NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 8: No Room for Debate
As Princess Bella stood before the grand doors of the king's court, her heart raced with a mix of fear and determination. She gripped Donna's hand tightly, feeling the warmth of her friend's support. "I don't know if I am ready for this," Bella whispered, her voice trembling. "What if he doesn't listen?" Donna squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Princess Bella. You've thought this through. Just remember, I will support you."
Taking a deep breath, Bella pushed open the doors, stepping into the court where her father, King Patrick, sat with her mother, Queen Rose, and her brothers, Prince Xavier and Prince Samuel. The atmosphere was tense, with her father's trusted generals, Liam, Oliver, and David, looming nearby.
"Father," Bella said, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. "You asked to speak with me?" King Patrick looked up, his brow furrowing. "My dear child, come closer. Yes, the kingdom has a great request to ask of you." Bella glanced at Donna, who nodded encouragingly. "Yes, Father, what is your request?" she began, her heart pounding and fear gripping every heartbeat. king Patrick signaled for Donna to leave the courtroom. Donna curtsied and excused herself from the king's court. Walking away fearful for the fate of Princess Bella
Princess Bella sat in the grand court, her heart pounding as King Patrick's voice echoed around her. "Bella, we are deeply indebted to the Eastern Kingdom," he said, his expression grave. "We do not have the money or cattle to pay our debt. If we don't secure an alliance with the Eastern Kingdom, our kingdom will face dire consequences." Bella looked at her father with wide eyes. She had overheard him while she hid in the library, but now he was actually telling her. It seemed like her nightmare was coming true.
"Father, I am so sorry to hear this, can we give them some of our finest wine and perhaps some of our best men to work for the Eastern kingdom vineyards?" King Patrick looked at his daughter regretfully, "No my child, that will not be enough." King Patrick sighed, running a hand through his hair. "My dear child, there is only one way to secure an alliance, you have to marry Prince Leo."
Bella felt a wave of fear wash over her. She trembled, but she had to speak, "Father, but he is a foreigner." With her eyes misty with unshed tears, she looked at her mother for support, "Mother am I to be sold to pay our kingdom's debts?" Queen Rose sniffled "My dear child, there is no other way to form this alliance. You have to marry Prince Leo, or we will all be ruined." Prince Xavier spoke firmly, It's not just about you, Bella! It's about our kingdom. Just think about it, you will be a hero," he insisted, his eyes filled with resolve.
Tears welled in Bella's eyes. "But Father what if I already found a suitor? You have not asked me if I found a suitor from the last dance." King Patrick shook his head, his voice softening. "Marrying Prince Leo will protect you, and the entire kingdom. You will have to give up the suitor. By the way who did you have in mind?"
Bella thought quickly and said, "Prince Albert." Prince Samuel smirked, "But Princess Bella, you described him as an arrogant idiot, why did you pick him?" Bella had to think fast, "I changed my mind, I was mistaken." She turned her head, as if looking for something, shielding her eyes from her brother so he would not see her rolling her eyes.
Queen Rose took a deep breath, her heart heavy with the weight of her words. She interjected, her voice soothing yet firm. "Bella, we understand your concerns, but you must see the bigger picture." She walked over to Bella, "Bella, my dear," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "I understand, but this isn't just about you. Our kingdom is in turmoil. Marrying Prince Leo could secure our future and protect our people." Tears glistened in Queen Rose's eyes. "I wish it were different, my sweet Bella. If I could shield you from this burden, I would. But your father and I have made sacrifices for our kingdom, and this is your chance to do the same." Queen Rose reached out, holding her daughter's hands tightly. "Please, Bella. Think of our people. Your sacrifice could mean their salvation." The weight of her mother's words hung heavily in the air, leaving Bella torn between duty and what she wanted.
Bella knew her mother, Queen Rose, meant well, but the thought of marrying Prince Leo felt suffocating. Gathering her courage, she approached the King again, this time with a determined look. "Father, what if we considered another option?" The entire court fell silent. Queen Rose raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean, Bella?" King Patrick asked. Bella spoke firmly, "What if we offered Prince Leo the chance to marry Princess Victoria or Princess Clara instead? Afterall we are all the same age." She proposed, her heart racing. "They are both noble and would fulfill the alliance just as well." Rose's expression shifted, surprise mingling with concern. For the first time since Bella entered court, King Patrick stood up. Her father's imposing figure scared her.
King Patrick stood tall, his gaze sweeping across the grand court before settling on Princess Bella. "Take a good look around you, my dear," he said proudly, his voice steady and filled with pride and confidence. "Every face here represents our kingdom's future." Bella's eyes scanned the room, landing on Queen Rose, who wore a mask of concern, and her brothers, Prince Xavier and Prince Samuel, their expressions a mixture of support and uncertainty. The three trusted generals—Liam, Oliver, and David—stood resolute, their loyalty evident in their stances. "Each of them carries the weight of our people's hopes," the king continued, his tone softening.
King Patrick fixed his gaze on Princess Bella, his expression resolute. "Bella, you must understand the importance of lineage in matters of alliances," he said firmly. "Only the children of your mother, Queen Rose, can be deemed worthy of such a union. He gestured toward her brothers, emphasizing their royal blood. "Your brothers, Xavier and Samuel, are heirs with the right to forge alliances. The others—my children from various mistresses—do not carry the same weight in our kingdom's future." Bella's heart sank at the finality in his voice. "But, Father, I—" "There's no room for debate," he interrupted, his tone unwavering. "This alliance with Prince Leo is vital for our survival. The Eastern Kingdom has given us one month to pay the debt. You will be married to Prince Leo within the month."