Chapter 2 The Ambitious Prince

While Eleanor faced the anguish of her fate in the palace of Nillfaw, in the neighboring kingdom of Rosburny, Prince Richard was immersed in his concerns. Richard was a man of a cold and calculating personality, with a heart hardened by ambitions. Unlike his father, the kind and beloved King Patrick, Richard despised the gentle and peaceful way Rosburny was governed.

Prince Richard was involved in a major negotiation with a foreign company to build a luxurious tourist center in one of the most beautiful regions of Rosburny. This project promised to bring immense wealth and prestige to the kingdom, but there was a significant obstacle: an essential area for the project belonged to the kingdom of Nillfaw, ruled by the tyrannical King Hector, whose relations with Rosburny were extremely tense.

To Richard, these details were irrelevant. He was determined to acquire the necessary area, no matter the cost. However, the royal advisor and trusted loyal friend of Patrick, Lord William, suggested a more diplomatic and strategic approach: a marriage to Princess Eleanor of Nillfaw.

"Richard," began Lord William, as the two walked through the palace gardens, "the situation with Nillfaw is delicate. Taking that area by force could lead to a war, something your father would never approve of."

Richard, with a cynical smile, looked at the advisor.

"And why should I care about my father's opinion? He is old and sick. His way of governing has not brought the greatness that Rosburny deserves."

"Perhaps," replied Lord William patiently, "but war will bring more problems than solutions. There is a smarter way to get what you want. Princess Eleanor of Nillfaw, although she has a difficult reputation, maybe the key to solving our problems. A marriage between you would ensure peace and give you access to that area."

Richard pondered the idea, his gaze becoming more interested.

"So, you suggest I marry Eleanor to get that land?"

"Exactly," confirmed Lord William. "This would resolve your issues with the investors and consolidate your position when you take the throne. Moreover, an alliance with Nillfaw would strengthen Rosburny."

Richard gave a cold smile, appreciating the logic behind the suggestion.

"I don't care about her personality. If marrying Eleanor brings wealth to Rosburny and consequently to me, then so be it."

Preparations for the wedding began quickly, with Richard sending a formal message to King Hector, expressing his desire to unite the two kingdoms through marriage. He was confident that the king of Nillfaw, eager to avoid war and strengthen his position, would accept the proposal without hesitation.

Meanwhile, in Nillfaw, Eleanor was still in her quarters, discussing with her mother, Queen Dorothy, about the possibility of escape. She was unaware of the plans being made in Rosburny, where her future was being decided by men who saw marriage only as a political tool.

Richard, for his part, had no illusions about love or happiness in marriage. To him, Eleanor was just a piece on the chessboard that he moved to achieve his goals. His mind was fixed on the tourism project and the fortunes it would bring, both to the kingdom and to himself.

Prince Richard walked through the silent corridors of Rosburny's palace, heading towards the royal quarters of his father, King Patrick. The king's health had deteriorated in recent months, and he spent most of his time resting, surrounded by doctors and advisors. Richard entered the room with determination, intent on sharing his plans and advancing his objectives.

"Father," Richard began, approaching the bed where the king lay, "I'm here to inform you about my plans for the future of Rosburny."

King Patrick, a man with a gentle and weary countenance, smiled upon seeing his son.

"Richard, my son, I'm glad to see you. Tell me, what have you decided?"

Richard sat beside the bed, his face serious.

"I accepted Lord William's suggestion and proposed a marriage to Princess Eleanor of Nillfaw. This will ensure peace between our kingdoms and allow us to expand our economic interests."

Patrick nodded, visibly relieved.

"I'm grateful that you've chosen a more peaceful path, my son. This shows wisdom. I plan to abdicate the throne as soon as you marry Eleanor. It's time for Rosburny to have a new leader."

This information made Richard's heart race. The prospect of becoming king so quickly intensified his urgency to finalize the marriage negotiations. However, there was an obstacle: King Hector seemed to be delaying the meeting between Eleanor and Richard, a tactic that made the prince increasingly impatient and annoyed.

Determined to force the situation, Richard decided to act without King Patrick's knowledge. Summoning his trusted men, he ordered an armed group to be sent to the area near Paradise Village, the region where he intended to build his mega-tourism project. The presence of these armed men would be a clear demonstration that Richard was not to be trifled with and would pressure King Hector to expedite the agreements.

"Send a clear message," Richard instructed his men. "I want Hector to know that we're not willing to wait for him."

In the dead of night, Richard's armed men arrived in the Paradise Village region, their presence imposing and intimidating. The villagers, accustomed to the tranquility of the area, were terrified to see soldiers patrolling their lands.

The news of the military presence quickly reached King Hector, who was furious at Richard's audacity. He knew that the maneuver was an attempt at intimidation, a warning that the prince of Rosburny was willing to use force to get what he wanted.

King Hector didn't have the military apparatus to go to war with the neighboring country, as Nillfaw was experiencing significant financial losses due to the king's poor dealings. With no alternatives but to accept Prince Richard's imposition and thinking of the easiest way out, Hector summoned Eleanor once again to his presence and commanded that she be ready to meet Prince Richard, as he would arrange a meeting to formalize their engagement. The king's only concern is for his safety and Eleanor would have to serve something other than a beautiful ornament.