9: In Which They Anger The Prince

Princess Ariana

I do not know what to do anymore... I have dug myself in too deep. If only Coby loved me, then we could be together and my heart's desires would be fulfilled. But now I have let my 'relationship' with Jasper go on for too long, and I do not think I can easily push him aside now. He keeps bringing up the idea of an 'engagement', which I expertly dodge, but that cannot go on forever. I am reaping what I have sown – I never should have led Jasper on in the first place. I thought that maybe I could cope with it, but after spending time with him and realising that we are as compatible as oil and water, I know I cannot dedicate the rest of my life to him. I would feel like a songbird trapped in a cage without a voice.

Nevertheless, I fear that as a result of my stupidity I may actually have to marry him now.

It was all a stupid rouse to try to force Coby to believe he may actually love me. However, you cannot force love upon anyone, no matter how hard you wish for it. Apart from being a little standoffish with me though (which is my entire fault), Coby has not declared his love or given me any hint that he returns my feelings. I may as well give up now. The only way I can really make sure would be to embarrass myself and ask him directly, which I do not have the strength or courage to do.

Oh, what have I done?

Because of my empty headedness and rash tendencies, I have signed myself up for a marriage that I really do not want, and ruined my relationship with Coby by pushing him out. It turned out I had acted worse then I thought, which I realised when Coby thought I did not care that it was the lowest point of his year; his fathers death. When he did not think he could come to me it broke my heart, so I knew I had to stop being so cold and distant.

It was a needed wake up call.

Still, that was four days ago, and even when I make the effort to go and see Coby, he is the one acting distant from me! He is probably just doing it to protect himself since if I do marry Jasper I will have to leave Ushor behind, which sounds like an abysmal nightmare. Oh, why did I let my emotions get the best of me? I am so foolish. I caused this mess. Nevertheless, what can I do about it now?

"Ariana? Have I lost you again?" Jasper's annoying voice pulls me out of my whirling thoughts.

"Oh, sorry Jasper, just thinking about... roses." I say awkwardly as they are the first thing I see.

"Oh ok. Well they are beautiful!" He hums, pulling me after him.

We are on yet another frivolous walk around the gardens whilst he tries to get me to open up and I try to forget about Coby. Neither of us are very successful. Today we have managed to wander to the very edge of the castle grounds boundary line, and he dismissed my ladies in waiting earlier without consulting me, which I do not appreciate. Ugh, I cannot imagine being married to this presumptuous man.

"Yes, yes." I agree whilst pulling my cloak tighter around me.

It is a little chilly today as we are headed into autumn; especially in the shade where the sun cannot peak through the large tree we have come to a stop by. It is very excluded, and I feel a little claustrophobic out here surrounded by the tall green bushes standing like soldiers around me.

"You look stunning today my dear. I hope you are used to these slightly chillier temperatures, as in Aclein it is not as hot." Jasper explains.

"Well, if I ever go to Aclein then I will make sure to come with adequate clothing." I announce stiffly, knowing what he is really hinting at.

"Oh you are funny darling." Jasper laughs as he steps closer, causing me to shuffle back uncomfortably, before he grabs my upper arms and pulls me into him. "As my wife you shall be living in Aclein with me, and I am sure you will be very happy... Queen Ariana." He smirks before thrusting his lips upon mine, this time succeeding.

My eyes widen exponentially to the size of saucers as I realise Jasper is kissing me, filling me with burning rage. With strength I do not know I possess I angrily push Jasper away from me, hastily pulling back and wiping my mouth, trying to get rid of all memory of his cold lips. I open my mouth to give him a harsh berating, when unexpectedly Coby charges out from the other side of the great oak tree and gives Jasper a harsh shove, who only just manages to stop himself from tumbling over.

"What is the meaning of this?" Jasper roars in an outrage.

"You – you stay away from her!" Coby snarls back.

"Coby, what are you-?" I begin feeling very confused, annoyed and disturbed.

"How dare you speak to me like that you scummy orphan boy! Who do you think you are? You think you have a chance with her? She would never even look twice at you, you piece of filth. She has a Prince now." Jasper hisses as Coby and he get up in each other's faces.

"Oh, I am the scum? What about you, trying to take advantage of an innocent lady?" Coby fires back, reigning a few inches over the Prince.

Having had enough of the macho display I charge up to them and try to shove my way in-between before they start punching each other. There is no doubt in my mind that Coby would win a fight by far.

"Hey stop it! Both of you stop!" I shout, before nearly falling over onto the cobbled pathway as I struggle to get in-between them.

Coby grabs a hold of me and pulls me back into him, whilst still scowling at Jasper.

"Jasper! How dare you speak that way to Coby? He is not scum, he is the most lovely person on this earth and very well respected in my country, so I would watch your mouth if I were you! Coby is twice the man you could ever be!" I yell at him, feeling fiercely protective of Coby.

"Ariana!" Jasper gasps. "You are supposed to be becoming my wife. That means I am your head. You cannot be on this... this plebs side." Jasper scowls, a vein popping out of his forehead because of his rage.

"I would never be on the side of a bully." I retaliate, crossing my arms as I lean on instinct into Coby, which turns Jasper even redder.

"You have to decide who you want; that worthless nobody or me." He says through gritted teeth. "Are you coming?" He then asks snootily, holding out his arm presumptuously.

Whom do I go for?

Should I ruin my relationship with Jasper, or Coby?

There is no doubt in my mind what I should do.

"No I am not. I will talk to you later, when you have calmed down." I stress.

"You know what, fine Ariana. But you will not be becoming my wife; you are too incompetent, disloyal and weak for the job." Jasper spits before storming off towards the castle.

I am maddened, relieved and worried about his declaration. Have I made the right choice?

Coby's breath-taking smile tells me yes, but that does not mean I have forgiven him for the trouble that has been caused (which is all of our fault) just yet.

I think you'll like the next chapter guys!! We are very close to the end now.

Edited