Chapter 2

Chapter 2: My Betrothed

Gasps, murmuring, and overall shock from the guests erupted in the banquet room. Lord Moonstone stood frozen, recognizing the young man as soon as the name left his lips(as did Skye). The shock was expected, for the prince supposedly died two years ago. At least that was what Skye was told: what her father was supposedly told by the royal messenger. She had been contracted to Tidas since the age of five. It’d been an indispensable deal to both parties at the time.

Until recently, Skye’s family had been the wealthiest family in Alcon. Lord Moonstone was well liked and very charismatic, making him popular amongst the nobility. Her mother was an heiress due to her previous marriage, as well as her own family’s wealth. Lucas had married Lidia Drummond without the consent of her grandfather, her only remaining relative at the time. He came around once he learned of Lucas’ heroism, and of his raised station due to it.

The lord’s youth was spent mainly in service to the king. He had been on guard duty when the king’s younger brother attempted to take the throne by means of murder. Skye’s father was injured; taking a stab to the shoulder. However, he’d saved the king’s life in the process. Earning himself a massive raise in status.

After a few times socializing, Lucas had King Magnus’ favor and friendship. They often played strategy games together whenever he found himself in the Royal Palace. Even if he was meant to be on duty at times. After Lucas had finished his service, their friendship not only remained intact, but grew.

Along with a reward for saving him, King Magnus also proposed a royal match. Lucas Moonstone was strong, smart, and had married into great wealth. He was the type of man the king didn’t want venturing too far. All he had to do was marry one of his children off, and the familial bond would guarantee financial backing and loyalty to His crown. For while he did see Lucas Moonstone as a dear friend, the man was also a cunning businessman; first and foremost. Nobility status was one of the few things he could not achieve using just his shear will. Considering it was a royal contract, Skye’s father had jumped at the opportunity.

The prestige and security that came with being connected to the royal family was worth killing for, to him. For many reasons; some even King Magnus was not fully aware of. For Lucas saw the weight of the burdens his friend already carried. And had no wish to add to them. He needed only to raise his daughter to be good and chaise, and his family would be secure.

.....

Lucas had glanced at his daughter who now stared with raised eyebrows at the prince. He wondered what she thought for a moment, but dismissed it. Regardless of how she felt on the matter, he would do whatever would keep her safest. No matter how it hurt Skye; she would live.

Head spinning with all that had happened within a few minutes, Skye strained to listen. She had a hundred questions running through her mind. ‘Why did the palace assume he was dead? Where had he been these past few years? Why did he look almost nothin’ like the snot-nosed, scrawny little lad who used to tease me? Told me that me hair was a sign of bein’ a demon spawn?’

As she stared at his broad backside, Skye couldn’t help but take measure of him.

Tidas’ hair had been almost black as a boy. Now it had a soft, dark brown tone to it. It was lightest on top, most likely faded by the sun. His short hair was a drastic comparison to his fellow warriors who all sported long, braided hair. His face was very pleasant: defined cheekbones with a strong jawline. His shoulders were broad, his mid-section lean and long. His legs looked like armor-wrapped logs, and his complexion was darker than she remembered. ‘Maybe he’d been at sea?’

As thoughts bombarded her, Skye’s father’s voice broke the chaos; “Prince Tidas?! How.. What? Where were; why did we receive a royal message stating yer demise?!”

Skye’s father’s demeanor shifted drastically from anger, to shock, to joy. This was the man he’d originally planned on his daughter marrying, now back from the dead. He smiled at the thought of gaining all that he assumed was out of his reach. The Crown Prince had been married off years ago, and his children were not old enough to contract to Skye. The second oldest prince was a political marriage to a neighboring kingdom. A king in his own right now, and out of Lucas’ reach. But now Tidas was back, and so was his ‘Original Plan’.

Lord Moonstone approved of the boy, even as a child. Smart, articulate, and he had the king’s wit and common sense. His bravery and strength had already been proven. The only thing that was missing was experience, and maybe some weight. For the lad could’ve been mistaken for a twig.

Now stood a man; one Lord Moonstone could give Skye to without worry. Which cleared his conscience slightly, now comparing his daughter’s other option that stood in front of him. Jacob’s business reputation aside; rumors had come to his ears of the young man’s ‘preferences’ when it came to his way with women. Although he had not heard of anything truly terrible, Lucas did not like it. If he had known before the contract was signed, he would’ve tried to find an alternative to gain his means..

