2: In Which She Gets Her Heart Broken

Princess Ariana

The guards outside my father's office instantly step aside once they see me, allowing for instant entry. I find my father, mother and two of the Royal advisors - Duke Hamish and Duke Mclean - inside, pouring their attention into a document on the mahogany desk.

"Ah, Ariana, come in my dear." My father welcomes me in with a smile.

"Good afternoon father, mother, Duke Hamish and Duke Mclean." I say with a smile, dropping into a curtsy out of respect whilst the Duke's bow to me.

"Ariana love, please come here." My mother requests, holding her hand out for me.

I stroll over to them all and hug my mother, wondering what it is they need me for. Usually I am not needed for diplomatic or political decisions, as I am the youngest and a female, so it is odd that they require my presence now.

"Is everything all right?" I ask.

"Yes dear, everything is fine. Please do not worry." My father begins, before carrying on hesitantly. "We have just received word that Prince Jasper of Aclein is coming to visit us for a few weeks, to arrange an allegiance between our countries."

"Oh, that sounds pleasant." I comment, wondering why I should care if some Prince is coming to visit.

"Well, the truth is Ariana, Jasper has asked for your hand in marriage." My mother adds in, causing me to gasp in shock.

"What? You did not agree did you?" I squeak.

"No of course not my darling, we sent a messenger back to say that the decision would be your choice. No pressure or anything, but I encourage you to think about the benefits of such a union. We would have a much stronger allegiance with Aclein then a simple signed piece of paper, which would be pleasing if things get worse in the north, and you would be a Queen my dear! Personally, I think you should feel quite honoured that out of all the eligible Princesses in the land, Prince Jasper has chosen you! But still, I know your heart is, well, taken but this would mean great things for you and your future." My father explains, calming my racing heartbeat.

If my parents had created an arranged marriage for me, I think I would die. How could I live the rest of my life with some man I do not care for? I am rather fortunate that my parents are very kind and understanding on this topic, mainly because my father was once put into an arranged marriage to my mother's sister, the oldest daughter of the King of Agros. When he met them though, he realised he could not stand my auntie, and fought for my mother who he had quickly fallen in love with. It caused quite a scandal, but luckily taught them a valuable lesson. Love conquers all. However, although my brothers and I have all been given a choice, my father has tried to push various arranged marriages, and in fact, my brother Octavius is only courting Lady Aurelia because my father pushed for their match. It is lucky that he actually finds her to be agreeable!

"Thank you for your consideration father, but I simply cannot give myself to someone who I do not even know or care for." I explain.

"I understand my dear, I expected as much." My father nods his head, looking a little disappointed but not surprised.

"I told you Fenston. Our little girl is not going to marry anyone but the one she loves." My mother giggles.

"I know Giovanna, I know. You are always right." My father chuckles absentmindedly.

"Ok Arianna, you are free to run along now, and Duke Mclean please make sure a superb contract is drafted for Prince Jasper to sign." My father instructs, and I hurriedly kiss my mother and his cheek, before leaving the room.

To think, my father actually wanted me to marry some random Prince! I wonder what Coby will think of such madness! Maybe it will make him a little jealous... With these thoughts, I decide to hurry outside to tell Coby all about my father's ridiculous plan. I hurry down to the grand floor, greeting the maids and staff along the way, before heading outside of the castle. It is a most prefect day, with brilliant sunshine but a calming fresh breeze to ease the formidable heat. In the climax of summer it is often too hot to go outside or dress properly, which is why we usually go on holiday during those times.

I round the corner to make my way to the east field (where each of the guards train), when I notice Coby talking to two pretty maids under the shade of a hunkered leafy-brown tree. Instantly jealously creeps into me, as I notice his easy smile and the women touching his arms flirtily and laughing sweetly, obviously having more then just a 'polite' chat. I am not hidden from the fact that it is not only I who finds Coby so charming and handsome. He always has some girl watching him or giggling to catch his attention. They hover like flies around him! My biggest fear is that he will eventually fall for one of them and make her his wife, leaving me to die alone. The worst part is he is so good natured and sweet he never pushes them away or ignores them – rather he makes them fall all the more by his easy charm and sweet smile. It is most infuriating!

"Ah, Ariana! Come on over!" Coby calls out as he notices me glaring at his little party on top of the hill, excusing himself from his company and jogging over.

Sighing, I try to reign in my jealousy and smile, but it comes out rather flakily. As soon as he reaches me, he pulls me into a hug, his face resting in the crook of my neck, which always gives me butterflies. His hugs are always the favourite part of my day; they provide some of the only moments where I can dare to believe that one day something more can happen between us, whilst I am wrapped up in his arms. We are the perfect height for each other, with him being a head and shoulders taller. If only he could see how perfect together we really are.

"Hey! You two! Stop slacking and get back to work." I scold the two maids awkwardly waiting for Coby to return to them when we pull apart, which he certainly shall not be doing.

One apologises and scurries back to work, but the other who I have came to know as Aaliyah, is a common offender and narrows her eyes at me before storming off. She obviously has her sights set on Coby, which brings out some really ugly emotions in me.

"Ariana, there's no need for you to be mean, we were simply talking." Coby chuckles.

"They want to court you." I announce, crossing my arms under my chest.

"What!" Coby exclaims, going adorably pink. "I am sure you are mistaken Ari. Anyway, you do not need to worry – you are the only girl in my life." He explains, making me go all gooey inside.

If only he meant it romantically.

"Thank Coby." I sigh as he puts his arm around me, and we start to walk along the grassy bank, my eyes lazily assessing the shouting warriors a little further on throwing all of their energy into their training.

"So, how come you are here now? We usually meet up when training is finished." He asks, giving me a dimpled smile, which never fails to make me swoon.

"Well, I wanted to tell you something. My father came to me with a marriage proposal, to a prince." I rush out, eagerly awaiting his reaction and hoping it will make him jealous like my dearest friend Bellatrix suggested for me to do.

"Really?" He asks, stopping in his tracks.

"Yeah, he is coming here soon to make an allegiance." I shrug, turning to face him. "Should I do it?" I ask, feeling a little bit of hope flit through me, as his expression turns uncharacteristically stony.

However, just as soon as it arrives, it leaves, and a joyous smile highlights Coby's expression.

"Wow, how exciting for you Ariana! You know I will support you no matter what you decide – I just want you to be happy! Although I will miss you a lot if you move away. You know I will always love you though! Well, like a sister of course." Coby quickly adds in when he realises what he has said, causing us both to blush and my heart to shatter.

He loves me, just not in the way I want him to. He does not look the least bit concerned by me getting married and leaving, no matter what he says.

I think... I think I have to accept it... he will never want me the way I want him.

"Oh shoot, I think Captain Yohana is calling me Ariana, I have got to run – we are breaking in the newbies today. I will talk to you later alright?" He rushes out before placing a chaste kiss on my forehead and running off towards the captain without looking back, leaving me to pick up the pieces of my heart.

I guess I need to accept the vibrant truth. He will never love me romantically. I whimper as I realise the truthfulness of my thoughts, tears and sobs forcing their way out of me as I tear back to the castle with a crushed heart.

Please make my day and press that little star!!

Edited