Married To The Rogue King

No! I will never marry the rogue king! You can't be that heartless to make me suffer this way," The air in the throne room froze at the outburst. Ravenna looked at her parents, her eyes filled with anger.

"She talked you into this didn't she, father?" Ravenna cast an accusing glance at her mother. The queen had a plain look on her beautiful face. Ravenna's tantrums didn't faze her, her head held her crown, her eyes focused on Ravenna.

"Ravenna, child, it is for the good of the kingdom." Her father said, his voice calm.

"Good of the kingdom you say? You're whisking me off like an object, without a choice? I refuse to marry the rogue King. I'll rather spend the rest of my days in the dungeon." Ravenna spat, her tone defiant, her eyes suddenly begining to water.

No, she wouldn't cry, she wasn't weak. She will refuse this shackles of slavery in the paintings of a marriage.

" Oh stop your childish mindless tantrums, Ravenna. You are a princess and it is your duty to marry for the good of the kingdom. You are twenty and three already, grow up." Her mother said with a rather stern voice. Queen Elyria stood up and walked down, her gown swooshing with each graceful step. She stood facing Ravenna.

"Ravenna, child, this is not as bad as you think. The king of Cestria is good. My dear, it is your royal duty and you have no choice in this." She said again with a stiff smile as she took out the twig in Ravenna's hair. Her long dark hair was made into two big braids, dropping to her waist.

Ravenna glared at her mother, wishing more than anything to disappear from her intimidating presence. She was nothing like her mother- fair skinned, fair haired and blue eyed.

Ravenna looked to her father, the one she was similar to. " Father, please, don't make me marry the rogue King. I promise, by the gods, I won't sneak out of the palace and go night riding anymore. I'll take my classes seriously, please don't make me suffer this way." She begged. Ravenna walked up to her father, tears in her eyes.

"The king of Cestria has promised to take care of you, my lamb." Her father's heart broke to see her cry.

"But I can't marry a man I do not love, a man I do not know!" She said.

Her mother tutted, turning her stern blue eyes to face her. " This isn't about love, Ravenna, it is about duty. Besides, I hear he's quite eye catching. You'll fall in love with him as time progresses."

The door flung open and Xanthea came in, looking exactly like their mother.

"Mother, Father." Xanthea said as she did a graceful courtesy.

See? This was a princess!

"Why didn't you just give him Xanthea? She is the prettier one and has learned a lot. I still have a lot to learn. You can't just whisk me to be queen in some strange land when I haven't learned being a princess." Ravenna said, her eyes darting from her mother to her sister.

"Stop with the excuses, Ravenna. Xanthea is already betrothed, and the king chose you. You will marry the rogue King and that is final..." Her mother said.

"A war is coming and we need to be in alliance with Cestria to save Valtoria from the raids." Her father added.

A war? They were sending her to be some sort of plea?!

"So, you're offering me as wife to the rogue King just so you can be in his good books? How hypocritic of you!" Ravenna snapped.

"You do not speak to us in such manner, Ravenna." Her father's voice thundered.

Ravenna let out a hysterical laugh.

"Ravenna!" Xanthea called softly.

"Oh, stay out of this, Princess." Ravenna spat at her sister, her voice heavy with sarcasm.

"You are offering your daughter as a bride to a ruthless king to avoid war? Are you not King Wolfric Valois the great? Cause I see nothing great in this-this marrying me off to prevent a war is a sign of weakness, father dearest," Ravenna said.

Her mother launched at her, slapping her across the face. " How dare you?"

Ravenna held her face, the faint sting from the slap still ringing in her ears. She looked up at her parents in disbelief.

"I am not asking you as your father, Ravenna, I am ordering you as your king. You will marry the king of Cestria in two days and that is final!" King Wolfric said, his eyes flashing with anger.

In the end, she was unable to hold it tears streaming down her face in an instant.

"I will never marry the rogue King. I will run away and you'll never find me!" Ravenna yelled and ran out.

"Ravenna! Get back here!" Her mother called.

"Leave her be, mother, she'll come around." Xanthea said softly to her mother.

