Abbott's POV
(A month ago)
I stood in front of his Majesty counting down to the seconds when it would be appropriate to walk out on the king but then again, there was no appropriate time to walk out on King Aldous Raven.
So, I simply stood there as he blabbered on and on, on how the marriage to Abby would be to a certain advantage.
He was still talking when lady Beth walked inside.
She had the same constipated look as always like she had the devil in her chest, I guess it was true what they say, those who believe in evil often look like the devil themselves.
Her shoes made a click sound as she walked down to the throne, the heavy emerald dress she wore didn't slow her down.
Whatever she had to appear before the King must be of utmost importance to dear Mama.
When she was close enough, she stopped.
"Your Majesty…. your highness" she curtsied before both of us.
I outrankes her, a lot of people did with my brother Jensen dead.
I was in the process of ignoring her when she touched my face…my split lip.
"Dearest child, you mustn't be so clumsy. You've hurt yourself again!" The concern in her eyes was almost laughable.
But why was she putting up a show? The act must be for dear father.
"Right? I'm clumsy. Must be why I broke so many ribs as a child…and an eye socket, an arm…a tailbone and…I just realized that if I keep talking, I will be stuck all day with you and…him. I would rather go"
I started to walk out when Lady Beth started addressing the king.
"King Joffery's son is dead, your Majesty…it's such joyous news, my liege!" Lady Beth shrieked.
It was the first time I have heard her shriek. It sounded like she was caught in a mouse trap.
I would have said so but I was caught up on what she said.
I turned around and looked at her.
"A boy the age of your son is dead, dowager princess and it's joyous?"
"The poor creature has been sick most of his life, Abbott and it is awful that he died but it also means that Joffrey of Ardin, king of the Eastern hemisphere and Queen Amaya of Castiel, Queen of the North is without a son…an heir apparent, the burden falls on their…."
"...their oldest, a daughter named Moira. She's heir presumptive to the throne. She would one day be the legitimate heir to two hemispheres, the East and North." Aldous completed for her.
I failed to see the point.
"So?" I queried.
"If you paid attention or showed a miniscule interest in my court or cared about the throne, Abbott, you would know that while the East and Ardin is a small kingdom, The north isn't. It's twice the size of Zurich and the south, and it's once again going to be ruled by a mere girl. It's ripe for the picking" Aldous schooled me.
I laughed.
"Father, I pay attention enough to know that only a fool would go to war with Amaya of Castiel. I believe she's popularly known as the warrior Queen. It's mostly why you've not invaded the East or the North, Aldous…"
"There are many roads to a destination, Rat!"
Then it dawned on me. Aldous Raven was a power hungry scheming bastard and the only way to save Abby, a girl who doesn't think she needed saving, was to play into his vices.
"The easiest way would be to propose a marriage between your Heir apparent and theirs but Markle is set to marry the baron's daughter, I don't see a way out of that predicament unless…" I looked at him with a teasing smile.
"Unless his Majesty is willing to perhaps go back on his word and void Markle's impending betrothal to the baron's daughter" Lady Beth completed for me.
I kept my eyes on the king.
I could see he was plotting something disastrous as usual.
I wanted to know what would win. His Majesty's greediness or his sense of honor.
It was to be an easy battle. Aldous Raven has no honor or so, I thought until he spoke.
"I don't go back on my word. The engagement will proceed as planned in a few minutes. We shall proceed to the royal court for the announcement…"
"But your Majesty…." Lady Beth started to say but she was caught off.
"Enough! Decision is final!"
I nodded.
I have always been able to predict Aldous and I expected him to choose the North and South over a few maps but atlas, I was wrong.
Something was wrong…I felt it. I just didn't see it coming.
I started to walk out but Aldous spoke.
"You will stay for Miss Spencer's betrothal, Abbott"
"I would rather not"
"It wasn't a suggestion. You will stay" Aldous said and walked out.
I exchanged looks with Lady Beth and I followed his Majesty.
The sooner we can get this betrothal out of the way, the sooner I can go back to the business of forgetting Abby.
I made it to the king's court and Markle was standing there in his ceremonial crown and the sigil of house Raven.
He wasn't alone.
The lords and ladies of the court were present, dignitaries and powerful allies too.
Aldous wanted to celebrate his victory in a public manner .
Our eyes locked on each other. It was a staring contest.
"Uncle, come to sabotage my nuptials?"
"No. She's all yours"
I answered truthfully. Markle made a face.
I saw that he wanted a fight, a dick measuring contest…a chance to gloat but I took that away from him by accepting defeat and it threw him off.
"I don't know what plan you are hatching but she will be my bride….mine! And you better get used to it, Abbott"
I had wanted to say something but my attention was called to the entrance.
It was Abby.
She was standing there and our eyes locked. She looked away, I didn't. I couldn't.
I had never seen someone more beautiful in my life.