Dreamwalker's Bride - Chapter 125

Chapter 125: Meetings are so boring
Trace stood in the corner of the room, his mind wandering as yet another suitor paid court to the princess.

She seemed less averse to this man than the others, though her sharp tongue was not easily controlled. Today’s suitor was taking it in stride, meeting her slightly acidic words with clever, understated retorts. It pulled the bodyguard from his reverie and made him begin to pay more attention to the conversation of those far above his station.

“It pains me to learn you find Thoroughbreds lacking,” He was saying, though he did not sound particularly pained. “My family has bred them as a hobby for several generations.”

“Not lacking,” Sapphira corrected as she gently swirled the tea in her cup. “I simply prefer my quarter horse for her agility and beauty.”

“I heard rumors she is a fine Palomino,” The suitor nodded, “though an unusually spoiled one.”

“She suits my temper well enough,” Sapphira baited. “If she is spoiled, I suppose you must think me spoiled as well.”

The suitor’s mother put her hand on her son’s arm, but he smiled knowingly.

“Most horses,” He said evenly, “Do not wish to be truly spoiled. They wish to be known, taken care of, appreciated, and to be part of a herd, a community. I think, perhaps, it is not too presumptuous to guess such is the case with Your Highness?”

The suitor’s parents both gasped at his impertinence, but King Harold watched him with a contemplative expression.

“Are you implying I’m no different from a horse?” Princess Sapphira quirked an eyebrow, “Perhaps that I should be broken so that I can be saddled with a husband and carry him to his goals?”

Trace held back his reaction, but the king eyed his daughter critically. Another lecture would be incoming after the guests departed today.

“After many years with horses I have worked with and come to adore,” the suitor responded evenly, “I have come to many conclusions about their similarities to people. It is the lens through which I view the world, and I meant no offense. Certainly I would never wish for you to be broken, nor bound to someone who did not make you happy.”

“What was your name again?” Sapphira tapped a thoughtful finger to her chin. “There have been so many of you, I’ve quite lost my ability to tell you all apart.”

The king’s face reddened, and the suitor’s parents looked aghast. The man, however, didn’t react at all, other than to take another sip of his tea.

“Your teasing is charming, but I come to believe over the past hour that you must be far too clever to have forgotten a name so plain as Ben.” The suitor’s eyes crinkled at the corners.

“Ben! I knew it was something simple,” Sapphira snapped as if remembering a great secret.

“I am honored by your royal attention,” He replied with a sarcastic twist to his lips.

“It’s a shame our time is coming to a close,” Sapphira lamented dramatically, looking towards the window at the position of the sun.

“The invitation was a surprising one; I had not expected to be included amongst the other, higher ranking nobles,” Ben turned to the king and nodded his head gratefully. “The experience has been… enlightening. My parents and I express our gratitude and fealty to His Majesty for remembering us.”

Sapphira frowned as the guests stood.

“You don’t seem terribly disappointed to leave,” She accused Ben.

“My disappointment at leaving your incandescent presence cannot be overstated,” He bowed to her. Trace had heard similar words of flattery from most of the candidates, but usually delivered with a facade of sickeningly sweet sincerity.

The wry twist to Ben’s mouth made it clear he was mocking any others who would make such a claim with a straight face.

Trace almost laughed aloud. Sapphira’s eyes narrowed as Ben and his parents left with final thanks to King Harold for his hospitality in inviting them for tea.

The moment they were gone, the king turned to his daughter with a deeply etched exhaustion.

“Sapphira.” He said her name as if that single word could communicate everything he wanted her to know.

“Yes, Father?” She smiled with faux innocence.

“I believe continuing to inflict you upon my unsuspecting subjects puts me in danger of being a cruel king.” His brow furrowed. “Do you intend to drive them all away?”

“Only the terribly boring ones,” Sapphira pouted. “I must admit, that last one showed some promise…”

“Is that why you insulted him, twisted his words, and tried to make him feel unwanted?” King Harold shook his head. “I sheltered you from the outside world for your safety, but it seems that I should have socialized you much more and paid more attention to the manners your governesses instilled.”

“He will come back if you order it,” Sapphira said flippantly. “You are the king.”

“You want someone to marry you simply because he is ordered to?” King Harold rubbed his hand down his face.

“It is better than me having to marry a man simply because I am ordered to,” She shot back.

“Have I threatened that?” The king’s eyebrows shot up with exasperation. “Implied it? Suggested it? No, I have paraded my kingdom’s young nobles before you like prized stallions at auction, and you insist on demeaning each one. Perhaps it would be better for everyone if I did just make the decision for you.”

“Father!” Sapphira cried in alarm. “You wouldn’t!”

“You’ve pushed me too far, Sapphira,” The king pointed a finger at her. “I will make a decision tonight, and announce it tomorrow. You will report back for tea with your new intended before we have an engagement celebration in the evening. Be sure to wear an appropriate gown.”

“What? No! You can’t!”

“I absolutely can, and I fully intend to. I gave you ample opportunity to cooperate these past weeks, but you have steadfastly refused to be civil. I have no choice but to proceed without your input. This is of dire importance to the kingdom and you treat it with the flippancy of deciding which shoes to wear. I will give you my decision in the morning.”