Ravenna ran as fast as her feet could carry her, holding her gown as she went. The sheer bulk of the gown made her stumble a few times but she didn't bother with it, tears of rage and sadness blinding her.

"Raven?"

Even Percival's call hadn't stopped her. She breezed past him heading straight for her chambers.

Ravenna sobbed into her bed, her shoulders rising and falling with each sob.

"My lady, I have prepared your riding clothes." A dainty looking maid said as she entered the princess's chamber.

"Leave me, Isla." Ravenna said into the pillows.

"My lady, Lord Gwaine is waiting for you." Isla reminded softly.

Ravenna snapped, " Leave me, Isla."

"Yes, your majesty." Bowing slightly, Isla left the room, closing the doors gently.

Then, there was a knock on the door.

Ravenna gripped her sheets, her brows furrowing. She wanted to be alone. Was that so hard to understand?

"Isla, do not test my patience."

The door opened. "It's not Isla." Percival said as he stepped in.

Ravenna got off the bed and ran to hug the knight. " Oh Percy." She sobbed into his chest.

"There there now, Raven. What's the matter? Why are you so upset? Did a horse die?" Percival asked.

Ravenna let out a small chuckle.

"No, but a dead horse is better than being the rogue king's bride." Ravenna said as they broke the hug.

"Ohhh!"

"You knew?" Ravenna questioned.

"Yes, Raven. I couldn't talk them out of it and they made me understand the reason for it." Percival's voice was calm as he spoke.

Ravenna sank on the bed, her shoulders falling. " Why didn't they give Xanthea to him? She's the beautiful one and has everything they be a queen."

Percival looked at her with a cool softness. If only she knew that her dark eyes were the prettiest he'd ever seen.

"You are a beauty, Raven. Why do you think Lord Gwaine and Lord Frasier ride with you all the time?" He asked instead.

"They just enjoy losing to me." Ravenna replied with a laugh, one that sounded like music to Percival's ears.

"No, Silly. They are your admirers and have pleaded for your hand in marriage countless times." Percival sat beside her.

"I can't marry him, Percy. You have to help me escape. We could go together, please, Percival." Ravenna held his hand as she spoke.

"The king would find us and have my head on a pike." He said.

"You're in support?" Ravenna's heart broke.

"Raven, I do not support but you are a princess and Valtoria needs this alliance." Percival tried to convince her.

"No! Nonsense! This is cowardly of you to say, Percival, I thought you to be a fearless knight."Ravenna was standing now, pacing back and forth. " I need to go for a ride." She added as she went to her changing chamber to get ready.

" Your people need this, Ravenna. You don't even need to marry him for years, you can always end the marriage after a year according to the land laws. And if it interests you, Cestria is known for their mastery of alchemy. You could freely be an alchemist." Percival said.

Silence. Ravenna didn't say a word. "Raven?" He called.

"I just can't, Percy. I can't let a man I do not love bed me. I can't even think of it." Ravenna sounded frustrated.

"Consider this, Raven. I promise you, after a year, the war would have passed and I'll do everything to help you leave Cestria." Percival said again.

"You'll be coming with me then?" Ravenna asked.

"If you want, your highness." Percival said.

Silence again.

" Would you bed a woman you do not know or love, Percival?" Ravenna asked.

Percival felt his face heat up. " This isn't about that, Ravenna." He said.

Ravenna sighed. " I do not know anything about being queen."

"You'll do just fine." Percival assured her.

Ravenna stepped out of the changing chamber, now in riding clothes and her hair tied up in a messy ponytail. " Let's just go riding. I need to clear my head."

" You don't have to love him, Raven, just marry him for Valtoria." Percival said.

"For Valtoria." Ravenna repeated.

Ravenna pressed herself between two pillars, her heart racing. The rain pattered softly against the stone, a gentle melody that seemed to build her tension.

She peeked out, her eyes scanning the courtyard. Two armored soldiers marched by, swords at their waists. Ravenna's head snapped back, her breath catching.

"Oh grapes!" she cursed silently, sucking in air.

She waited, listening to the soldiers' fading footsteps. The rain's steady beat filled the silence.

