Iviyana

This shock is too much for me to take in.

 Him being a prince? How come no one told me about this? Really, how can this abnormal creature standing beside me the ruler of this land? Just how is this possible? And Papa had to go work for a royal highness, he couldn't find anyone normal. Argh.!!

It is too much to ask me to accept this mysterious and weird reality of this bastard's stature. Yes ,I knew him to be of some importance but this?! Never in my dream could I imagine this.

And he is mad if he thinks I'll follow  through his stupid plan. Betrothed? Hah?! I snorted internally. Sky will have to fall down for such an event to take place. 

No, I cannot let this happen. I am not going inside the door of doom.

As he started to take a step forward, I swayed and clutched his arm as I pretended to fall. My eyes closing properly for the full effect. He grabbed me as I slid down.

"Hey.." The worried tone of his voice stated that my act was full on. "Bring some water." He barked to the royal guards. I sighed in relief that this worked. No sooner, my feet left the ground and I was flying up. I shrieked mentally as I landed across his arms perfectly. He carried me with ease as we walked further away from the noise of the hall . Very carefully, I opened my eyes a fraction to look up his stoic face. His heartbeat fast by my ear. It was quiet suddenly.I heard the sound of the door closing and snapped my eyes open. I took inventory of my surroundings discreetly to make sure we were alone. 

Finding the room empty, I pushed his shoulders. "Let me down." I whisper shouted. His gaze swung to mine as I jerked out of his arms and landed on my feet.Shock apparent in them. "Why didn't you tell me ? And what is this nonsense of being your betrothed? And since when did you become the Prince of Anthea?"

The shock changed to surprise and then to anger . "Since I was born. Stop wasting time, we have to go or they'll think something is amiss." He advanced to take my arm . I twisted and stepped back.

"I am not going anywhere." I looked around once more to check any eavesdroppers. Turning to him, I lowered my voice and yelled.  " Have you lost it completely.? How can you make me do this? If they uncover this bluff, you'll go Scot-free being the prince and all but me..." I shuddered as the scenario played in my head . "They'll hang me in front of an audience to set an example. Or may be do worse." I wrapped my arms around myself thinking about it all. Oh dear Lord!

Now it made sense, the way people bowed their heads and fell over themselves to do his bidding. 

The bastard smirked. "And that is my problem because?" 

I looked around once more to find something to hit him with. The pillow on the settee caught my eyes.I picked it and flung it with force on his face angrily. It hit his face squarely. I smiled in satisfaction.The bewildered face attested to the fact that he wasn't expecting it. He looked from the pillow to me and charged at me wildly . "You bitch."

 I squealed and darted around the settee, keeping it in between us.

"You will do as I say." He ordered as he tried  to grab me. I shuffled escaping his hold once again.

"As if, I will." I taunted to the mounting rage on his face.

It was the knock that saved me. Because that last comment really hit the mark of his tolerance level. We both stopped. 

"What?" He shouted as he glared at me.

"My lord, the water as you requested." 

The bastard cursed some more and shook his head in irritation. "Leave it outside." 

I heard the shuffling noise and then it was quiet again. I eyes the bastard as he mulled over something in his head.The accompanying smirk alerted me that I wasn't going to like whatever came out of his mouth next.

"If you want to walk out of this place with your breath intact, I suggest that you follow along with me. The announcement has already been made. If you refuse now, you will bear the consequences of lying to the King. And as you said, I will walk away with  a slight reprimand but you..." He shook his head in sympathy clucking his tongue.

"But you are the one who brought me here.I had no say in this.Everyone knows ...." The fire in my voice died down as the realization dawned.Who will believe me here? And it is his words against mine.

He is right. It is too late to back off now. If I suddenly proclaim that this is all made-up then I'll be accused of treachery. This bastard will be of no help. I'll be labelled as a spy who used the prince to infiltrate the kingdom and knowing this bastard, he will only egg this assumption on. 

I rubbed my forehead in frustration. Why did I agree to all this?

There is no other way than to play along with him if I want to get out of this alive.

Oh Papa, where are you when I need you the most?

"There is nothing to worry about. Play along and you'll be fine." I looked up as the bastard righted his clothes and combed back his hair with his hand. "Now, come."

"Why are you doing this? Why are you going through all this trouble of making him believe that you are engaged ?" I asked as more doubts filled my head.

He was pensive for a moment and then grunted.  "You don't need to know."

I narrowed my eyes at him and folded my hands over my chest. Tilting my head, I let his words hang. I am not moving until you move your mouth. 

He got the message clearly as he responded with another glare of his. "You are wasting more time. It's a simple trade. You help me and I'll help you get out of here." 

Trade? Is he kidding me?

I wouldn't have been in this place  if not for you.You good-for-nothing slithering snake. 

I conveyed as much with my narrowed eyes.

He raised his brow as if taunting me. You have something to say, then say it out loud.I dare you.

 I closed my eyes tightly,praying with all my might.Please my Lord,if you are there indeed,take his LIFE.Call him back Home.

I sighed and opened my eyes.

 " How long will I have to pretend for?" 

He head turned my way.His knowing eyes gleaming.He knew from the beginning that I would play the role that he wanted irrespective of my wishes.The bastard!

"Just a day. I  have to make dear father sure of this thing between us and then we'll be on our way."  He said, a master manipulator.

 I moved out from the protection of the settee and laid my hand in his. He tightened his hold and looked at me sternly. "No more drama.Keep your lips sealed and let me do all the talking."

I smiled at him just to show that I am with him on this. He stared at me for a while with eyes full of doubt but thinking better of it, opened the door.He wants me to play his betrothed ,oh I'll show him how good of an impersonator I can be.