The Prince's Surrogate Bride

news that her father, King Hector, had summoned her for an important meeting brought no relief. Her l

dn't shake the feeling that something bad was about to happen. King Hector rarely had

s permitted to enter. Upon entering the king and queen's private sitting room, she felt a chill at the seriousness of t

advisors, George Baker, and Harry Duck, Baron of Dirmank and a trusted confidant of the king. The

g in her chest. She observed her father, whose stern expression ma

rtance to the kingdom," the king began, his grave voice echoing thro

ween the two kingdoms had been escalating for months, bu

gdom," Hector continued. "After much deliberation, we have decided tha

had hoped she was wrong. Her eyes sought her moth

first in line to the throne and future Ki

ground disappear

his. I'm not in love with

is eyes, his expressio

duty, not only you but our entire kingdom will suffer the consequences. I

hy for support. Her mother, visibly distr

t, but it is necessary. Think of

od up, pain and ange

ow can you sacrifice my happin

flowing. She knew her father was relentless and that her fate seemed sealed

y to escape the cruel fate they were trying to impose on her. Eleanor returned to her quarters, her eyes still brimming with

ht? Can I help with anything?" Mary

ments of frustration, responded harshly, "

f how to proceed. "Shoul

eanor ordered, ges

not want to marry Richard, whose reputation as a tyrant and libertine was widely known. Prince Richard, with his disrespectful and hedonistic behavior, was ev

f Rasburny only heightened her revulsion for the marriage. She could not imagine living alongsid

hours, letting time pass unnoticed. She felt like

t was her mother, Queen Dorothy, who entered s

talk," Dorothy said, her vo

m crying, looked at her mother

s fate. I'd rather run away and start a new

away? Eleanor, would you have the courage to live alone,

"Justin Wilson, the Duke of Asburq, will help me, I'm sure of it.

r freedom, Eleanor. But running away isn't the only solution. We need to find a way

f hope and doubt. "How, mother? How can w

becoming determined. "I don't know yet,

, showing all her determination. "I will do anything

ion. "We still have time. King Heitor will only formalize this agreement when Richard ascends

wait for another solution, but her escape