Finally, sure they were out of sight, Ravenna slipped out from between the pillars. She pulled up the hood of her flowing black cloak, the fabric swirling around her.

With quick steps, she hastened toward the back gate. The guards' voices carried from the front entrance, but Ravenna knew this gate would be less guarded.

Reaching the gate, she pushed it open, wincing at the faint creak. She slipped through, merging with the rainy darkness.

The scent of wet earth enveloped her as she breathed in deeply. The feel of freedom, even for a little bit, coursed through her veins.

Ravenna vanished into the shadows, her steps fast, and eyes constantly looking around to see if someone was following her.

As Ravenna approached her destination, the tavern, she could hear the flute music and the laughter of drunk men. She kept her cloak disguise, wary of recognition.

As she walked, a purring sound caught her attention. Ravenna stopped, slipping out her dagger. "Who's there? Show yourself. Don't be a coward!"

The bush rustled again. Ravenna moved closer, patting the bush. A black cat emerged, its greenish eyes scanning her. The cat mewed.

Ravenna's heart melted. "Aw, just you. What are you doing out here?" She bent down, but the cat hissed, flashing claws.

Ravenna laughed. "You're feisty, aren't you?" She returned her dagger to its place. "It's alright, come on."

The cat approached, rubbing against her. Ravenna stroked its shiny black fur, noticing a collar. Ravenna looked around for a possible owner, but no one was in sight.

"Your master isn't around, huh?" Ravenna thought, wanting to keep the cat.

"Where do you think you're going with my cat?" a baritone voice asked from behind. The voice made her jump.

Ravenna turned, her eyes meeting the most blue eyes she had ever seen. They looked like they could see through her, see her soul. Her heart skipped a beat. The stranger's face was chiseled, like Eragus, the Valtoria god of attraction. Her eyes left his face and went to his body. She could tell just how broad his chest was through his wet clothes.

And his arms.... They could hold anything... They could hold her...

"Miss, where are you taking my cat?" he asked, towering over her, snapping her back to reality.

Ravenna's face tightened. "How do I know she's yours? You're not some petty thief?"

She held the cat with one hand, dagger pointed at him with the other.

The stranger chuckled. "That's a beautiful blade, like its wielder. Beautiful maidens shouldn't play with weapons."

Ravenna's heart froze, face heating up. Someone aside Percival had called her beautiful. She shook it off. "Don't come closer."

The man laughed, whistling a tune. "Reina, come here."

The cat jumped off Ravenna, trotting to the stranger.

The stranger smiled, scooping up the cat. "She's quite loyal, isn't she?"

Ravenna sheathed her dagger, eyes locked on his. "You're her owner, I presume?"

He nodded. " And you are?"

Ravenna hesitated, not wanting to reveal her identity. "Nobody... I am nobody."

The stranger's gaze lingered on hers, the night was cold and wet, but she could suddenly feel hot. Ravenna's heart raced, her senses overwhelmed by this captivating stranger.

"I should go now." She said turning to walk away.

"Thank you for saving my cat." The stranger called after her.

Ravenna didn't stop walking. She could still feel him watching her walk away and it made her body heat up in a way she didn't understand.

"Come on, Reina, let's go." She heard him say. She glanced back and saw him walking away. Ravenna entered the tavern, the door creaking shut behind her. The air reeked of ale and unwashed bodies. Men stumbled, laughing and grabbing at the tavern maidens.

Her gaze scanned the room, searching for one face. Ser-Arik sat at the far end, nose buried in a book.

"Ser-Arik!" Ravenna approached him.

He quickly shut his book, eyes darting around before grasping her arm and pulling her down.

"What are you doing here, my lady? What if someone sees you?" Concern written on his face.

Ravenna reassured, "No one saw me leave the castle."

Ser-Arik's brow furrowed. "You must be careful. No one must see the future queen of Cestria consorting with a ragged alchemist."

Ravenna's eyes widened. "You know about the marriage?"

"Yes, my lady. Percival told me earlier today."

Ravenna's lips curled in distaste. "That Percival!"

