Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Four guards, standing sentinel outside the grand doors of King Alexander's study, formed a perfectly straight line. They lowered their heads respectfully as Princess Helena emerged from her father's chamber, her cheeks flushed and tear-streaked. One of the guards inadvertently caught sight of Helena's distressed visage and, concerned for her well-being, discreetly observed her.
"What are you looking at?" inquired Prince Henry, his voice resonating from behind the guard still watching Princess Helena.
Startled, the guard swiftly turned to face the speaker. "Oh, Your Royal Highness, I apologize. It was not my intention."
"Are you staring at my sister?" questioned Prince Henry sternly.
"I apologize, Your Royal Highness."
"Do you find your service to this kingdom wearisome?"
"No, Your Royal Highness."
"Why were you observing my sister? I hope your intentions are pure."
"No, Your Royal Highness. I accidentally noticed Her Royal Highness's distress and was merely concerned. I did not see any of Princess Helena's own guards nearby."
"My sister is upset? But why?"
"I was unaware of the cause, Your Royal Highness."
Prince Henry hastily departed from the guard, making his way toward Helena's quarters situated on the eastern side of the kingdom. Colin, Princess Helena's head guard, approached Prince Henry as he observed the prince's approach.
"Your Royal Highness," Colin greeted respectfully.
"Colin, where is my sister?"
"Princess Helena is within her chambers, and she desires not to be disturbed by anyone, not even the King himself, Your Royal Highness."
"Inform her that I wish to speak with her."
Colin hesitated for a moment before replying, "I apologize, Your Royal Highness, but Princess Helena's request is clear—she wishes not to be disturbed by anyone, including the King."
Prince Henry fixed Colin with an intense gaze and, without further ado, headed down the hallway toward Helena's chamber. The guards who witnessed the scene could only watch as Prince Henry, followed by a reluctant Colin, proceeded towards Princess Helena.
"Shall I knock on the door, or will you, Your Royal Highness?" Prince Henry asked Colin when they reached Helena's chamber door.
Colin took a step forward and, with a heavy heart, knocked on Princess Helena's door. "Her Royal Highness, His Royal Highness wishes to see you."
Silence reigned within the room.
"Knock again!" Prince Henry ordered Colin.
Colin knocked once more, and this time, the door slowly creaked open. Princess Helena emerged, her expression tense as she stared at Colin as if poised to strike. "Were my instructions not clear, Colin? I explicitly stated my desire not to be disturbed by anyone, including the King."
Colin hung his head. "I apologize, Her Royal Highness."
Ignoring Colin's words, Helena turned her attention to Prince Henry, her brother, who stood beside her head guard.
"Why have you come to see me? Did our father send you?" Helena inquired curtly.
Prince Henry had not anticipated such a reception from his younger sister. To his knowledge, Helena embodied the essence of a true princess—her demeanor, conduct, and every aspect of her being resonated with her royal title. Helena's abrupt sharpness took him by surprise.
Prince Henry gestured to Colin to leave him alone with his sister. Colin waited for Helena's consent, which she signaled with a wink. With that, Colin withdrew, leaving the siblings alone.
Princess Helena then widened the door, inviting her brother into her chamber. Prince Henry entered and gently closed the door behind him.
"I heard your cries, which is why I am here—to check on you," Prince Henry explained, observing his little sister, clad in a soft pink dress, gazing out of her bedroom window. "And no, Father did not send me. I came of my own accord."
Princess Helena remained silent, not responding to Prince Henry's words.
Prince Henry moved closer to his sister and stood beside her, first gazing out at the garden before turning his attention to Helena. Tears continued to stream down her face. Swiftly, he enveloped her in his arms, placing Helena's head upon his shoulder. She embraced him back, holding him tightly.
"What has transpired?" Prince Henry gently inquired of his sister.
Helena released her brother's embrace and, tears still flowing, looked at him. "Father has arranged my marriage."
Prince Henry blinked rapidly. He had heard nothing of his sister's impending wedding. Henry had met with his father several times during the week, yet the King had not mentioned anything about Helena's betrothal or the identity of her prospective suitor.
"With whom? And from which kingdom?" Prince Henry asked, his curiosity piqued.
Princess Helena's sobs grew more pronounced. "With the devil's offspring."
Prince Henry chuckled softly, assuming Helena's reference to the "devil's child" was an expression of her displeasure toward her prospective groom.
"Which devil's child is it that you're to marry?" Henry asked, wearing a small smile.
"From Hell," Helena replied tersely.
Prince Henry was still unsure how to react to this revelation. He attempted to console his sister, saying, "Come here," and guided Helena to sit with him on her bed.
Helena followed her brother's lead and sat beside him.
"Listen, perhaps I have not experienced marriage, but trust me, it may be daunting initially, but one adapts with time. Eventually, we find happiness with our partners, and this is something we cannot deny," Henry comforted, embracing his sister, who continued to cry.
"Which kingdom does this devil's child hail from?" he inquired once more.
Helena met her brother's eyes with a desperate look. "I told you—Hell. He is from Hell."
Prince Henry, recognizing the gravity in his sister's eyes, abruptly released his embrace and gazed at her with utmost seriousness. His throat constricted, making it difficult to swallow. "What do you mean by that?"
"Father has betrothed me to the devil himself, and I am to marry his son," Helena revealed, tears still streaming down her face.
"WHAT?" Prince Henry gasped, rising to his feet. Anger coursed through his veins. His ears reddened, and his face burned with rage. "Are you serious?"
Princess Helena remained silent, tears her only response.
Overwhelmed with emotions, Prince Henry stormed out of Helena's chamber and slammed the door shut with such force that it startled his sister.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone