The Prince's Surrogate Bride

Eleanor hurried through the palace corridors, the heels of her boots echoing on the cold marble. The news that her father, King Hector, had summoned her for an important meeting brought no relief. Her lady-in-waiting, Mary, had expressed the urgency of the summons, which only heightened her apprehension.

As she passed through corridors adorned with tapestries and chandeliers, Eleanor couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was about to happen. King Hector rarely had pleasant matters to discuss, and meetings in his presence usually indicated problems.

Reaching the door to her parents' private wing, where a guard stood at attention, Eleanor waited anxiously until she was permitted to enter. Upon entering the king and queen's private sitting room, she felt a chill at the seriousness of the atmosphere. The spacious room, with its heavy curtains and luxurious furniture, exuded an aura of power and authority.

Seated on the sofas were her parents, King Hector and Queen Dorothy. Also present were the royal advisors, George Baker, and Harry Duck, Baron of Dirmank and a trusted confidant of the king. The presence of these trusted men meant that the matter was of extreme importance and confidentiality.

Eleanor was invited to sit in a nearby armchair, her heart pounding in her chest. She observed her father, whose stern expression made her even more nervous. With a nod, King Hector began the meeting.

"Eleanor, we have called you here to discuss a matter of utmost importance to the kingdom," the king began, his grave voice echoing through the room. "As you know, we are on the brink of war with Rosburny."

Eleanor felt a chill run down her spine. The tension between the two kingdoms had been escalating for months, but hearing her father mention war so directly was a shock.

"We need a solution to avoid this conflict and ensure peace in our kingdom," Hector continued. "After much deliberation, we have decided that the best way to secure this peace is through a matrimonial alliance."

Eleanor's heart sank. She knew what was coming but had hoped she was wrong. Her eyes sought her mother's, who looked away, unable to face her daughter.

"You will marry Prince Richard Turner, the first in line to the throne and future King of Rosburny," the king declared bluntly.

Eleanor felt the ground disappear beneath her feet.

"Father, I... I can't do this. I'm not in love with him. I don't even know him!"

King Hector narrowed his eyes, his expression growing even harder.

"This is not a request, Eleanor. It is an order. If you do not fulfill your duty, not only you but our entire kingdom will suffer the consequences. I will not hesitate to lock you in this palace until you accept your destiny."

Eleanor looked desperately at Queen Dorothy for support. Her mother, visibly distressed, took a deep breath before speaking.

"Eleanor, I know this is difficult, but it is necessary. Think of the greater good, of our people."

Eleanor abruptly stood up, pain and anger boiling inside her.

"How can you ask this of me? How can you sacrifice my happiness for a political alliance?"

Before anyone could respond, Eleanor ran out of the room, her emotions overflowing. She knew her father was relentless and that her fate seemed sealed. However, deep in her heart, Eleanor was not ready to give up her freedom.

As she ran through the corridors, her mind buzzed with thoughts of rebellion and despair. She needed to find a way out, a way to escape the cruel fate they were trying to impose on her. Eleanor returned to her quarters, her eyes still brimming with tears and her heart heavy. As she entered, she found Mary, her lady-in-waiting, who was alarmed at the sight of the princess.

"Your Highness, is everything alright? Can I help with anything?" Mary asked, her voice laden with concern.

Eleanor, always inclined to rudeness in moments of frustration, responded harshly, "Shut up, Mary. I don't want to hear anyone."

Mary hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. "Should I leave, Your Highness?"

"Yes, go away," Eleanor ordered, gesturing impatiently.

As soon as the door closed behind Mary, Eleanor threw herself onto the bed, allowing the tears to flow freely. The anguish of her future tormented her. She did not want to marry Richard, whose reputation as a tyrant and libertine was widely known. Prince Richard, with his disrespectful and hedonistic behavior, was everything Eleanor despised in a man. Unlike her father, the kind and beloved King Patrick Turner, Richard seemed incapable of ruling with justice and compassion.

Eleanor knew that King Patrick was gravely ill, and Richard's imminent ascension to the throne of Rasburny only heightened her revulsion for the marriage. She could not imagine living alongside a man who did not respect her and who saw marriage merely as a means of political convenience.

Desperate, Eleanor locked herself in her room for hours, letting time pass unnoticed. She felt like a prisoner of her destiny, unable to find a way out.

Finally, she heard a soft knock on the door. It was her mother, Queen Dorothy, who entered silently and sat beside her daughter on the bed.

