Chapter 12

I slowly walked to my room while feeling numb. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do but it was going to start with a bath. Maybe some hot water will help me feel better. When I finally got back to my room, the maids were cleaning up the room and getting my bath ready. They picked out a dress for me to wear but I was just going to put on my training clothes since they were more comfortable. “Princess?” I heard one of them say and they continued when I looked at them, “your bath is ready, would you like us to stay and help?” I guess it took me longer than I thought to respond because they started looking at each other. “No, please go have breakfast if you haven’t already.” I finally let out.

I undressed myself and sat in the bath. The hot water felt so nice on my muscles after yesterday and it was relaxing. I felt the stress of yesterday starting to finally melt when I heard a knock at my door. It was my father, “Immyria, prince garret is leaving today. You need to see him off. It would go a long way for you both,” I didn’t answer him but he knew I was in here. “Please don’t be so upset” he sounded a little worried, “I know I should’ve given you some warning, but I was afraid you would completely shut down like this. Please come out and talk to us when you’re finished?” I still didn’t answer and I heard him sigh and walk away.

I started washing myself and when I was done I brushed out my hair, and got dressed. I didn’t want to see anyone but I should at least make an effort for the prince. After all, he was willing to make peace for just a marriage. I mindlessly walked down to the front gate and saw his carriage. He was still talking to my father when I walked up to them. They both looked at me in an awkward silence for a moment then I broke the silence. “Thank you for your attendance Prince Garret. It meant a lot for my family, I hope you have a safe journey home.” I said to him. He nodded to my father and asked, “Immyria, I was hoping you would come say goodbye before I left. Could I have a word with you alone?” I nodded and we walked a short distance to a small garden, my father stayed behind but I didn’t look back.

After walked for a moment garret broke the silence, “I understand your parents haven’t told you anything that had been going on between our kingdoms. I’m sorry, I thought you knew about everything.” He said as if he was lost in thought. Then he continued when I stayed quiet, “Immyria, I don’t want you to hate me or be uncomfortable with this. I know this was a lot to throw on you in a short time. Which is why I worked out an arrangement with your father. We are still engaged, but you will stay here and keep training and living your life until you are 20. That’s still a few years away, so you can keep living the way you want to. I still want to get to know you and visit so we aren’t strangers but I can stave off my council forcing marriage until then.” He finally finished and we sat on a bench. I thought for a minute about what he said.

“You would do that for me?” I asked without realizing. He looked at me for a minute, I could almost see a longing in his eyes until he spoke up, “As I said, you found out about everything just last night. And this will also give you time to live life before getting married as I’ve been told you’re usually under lock and key for sneaking out,” he laughed at the last part. This was all very touching for me. It meant I wouldn’t have to stop living my life yet and have a chance to do what I wanted for a time. But I still had to ask, “why did you agree to this?” He let out a long, heavy sigh. “Because my own father was too stubborn in the negotiations. He refused anything your parents offered and this was the only way to sate his lust for more power. He understands your family are the royal among royals, but he was never satisfied. So he proposed I wed one of the daughters of the high king and he would settle for peace and abdicate to me when I returned from the party.” He admitted everything to me. It took a moment to let it all sink in. He was doing this for his country as much as mine and it surprised me how much he cared. “Thank you.” I told him and continued, “For all of this. Letting me live more of my life, and wanting peace as much as my father. I look forward to our next visit.” My smile was stronger than I thought it was and he smiled back at me.

I walked back to his carriage with him while we enjoyed some small talk, when we got to the carriage he turned back to me and bent down to kiss my cheek. My cheeks got hot when he did that and he giggled, then turned to door to the carriage, opened it and sat inside. “Until next time.” Was all he said and the driver started down the trail. I didn’t feel as empty nearly as much as before. I was starring down the drive after him when I heard my dad start speaking, “It seems like you guys at least get along nicely.” He said. I turned to him and explained the arrangement and he nodded when I was finished and brought me into a hug. “I’m so glad you both worked this out, and that I get more time with you” he said. I could have sworn I saw a tear in the corner of his eye.

We walked back to the castle and when we got back to my dad’s office, I gave him another hug. He went in to talk to my mother about everything and I went back to my room. After everything I really just needed a day for myself to relax and let everything sink in.