Ser-Arik leaned in. "Why are you here, my lady?"

Ravenna's voice dropped. "I need new goods. I'll take them to Cestria."

Ser-Arik glanced around, producing a leather bag from beneath his cloak.

Ravenna peeked inside, eyes widening at the colorful liquids. "How much for all?"

Ser-Arik shook his head. "No price, my lady. They're my wedding gifts to you."

Ravenna's smile held a hint of sadness.

Ser-Arik, her secret alchemy master for five years, understood her unspoken gratitude.

"Thank you, Ser-Arik. I won't forget this."

"You should leave now, before someone sees you."

Ravenna rose, bowing her head slightly.

As she tucked the bag under her cloak, Ser-Arik whispered, "May the gods protect you, my lady."

Ravenna nodded, disappearing into the crowd.

The tavern's noise swallowed her departure, leaving Ser-Arik facing his book again.

Ravenna sneaked back into the palace, heart racing. She heard footsteps approaching.

She hid behind a wall, holding her breath. Her mother, Queen Elyria passed by, lamp in hand.

Ravenna knew her mother was checking on her, a ritual since her midnight ride.

Panic set in. "Oh, what do I do?" Ravenna muttered, eyes scanning the hall.

Her chambers were at the far end, inaccessible without detection.

The window was her only chance. Ravenna tied the bag firmly around her waist, ditching the cloak.

She prayed silently not to be caught by guards as she edged along the wall.

Reaching her window, Ravenna pushed herself up, her dagger slipping off.

"Grapes!" she cursed silently.With a grunt, she fell inside her chamber, landing softly.

"Made it," she breathed, slipping into bed.

Ravenna hid the bag under her bed, laying on it, pulling sheets to her face.

The door creaked open, and Queen Elyria flashed the torch around.

"Ravenna, asleep, thank the gods," her mother whispered, sighing.

The door closed, and Ravenna sat up, a mischievous smile spreading.

She quickly changed into sleeping garments, heart still racing.

Just as she settled in, a faint mewling sound came from outside.

Ravenna's thoughts drifted to Reina, the stranger's cat. She could see the stranger's eyes boring deep into her soul.

His words echoed in her mind; "Beautiful maidens shouldn't play with weapons."

Ravenna found herself smiling at the words and quickly shook it off. She would play with as many weapons as she wanted. __________________

Queen Elyria paced Ravenna's chamber, her silk gown rustling.

"Isla, how long has she been gone?" Elyria demanded.

Isla bowed. "Two hours, Your Majesty."

Elyria's frustration boiled over. "By the gods, Ravenna will not be the death of me! The King of Cestria arrives, and she vanishes?"

The doors burst open, and Ravenna entered, dressed in riding attire, hair, a complete mess from the wind.

Queen Elyria's eyes narrowed. "Where in the gods' name have you been, Ravenna? The King of Cestria awaits!"

Ravenna's tone was blunt. "I went riding, Mother. Or is that forbidden now?"

Elyria's expression darkened, but urgency took over. "Quick, Isla, prepare the bath. Someone needs scrubbing. You reek of horse!"

Ravenna rolled her eyes, undressing.

Elyria ensured Ravenna's scrubbing left her skin red.

She selected a yellow gown, which Ravenna hated but didn't protest.

"Tighter, Isla, tighter," Elyria ordered, Ravenna's corset constricting her breath.

"Mother, I can't breathe," Ravenna managed.

Elyria's voice stern, "Tighter!"

Ravenna stood, face pale, in the off-the-shoulder gown revealing cleavage. Ravenna felt naked. Yellow was not her color, she would have fared better if it was black or red.

"Isla, tame that mane," Elyria commanded, gesturing to Ravenna's hair.

Isla nodded and went straight to work._______________

The throne room doors swung open, announcing Ravenna and Queen Elyria.

"Presenting the Queen of Valtoria and Princess Ravenna!" the announcer declared.

Ravenna's expression was blank until her mother whispered, "Smile, child, smile."

She forced a smile.

"The King of Cestria, His Highest Majesty, King Zariel Blackthorne." The announcer said again.

