Stephen was still worried about the letter he received from the King of Wales. He was still wondering if he should tell Sebastian about it.
Please tell the Duke of Cornwall that I would like to betroth my son to his daughter. It would be such an honor to have a pleasing daughter like Marie. I am looking forward to the engagement and meeting my daughter soon. Please inform me immediately of the Duke’s reply, Stephen. I entrusted you with this.
These were the words of the King in his letter. He wanted to engage Sebastian and Marie. And in this case, it is hard for Marie to agree with the engagement. The event occurred in the opera house is unforgettable for her and it might actually bring nightmares to her. Marie wouldn’t like this. She dreaded this to happen.
Stephen is deeply troubled by the events occurring these past few days. After the incident in the opera house in Cornwall, he no longer has the confidence to tell Marie that the Duke is planning to betroth him to the Prince. He knew that the Prince would be enthralled by the news, but Marie won’t. And he cares for Marie’s feelings.
Stephen remembered the talk he had with the Duke of Cornwall. The Duke was hesitant at first, but Stephen persuaded him. He told him that his daughter is in good hands. He is man of honor and nobility, and the events that had occurred simply destroyed everything.
He already planned how to tell his cousin about the betrothal, and how will he announce it to Marie. He planned to say it in Cornwall so the Duke might help him in persuading Marie to agree with the betrothal. Yet now, Stephen’s hope is crushed.
He needed to do something. Before the King decided to go to Devon, and tell them the news personally.
The guests were settled in the dining hall. Marie is securely seated next to Edward, whose piercing glances are received by Sebastian. Meanwhile, Marie was uncomfortable by the tension exchanged by Edward and Sebastian. Sebastian gives her glances that are comforting and worried. Stephen, on the other hand, is fighting his own tension. Stephen is still bothered by the agreement of the King of Wales and the Duke of Cornwall. He needed to say it now.
The supper was quiet, and it ended peacefully. The guests were about to return to their bedchambers, but, Stephen stopped them and said he has an important announce to make.
“Sebastian,” Stephen started, “I have been in contact with the King of Wales every now and then and update him on how are you doing, Sebastian.” “Is everything alright? Is my Father sick?” Sebastian asked curiously. A tone of startle can be heard.
“Oh, no. He is very fine, and in good health.” Stephen reassured his cousin. He breathed deeply and spoke again, “He has entrusted me to arrange an engagement. And I mean it literally.”
The Duke and the Duchess of Devon gasped for air and watched their son with surprise. “Who will be engaged, my dear?” The Duchess asked worriedly. The guests were listening attentively to what Stephen has to say. He looked at them and their eyes were locked at him. They were waiting patiently for his reply.
Sebastian was worried. He was anxious, too. He knew that he might be the one who will be betrothed to unknown lady. It must be him. The King ordered his cousin to do specific arrangements. He was sure it was him. He is anxious on who might be her betrothed. He turned her gaze to Marie whose attention was focused on Stephen. He wished it was Marie who will be betrothed to him.
“I was supposed to tell you this, Sebastian. But unfortunately, incidents occurred, and I find it hard to talk to you.” Stephen paused. “I have been troubled by the King’s request, and I needed it to inform you before the King tells you first.” Stephen looked at Sebastian intently and turned his gaze to Marie. Marie looked shocked. She wasn’t expecting Stephen to look at her. Marie felt uneasy.
Stephen shook his head and bowed down. “Sebastian,” he said softly. “You are engaged to Marie.” Stephen added softly. The volume of his voice was almost inaudible, but Sebastian heard it well, and Marie, as well.
“I beg your pardon.” Marie mumbled. “Me? I am engaged to the Prince?” “Yes, Marie.”
“Does my Father know about this?”
“The Duke is happy to accept the proposition.”
Marie stared blankly at Stephen. She was still trying to register the words coming from Stephen’s mouth. She turned her gaze to Sebastian. He didn’t look disturbed. She guessed he was even ecstatic about the whole arrangement. Sebastian played the glass of wine he was holding and caught Marie’s eyes on him. They were looking to each other for quite long. It’s as if they are memorizing each of the person’s inch of the face. Marie tore away the staring and wetted her lips. She was shock. And she doesn’t know what to do.

