rose. On what he needs to do about her and how he should do it. He wants only her. Just her and no one else. So he decided to follow his heart. My father married my mother out of love not out of duty. See how their life is now. Even when the royal court was against them, -- they had chosen a maiden for him, and of course he rejected. And no matter what they said then, he didn't waiver.
Though he almost lost the throne. When he said he won't take a concubine too after the court concede, allow him to marry mother, and told him to have the choosen lady as a concubine. His stubborn father rejected outrightly. He broke another law, another rule, " l wont take concubines" he had said but see now, he has all he fought for. His love, his throne, peace of mind, a child born out of love not duty and so many more. It wasn't easy for him then though, it was tough! so it's time l fight for mine too. Kingston finalized, his mind and heart determined.
"I know what to do, let's keep rose out of this for now. Away from the tigers. He smiles wickedly and calculatively, let's play the game."
The guard beside him shiver seeing the smile on his face knowing his prince is up to no good. "They are in trouble" his personal guard said softly feeling sorry for those who will fall prey, he is sure the court is in for a tricky game today.
A step into the court room, kingston could already feel the tension!
Though his face gives little to his thoughts. He could already feel that the assembly tension that morning has something to do with him.His steps unwavering as he finally walks to his throne beside his father, a little smaller one to his father's throne. Just a little smaller because it's still massive.
Immediately Kingston took his seat, the court resumed, taking it from where they stopped.
"My prince, you walk in just in time. We are discussing about you taking a wife, the crown princess. It's over due for you as the only prince and next to the throne to have a woman beside you. So, we all unanimously agreed that the crown princess selection should begin this month. And by the coming month, we can do the rites....." one of the minister who represented the others was saying when kingston cuts him off.
He thought he could still buy more time but it looks like they won't allow him no matter what he says. Fine game on! He smirks.
"My father is still alive, why bringing the issue of next to the throne when he is still breathing?! Are you planning treason?" Kingston question authoritatively and intimidatingly. Glaring annoyingly at the speaker.
"No my prince, I wouldn't dare! I am just trying to make you see reason, as the only descendant and heir to the throne." The man look unfazed, his voice calm and steady as if the glare has nothing to do with him. They came prepared. The issue must be finalized today was his only thought as he continued with his eloquent speech.
We all know princess rose is not your blood sister, not from your parents, even if its kept confidential and only a few know about it, most people in the palace know...., the court officials know she is adopted making you the rightful and only heir. We need to continue the bloodline and lineage my prince, my king.-- the speaker bows toward the two royals on the throne.
We can't neglect our duty which is why we all think it's time you take a wife. Stop wasting time, my prince. We sincerely know you are not lacking in your duties as a crown prince but this is a lapse. It also need your attention. It's been so many years now.
Kingston gritted his teeth. His anger simmering in the surface, fury in his eyes but keeps himself in check. "Wasting time?" he asked in calm tone but there is an undercurrent, an edge the minister did not miss.
"Sorry my prince, forgive my mistake." The man said but his eyes clear of any remorse or guilt.
"Uhn, careful so you don't have your head on the pole mistakenly. " kingston warned.
Why are they insatiable! All what they are after are the merits that comes with it. They don't really care about my happiness. Even if they are doing it for the kingdom, am I not doing my duties too?!.. why wont they just let me be...ah....he sighs in frustration. " Fine bring me your daughters and princess from other kingdoms and see how the game you starts end" a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes as he look round the court..... the officials. Greediness is not good. I'm just like my father. I wont let you dictate for me on this!
"Prime minister." The king called the spokesman, he finally cant take it anymore, he also know it's time for kingston to decide. They wont let him breathe. "Thanks for your concern, the selection will start next week. Any other thing?!
No my king. Long live the king, long live the crown prince!!!
The whole court chorused.
Long live the king! Long live the crown prince!.
By noon the whole palace was aware that the crown princess selection will start the coming week. It wasn't long before roseline heard it too. She heard the maids whispering about it in the kitchen.
Her heart clenched. She thought "this is it, Exactly what she fears the most is about to happen". Sadly it hurts more than she expected. She turned without entering the kitchen, her steps rushed as she hurry to her room, where her tears finally flows without holding them back. Not like she can even hold them back anyway, they gush out like a dam. She cried till she fell asleep on the floor, even in her sleep, her eyes never stopped. Her cheek were filled with tears as she sleeps. Like a bad dream
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Do you feel sorry for rose?! And what do you think the crown prince is planning?! Can you guess?😋
@OlukoyaZainab