Chapter 10 5 B

Esmeray felt as her body recoiled with so much anger she had never felt before. She didn't know how it was possible for this man she hated with every fibre of her being to be able to hit the right nerve that could have her strangling his throat if only she didn't know that he was so powerful and could kill her in the blink of an eye. "I don't believe you'd resort to using such foul language to lure me into doing something, Your Majesty." There was the same tone of mockery when she called him that. Even though she wondered where her confidence and fearlessness came from as she could never imagine herself doing all the things she was doing, but she enjoyed every bit of it and she knew that for the rest of their lives, so long as he got married to her sister and she'd have to see him occasionally, she would treat him this way. For it only seemed right for her to do so.

She sat down and watched the amusement dangled from his eyes. "About Zetta," she said almost immediately after she sat, still wondering how in the world she knew the name of the horse she had never seen before yet felt so much attachment to.

"I had him taken to the palace." His answer was short and precise but Esmeray was sure she heard more than just his answer in his voice. Dare and challenge were dripping from each word he had uttered.

"I believe I'll have to go there and retrieve it myself." She was about to get to her feet when her family walked in and she was in an instant, reminding of who she was and who she had been acting this arrogant and fearless too when she saw Papa nearly going to his knees and Yamla bowed as though she was going to prostrate in from of him. She rolled her eyes exasperatedly at the sight.

"Please have your seats, sir." He said that a feign respect and when their eyes met with her, he flashed her a mocking look that said, 'You see? How your parents act toward me.' She rolled her eyes and took her gaze off his face.

She was aware of the look Yamla was flashing at her but she was in no way ever going to look her way. She wanted to keep up with this fake bravado and confidence even if it were for the meantime before they were done talking about his marriage with Akasha. As she thought about herself and when she would be able to get away from these people, after she had fought her mind over the hateful thoughts of this arrogant man; she heard their voices while they spoke incessantly. She wondered why they were dragging it, everyone knew the king will certainly get what he wanted from him, want it or not; they'd have to comply.

"Esmeray?" She heard Papa's voice as he called her with his voice slightly shaking, her eyes scanned Akasha's face and she saw the hurtful expression she had before she turned her attention back to Papa that was looking horrified and deeply disappointed, and if she would do justice to the look he had on his face, he even looked hurt.

"Yes, Papa?" She answered, and just then, Esmeray knew she sounded like herself. The little fearful and helpless girl she had been and will always be to her family.

"His Majesty asks for your hand in marriage." Abruptly, she rose to her feet and her heated and confused gaze shot at the King who had a smug look on his face.

"What?! Papa, no!" She didn't have to even think about it, it was a blatant no and would be a no for the rest of her life. What the hell was he thinking to make such a proposal right after he had gotten her sister so excited that she was going to be his Queen?

"Esmeray..." Papa began through gritted teeth, wondering how Esmeray became this outspoken at once. "Know where you are and quickly find where you've left your manners. You're in the presence of the King!"

"And so what if he's the King, Papa?" She returned a hateful stare at him, and he seemed relaxed for a King that just heard that comment about him from a mere and helpless human, she wondered about the level of his patience. "He had just asked Akasha to be his Queen and had gotten her hopes up. No, I'll never get married to a man like him, convey my answer to him, please."

Sweat prickled down to her cheeks as she watched the way Papa got to his knees as he apologized vehemently over her behaviour. "Forgive her stubbornness, Your Majesty. And yes, I'd give her hand in marriage to you and the wedding will be held in the two days you've mentioned, Your Majesty."

"Papa!!!" She screamed stomped out of the tent, feeling pained and betrayed. She knew this man changed his mind over her for a reason, and whatever reason he had would never be favourable to her and she was certain he'd want to prove a point by doing so.

She met Jezebel on her way out of the stadium and when she felt her hands on hers and turned to find out it was her, she broke into tears. But it was evident that they were tears of anger, of pain and helplessness. "I'll so kill that man, Jezebel!" She said through gritted teeth amidst her tears. "I'll kill him the very day he gets himself married to me." Jezebel only pulled her to her body and gave her a comforting hug, even though she was aware of the soft smile on her face and the relieved expression she had.