Her Burning Desire

🌹 Prince Arthur pov 🌹

"What's going on here?" I asked, they all stopped and bent their heads to show respect.

"Your highness, she didn't follow the other slaves to work in the field, she claimed to be sick" one of the guards said and bowed again. I had caught them beating an old woman slave, I didn't find it funny at all.

"Let her go at once. I am setting her free from slavery. Let her go at once" I ordered.

"But the king's permission is needed" the other guard stated, but before I could say another word,

"Don't tell me you're trying to go against my son's orders!" my father, the king entered and everybody, including me bowed in respect.

"We are sorry your majesty" they chorused.

"Don't you ever question his orders again or you'll be beheaded. Now do as you're told!" the king said in fury and they bowed before scurrying off with the slave.

"Son, there is something urgent I'd like to discuss with you" he said, inviting me to walk with him.

"Yes father, what is it?" I asked.

"My very good friend, the king of Berginia is coming to pay us a royal visit with his family tomorrow. You know why, don't you?" he asked, arching a brow. I sighed, sadly.

My father had told me a few days ago that I'd be getting engaged to princess Elizabeth of Berginia, a woman I know nothing about. I didn't have a choice other than to marry her, for the sake of my kingdom and the people.

"I want you to go with some men into the village to bring the singer. The famous blind one, I hear he sings extremely well" he said and I sighed again.

"Why do I have to go there? Why can't we send for him instead?" I questioned and he smiled.

"Because it's your engagement dear, I want you to confirm his talent to be sure it suits you" he answered.

"Alright then father, I will go" I said and excused myself to prepare.

🌹 Arya's pov 🌹

"Grandma, I have to go soon, mother will be waiting for me at the castle. You know there's so much work to do since the royal family of Berginia will be coming over. I don't want mother to get into trouble because of me" I said while folding my grandmother's clothes neatly into the basket.

"That's okay dear, you've worked hard enough" she said with a smile.

I have always had big dreams, the kind that will never be a reality.

Having to watch prince Arthur get engaged to another woman is the worst feeling in the world. I love him so much, I have loved him since the first day my mother and I set foot in the castle as slaves. But there's nothing I can do about it.

"I'll be on my way now grandma, I'll visit some other time" I kissed her forehead and exited the house. I remembered that I wanted to see a friend of mine before leaving for the castle, so I made a diversion.

Quinn was my only friend, we grew up together. I was chosen to be a slave while she was spared to take care of her old, blind father who happens to be the best singer in the whole kingdom.

"Arya! You came!" she squealed in excitement and embraced me warmly. I hugged her back and went to greet her father.

"Good evening papa" I greeted.

"Is that my sweet daughter Arya?" he asked, caressing my hair lovingly. I giggled.

"Yes papa. How do you do?" I asked.

"Good my dear" he replied. I turned to Quinn who was smiling sheepishly.

We discussed for a while and I decided to get going because my mother will be expecting me soon. I was on my way out when I bumped into someone. I fell to the ground with a groan. When I opened my eyes, my eyes first sighted the shoes of the person I bumped into. It wasn't any ordinary shoe, it had the royal symbol on it. I trembled in fear realising what I had done.

"Forgive this slave your majesty. I didn't mean to, please have mercy" I fell to my knees and pleaded. I didn't dare to look up, I didn't have that right.

"Stand up" his soothing voice came. That was when I realized it was the prince. My heart raced inside my chest. I thought it would fall out even. I started to sweat profusely, not knowing what to do.

"Didn't you hear me slave, stand up!" he said again, his voice having a hint of anger. I slowly got to my feet but I was trembling. I still did not look up.

"Aren't you supposed to be at the castle, getting things ready for tomorrow?" he questioned.

"I was on my way your majesty" I answered with a bow.

"Look at me" he ordered and I gasped. I hesitantly lifted my face and I swear a gasp escaped from his lips.

"Do you really work in the castle, as a slave?" he asked, I nodded. He kept mute for a while.