From Protector To Lady Chapter 20

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My entire body shook with frustration as I paced back and forth inside my chambers. That blasted king. Why would he do such a foolish thing?I am not a man made for settling down with a woman. I am not a man made for a wife.

I cringed at the word. Wife?

The woman who was to be my wife wasn't even an agreeable one! She was possibly the most stubborn, pigheaded, prideful woman I have ever met in my life. She was incredibly attractive, that was undeniable, but what should that matter if I cannot have a casual conversation with the woman without her trying to bludgeon me?

I sighed as I rubbed my forehead with my hands. I could not believe the king was forcing us to marry. He had to know it had disaster written all over it.

My eyes snapped up as I heard a knock on my door. "Enter," I said, letting out a gush of air.

"Sir Stanton," a maid said as she curtseyed outside the doorway. "The king wishes to hold your acquaintance."

Again? What could he possibly wish to force upon me now?

"Thank you," I said as I nodded before she curtseyed again and quickly scurried away.

I walked quickly down the halls before I came upon the king's door to the throne room, knocking before getting permission to enter.

"Ah, Stanton. I do hope your spirits aren't sour because of the arrangement," he said as he looked at me, almost looking sincere.

"It is...a proposal that is very difficult to swallow," I spoke, struggling to find the correct words to use.

"You will get used to the idea," he waved it off.

"Now, there will be a ball in three days time, as I have said. Go speak to Rebecca, make sure she knows that it is absolutely prudent she attends," he instructed.

"Must I be the one to inform her? I feel as if I am the last person she wishes to see," I said, my insides twisting.

"Oh Stanton, stop acting like such a child. You act as if marriages aren't arranged in such a manner all the time," he said, rolling his eyes before turning away from me, facing his desk, signaling the conversation was over.

Sucking in a deep breath, I nodded to myself and stepped out of the room, not looking forward to the confrontation to come.

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I stared at my wall in anger, a feeling of hopelessness sinking into my chest.

I came to this place in order to take care of my family. Now, I was being raffled off like some sow to marry a man I hardly knew. Would the king still send wages to my family? It was doubtful.

I jumped when I heard a quick knock on the door. Situating my skirts around myself for I was sitting on the floor, I hesitated before allowing the person entrance. I could feel my face heating just by seeing the face of the man who entered my chambers.

"Er..Hello, Rebecca," he said awkwardly, his eyes slowly crawling to the mess I had made of the vase on the floor.

"Stanton," I said blankly, keeping my voice steady.

"I have been told to tell you that your attendance at the ball in three days is most necessary," he said quickly, his gaze now straight ahead of himself, not looking at me.

"You can at least look at me and speak to me like a human," I said, becoming annoyed.

His eyes quickly snapped to mine, flashing in defiance. I saw the strong muscles of his jaw flex and I knew he was holding back a quick remark. He took a deep breath before answering. "I know this is difficult for you. It is difficult for me as well. If I knew a way to get out of this situation, I would, but unfortunately I do not. I fear that if we defy the king, we will have to face grave consequences."

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