Cursed Monarch

Chapter 1

        "Are you serious? I will be the crown prince's fiancé? B-but, why?!" Zolia's voice raised in octave pitch as she slammed the table. Duke Frederrick La Ameria, her father, suddenly announced that she will be betrothed to the royal family.

        "Yes. It was bestowed by his Majesty this morning. You should be happy." Her father touched her cheeks then said, "Prince Erman is kind. He will be a good husband for you. Aren't you happy? I know that you have feelings for him."

        Zolia's face was red as cherry because of her father's words. Well, that was true. She fell in love with the crown prince ever since she was a little girl. Prince Erman Zandro Toquen has a light chestnut hair with a shade of blonde. His blue eyes are like clear skies in daylight, it was always sparkling with enthusiasm and liveliness. He is humble and righteous, he always thought the greater good for his people. He is like a saint that descended from above to watch over the Toquen Kingdom.

        "B-but... He's too good for me. I am not enough for him--" Her father's finger touched her lips to stop her from talking.

         "You are the only daughter of a prestigious Ducal House. Your father is the prime minister of this kingdom. While you, young lady, you are the youngest royal knight that was acknowledged by his Majesty. You have all the qualifications to be the crown princess. Stop saying nonsense things!"

           Zolia hugged her father. She was blessed by this opportunity but she's also aware that ladies from other noble families will object to the betrothal. The crown prince was perfect. On the contrary, her looks was below average. She has a red curly hair with a lot of frizz, freckled face, squinted eyes and a large nose bridge. She's ugly as hell but her father is too nice to say it.

        It was a lovely atmosphere, then few knocks on the door ruined the moment. Their butler's voice from the other side of the door said, "Lord Frederrick, his highness, the crown prince is here to visit our lady."

        Zolia became white as snow, her heart started to pump like a wild horse. She's nervous because maybe, the crown prince was there to cancel the engagement. She's fine even if she would be a spinster after this. She knew that nobody will love her because beauty is equal to a woman's worth, that is the norm of the society they are living in.

        "Your fiancé is here. Come, don't make him wait." Lord Frederrick held Zolia's hand and pulled her towards the door.

        The Duke opened the door and entered the salon. His smile is wide and friendly, his respect and admiration for his guest is visible from his face. He was thankful because his only daughter, the one he loves the most, will be the crown princess and the future queen of the country. It was the greatest honor that was given to his family.

        "Good afternoon, Duke Ameria. I am sorry for my sudden intrusion." The prince smiled politely. "Where is Zolia?"

        "Oh! She's here!"

         The Duke and the prince's attention shifted to the door where Zolia's stature was stiff as a log. Her knees were shaking.

         She could defeat anyone with her swordmanship. Zolia is a proud, strong knight, yet her heart was beating like it will burst from the inside. She's acting like a fragile maiden that's being shy in front of her lover.

        "Good afternoon Lady Zolia. How are you? I'm happy to see you." The prince smiled, showing his white row of teeth, with a boyish grin.

        "I... I'm happy t-to see you too, your highness." Her face flushed because of her stuttering.

        "I am here to give my betrothal gifts for you. But..." He put his hand from his pocket and showed a small box. "This is for you Lady Zolia, the rare treasure of our kingdom, Pearl of the Blue Sea."

        "W-what?" Zolia looked at the prince as if he was insane. She couldn't believe what's happening. She looked at her father's face, he's smiling and slightly nodding to her. "T-thank you, my prince."

        Prince Erman walked towards Zolia. He opened the box and a ring with a huge pearl was there. He touched Zolia's hand, and with her permission, he adorned her finger with the ring. It was a shining pearl with a deep blue color, like the sea underneath the sun.

        The prince kissed Zolia's hand and smiled tenderly. The duke applaud because of too much hapiness. He's also teary-eyed as he witness how thoughtful and gentle the crown prince was. He's the epitome of prince charming, a prince that shines and promises an abundant life for the future of his citizens.

        "Wonderful! Very wonderful! I am so happy that I could die now!" The duke laughed.

        "Father, that's not a good joke," Zolia retorted.

        "I'm sorry, dear. I just couldn't contain my emotions. It's overwhelming!" The duke lughed again.

        "Ergh... C-crown prince Erman, would you like to have some tea and snacks?" Zolia asked after gaining a lot of courage.

        "I would love to but I still have piles of work left in the palace. But, don't worry Lady Zolia. I will come back to visit you next week." Prince Erman's smile was apologetic.

        "I understand. The state affairs are more important than tea. Besides, I know that you will come back." Zolia smiled shyly, she's touching the ring on her finger.

        "Thank you Lady Zolia." The prince turned on the duke. "Duke Ameria, I will going to visit next week. Let's meet again."

        "Yes, thank you, your highness." The duke's smile was from ear to ear. "I will let my butler get the carriage for you."

        "Thank you for your hospitality, Duke Ameria."

          After the crown prince left, Zolia almost ran towards her room. She couldn't contain her feelings. She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs. She is the most lucky girl in the whole universe. Who would have thought that her luck will give her a prince as her husband?

        On the other hand, while riding the carriage, the prince sighed with a gloomy face. His mask was gone. The usual lively prince became serious and his eyes became sharp like an eagle. His assistant, Eugene, held his face and giggled.

        "What's the matter, love?"

        The prince smiled and kissed Eugene's hand. "I'm fine. It's just... I'm tired. I want to end this fiasco."

         "I know. I understand." Eugene sat on the prince's lap and embrace his neck. "But you know that we have to do this, right? We need that wench for our plans. We need her strength and her father's influence and power to make sure you will ascend the throne. Your rival, Prince Karvin, was the empress's son that's why the Imperial faction wants him to be the king."

        "Yeah... I know." Prince Erman kissed Eugene's neck and started to touch his lover's thighs. With a tiny spark, a flame was made. The two of them started to touch each other's body and kissed like their lives were depending on it. A moan from Eugene's lips ignited the prince's lust. More... They want more. Clothes started to flew one by one, revealing their skin to each other's touch. With a quick action, Eugene's body fell on the prince's bottom and started their escapade.