"Eleanor, dear, we need to talk," Dorothy said, her voice gentle and understanding.

Eleanor, her eyes still red from crying, looked at her mother and let out all her frustration.

"Mother, I can't do this. I won't accept this fate. I'd rather run away and start a new life somewhere else, where no one knows me."

Dorothy sighed, understanding her daughter's anguish. "Run away? Eleanor, would you have the courage to live alone, far from all of us, abandoning your people to their fate?"

"My happiness is above everything else," Eleanor replied firmly. "Justin Wilson, the Duke of Asburq, will help me, I'm sure of it. He is in love with me. I know I can find happiness far from here."

Dorothy held her daughter's hand, squeezing it lightly. "I understand your desire for freedom, Eleanor. But running away isn't the only solution. We need to find a way to resolve this without sacrificing your happiness or the well-being of the kingdom."

Eleanor looked at her mother with a mix of hope and doubt. "How, mother? How can we find a solution that satisfies everyone?"

Dorothy thought for a moment, her gaze becoming determined. "I don't know yet, dear. But we will think of something."

"I will not marry Richard, mother," Eleanor repeated, showing all her determination. "I will do anything, but I will not marry that grotesque and rude man."

"Prince Richard has not taken the throne yet," Dorothy tried to bring some calm to the situation. "We still have time. King Heitor will only formalize this agreement when Richard ascends to the throne because he is no fool. King Patrick does not accept any agreement with Heitor."

Given her mother's words, Eleanor agreed to wait for another solution, but her escape plans were already taking shape in her mind.

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.

Queen Dorothy was deeply worried about her daughter, Eleanor. The constant threat of Eleanor fleeing from her destiny tormented Dorothy, especially now that King Hector had arranged for Eleanor's engagement with Prince Richard to take place in a week. Dorothy knew that Eleanor's insistence on defying the king's orders could not only endanger her life but also jeopardize the sovereignty of Nillfaw. Dorothy's fate was also at stake.

As she wandered through the corridors of the royal palace of Nillfaw, her thoughts circled the few options available. Lost in her worries, she found herself in an area accessible only to the servants. Seeing the physical effort some were making while unloading goods purchased for the palace, Dorothy felt a chill. The scene contrasted starkly with the luxurious life she and her family led.

Ready to turn back, something caught her attention. A conversation between the servants began to flow, and the queen hid in the shadows to listen more closely.

"Have you seen that vegetable vendor from Paradise Village?" said one of the men, wiping sweat from his forehead. "She looks just like Princess Eleanor! Only the eye and hair colors are different."

"It's true," replied another, stacking sacks of flour. "The face and physique are incredibly similar. If it weren't for the different colors, you'd swear they were twin sisters."

Dorothy listened intently, her heart beating faster. The resemblance between the young vendor and her daughter seemed to be the answer to her prayers. As the servants continued to chat, a cunning plan began to take shape in the queen's mind.

With her thoughts racing, Dorothy gathered all the information she could about the girl. When she felt ready, she headed to Eleanor's quarters, determined to present a solution to their problems.

Upon entering the room, she found her daughter lying on the bed, her eyes red from crying. Eleanor sat up when she saw her mother, her gaze filled with despair and exhaustion.

"Mother, I can't take this anymore. I can't marry Richard. I'd rather run away and live as a commoner than submit to this fate."

Dorothy approached her daughter and held her hands firmly.

"My dear, I have found a solution. I heard that there is a young vegetable vendor in Paradise Village who looks a lot like you. She can pose as you during the engagement and wedding. This will give you time to escape and start a new life with the help of Lord Justin Wilson."

Eleanor looked at her mother with a mix of hope and disbelief.

"Do you think this could work? What if they discover the deception?"

"It's a risk we will have to take," replied Dorothy, her voice filled with determination. "But it's our best chance to ensure your happiness and protect our kingdom. We must act quickly and carefully."

Eleanor nodded, feeling a spark of hope ignite in her heart.

"What do we need to do?"

Dorothy explained her plan in detail. They would need to bring the young vendor to Dawson Palace, the MacGyvers' country residence, and train her to pass as Eleanor. The queen would use her influence and resources to ensure everything was done in secret while preparing for her daughter's escape.

*******

Thirty kilometers from the royal palace of Nillfaw, on her parents' small rural property, Arabella woke up early, as she did every day. The sun was just beginning to rise when she gathered the fresh vegetables harvested from her family's small farm. She loaded everything into her father's old, noisy truck, carefully arranging each bag and box. After bidding farewell to her parents, Paul and Margareth, Arabella set off towards the village of Paradise Village, where she sold the produce at the local market.

