The ballroom fell silent as Prince Alastair announced his choice of Zilayefa as his bride-to-be, his eyes fixed intently on her. Zilayefa's eyes widened in shock, her mind reeling with the sudden turn of events.
Duke Larry's face darkened with anger, his jaw clenched in displeasure as he went to the king to make him understand"Impossible," he interjected, his voice firm but controlled. "She's...not suitable for the prince."
The King raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Is she your betrothed, Duke Larry?" he asked, his tone measured.
Duke Larry's hesitation was palpable before he shook his head. "No, Your Majesty. She's merely my...escort."
The King's expression turned thoughtful, then he nodded. "Very well. Prince Alastair, you have my blessing to marry Zilayefa in two months' time."
Zilayefa's heart sank as she searched for a lifeline from Duke Larry, but he turned away, his anger and disappointment evident. The servants stepped forward, ushering her away to a luxurious room, leaving her future uncertain.
As the door closed behind her, Zilayefa felt a mix of emotions: fear, uncertainty, and a deep-seated longing for Duke Larry's intervention. Why had he refused to claim her? Why had he abandoned her to this fate? The questions swirled in her mind as she paced the room, desperate for a way out.
Duke Larry's face was set in determination as he entered the king's chambers, still reeking of anger. The king, surprised by his presence, raised an eyebrow.
"Why are you still here, Duke Larry? The festivities have ended," the king said, his tone measured.
Duke Larry bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, I must speak with you about Zilayefa. She's mine, and I intend to marry her. The prince cannot have her."
The king's expression changed from curiosity to surprise, then to contemplation. "I asked you earlier if she was your betrothed, and you said no. If she meant that much to you, you should have introduced her to me and my family properly. Perhaps then we would have understood her importance to you."
Duke Larry's jaw clenched, frustration evident. "I...I didn't think it necessary, Your Majesty. But I assure you, my intentions are clear now. Zilayefa is mine, and I won't let anyone take her from me."
The king leaned back in his throne, steepling his fingers. "I want my son to be happy, Duke Larry. And he's set on marrying Zilayefa. Can you blame him? She's beautiful. You should have made your intentions clear from the beginning." The king said with a care .
Duke Larry's determination turned to assertiveness. "Your Majesty, I request that Zilayefa be allowed to return with me to my estate. The prince can visit her there, and they can discuss the matter further. Man to man, we can resolve this."
The king's expression turned skeptical. "Why? What's wrong with her staying in the palace and learning the etiquette befitting a princess?"
Duke Larry's voice remained firm. "Zilayefa isn't accustomed to palace life, Your Majesty. Forcing her to stay might overwhelm her. She's...fragile, in a way. I'd rather she returns with me, where she'll be more comfortable."
The king's disapproval was evident. "I won't have her whisked away like a commoner. She'll stay here, learn what's expected of her, and then marry my son. That's final."
Duke Larry's jaw clenched, his eyes locked on the king's, as he prepared to negotiate further or possibly defy the king's orders.
Duke Larry's expression turned serious. "Your Majesty, there's something you should know about Zilayefa. She's from a humble background, a small village called Ama. She's not accustomed to the luxuries and expectations of palace life."
The king's expression changed from disapproval to surprise, then to curiosity. "A poor girl from Ama? How did she...?" He paused, intrigued. "Tell me more, Duke Larry. What's her story?"
Duke Larry's tone remained firm, but a hint of protectiveness crept in. "She's a kind and intelligent soul, Your Majesty. She's been through struggles and deserves a chance at a simple life. Forcing her into the palace's strictures would be...unfair."
The king's eyes narrowed, weighing Duke Larry's words. Would Zilayefa's background is a problem.
The king nodded thoughtfully. "Very well, Duke Larry. I'll consider your words. Return tomorrow, and we'll discuss this further with Prince Alastair. Perhaps a solution can be found that suits everyone."
Duke Larry bowed, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I'll return tomorrow, prepared to find a resolution."
With that, the king dismissed Duke Larry, his mind already turning to the implications of Zilayefa's humble background and how it might affect his son's happiness. The fate of Zilayefa and the prince's engagement hung in the balance, awaiting the next day's deliberations.
Zilayefa's eyes welled up with tears as she sat alone in the grand room, feeling abandoned and scared. She couldn't believe Duke Larry had left her to face the royal family's plans alone. She missed him, longed for his presence, and wished he'd come to rescue her.
The thought of being married to Prince Alastair and living in the palace filled her with dread. She'd heard whispers about the king's stern nature and the strict rules of the royal family. She yearned for freedom, for a chance to escape and return to her simple life.
As she sat there, a newfound realization dawned on her - she wanted to be with Duke Larry. She wanted his protection, his care, and his love. The thought brought a mix of emotions: hope, fear, and uncertainty.
Zilayefa's mind racing, she began to formulate a plan to escape, praying that Duke Larry would come to her rescue before it was too late. She knew she had to be brave, to take matters into her own hands, and fight for her freedom and her heart's desire.
Duke Larry's face twisted with worry as he paced the small room at the inn. He couldn't shake off the feeling that Zilayefa was in danger, that Prince Alastair might try to take advantage of her. The thought of the prince's reputation as a rake made his blood boil.
He couldn't sleep, his mind racing with scenarios of Zilayefa being coerced or manipulated into doing something against her will. He knew he had to be close, to protect her, and ensure her safety.
The inn's fire crackled, casting shadows on the walls as Duke Larry's thoughts consumed him. He'd do whatever it took to keep Zilayefa safe, even if it meant defying the king himself. His determination grew, fueled by his growing feelings for Zilayefa. He'd find a way to rescue her, to claim her as his own, and protect her from harm.
As the night wore on, Duke Larry's resolve hardened. He'd attend the meeting with the king and Prince Alastair tomorrow, but he wouldn't leave without Zilayefa. He'd find a way to take her with him, to keep her safe from the prince's clutches.
The thought of Zilayefa's smile, her laughter, and her sparkling eyes filled his mind. He couldn't bear the idea of losing her to the prince's whims. Duke Larry's heart pounded with determination as he made his decision: he'd fight for Zilayefa, no matter the cost.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Duke Larry lay down on the bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. Tomorrow would be a crucial day, one that would determine Zilayefa's fate and his own. He closed his eyes, his mind racing with strategies and plans, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.