THE ROYAL MARRIAGE

POV – Princess Amara Bellavine

-------------------------------------------

In that moment, my carefully practiced composure began to crumble.

A sly smile crept across my face — the kind that could make my tutors faint and my father’s advisors whisper.

“Oh dear Father, the great King…” I said sweetly, masking my defiance with grace. “We still have urgent matters to attend to — the public security of Bellavara must come first. After that, perhaps we can discuss my marriage. Don’t you agree?”

I cast a pleading glance at my brother, silently begging for rescue. Rowan tried — oh, he tried — to hold his laughter. His lips twitched, his shoulders trembled, and finally, he gave me a barely perceptible nod. A few council members chuckled under their breath, clearly entertained by our royal exchange.

The tension in the room eased, and the meeting continued.

---

The Council’s Debate

The discussion shifted to matters of greater gravity — the unrest in our neighboring nation, Morettia.

One of the senior lords spoke gravely, “Your Majesty, the civil war in Morettia continues to affect our borders. Smugglers, refugees, black market traders — they all stem from the chaos there. Once, Morettia was a glorious kingdom. But conflict between its royal factions tore it apart, leaving power scattered among warlords and old families.”

The hall fell silent for a moment, the weight of his words settling like fog.

“There’s only one path forward,” the lord continued. “Bellavara must open diplomatic ties — send an ambassador to negotiate peace and trade with what remains of Morettia’s royal council.”

Rowan leaned forward. “And who, my lord, would be brave enough to deal with them?”

Before I could think twice, the words slipped from my mouth.

“I will.”

Every head turned toward me in disbelief.

“I’ll go to Morettia,” I said firmly, meeting my father’s gaze. “As the Public Relations Ambassador, it’s my duty to ensure Bellavara’s voice is heard. And perhaps… to remind our neighbors that diplomacy is not dead.”

A murmur rippled through the chamber. My mother’s brows furrowed, and my father exchanged a thoughtful glance with Rowan.

Finally, Rowan broke the silence. “Then it’s settled. Princess Amara will lead the diplomatic delegation. I’ll make the necessary preparations.”

The council meeting dispersed shortly after, though I could feel the weight of many eyes lingering on me — some impressed, others doubtful.

As I turned to leave, I heard my father’s deep voice command, “Call the royal matchmaker.”

My stomach twisted.

Of course. Even boldness couldn’t escape tradition.

---

In the Palace Gardens

With a sigh heavy enough to crush a crown, I walked into the palace gardens. The scent of jasmine and rose filled the air, their fragile petals fluttering under the soft breeze. I sat by the fountain, staring at my reflection in the rippling water.

Soon enough, I heard footsteps behind me.

“There you are,” Rowan’s voice called gently.

I didn’t turn around. “What do you want now?” I asked, irritation lacing my tone.

“You know exactly what this is about,” he said, sitting beside me. “You can’t keep avoiding marriage forever.”

I rolled my eyes. “And what about you, dear brother? When will you finally stop teasing me and settle your own affairs?”

Rowan laughed softly. “My fiancée will return this winter. The wedding will be held in her homeland. You’ll finally meet her — Princess Juliya Scarlet of Russia.”

He said her name with quiet admiration.

“You sound… in love,” I teased, raising an eyebrow. “Are you truly happy, Rowan?”

His expression softened, sincerity replacing humor. “At first, I thought it was just another arranged alliance — another royal responsibility. But when I met Juliya, something changed. She has a fire in her spirit, Amara. When I’m with her, I feel… whole. Like all my doubts fade away.”

He turned to me, his eyes warm and serious. “I just want you to find that kind of happiness too.”

I swallowed hard, my throat tight. “But Rowan, I’m not ready for this. Marriage, duty, expectations… I barely understand myself, let alone the idea of love. I can’t — not yet.”

My words came out sharper than I intended, trembling with fear and frustration. Before Rowan could respond, a maid hurried toward us and bowed deeply.

“Your Highness,” she said, “the Queen requests your presence. The royal matchmaker has arrived.”

I froze.

“It’s time,” I murmured, rising slowly.

Rowan stood and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “If you truly don’t want this, I’ll speak to Father. No one will force you, Amara. You have my word.”

Tears threatened to form, but I smiled instead and threw my arms around him.

“Thank you, Rowan. You always protect me.”

He chuckled softly, hugging me back. “Go on now, before Mother sends the guards after you.”

As I walked away, my heart pounded with unease. The grand halls loomed ahead, and every step felt heavier.

Somehow, deep within, I knew — this meeting with the royal matchmaker would change everything.

My destiny was waiting.

And I had no idea that it would begin — not with a crown, but with the man the world feared most…

❤️‍🔥To be continued...

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***