destined to marry

A very unsuspecting Yara Lod was cleaning her home when Hawthorne knocked on the door, alerting her of their presence.

Zaccai stayed in the carriage a while before coming out again. Crown was already set to marry someone, someone who didn't care about her. Quite frankly he didn't see her settling for such a situation and could only wonder what had happened to her, was she really the Crown he once knew. And what exactly was he doing? Was he trying to save her from a loveless marriage that could hurt her one day? 

Yara opened the door to answer them. "Yes, may I help you?" She asked boldly looking from one to the other.

"Are you the mother of Crown Lod?"

"Who is asking?"

"I am Hawthorne, a representative of the royal Prince Zaccai of Tahu. We've come for your daughter." He said clearly.

Yara laughed. "You must be mistaken, she's already betrothed to another and set to wed in a few weeks time." She announced as she started to close her door on them.

"We are aware of that ma'am but allow me to announce to you that that won't be happening anymore."

Yara looked past them to see her husband heading home rather quickly. Someone must have informed him and for that she was grateful.

"Yara my love, who are our guests?" Kish asked as he climbed the stairs of their home. 

"They are not our guests husband. They have the wrong home." Yara replied.

Zaccai smiled from where he sat. He understood a little bit of why Crown was the way she was. She must have gotten that from her mother.

"Oh, in that case. Please take your leave." Kish said. He already knew what was happening and prayed it wasn't true but his hope was dashed when he sighted them from afar. They had fixed their eyes on Dayton, what changed? What happened? His mind searched for answers.

Tiran and Honey ran home when they heard the news but he forced Honey to use the back door and stay inside for fear of them turning their eyes on her too.

Hawthorne grew impatient. "We aren't going anywhere, your daughter is the chosen one." He said.

"How about you come inside and we can talk about this," Kish offered. 

Yara frowned. "Why would you invite them inside?" She shouted.

"Calm down my love. People are watching us. We have to settle this in the best way possible, trust me." He opened the door for them to enter. 

Zaccai remained on his horse just right in front of the home. He could hear everything they were going to say and that was enough.

Lucia who had been silent was the first to speak. "Your daughter has been chosen to marry the prince, and we aren't asking." 

"She's set to marry someone else." Kish repeated.

"We are quite aware." Elara said. "We are aware that it's only an introduction that's been done. Whatever was given by the family of the man will be returned in ten folds."

Kish was lost for words. It was obvious their mind was set on his daughter. How it came to be was still a wonder. "We refuse! We cannot accept."

"Your daughter, Crown, is destined to marry our prince. This union is of utmost importance to maintain the balance between our worlds. We are certain you are aware of this."

"You had your eyes on Dayton. What changed?" Kish finally asked

"There are unforseen circumstances that are beyond our control sir—?" Hawthorne replied.

"Kish. Kish Lod."

"—sir Kish Lod. We simply must go with it."

Yara grew tired of the situation. "Go with it? But she's just a regular girl! I won't allow this!"

Tiran stood quietly in a corner watching his parents and their quests. Honey stayed hidden as she listened quietly.

"My daughter's are truly precious in my eyes. And to me there's really none I can ever dare compare them to because I love them, I prayed for them. But on this occasion allow me to inform you that truly your first choice being the house of Dayton is the best fit for the throne." Kish sounded intent.

"Nice recommendation. What makes her fit and not your daughter?" Hawthorne asked.

The question was met with silence. 

As if on cue. Crown was finally heading back home from the errand she went on. Her steps slowed when she noticed the carriage that came from Tahu in front of her home. She glanced at the horse and it's rider and quickened her pace. 

Zaccai couldn't help but stare at her. Time had transformed her from that giggling girl into a breathtakingly beautiful young woman. Because she only spared him a moment to see her face before running inside, he only looked on after her. Her hair had grown rather wild and long. He gasped low when he noticed the ends of it was golden.

"Father what is going on here! Crown dashed inside pushing the guard that stood watch at the door down. 

"Who are you people? How dare you talk down a man in his own home."

"Crown, why, why are you here?" Her father asked looking sad.

"Father, what is it?" She was confused.

"You are not meant to be here." Her mother said in the same tone her father had used.

"Father? I only went out to run some personal errands." She said.

"Go inside." Tiran was beside her leading her inside. 

"What is happening?" She asked.

"Is this her? Crown?" Hawthorne stood up as his eyes settled on her.

"Yes I am Crown." She turned to answer.

She noticed her father and mother bow their heads and didn't miss the sadness that showed on their face either.

"You have been chosen to marry the prince, miss Crown." Hawthorne announced.

First she said nothing, did nothing but simply stared at him, then without warning bursted out laughing. 

"You must be mistaken. I am set to wed another." She told them.

"Not anymore."

"Well," she walked up to Hawthorne to stand in his front. "Your prince should very well be ready to walk down the isle alone." She looked up at him. "I will never be his wife." She ended.

Hawthorne raised a brow in surprise. He couldn't help but believe this had to be the reason Prince Zaccai was fixed on this lady. She was beautiful, so beautiful up close and her stubborn nature, he had to admit was endearing.

"You have no choice in this matter, Miss Crown."

Zaccai had the same reaction as everyone inside did. He smiled behind his helmet. He was enjoying her stubbornness and was glad she hadn't cut his expectations off.

This was the Crown he knew, this was the Crown he missed for so long.