The air froze as Ravenna faced the king.

It was the stranger from last night.

His piercing blue eyes.

His broad arms.

"A pleasure to meet you, my lady," King Zariel said in his deep voice. The voice that had sent shivers down her spine. He reached for her hand and kissed it. "You are so beautiful." He said again.

Ravenna suddenly forgot to breathe, panic setting in. The gown wasn't helping matters. Their eyes locked, the air thick with tension.

Ravenna stood stiff, her mother's jab snapping her back to the present.

"A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness," Ravenna said, bowing slightly.

Her tight corset constricted her movements.

As she rose, her breath seized, and her face paled.

King Zariel studied her face, his gaze intense.

Queen Elyria intervened, "Pardon her, Your Grace, she's tired."

Zariel bowed slightly and offered his hand to help Ravenna ascend.

Ravenna hesitated.

Her mother's warning glare made her accept his hand.

Ravenna's mind raced with dread.

What if he reveals that he had seen her going to the tavern at a really ungodly hour? What if he says she was about to steal his cat?

What if...

Her legs buckled, and she fainted into Zariel's arms.

The court gasped.

"Ravenna!" Queen Elyria rushed to them.

Zariel held Ravenna's limp form.

King Wolfric rose from his throne.

"Water! Somebody get water!" King Wolfric ordered.

Xanthea covered her mouth in shock.

Zariel gazed at Ravenna's face. Her face was just perfectly defined. A rare beauty! One he hadn't seen in a very long time.

Her eyes flew open, locking onto his. For a moment, he was lost in their dark pools.

Ravenna sprang away, sparking more gasps.

"Ravenna, child, are you alright?" Queen Elyria asked.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness. I am indeed worn out," Ravenna bowed.

Zariel took her hand, helping her up.

"Then I won't tire you. Come."

The King and the Queen exchanged glances, not quite sure about what had just happened. Xanthea closed her eyes, making a silent thanksgiving prayer to the gods.

King Wolfric cleared his throat.

"Beloved Valtorians, I announce Princess Ravenna's engagement to King Zariel Blackthorne."

The court applauded.

Ravenna wanted to just disintegrate into thin air. Everything in the throne room looked like a cage and here she was, feeling no different from a helpless slave, pushed into a tighter cage, marriage to the rogue King.

Xanthea silently prayed for her sister.

Zariel spoke, "Thank you, King Wolfric. She's indeed beautiful. I brought suitable gifts."

He clapped his hands twice.

Servants entered with boxes of gold, fabrics, and scents.

Queen Elyria smiled, impressed by the wealth of the rogue King.

"Aren't you just ucky?" she whispered to Ravenna.

Ravenna rolled her eyes.

"If this is luck, then yes."

Elyria ignored the sarcasm. This wasn't the time or place to scold. "Smile, child."

Ravenna forced another stiff smile.

King Zariel's piercing gaze lingered on her.

Their eyes locked, tension coursing through her veins, Ravenna looked away, facing the court and smiled. ___________

Servants stood around the dinner room. Ravenna was in between her mother and her sister, while her father and Zariel sat adjacent each other. Zariel kept glancing at her every now and then as they ate and talked about their kingdoms.

Queen Elyria couldn't be happier that the king was pleased with her daughter. " I think he is smitten. You should dress like this after the wedding, to keep him interested at all times." She whispered.

Ravenna replied, sarcasm filled in each word, " If you're trying to send me to sentence me to death by suffocation, then yes I will keep up with it. After all,death is better than this."

Ravenna took a sip from her cup.

Queen Elyria pinched her underneath the table, making Ravenna almost choking on the wine.

"Why don't you tell King Zariel here what you can do, Ravenna." Queen Elyria smiled sweetly as she spoke.

Ravenna smiled stiffly.

"Go on, lamb," Her father said.

"I am quite good with weapons and I love to go hunting. I can skin a game." Ravenna spoke.

Zariel had an amused look on his face. " That is quite impressive,"

"Do not ruin this by talking about your unladylike hobbies, will you?" Queen Elyria muttered in swift Valtorian dialect.