The narrow road leading to the village was quiet, and the morning air was fresh and calm. However, as she rounded a bend, Arabella saw something that made her heart race. A group of armed soldiers blocked the road. She had never seen soldiers in that region before, and the uniforms they wore were not those of the royal guards of Nillfaw but of soldiers from the neighboring kingdom of Rosburny.

Feeling a chill of fear, Arabella slowed down until she came to a stop. The soldiers, with serious expressions and intrigued looks, approached, gesturing for her to get out of the truck. One of them, with an authoritative tone, asked:

"Who are you, and where are you going?"

Arabella tried to stay calm, but her voice trembled slightly as she responded, "I'm Arabella, daughter of Paul and Margareth Simmons. I'm taking vegetables to sell at the market in Paradise Village."

The soldiers exchanged glances and ordered Arabella to prove what she was saying. With trembling hands, she opened the back of the vehicle, revealing the neatly stacked fresh vegetables.

After inspecting everything, the soldiers seemed satisfied but did not relax their stance.

"You may proceed," said the leader of the group, though his eyes remained fixed on Arabella with a curiosity she did not understand.

Arabella got back into the truck and continued on her way, but her heart was still racing. The presence of Rosburny soldiers in that area was a clear sign that something serious was happening. She couldn't help but wonder what it meant for the people of Nillfaw and their sovereignty.

When she arrived at the market in Paradise Village, the usual bustle was intensified. Rumors about the presence of Rosburny soldiers had spread quickly among the villagers. Arabella heard fragmented conversations as she set up her stall, each piece of information increasing her unease.

"They say the soldiers are patrolling the border," commented an elderly lady to a group of buyers.

"What will King Hector do?" asked a young man, his concern evident.

Arabella tried to focus on her sales, but her mind was elsewhere, worried about what she had seen and heard. Deep down, she felt that something big and dangerous was about to happen.

Eager to get home and share the day's strange events with her parents, Arabella was anxious. The presence of Rosburny soldiers had left her nervous, and she could hardly wait to voice her concerns to Paul and Margareth. However, as their small, humble house came into view, Arabella felt a dark foreboding. Something was wrong.

She looked around, searching for any unusual signs, and noticed three luxurious black cars discreetly parked among the lush trees surrounding the property. Arabella's heart pounded. The presence of these vehicles was not normal in their quiet village. Sensing danger, she ran into the house, desperate to find out what was happening.

Upon entering the room, Arabella found several well-dressed men in suits, one of whom stood out, dressed particularly formally. Arabella did not doubt that he was someone sent by the king. Her parents, Paul and Margareth, stood in the corner of the small room, their faces tense and fearful.

"What is happening here?" Arabella asked, her voice trembling.

The frontman introduced himself with a slight bow. "I am Lord Justin Wilson, Duke of Asburq. Arabella, you and your parents must come with me immediately. There is no reason to fear; it is something good for your family."

Arabella looked at her parents, seeking some explanation. Margareth was pale, while Paul, usually a calm man, looked visibly shaken. Arabella felt a surge of defiance rise within her.

"And what will happen if we don't want to go?" Arabella questioned, challenging the man's authority.

Paul, horrified, quickly reprimanded his daughter. - Arabella, please, do not speak like that. We will go, Lord Wilson. We heed the royal call.

Arabella, however, did not give in. "We cannot be taken from our homes like this, so suddenly and without more explanation."

Lord Wilson, with a cold and dangerous look, stepped forward. - Believe me, Arabella, you do not want to find out what will happen if you do not heed the royal call.

The implicit threat in Wilson's tone made Arabella back down. She looked again at her parents, who nodded slightly, indicating that they had no other choice. Reluctance was visible in their eyes, but the safety of their family came first.

Arabella took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart.

"Very well. We will go with you."

Lord Wilson nodded in agreement, a satisfied smile on his lips.

"Excellent. Prepare yourselves quickly. We will depart soon."

Arabella and her parents went upstairs, where they quickly gathered a few possessions. Arabella tried to comfort Margareth, who couldn't stop trembling, while Paul, with his usual calmness, tried to keep the family together.

When they came down, Lord Wilson and his men were ready to leave. Arabella cast a final glance at the house where she had grown up, a mix of fear and determination in her chest. She knew that what was to come would change their lives forever, but she still did not understand the extent of the role she was about to play.