A Bride for Two Princes

ly ever recognised it in herself, she was a lady of quiet strength. She was burdened with obligations that many people her age could hardly fathom. A face that was not traditionally attractive but

he put into her daily chores, and despite her l

le movements from her calloused hands from years of hard work. Even the most restless people were soothed by Zoe's voice, which was authoritative but gentle. Despite the harshness of Eldermoor life, Zoe refu

ng the responsibility of running the orphanage alone, Zoe dedicated her life to assisting the children who, similar to her, had no other place to turn. Beneath her gentle

ad as she whispered a lullaby beneath her breath. Zoe's fingers stopped mid-b

ows and peered out. One of the boys murmured, "Zoe, sold

e distance. A man wearing elaborate silver armour with the royal emblem displayed on his breast stood at the front. "Why would royal guards visit this location?" T

square. His piercing blue eyes scanned the assembling crowd with

announced, his voice booming acros

pered to one another as they turned to face her. Why

she stepped forward and murm

towards her. "You are the bride of the kingdom and have b

of thunder. Unable to process what sh

is an honour. You have been selected by the royal family for a coupling that w

This must have been an error. She was not intended to marry

it," she stum

lace to question the king's decree." "Gat

e guards' authority. She turned to face the youngsters, who were

aid, "I can't leave them

n. "Plans will be put in place to guarantee the orpha

er heart ached. She assured them that she would retur

a heavy heart. She boarded one of the carriages, her face

om her as the caravan departed. Each mile separated her from the life she had worked so ha

uestions. For what reason had she been selected? Crown Prince Alaric was w

ity's shape emerged on the horizon as the sun started to set. Its shining walls and tall spires gave the

urned. The carriage stopped before the royal palace, an enormous gold and marble

introduced herself as Lady Seraphina. "You'll come with me. You h

e she could react. She was surrounded by buzzing servants who were putting on a beau

nd doors of the throne room. This was it. She had no idea w

he chamber. Crown Prince Alaric was just as powerful and imposing as she had thought he would be. H

deeply. With all the bravery she could mus