"Mother!" Xanthea whispered.

Zariel could sense the tension between mother and daughter even if he couldn't understand what was said.

"This meal is so good." He said.

King Wolfric laughed, " Mer-Sarage is the best in the kitchen." He bragged.

Ravenna kept eating silently but would occasionally steal glances at Zariel. Sometimes, their eyes met and she looked away with a scowl.

"He really is easy on the eye, Ravenna. Quite the catch!" Xanthea whispered to Ravenna.

"Oh yes he is. Perhaps my sister should have him. I'd be glad." Ravenna snapped as she stabbed her meat with a knife.

Xanthea knew Ravenna was being sarcastic as usual. " I didn't mean it that way. You know I am courting King Colton of Pelyx..."

Ravenna rudely interjected her sister, " of course you are courting the king of Pelyx. You are allowed to court and I am whisked away like some slave!"

Queen Elyria heard this. "Ravenna!"

Ravenna dropped her knife noisily on the table and got up. " I need some air."

King Wolfric looked at his wife, with his eyebrow raised.

Queen Elyria quickly said, " uh.. perhaps you'd love to walk with Ravenna, your grace?"

Zariel smiled. " Yes."

This only angered Ravenna more. She stormed out of the dining hall mumbling curses in Valtorian dialect. Zariel excused himself from the table, going after her.

Once he was out, King Wolfric faced Queen Elyria. " What is wrong with that child?"

"I think she is still upset about the marriage." Xanthea answered calmly.

King Wolfric sighed.

"She had better shake it off. The wedding is tomorrow!" Queen Elyria said sternly. "She is lucky he seems smitten by her." She adds.____________

Zariel caught up with Ravenna just as she was entering the garden. "Why are you so flighty?"

Ravenna turned to look at him, careful not to look deeply into his eyes. How could he act so well? How was he keeping up the act? They had spoken last night, had they not?

Ravenna sucks her teeth. " Look, I don't know what you are doing, but I do appreciate your silence about our meeting."

Zariel looked confused. " What are you talking about, my lady?"

Was he being serious right now?

Ravenna was getting irritated as the seconds went by. She folded her arms, unaware of how much the gesture pushed her breasts up.

Zariel couldn't take his eyes off her. There was just something about her that kept him drawn.

"Why me? Why not my sister? She is the fairer one and a more befitting queen." Ravenna managed to ask him, still avoiding looking into his piercing blue eyes.

Zariel let out a laughter. It sounded so good...as good as music to Ravenna's ears. She suddenly wanted to hear more of it.

" Yes, your sister is fair but you are more beautiful and I choose whoever i want as my queen." Zariel's gaze was still hot on her skin.

It was Ravenna's turn to laugh- a rather sarcastic one. "You choose whoever? Whoever you choose doesn't have a choice?"

Zariel sensed the anger in her voice.

"My lady..." He started but Ravenna cut him off. " I am not your lady. I do not want to be! I don't even know you and I'm to be married to you tomorrow?"

Zariel's brow furrowed with frustration. " I am really sorry this is hard on you, believe me, it is for me also."

"It's hard for you? Why do it then?"

Zariel sighs, " because my kingdom needs a queen beside me."

"I do not want to marry you. You are a stranger to me!" Ravenna snapped. Her chest heaving up and down. Zariel's eyes rested on her beautiful cleavage for a while before going back to her face.

"We'll get to know each other during our marriage." He tried to make it better, but it all came out wrong as Ravenna scowled harder at him, muttering words which he recognized as curses in thr Valtorian dialect.

"I do not want to know you!" Ravenna snapped at him again and made to leave but he held her hand.

Ravenna stomped hard on his foot. " Ahhh!" Zariel groaned in pains, letting go of her hand. Ravenna cast him one angry glance and ran off- not to her chambers, but to the Knight's quarters, in search of Percival.

Zariel nursed his foot.

How can a princess be so feisty?

He didn't want to force her into this marriage, but he needed a queen and she was just the choice. There was just something about her, something he couldn't quite lay his finger on. Her actions didn't upset him, all he felt was intrigue, sheer intrigue.