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Adeline and Alexander's Journey to Their Castle

**Alexander’s Perspective

**

With thunderous rage, my father stormed out of the hall, his footsteps echoing through the corridors. Determined, he made his way to my chambers, bursting through the door without hesitation.

What he discovered left him seething with disapproval: a bottle of wine sat on my dresser, a damning symbol of my recklessness. In my bed lay another woman, one my father recognized all too well.

My father wasted no time. He swiftly grabbed a jug of water and poured it over both me and the woman, dousing us in a cascade of liquid.

"What is the meaning of this?" he thundered.

"I found you in bed with another woman just after your marriage!"

Caught in the act, I could only muster a feeble response.

"Get out.”

The woman, realizing the gravity of the situation, hastily gathered her clothes and fled from the room. Father slammed the door shut, his eyes fixed on me.

"What is the meaning of this?

I stood my ground, my expression defiant.

“I did not wish to marry; you made me do it anyway.”

My father’s face darkened.

"Son, you should have been with your wife last night.”

I rolled my eyes.

"I doubt that she missed me.”

"Son, you are playing a dangerous game.”

"This is your game; I did not wish to play.”

My father sighed heavily.

"Son, I expect you to go on your honeymoon and consummate the marriage.”

I shook my head.

"I cannot do that, Father.”

"How do you expect me to bed a woman that I do not love?"

My father’s expression softened slightly.

"I married your mother through an arranged marriage.”

"If I can do it, so can you."

I scoffed again.

"Father, that was over twenty years ago; things are different now.”

Father raised an eyebrow.

"You may grow to love this girl.”

I shook my head.

"You will do as I say; this peace treaty secures your path to the throne.”

"You are my only child, and I need an heir."

"Get ready to pack your bags; Adeline is about to join you in the carriage.”

"How will you know if the task is complete?"

"Don't worry the guards will be stationed right outside the door."

With a sigh, I knew there was no other option but to start packing. Swiftly dealing with the remnants of my hangover, I was determined not to let it dampen my spirits as I made my way down to the courtyard, a frown etched on my face.

Adeline’s Perspective

Meanwhile, in my chambers, I focused on getting dressed. My loyal lady-in-waiting assisted me in donning a comfortable dress suitable for our journey. I despised the weight of heavy gowns when traveling; they always made the ride unbearable.

"What troubles you, my lady?"

"If Alexander failed to show up on our wedding night, what guarantee do I have that he will be there for our honeymoon?"

"I'm certain he will be there, miss."

"I fear he will be disappointed."

"Let him take charge; he will guide you every step of the way."

Summoning all the courage I could muster, I stepped out into the courtyard, ready to face whatever awaited me. Grateful for my lady-in-waiting's parasol on that scorching day, I found relief from the merciless sun. Suddenly, I caught sight of Alexander, who quickly made his way over to the carriage. While my lady-in-waiting loaded my bags, the king approached me and took my hand.

"I spoke with my son.”

"He apologized for last night.”

“He wasn't feeling well."

I nodded, unsure of what he was referring to but grateful for the apology nonetheless. He helped me into the carriage, and I wondered what had happened the night before.

Once inside, Alexander seemed distant, his gaze averted.

“Is something wrong your highness?”

"Yes," he replied curtly.

"You're here."

“Is your highness the only say you know how to say?”

"That's all I was taught to say."

He seemed to relax a bit.

"My lord is fine now that we're married."

I nodded, relieved that he seemed to be in a better mood.

"May I ask where our journey leads us?"

"To our new castle.”

"Our castle?"

I was taken aback, having assumed we would reside in his family's ancestral home.

"My father had it built for us, so we may enjoy our privacy.”

We approached the grand estate. My husband informed me of our duties as a couple.

"We will attend events and make public appearances.”

"Of course, my lord.”

"What can I expect from this marriage?"

His response was cold and calculated.

"You are to be seen and not heard.”

