The Dragon Prince's Bride
Chapter 37. Renouncing the engagement.

Chapter 37: 37. Renouncing the engagement.

"Please do not speak in such a manner. Please I beg of you."

"I am nothing more than a shell of a man. I am an empty barrel. Even a mere goblin is better than I am!"

"I am not worth all this, my love. I am not worth it. I am not worth your love, I am not worth the dedication. I am not worth the sacrifice! I am not worth all this!" He too broke down in tears and cried even harder, trying to muffle his sobs so as to not get caught and put her in any more trouble.

"No my love, you are worth everything. You are worth everything I can give." Yes, this was the kind of romance she had heard of. The kind where sacrifices had to be had. She had prayed for a strong love, and the goddess had given her what she wanted. A man she was ready to give up everything for. This kind of love that only appeared in stories, and she was going to devote her everything to her love. No matter what.

Fate was wicked she had heard that saying a million times. Fate was a trickster. Now she knew what that meant. It was like fate was playing with her. With her heart, with her love. But she was not going to let anything separate her from the man she loved.

She was determined to bring him out of his misery. She was determined to spend the rest of her life with this man who held her so close to his heart. This man who loved and trusted her. This man who has been hurt by the world, by the only family he knew.

She was determined to keep him. By all means. Sacrificing one or more barbarians was nothing.

...

"Entering, accompanied by Her Majesty, Queen Erra, is His Royal Majesty, King Gerald II." The Herald announced and the huge oak doors were pushed open. Striding in all Majesty, was king Gerald dressed in an adorned black robe, with a red cloak over it. His decorated crown seated on his head with much pride. And by his side was his beautiful queen, in a matching outfit.

Barak and Bashan rose to their feet in acknowledgement of the king of the kingdom.

"King Bashan!" Gerald hailed as he worked in and stood before Bashan and Barak.

"Ah, King Gerald, thank you for being the most gracious host so far." King Bashan accepted the man’s brotherly hug.

"Ah, but the real host is the woman standing next to me, King Bashan."

"Aye, of course." Bashan turned to the queen and she stretched her hand out to him, and gently he took it to his lips, "There is no king without his beautiful queen." He placed a kiss on her knuckles.

"Lord Bashan," She smiled and acknowledged him.

"Your Majesty," Barak stretched his hand forward for a handshake, but Gerald just looked at his hand and then at the face of Barak.

"We are soon to become family, brave warrior prince of Trago, and family do not shake hands. They hug." Gerald opened his arms and Barak exchanged a wary look with his father. If only Gerald knew that they were about to break the engagement before it even took place properly.

In all good heart, he accepted the hug and bowed to the queen. The king and queen walked to their designed seats and sat themselves down proudly.

"So tell me brave warrior prince of Trago, I hope your stay in Avelah thus far has been enough to show you that a marriage alliance with us will not be too bad."

"Aye, my king. It has been quite enlightening." Barak nodded, once again exchanging glances with his father. He knew it was time he explained matters to the king. He had told his father he would handle the matter himself so he was going to.

"About my marriage with the princess, I have something I would like to-"

"Aye! Of course." Gerald interrupted, "You would want to see your bride-to-be." Gerald noted with a fabulous smile. Barak almost felt guilty for what he was about to say. The news he was about to break to the man.

"I will have her sent for this instant." Gerald slightly lifted his hands and a guard next to him bowed and silently seemed to understand his King’s command, but as he turned to move, Barak rose from his seat—

"That will not be necessary, Your Majesty." He suddenly said and the guard halted.

The room was not noisy in the first place, apart from their voices, only delicate music, coming from the stringed instruments and pipes echoed throughout the room. But now the music seemed to have been brought down lower.

Gerald’s eyes were on Barak, intently staring at him. Waiting patiently for the words he was about to say.

"I am afraid I must renounce this engagement." And even the low sounds of the music disappeared. They completely stopped playing. All eyes were on Barak. King Gerald signaled the guard from earlier to move on to call the princess. And the guard obeyed.

His eyes remained on Barak, the queen’s face seemed to have turned pale and Barak could see the unease and disagreement in the eyes of Gerald.

He knew he had to wisely handle this, or it could lead to the breaking of a long-standing truce.

"Please, Prince Barak, help yourself to the food before you. Have something." Gerald forced a smile.

"Thank you, your Majesty. But as I said, I would have to renounce my engagement with the princess. I can no longer marry her for reasons I will be willing to share with you, if you are willing to listen, Your Majesty." Barak said and he could see the man’s jaw clench.

"Prince Barak," the queen suddenly voiced out. Barak could see she had placed a comforting hand over her husband’s. "Please sit down. Could it be because of the many rumors going around about the princess?" She calmly asked.

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