The Convert Queen: Prophecy Fulfilled

Chapter 12: A Feast of Friends and Fools (Part 2)

'He wants this to look as authentic as possible.'

'Meaning?'

'He thinks we should...umm...kiss.'

Aleyna's eyebrows shot up. Petor's stance the night before seemed to have evaporated and in its place the great statesman was trying to put on a show for his subjects.

'I told him it was up to you. We don't have to.'

'Will it look better if we do? Is it the done thing when royal marriages are announced?'

Arner sat back and shrugged. She was pleased to see he too was starting to find Petor's suggestions cumbersome and not altogether helpful. Aleyna tried to think things over and work out what should be done for the best. From the look of him, Arner had given up and was letting her choose what they did and didn't do, which was kind but didn't aid her in the decision-making. She turned to look at Eyvan, and remembered the purpose behind the display: to spare Eyvan any awkwardness.

Turning back to Arner, she indicated for him to lean in. 'We will do it. It's the only way we will convince those watching that you have fallen in love with me.' She had to try not to laugh again.

'You really don't think it's possible for me to fall in love with you, do you?'

Before Aleyna could respond, King Petor had got to his feet and was striking a glass with an item of cutlery.

'Thank you all for coming here this evening at such short notice. You see, time is short. My good friend, Arner, the King of Mynythia,' he nodded in Arner's direction, 'travelled the great distance between our kingdoms, to offer us aid against the raiding parties which have been plaguing the coast in these parts. We are ever so grateful to have friends such as these in our time of need.'

This was met with cheers and applause, which Arner acknowledgedgraciously, with a nod and a smile.

'Though this good news settles the hearts and minds of many, it is my greatest pleasure to have the honour of announcing a forthcoming marriage, joining Lyknisia and Mynythia, not only with the bonds of friendship, but of kinship also. Come, stand, my friend,' he said to Arner. Slowly Arner got to his feet.

Aleyna was beginning to notice the tell-tale signs of when the King of Mynythia was uncomfortable, and something told her that Petor had not told Arner of his plans for this lengthy announcement. Yet it seemed Arner was no longer keen to just go along with it. As he leaned in to clasp forearms with his friend, Arner pulled Petor close so that he could whisper just loud enough for Aleyna to hear.

'Keep this short and simple, my friend. This is dragging on for too long.'

They pulled away and Petor's attention transferred to Aleyna.

'And Aleyna, you too please.' He outstretched his arms and brought her close to him. 'Sorry,' he whispered in her ear. 'I fear I am making a mess of things.' He relinquished hold of her, allowing Aleyna to stand once more on the other side of Arner, who took up her hand in his.

'You all know the niece of my second cousin, Professor Aleyna Rienenska, of whom I am terribly fond and proud. Well, it is with great joy I can announce that she and Arner are to be married.'

The king, Eyvan and the other Mynythian warriors seated further down the hall all started to clap. Yet there was a period of quiet fromthe other guests. Aleyna was sure she heard Lady Vedymyrcy say, 'So it was not a jest after all. Poor Professor Valetenko.' Yet propriety won out and cries of congratulations and hearty applause followed.

Aleyna noticed Leena didn't even pretend to be joining in with the others. She sat their scowling at Aleyna, which she could see out of the corner of her eye, but as soon as she turned to look at her, Leena turned away. As Aleyna sat down, she couldn't help but wonder if their friendship was damaged beyond repair.

'That could have gone better,' Arner muttered.

It was only once they were all seated, Aleyna realised they hadn't kissed.

'Do we need to kiss?' she asked him hurriedly. 'If so, let's do it now.'

Arner got down on one knee next to Aleyna's chair, placed a hand on the back of her neck and pulled her to him. It was a gentle, brushing of lips, no more, but he lingered over it, trying to show those present that this was a meaningful union. It must have worked, because this display got a better reaction than King Petor's announcement. There was clapping and hollering, banging on the table and stamping of feet.

'Well, they all came round in the end, didn't they,' the king laughed after Arner had regained his seat.

 As the first course was brought in, Aleyna couldn't help but wonder how a single kiss could change everything.

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[Word count for chapter: 1406, Word count for whole story: 16278]

Thank you so much for reading this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, please consider voting for it and / or leaving me a comment to let me know what you think.

It was all a bit tense there for a moment, wasn't it, but they seemed to have pulled off the little charade. Do you agree? Do you think Aleyna is warming to Arner a little bit more now? What do you think about whether it's possible for people to fall instantly love? And what do you think of what Aleyna was thinking at the end of the chapter. Is it possible for a single kiss to change everything? What do you think she is referring to? I would love to hear your thoughts...

Have a great day!