[Music Recommendation: Wicked Game ~ Ursine Vulpine & Annaca]
Oriana stared at Louis, both shock and confusion written all over her face after what she had just heard. She was about to say something when she heard the soldiers shouting outside. "Let’s talk about this later, I should be outside."
"Yes, yes, please." Louis nodded. "Stay strong, Princess Oriana."
Oriana ran out of the room, holding the book closely to her chest. Her heart raced faster with every step she took. She was so happy to support Adric with something so important, and she was happy her grandmother trusted her enough to keep the army for her to control. As she got closer to the outside, she heard Adric’s voice commanding the soldiers.
"Wait!" Oriana shouted, holding up her gown so she wouldn’t trip. She raised the book in front of Adric, breathing heavily. "I have it, the queen’s... army... I have it."
Adric’s eyes moved from the book Oriana was holding and settled on her face; her skin was looking very pale. He wondered if she had cried the whole night because of him and also how she got her hands on the army because he was very sure last night that she knew nothing about it.
"Are you sure about that? It’s really the army?" Fidelis stepped forward. He had been worried that the relationship Oriana was trying to build with Adric would be ruined after Adric attacked her kingdom. And he wouldn’t blame the girl because nobody would love to be used, even if they were in love.
Oriana nodded. "Yes, here in the book she left something for me. I can bring the army to Avon," she replied to the king.
"Then why are they not here?" Adric asked with a serious look on his face. He took the book from Oriana’s hand, checking out the page she was referring to.
Fidelis held Oriana, giving her an encouraging nod to speak and not be afraid.
"T-that," Oriana stuttered. She was really terrified seeing Adric look all serious without smiling, and the way he was looking at her right now, like he could see her soul. "That is because the army can only be led by a Queen."
Adric narrowed his eyes, and this caused Oriana to take a step back, looking away from him. "I’m saying the truth. I can have Louis bring the general for you to co-"
"Why aren’t you looking at me, then, if you want me to believe you?" Adric took a step forward, but his sharp gaze caught the subtle step Oriana took back. He raised his eyes to look at her, a deep frown forming on his forehead. He didn’t understand why she was running away from him when she had clearly told him she had feelings for him. It annoyed him to see her scared of him.
Fidelis stepped forward. "You’re probably scaring her with that look on your face. First, let’s confirm everything, and if I’m correct, it means the coronation should happen fast so you can control the army. You no longer need to attack Orion," the king intervened, but his son wasn’t listening to him. His eyes were still on Oriana, whose eyes were darting left and right.
"This is going to take a while. I will have our beloved soldiers leave the rain until we come to a conclusion," Fidelis muttered. He waved his hand for Rowan to come, then whispered the orders to him. Turning to Adric and Oriana, he said, "Let’s talk inside."
Oriana bowed. "Yes, your majesty." She followed King Fidelis closely so she wouldn’t have to walk with Adric. She didn’t know why he was looking at her like she did something wrong when all she wanted was just to be of help.
Inside the palace, Fidelis sat down, still looking at the book Oriana came with. "We don’t have time. We need to act as soon as possible, before we get attacked again. Adric, what is your decision?"
"Let the coronation happen tomorrow; it’ll be merged with the masquerade ball to end your birthday. As soon as you’re crowned Queen, I want to see the army in Avon."
Oriana squeezed her palm together. "I will go now and write a letter to their leader." She stood up, bowing to the King before leaving the room.
"What was that? Why are you treating her that way?" Fidelis asked his son the moment Oriana left the room.
Tapping his feet thoughtfully on the marble floor, "We should doubt everything, Father. Don’t you know I’m doing this for her? If everyone thinks I easily accepted, what do you think they will say? Getting Oriana crowned Queen the moment Gwen was exiled."
The more he tried to keep Oriana out from everyone’s black book, the more she took a step closer. Adric thought to himself, the girl was really provoking a lot of persons and she didn’t even know it.
Fidelis exhaled. Again, Adric was right. "But I feel like you should ease up a little. Despite hearing that you were going to attack her kingdom, she didn’t betray you but still brought the army first to you. I don’t know, son, but it’s time you really look at Oriana for who she is and accept her heart. If you take so much time, you might lose her to someone else."
Adric raised his eyes, almost glaring at his father. The possessive instinct kicked in. He didn’t know why, but the thought of Oriana loving another man after she had confessed her feelings for him didn’t sit well with him.
"I said might, it’s not happening. Please calm down a little," Fidelis chuckled. "If you’re that protective of her, then show your heart to her also and stop scaring her." He touched his son’s shoulder before leaving the room.
Adric sighed, rubbing his temples gently. "Rowan, are you there?" he called.
Rowan entered the room immediately. "Your highness, I have made a camp for the soldiers here in the palace. We await your orders."
Adric nodded. "I want you to look into the man Louis and find out everything about him. Also, the coronation will really happen tomorrow. Keep an eye on the ministers that work for Gwen and especially place someone to watch Adelaide’s every move. I’m sure the news of Oriana being Queen won’t sit well with everyone."
"Yes, your highness." Rowan bowed, then turned to leave but then stopped. "I can’t help but ask why the princess trusts you so much. She could have gotten her revenge on you for using her and playing with her emotions. Is that what love does to someone?" Rowan shrugged before leaving the room.
Left alone in the room, Adric closed his eyes, thinking about what his father and Rowan had said to him. He was asking himself the same question; why didn’t Oriana take the opportunity to run away from someone like him? Why did she trust him?
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