Lord Moonstone did not like the Fowlers in general. The father was beyond greedy, and generally spineless. He made a small fortune being a very good yes man: making deals with less than reputable men. Then when his son took over their merchant guild three years ago, he expanded their tradings to the three neighboring kingdoms. There were no laws restricting it, but most didn’t do business with the Sync Kingdom; out of respect for the King of Alcon.

The prince was back now, and That contract and plan took precedence over the other one with the Fowlers. Not even they would argue against the king’s wishes. Lord Moonstone’s smile reached his eyes with his joy and relief as he stared at the young man, awaiting his reply.

“That, my lord, is a rather long story to be told. And not all of it is for the ears of fair lasses, such as your sweet daughter,” Tidas turned his head to stare at Jacob before he finished, “My bride to be.”

Jacob looked very much like Skye’s father first did. His complexion was bright red with his anger. His white-blonde hair only made it look worse. He shifted to the side to face Skye’s father, who was still smiling like a fool. Realizing his folly, he nodded and began to attempt to make amends.

“Jacob, me apologies to you and yer father. This is the king’s youngest son. He was originally supposed to marry Skye, but we’d received word that he’d died in battle two years past. That is also why my daughter is eighteen and still unmarried.. They had been promised to each other very young. Ima sorry lad, but if Prince Tidas is here to collect Skye, Ima in no position to deny him. He’s contracted to her, and her to him. The King himself put forth and signed it,” Lord Lucus explained.

“And what of the contract ye hold with me and mine?! He was certified dead by the kingdom! I’ve waited over a year for me bride! Tis Our wedding day! Do you know how many proposals I have turned down?! I’ve already accepted yer bride price, and shall not return it!” Jacob screamed, cutting at Lord Moonstone.

“You may keep the bride price as reprimand, with not a fuss from me. Tis a small price compared to what I could lose, should I offend the king. Only a fool would risk His ire. And you’d be a damned fool to go against yer own King! ...Let us discuss this in me quarters. I will give ye all the details, and then maybe the prince can explain how he bested the reaper. Everyone! Enjoy the feast on me! We have much to discuss, as Ima sure ye have much to gossip about. Peggy! Take Skye to change from her dress!” Lord Lucus ordered, his irritation apparent.

As Skye turned and took a few steps to leave, Jacob darted around Tidas and grabbed her by the arm. She tried to pull away, but that only made Jacob squeeze harder. The look in his eyes scared her; as if he blamed her for what had transpired. Suddenly, anger surged within her. ‘As if any of this was me doing?!’

Fear and confusion left her face to be replaced by fiery indignation. She grabbed his wrist; digging her nails into his flesh. A sharp bark escaped his mouth as Skye twisted it until he’d released her. He raised his arm as if to strike her, but Skye stood her ground. Instead, the action had caused his arm to be grabbed with force.

“I believe that is MY fiancée you just laid a hand on, sir.. Do so much as Move in her direction again, and you will do so with one less arm attached,” Tidas spoke in a cold, even tone; his left hand resting on the hilt of his sword while his right hand bruised the bastard’s arm.

Jacob’s face contorted with unchecked rage. At that moment; he yanked his arm away, and immediately put his right hand on his hilt. Before Jacob could do more, he was surrounded by the prince’s men. All with their swords pointing at his neck. Shock and terror traversed his face before a piercing scream broke the tension.

It was one of the servants that had bragged to Skye about Jacob’s bedding of her. Apparently the scene had been too much for her, and she’d fainted. Skye fought the urge to roll her eyes, as it was considered unladylike. But the woman was known to be over dramatic.

The soldiers looked to their prince for whatever order he felt like giving. They were His loyal men, and battle tested. He had saved their lives more times than most of them could count. Not even the king had higher say to them than their prince. Seeing the sign to lower their weapons, the guards did so. But still kept them unsheathed and at the ready.

Tidas took an imposing step towards his target, standing only inches from him. He wasn’t much taller than Jacob, but seemingly towered over him as the prince said, “If I Ever see you touch Skye again, I’ll gladly kill you myself.”