Earning the Love of a Princess-Chapter 68: Opportunity
6 April, 1359. Magdaline Castle, Islia
Prince William stood alongside his four cousins, next to the king’s gilded throne in Magdaline Castle’s largest reception room. He pulled at the collar of his formal outer tunic, feeling like it was cutting off his air.
This wasn’t the first time the royal princes had been lined up next to the throne and made to welcome foreign dignitaries. William could remember having to do this for years, since well before his father had died.
This particular visit made him anxious though. They were awaiting the arrival of the daughter of the King of Havietten. The princess had been sent to Islia as her father’s ambassador, to help negotiate some important trade accords. She was also close to William’s age and unmarried.
Without King Edward having to say a word, his intentions were perfectly clear.
Shifting his weight from one foot to the other, William swallowed nervously. He’d always known he’d be forced into a political marriage for the benefit of his nation. But he could no longer deny it or pretend it was something to be dealt with in the future, when it was right here in front of him.
He met Tom’s eyes briefly. His cousin gave him a pitying look. The situation was grim if even Tom feels sorry for me, William thought bitterly.
At last, the honoured guest arrived and was announced. Princess Sarai of Havietten swept in, wearing an elaborate gown covered in beads and golden cords. She was followed by a large retinue which included several ladies-in-waiting. She bowed to King Edward, then to each of the princes as she was introduced to them.
William scanned her appearance, as had long been his habit with any woman he met. Middling height, what looked to be light brown hair, coiled under a ridiculous looking lace trimmed veil. Blue eyes, a turned up nose. Pleasant enough, he concluded, but certainly not a beauty.
His assessment of the princess changed as he watched her behaviour. She sneered slightly as she assessed each of her cousins in succession, the look in her eyes showing she’d found them all wanting. Then she turned her eyes to him, raking him up and down.
William had never minded being looked at by women. It had been happening for years and in fact, he rather enjoyed it. There were definitely perks to being considered a handsome man. However, this was the first time a lady above the common classes had blatantly looked at him as if he were a prized stud in a breeding farm.
When Princess Sarai’s eyes finally met his, he felt nothing but distaste.
- - -
Sarai studied each of the princes from the Royal House of Devon. The three eldest were handsome enough, tall and golden haired, with either blue or green eyes. The youngest of King Edward’s sons was shorter and stockier than his brothers, with dark brown hair. He must take after his mother’s side, she thought with disdain.
More problematic, all four of them were already married and therefore useless to her. That only left a nephew. Sarai grimaced.
It had already been a long, uncomfortable journey to make it to the Islian court. She had been annoyed by the rainy weather. The accommodation she had been provided with at each of her overnight stops hadn’t been as lavish as she’d expected. She was a royal princess, not some minor noblewoman!
She was even disappointed by the apartments she’d been assigned within Magdaline Castle. They were large enough but were located in the east wing, where she was told was where guests were typically accommodated. Why hadn’t she been provided rooms in the same part of the castle as the Islian royal family? She wasn’t just any guest.
What was the point of such a long journey and enduring so many slights to her dignity if there weren’t even any eligible princes to consider for marriage? Why had Father sent her here at all? He should’ve just sent one of his advisors.
Well, she’d been told there was an unmarried nephew. But marrying a son of the king’s late brother was infinitely less appealing than a son of the king himself.
All such thoughts however, scattered out of her mind when she looked at the nephew named William Devon.
He was an utterly spectacular looking young man, tall with wavy blonde hair and jade coloured eyes. Sarai felt the blood rush to her face as she took in his broad shoulders and lean waist.
Sarai decided then and there she would marry the stunning looking nephew. She would be the envy of every woman on the continent, noble or peasant. Moreover, she’d retain the title of princess. This would elevate her higher than her elder sister Nadia, who had married a mere archduke. The archduke was nowhere near as handsome either.
I’ll definitely become Father’s favourite daughter if I manage to marry an Islian prince, Sarai told herself.
"A pleasure to meet you, Your Grace." Sarai performed her bow gracefully and peeped at Prince William through her lashes. To her disappointment, the look in his eyes was utterly flat.
No matter, she thought. She would win him over. She was the daughter of a strong king, she had beautiful clothes and her father would provide a substantial dowry. The handsome young prince would very soon realise her worth and beg for her hand. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎
Sarai focused her attention back on what King Edward was saying. It sounded like he’d been talking about a garden or forests, something that had no appeal at all until he said, "My nephew William here will be glad to escort you on a tour of it tomorrow, once you have settled into your rooms."
Sarai bowed in gratitude, thrilled at the thought of spending time with her future betrothed, wherever they ended up touring together. She looked at Prince William again, noticing his build was lithe but strong, and his beautiful mouth looked made for sin.
"William can also introduce you to the important people at court, at tonight’s dinner. You will be the guest of honour at the banquet, Princess." King Edward’s deep voice filled the room.
"Of course I will be." Sarai muttered to herself, smiling sweetly at the king.