“We will only perform our marital duties when required.”

“I am not to be disturbed when I am working.”

“If we have children, a nanny will raise them.”

“You will have a limited monthly budget and must always have an escort when attending social gatherings in the village.”

“You will sleep in your room unless I call on you."

I nodded obediently, knowing my place as his wife. The rest of the ride was quiet. Alexander avoided my gaze. The wheels of the carriage rolled smoothly over the cobblestone path, the only sound breaking the silence.

Finally, we arrived at our destination just before dinner. We approached the grand castle, and Alexander's voice broke through the stillness.

"The castle has twenty rooms, a banquet hall, a large garden, and a tearoom."

His words painted a picture of opulence and grandeur. The carriage came to a halt. Without hesitation, Alexander stepped out and made his way towards the imposing entrance.

A footman graciously assisted me out of the carriage, and I followed Alexander's lead. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by a breathtaking sight. The floor beneath my feet was pristine white marble, reflecting the soft glow of the chandeliers above. The staircase, adorned with black marble and golden railings, beckoned me to ascend.

Alexander began to climb the stairs, and I followed in his footsteps, my curiosity growing with each step. We ascended two flights of stairs, and at the top, we were met with a pair of intricately carved doors.

"Adeline, this is your chamber."

With bated breath, I watched as he opened the doors, revealing a room that took my breath away. It was the largest room I had ever laid eyes upon, fit for a queen. The bed, a majestic queen-sized, stood proudly in the center, adorned with luxurious bedding that had already been turned down.

My eyes lingered on the single pillow, and a flicker of uncertainty crossed my mind. Did this mean that Alexander did not intend to stay with me tonight?

Before I could dwell on my thoughts, Alexander's voice broke through the silence, bringing me back to the present.

"The closet is through that door," Alexander exclaimed, gesturing towards the closet.

"I have personally hand-picked every single piece in here just for you.”

“If I have to look at you, I refuse to see anything pink."

"Of course, my lord.”

He exited the room, and I tiptoed into the closet, my eyes widening in awe at the sight before me. Never before had I laid eyes on such a magnificent collection of garments. Every single piece belonged to my stylish sister, a fashionista in her own right.

My gaze settled on a stunning dark blue evening dress, its fabric shimmering under the soft glow of the chandelier. I carefully picked up the dress and stepped out, only to be greeted by my loyal lady-in-waiting.

"I shall have your attire prepared for slumber tonight, my lady.”

"Thank you.”

"Will the Prince be gracing your presence tonight, my lady?"

"I am uncertain of his intentions for this evening."

"Very well, miss. I shall prepare accordingly."

I strolled leisurely down to the grand dining hall. I settled into my seat. I realized that Alexander was nowhere to be seen. I tried my best to hide my disappointment, reminding myself that he must have been caught up in some important matter.

Just as I resigned myself to dining alone, the doors swung open dramatically, and there he was - Alexander, looking as regal as ever. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I greeted him with a graceful curtsey.

"My lord.”

"Shall we indulge in a feast fit for royalty?”

“I must admit, I am famished."

We sat down together, the air between us filled with an uncomfortable silence. The food that was served was nothing short of exquisite, each bite a burst of flavors that danced on my tongue. It was the dessert that truly stole the show, a heavenly creation that left me craving for more.

I savored each mouthful, noticing that Alexander had not one, but two glasses of wine before him. Wine was never my cup of tea, or rather, glass of wine. Its taste never quite appealed to me, and I preferred to indulge in other pleasures.

The last morsel of dessert disappeared from my plate. Alexander rose from his seat.

"I shall see you in your chambers in twenty minutes.”

I nodded, my heart fluttering at the thought of our private time together.

"I always sleep on the right side of the bed.”

“I prefer my pillows firm, not soft."

"Yes, my lord," I replied.

"I shall make sure everything is to your liking."

With a final nod, he dismissed me.

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