The story is already finished writing. :) Wait for the rest of the chapters to be posted. Thanks for reading.

Labels: Chapter 21, Fortuitously Enamored

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Sebastian caught Marie alone at the veranda. He checked the area if there is anybody who might stop him from talking to her, he found none. He entered the veranda without hesitation. Marie heard the footsteps, she saw Sebastian. She tried to leave, but unfortunately, Sebastian’s long strides enabled him to trap her. Marie surrendered and since she cannot avoid Sebastian, she decided to annoy him.
Marie curtsied and greeted, “Good afternoon, Your Highness.”
Sebastian stared at her coldly and said, “How many times do I have to tell you not to call me Your Highness?”
“As many times as I want.” She replied curtly.
Sebastian exhaled annoyingly. He turned around and paced around the veranda. Then again, he turned to face her.
“I need to talk to you. Privately.”
“And calmly, too.” She supplied. Sebastian stared at her with his cold saxe blue eyes and breathed out exasperatedly.
“Marie, can you please listen to me? And please stop infuriating me!” He snapped.
“Oh, Your Highness, I am listening intently to you. And am I infuriating you? See, I do not have any intention of doing that so.” She replied mockingly.
Sebastian breathed near her nose. It sent tingles at the back of her spine. A lump formed at her throat. Sebastian saw her wince. She was tensed, and he knew.
“Sit down.” Sebastian said. It was an order. Marie followed it. When Sebastian saw Marie was settled on the couch, he calmed himself down and began talking.
“Marie, are you avoiding me?” He asked achingly. His voice was like a husky whisper which tightened Marie’s heart more. She did not answer him and instead kept staring on the floor.
Sebastian gave up and said, “I will take that as a yes.” He paused.
The veranda was filled with tension. Sebastian can ever hear the irregular beat of Marie’s heart.
“Marie, what happened to the opera house, I didn’t–“
“Let us forget about it. I know you have someone in Wales. I should’ve not tolerated my behavior in Cornwall. Pardon me, Your Highness.”
“No, no, my dear Marie. Carmel and I, we are over before I left Wales. I decided to go out of the city to attain tranquility for some time. And there you are, so beautiful, so sweet. I cannot help myself but be charmed by you.” He said comfortingly as he cupped her head with his two hands.
“Your Highness, you do not need to defend yourself. I am such a fool for being used by you.” Sebastian’s temper rose as she said, she was used.
He paced again and bellowed, “I did not use you! For heaven’s sake, Marie, I have no intention of using you. I love you.” Sebastian blurted.
He has never said anything like that to any woman.
Marie gaped at him and said calmly, “And I would be a fool if ever I believe in that.”
“Damn it, Marie. I mean what I said!” He roared angrily.
“I, too, mean what I said.” She replied coolly. Sebastian glared at her. His steel blue eyes glowed with fury. Sebastian took two strides to be in front of her. He cupped her head with his hands and kissed her painfully and hungrily. In his kiss he showed his anger and fury. His kiss was deep and forced her to kiss him back.
“Sebastian! You’re damned!” Edward screamed as he blew a fist at his face. Marie’s face was crimson red. She was ashamed. She was used by Sebastian!
“Your Highness, you used me in every way possible. And I cannot forgive myself for falling in love with you!” Marie yelled at Sebastian, who was sprawling in the floor after the punch. She turned around to hide her tears and ran inside the Mansion.
“Touch her again, Sebastian. And you’ll be damned!” Edward poked at him and left him straggling at the floor.

Labels: Chapter 20, Fortuitously Enamored

The tagboard are for Hi's & Hello's and compliments about my blog layout or the like.. If you want to comment about the story, use the comment link under every posts. Thank you.

layout: lyricaltragedy
patterns: disparue
coding reference(s): pullthetrigger

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