5 Come to the Castle

When the SUV pulled into the castle, I took a deep breath. Father rarely requests to see me, and I was trying to keep my nerves down.

It wasn't like the King was horrible to me, he just had the presence that you couldn't help, but fear. The King was indeed old, and would probably make it to when I would become the crown prince. Since he didn't have the best health.

"He is waiting in the dining room." My father's assistant spoke as he took my coat. Nodding to the man, I walked down the long hallways, to the dining room, that was in the center of the castle, counting each step to calm my nerves.

There were three dining rooms in the castle, one is a banquet hall, the other is a private dining hall for high esteemed guests, and then there was the private family dining room. This room was soundproof, preventing eavesdroppers, from getting important information.

"Father." I greeted him as I stepped into the room, bowing to him. He stood up and embraced me, pulling me back to look into my face, seeing that I was in good health. Stepping toward the table, I waited for the King to be seated, as custom, then took mine at his right hand.

"Tell me how your training is coming?" He asked in an interested tone. The King usually wore a stern look, that was melted away when he was in the presence of his youngest son, which made him look like a big teddy bear, in others' eyes.

He had graying hair, vivid green eyes that were hooded. There was also a scar below his right eye from a blade, that he earned while he was deployed.

"Training is going well, Duke Willow is a fine man, I'm glad he is my instructor," I answered while bringing the cup of water to my lips. The liquid quenched my dry throat, and I let out a small sigh, before continuing. "His daughter is an interesting lady," I commented, as I remembered the look on her face, her frightened features.

"Duke Willow prizes his daughter more than anything. I remember visiting the youngster after she was born, and the two of them were inseparable." The King mused as he watched his son. Elias felt uncomfortable under the King's gaze and he sliced his meat for something to do.

"Yes, he does," I muttered under my breath, bringing a bite to my mouth. "Did you know she is a prodigy at swordplay?" I asked looking at my father for his reply. He just smiled while looking distantly as he brought a bite to his mouth.

"She was one of the reasons that I sent you to the Duke's house. The Duchess forbids her to participate in the tournaments, even though, it would bring much status to the child." I nodded my head, she would prosper if her mother let her.

"She is indeed an amazing person, very intelligent." We finished the rest of the meal in silence.

I was worried about my father's health these days, he worked himself too hard. However, it was his sleepless nights, that have made the country as grand as it is.

The King rose from his chair, glancing at his son. "Will you attend the council meeting tomorrow?" I looked up at the old man, and let out a sigh. Then an idea popped in my head, this would be the perfect opportunity, to express Rebecca's idea.

"May I bring a guest?" The King knitted his brows in confusion, his son usually doesn't come to the meetings unless he is forced to.

"Depends on the guest." The King spoke in a cool tone, the Prince looked up with a smile. This disturbed the King, 'what was going on in the youngster's head.' the King thought.

"It's a she," I replied to my already uneasy father. The King's eyes widen; a woman was always looked down upon if she commented on the ways of government. It has always been that way, however, they weren't forbidden to enter.

"Do you understand that you are throwing her into a lions' den?" I nodded to the question, she was fully ready to express her opinion. The King looked away from his son, then stepped out of the room.

'I need to arrive earlier to the Willow residence, and drag Rebecca here.' I thought to myself, pushing out of the chair, walking down the hallways to my chambers. Falling asleep, without a hint of worry.

***

Slowly opening my eyes, the sun beamed into the room. Rays of light landed on my face, and the warm feeling stirred my motionless body. Sitting up in my bed, I moved to open up the windows, letting the light shine.

My room, was huge, with a king-size bed, two balconies one facing the front, another facing out the forests. The walls were blue with gold lining, the furniture was mahogany, with the house emblem, carved in.

The estate was surrounded by woodlands, and open plains, at the edge of the town, away from city life. It was calming to be away from the highways, and neighbors. I could be myself here freely since the press was forbidden to step foot on our place.

"Miss, Duchess Willow has asked me to dress you in the finest gown." I turned around from the sight and looked at the young lady that I accidentally ran into. I don't know what was going on within Mother's head, but she is set, to put me in the finest dresses and jewelry.

"Come in." She opened the door, and I took a seat at the vanity. She looked through my closet, and pulled out a dark blue dress, navy blue. The dress was long-sleeved, perfect for the slightly chilly day.

On the front was a floral design, with swirls and flowers, that were coral. The swirls were lined by gold, that sparkled in the light. The shoulders were tight, with a little puff, and bell sleeves, edged with lace.

"Must I wear this one?" I muttered, at the dress. It wasn't like I was going anywhere. The maid paused and looked like she was going to put it back. "Wait, I'll wear it! It is the Duchess's request." I called out, knowing that Mother would complain.

Stepping behind the changing screen, I let her lace the corset, then lace the other layers. When the final layer was placed on, I was surprised by how light the dress felt. I loved the bell sleeves, I didn't like those dresses that clung tightly to the wrist.

"Now your hair." I took a seat at the vanity again, as she pulled back my hair, braiding it into my favorite style. When my hair was done, I put on my heels with ease and dismissed the maid.

"Thank you, for your service," I spoke as she closed the door behind her. Stepping toward the balcony that faces the driveway, I breathed the fresh air. The slight breeze felt good and calming, unaware of what this day would bring.

Stepping away from the light, I closed the balcony door, then left the room. Walking down the steps carefully, I was thankful that the maid left the corset loose, it made it easier to breathe.

"Daughter, you look magnificent. Come let's have breakfast." I stepped off the last step and Mother rushed from the couch, lightly taking my arm. Once seated at the table, a small plate was set in front of me.

"Mother, what is on my schedule today?" I asked as I spread butter on a piece of toast. She looked at me, then spoke. It was just the two of us this morning since Father had a meeting to attend.

"You have lessons for the rest of the morning. Lunch with the ladies and I, then you have to entertain the Prince until your father arrives home." She answered in a stern tone while watching me take a bite of toast. 'Basically, my schedule is full because you like to fill up my plate.' I thought bitterly.

"The lesson starts when?" I put a bite of egg in my mouth, satisfied that the egg yoke was amazing. She looked down at her cup of tea, thinking about something.

"The lesson starts within the hour. Don't do anything reckless today, this dress is expensive." She looked in my direction, as I finished the last bite of my breakfast. I took the cup of milk offered and drank it quietly.

"I won't." I wiped the milk mustache off when the doorbell rang. Standing up, dropping the napkin on the table, both Mother and I walked to the door. A maid opened it, and standing there was the Prince.

Narrowing my eyes, 'what was he doing here so early, had he missed that my father works at the castle, early in the mornings.' We curtsied and greeted Prince Elias, patiently waiting for his explanation.

"Duchess Willow, may I speak to Lady Willow, alone." He added the final word, and she nodded. I widened my eyes, as she left the room. 'What have I done?' I was trying to think of anything that I said that offended him, coming up with nothing.

"Come to the Castle." He said those four words while looking into my eyes. I was so lost, why would he want me to come to the castle.

"Your Highness, what are you asking?" I asked and I found my answer. It was an important meeting, that he wanted me to attend.

"I have requested an audience with the King, both of us will state our opinions." Stepping back from the Prince, I looked away. Frustrated that he took this drastic step, without my consent.

"My Mother has to approve of my departure," I answered looking toward the Prince with a glare.

"If the King is waiting, don't keep him waiting." Turning around to face my mother, as she had no emotion on her face, she stood there with a phone in hand, with Father's caller ID. I couldn't tell if she was angry or upset that I was going to the castle.

"Then we must depart." At that moment, I was thankful that I was wearing the magnificent gown. It was like fate was watching over me.