The crystalline dew, resting on the transparent leaf of the Olive Tree beside her window looked as surreal as her marriage prospect with the King. Draco, the mighty, popular, philanderer, sybarite owner of the present Dragon realm. He was the most self-centred person she had ever known. Most vicious, hot headed, even cruel to some extent.
But then why didn't she oppose the proposal? Why wasn't she upset when they sent the betrothal gifts? Moreover, why did her heart leap with joy, every time they mentioned him?
Kiara had grown up with the rest of the Royal children, Draco and his brethren. She was the daughter of Draco's father's most trusted Officer.
From the moment her eyes had layed it's glance on Draco, her heart wasn't her's anymore. She had fallen badly in love with a man, who was devoid of pitiful emotions. Her heart beat everytime he moved past her. At every word he uttered. Even though he was always surrounded with girls. For Kiara , it never mattered.
"He is here my lady, asking for your audience. "
A maid announced suddenly from the back, which left Kiara startled.
" Who's here Lima? "
Kiara asked, turning back to the window, once again.
" Our King , my lady. He is waiting for you in the next chamber. "
Kiara was up on her feet.
"What? Draco? He is here? Then why didn't the guards announce his presence? "
She looked as nervous, as she was puzzled.
"They were instructed not to, by the king himself. "
Kiara ran in front of her mirror. Checking herself out. She looked perfectly made up, from her head , down to the toe tips. Yet she brushed over her cheeks with a little rouge. Then added a little more colour to her tinted lips.
"May we?", the maid asked.
" Yes, Yes, Of course."
Kiara followed her, holding her breath and walking on tip-toe.
She announced herself, stammering as she did. But Draco smiled, for the first time, atleast in Kiara sight. She had never seen him smile before, not as gently as he did this time. He would often laugh out loud, or smirk, when he was having a good time.
" Come Kiara. Have a seat. "
He pointed to his right and cued all the attendees to leave.
Kiara went with her head down and followed his command like an obedient child.
" I know how much you might be against the notion of this marriage. It hasn't even been particularly easy, either for me... "
Draco began as Kiara looked up, wondering what did he even mean. Of course he had no idea what he meant for her. Neither was he aware of her feeling. But what could have possibly made him think that she might be against this union totally?
"No, I mean... "
Kiara bravely tried to cut him off, but as usual failed miserably.
" You don't have to be formal here. It's just you and me."
The words hit Kiara straight. She had no idea why her spleen squeezed. Or was it her bladder, lungs or her entire being.
" I know you have seen me with women. We have literally grown up like brothers and sisters. But you might as well be aware of my temperaments. They were nothing but temporary fun. "
Ahhh. So that was what he was implying. He thought Kiara might test him knowing his womanizing nature.
It wasn't entirely false though. It cut deep like a knife when she had first seen him with a brunette beauty. How she had cried that night. How had her heart ached. But it had long stopped hurting as she saw him everyday with a different girl.
" You see, Kiara... "
Her heart skipped a beat as he called out her name. How sweet it sounded. She didn't know it had a melodious nature.
"... you see I have had no interest in marriage. In settling down with a mate. But you might well aware be of the Prophecy, that has recently been doing the rounds. For me, my kingdom means the most. And since it's about my throne, I had no choice but to give in to their toast.
My parents have long been coaxing me for marriage. They must have had their eyes on you. Hence the sudden decision and rush. I hope you were able to follow? "
" Huh? Yeah. Absolutely. I totally understand. It is not like you think. I have no problem to stand beside you with your hand in my hand. "
Kiara wanted to tell him that but instead she decided to keep her mum. Just nodded her head, letting him understand what she got his point.
"Like I said before, I would never have agreed if it wasn't for the throne. I need a heir. As soon as possible, to shut all their mouth. "
Draco banged on the table beside him, as the vase fell tumbling down. Kiara shuddered in surprise as it made a loud sound.
" Kiara, I will need your cooperation and help in this. We have been friends for years, I hope I can count on you. "
Draco continued unapologetically.
" Friends? When were they friends? "
Kiara was calculating as Draco suddenly bent on his knees.
" I promise I will never force myself on you. Nor will I ever restrict you in anyway. If I have to get married and produce a child, I might as well do it with someone like you, loyal and filial. "
Draco had her hands in his, as she suddenly felt her core trembling. She bravely looked up to meet his eyes as he looked at her's, reassuring.
" Do you promise to be my aid? Bear a child for me? "
He asked once again, as if afraid, she might refuse birthing once the child is borne.
Never had she realised he was promising her word by word, what exactly he wanted from her, what their relationship had. His eyes melted something deep inside as it burnt with rekindled flame that she had kept suppressed in silence, and it was becoming hard to stay apart. Eagerly she nodded her head, giving him her heart felt consent. He stood up, happy and relived and he actually looked content.