“Well?”
“She’s too skinny and pale.” Elizabeth said lightly, taking in all details in Nicholas’ face.
“But?”
“That’s all.”
“Mother please! You liked her. I saw it in your eyes.”
“Then you’re mistaken. I’m sorry. But you are engaged.” Elizabeth told him coldly. In her heart, she wanted to have Lilyanna as a daughter in law. That girl had touched something deep within her. The motherly love for her lost daughter that she had hidden was found when she laid eyes on the woman her fake son loves. The gleam of hurt and lost of faith in Nicholas’ eyes almost changed her mind, but the consequences of breaking off an agreement of marriage over a peasant was too great for anyone to take. “I’m sure Princess Annabelle is just as nice. You’ll be happy with her too.”
“How do you expect me to be happy in a loveless marriage?” Nicholas threw that accusation at his mother then stumped out the room.
Once outside, Gloria studied Lilyanna closely. Wanting to understand how she had captured the prince’s heart. Her staring made Lilyanna squirmed uncomfortably.
“What’s the matter?” Lilyanna greeted her lover with a look mixed with confusion and worries.
“Nothing, everything’s fine. We’ll go talk to my father now.”
“She rejected me. Didn’t she?”
“No.” Nicholas replied stubbornly, not wanting to hurt her.
“Tell me the truth.” Her wounded voice broke his heart.
“Yes. But I’m sure father will have more senses.”
“How can you think that? He made the arrangement. What will he think of me if we just burst through his door?” Lilyanna questioned, holding Nicholas back with her fragile hands and small strength.
“You’re right. Why don’t you go back and chat with mother and I’ll talk to father alone?” Nicholas suggested and Lilyanna accepted his suggestion with a bright smile as she headed back to the room Elizabeth’s in.
Staring at her fading image, Nicholas took a deep breath as he started for the chapel, knowing that his father would be there since it was part of his everyday routine.
King Alexander sat down on the oak chair with his family symbol craved onto the back as Father Dwaine approached him with the bow of his head.
“Your highness.” He greeted Alexander.
“No need for such modesty. How are you? Old friend.” Father Dwaine’s father was Alexander’s godfather. They had been like brothers through childhood.
Before Father Dwaine could reply, Nicholas stormed into the chapel like a mad man possessed.