The Script
My mouth falls open.
"Earlier now? Why so suddenly?" I ask agonized. I hadn't counted on this. Ralph Ralph has decided unilaterally that the mating will take place in three days. After that one afternoon, he came to my apartment, he made no further attempt to see or speak with me. And now he has such a message delivered to me. It is as if my input doesn't matter in all this. Eric looks at me expressionlessly. "The King has decided. If you need any explanation, you will have to ask him for that yourself, my Queen," he adds aloofly.
My heart beats in my chest.
I have been waiting to hear from Jasper for a week and a half. He had promised to come to get me and now there was little time left. What has held him up? Distraught, I stare at the Secretary. "But I'm not ready yet. I need more time," I whispered helplessly. Eric stands up and makes a brief bow to me. "Discuss that with the King, please," he replies briefly and leaves the room, Ivor following behind him. I clutch my chest and try to control myself. No matter what happens, I will have to reject Ralph. I don't want to become his mate or the Queen.
When I look up, I see Randall staring at me, His face free of any emotion.
"My son is no longer your preference, Saray. Is there something you want to tell me?" he asks dubiously. I shake my head, Ralph's father is undoubtedly not the right person to trust. There are only a few options open to me; notify Ralph of my change of mind and leave or simply flee. The latter is almost impossible; no one leaves the Kingdom unnoticed. So I just have to find Ralph.
I glance sideways at Elena.
The girl is clearly enjoying her food, she doesn't seem to care about what's going on around her. My appetite is totally gone. My mind is occupied with what has been happening for the last few minutes here in the dining room. One thing I know for sure, I won't mate with Ralph. Now that I have met my fated, there is no reason to commit to Ralph. And the title of Queen does not hold my interest, in fact never has. Although I'm still unaware of all the facts about my past, I'm confident that all I want is to be with Jasper. The way I feel with him, the sparks and all, I don't want to give it up.
I feel gazes burning on me and look up.
Randall is still staring at me with a mysterious expression on his face. However, I don't have time to think about this for too long. "Saray, I've had enough. Can you take me to my place, please?" Elena unexpectedly interrupts. I nod absently and stand up. After a nod to Randall, we leave the dining room and I take her to a small apartment I have had prepared especially for her. Once I have her installed, I decide to go look for Ralph. "Elena, I need to see Ralph urgently," I let her know. "Rest for an hour from your trip. Then I'll be back with you and we can have some fun in the Palace," I promise her.
To my surprise, the girl grabs my hand and presses it.
"Saray, don't get worked up. Everything will be perfect as it should be," she tells me ambiguously. I stare at her, not quite knowing what to do with her words. Elena turns and enters the walk-in closet to change. I leave her quarters, looking for Ralph now. When I finally pass in front of his office, I notice two unfamiliar warriors standing guard there. I smile at them and try to grab the door handle. "My Queen," speaks one of them. "The King is not to be disturbed at this time. He is busy with a serious issue. You will have to wait several hours," he informs me. I can't believe my ears. Never before have I been denied access to Ralph's office. I have been there a hundred times without a problem. But as I turn around, I bump into someone.
The King-Mother.
"Saray!" she exclaims enthusiastically. "Have you heard the good news? The ceremony is Saturday. Come with me, dear, we have to make final preparations". Even before I'm able to reply, she pulls me with her to the entertainment room. There I see a script of the day on a table. Alidya puts it in my hands. "Sit there and study it. We must not make any mistakes; everything must go according to plan. You know what a perfectionist Ralph is," she indicates as she shoves me into a couch.
Absentmindedly I stare at the book in my hands.
Ralph has deliberately cut himself off from me, it's so obvious. There is no turning back; I will have to wait for Saturday to speak out. This cannot continue. I look at Alidya giving the Chief Maid instructions for the day. Then a man comes in. From their conversation, I understand that he was appointed to put the decoration in order. I can't believe they are all talking about a day that should actually be very special to me. No, I refuse to believe that this is my destiny. It is completely unclear to me why I previously agreed to be Ralph's mate. He is a wonderful friend, but all the thrill I felt when I was in Jasper's arms is missing. And once I became acquainted with that, I don't want to go for less.
While Alidya is so busy, I get up unnoticed and sneak out the door.
I make my way to Elena and when I enter her apartment, I notice that it is dead quiet there. On tiptoe, I walk to her bedroom and yes, she is sleeping in bed like an angel. Smiling, I look at her first before lying down next to her. I am mentally exhausted; Ralph's stunt has mentally drained me. It doesn't take long before I fall into a deep sleep.
I don't notice the shape bending over me and staring me in the face...
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