AUTHOR'S POV
King Galen, preceded by his escorts and servants, reached Helena's room in no time. He meandered at the doorstep, before nervously outstretching his hand in a fist against the gold ornate white oak french door. As expected, no one answered to his knocks. The door is also locked from the inside. He rested his palm on the door and softly uttered the name of the woman who have always conquered his world. "Helena".
The servants kept their heads down, surprised to see this soft side of Galen. It was vulnerable, and gentle. Patient, but with urgency. Calm, and yet, assertive. It made them worry for the princess held in captive, knowing that Galen isn't supposed to be this way. He was never seen this way.
"Helena, my dear, I will come back at around dinner time. Rest well today, my love", Galen uttered with softness, trying to hide how badly he desires to get a glimpse of her face. He then pulled himself away and scurried down the stairs, together with his escorts and servants. "Have Celeste open the door. I will have dinner with my fiancè", he ordered. "Serve her the finest meat and fruits. Order her the most expensive dresses, good ones or even bold ones in any color for all I care. I'm sure any fabric would suit her perfectly", he continued to give orders for Helena's comfort until he reached the great hall where the high ranking nobles and paladins are waiting.
Gathered in a round table, about thirty five nobles from Nether's seven major towns were seated on the narrow high back chairs waiting for the supreme ruler of the kingdom. The high priest, Father Bertram, and four of his scholars just arrived, finding their seats in the far flung corner from the king. Only Lord Nero chose the seat nearest to the throne, something everyone expected considering he is the closest to the late King Silvius. Greatly, the paladins were the last to arrive. Their presence gave the nobles a feeling of being at ease, that no harm shall come their way as long as the paladins are with them.
Moments later, they all stood on their feet as soon as the King entered the hall. Galen's eyes shifted to the empty seat between the paladins Vesta and Alesso, before heading to his throne. Everyone were asked to be seated as the meeting commence. No one knew the purpose of being invited to the palace. All they were aware of, was that the King summoned every noble, including the paladins and priests for the King's very special announcement.
Not too long, when the silence surrounded the hall, Galen waved his hand at his royal adviser who then clapped his hands seemingly making a signal. In no time, a band of troubadours entered the hall. Immediately, very light sound of music started to play. The strumming of the harp, the vibrations of the fiddle strings and the overtones of the portative organ set the bright and soothing mood as King Galen wave his hand in the air to its tune with his eyes closed.
A lovely chant emerged in the harmonious melody. It went on until the beats became intense. Next thing, about a dozen of ethereal female dancers in white dresses and sheer overlay gracefully drew in. They circled the hall in accentuated movements, with perfect forms of fluidity giving a high class form of elegance fit for Galen's expensive taste.
While Galen enjoys the performance, the nobles sit back uncomfortably, wary of what could happen every second. Ever since Galen became King, meetings with him became apprehensively exhausting. Later, goblets of spiced wine were served, followed by a generous and splendid salvers of blue grapes. No one dared to take a sip or grab piece of the botanical berry until the paladins did.
The rhythm of the tune matched the beats of the nobles' hearts. Instead of lightening the mood, the music only dreadfully made them more restless. Before the music ends, all of the performers quickly cleared the hall. Galen gave out a long sigh of satisfaction and made a side eye glance at his attendant. The tension intensified even more. The actual show has begun, the vassals thought.
Standing already at the podium, the King's personal staff hurriedly opened a scroll and began to read what's written. "The Peace of Nether be with you all. Today, King Galen, the most high of this kingdom, shares with you a very important message. Princess Helena, the royal Soul Traveler, only daughter of King Silvius and Tris of Caluso… is finally home. Rejoicing for her arrival, the Kingdom of Nether will celebrate her homecoming along with her matrimonial union with none other than King Galen of Nether.", he then rolled the scroll and carefully stepped down the podium.
A soft clamour gradually arise. The stillness of the hall was instantly replaced by an exchange of questions filled with incredulity, concern and agitation. Father Bertram held his breath at the terrible news that he just heard. Marriage doesn't suit Galen, not even the happily ever after that the priest wishes to the bride and groom, he thought. He couldn't help but feel bad for Helena. Hardly, not one blink interrupted his eyes from staring blankly at the vicious tyrant with a proud smirk, sitting on his throne winning in life.
"But how did you find her?", one viscount bravely asked.
"King Galen, a soul traveler? Shouldn't we be wary of their kind? They are not one to trust", one Duke worriedly said.
"Your father would be very disappointed at this. I am quite sure", the oldest Lord on the table voiced out his dismay, clicking his tongue.
"How sure are you that the Princess lives in that body? Can we have that justified, your Highness?", Lady Octavia expressed her doubt as the rest of the nobles kept to complaining vehemently. Lord Nero and the paladins just kept silent, listening to the rambles of the crowd.
Galen waited for everyone to raise their concerns, until they have finally stopped. Crossing his legs, he sighed and laid back on the spindles of his throne as he interlace his fingers on his lap. When one noticed how Galen bizarrely held his silence, the nobles ceased from prattling one by one.
"Are you all done?", Galen asked, raising his brows. The nobles nervously looked around, as if a royal guard is prepared nearby to cut off their heads, while the paladins remained unmoved and unbothered. "I understand that there so many objections and unclear thoughts that fog your tiny little heads. But, this marriage is never uncalled for. It is my fate, being raised by the late King Silvius who we all know once had a particular liking to soul travelers. What say you, Lord Nero?", Galen shifted his eyes to Lord Nero, who was impeccably still in his chair. He knew that Silvius and Nero shared a distinct fondness in them.