Seventeenth Century

"My Princess, the Majesty is here for a visit."

I sprang off my bed once I heard of his arrival. Father was mostly occupied with court affairs and could make out time with me once it was evening. But today, his arrival was earlier than the usual.

The doors opened and in entered my well dressed father, the King of England. Dressed as usual flamboyantly in a long coat and waist coat, worn with stockings and shoes, he was the perfect fashion example for all our subjects. I admired him to the core and loved him deeply. After my mother's demise at a young age, he had played the perfect role of a parent.

"Jane, my daughter!" he walked ahead and took me in his arms. I was filled with ecstacy, he meant the world to me.

"Father, it's so nice having you so early!" I exclaimed joyously.

"Of course my dear, I love spending time with you," he patted my temple. "And now that I've been able to make out time for you, should we not have a good father-daughter conversation?"

My eyes sparkled. "Yes father, I would love that!"

"That's my girl!" he gently patted my back. "Come along, let's talk in the garden."

Taking my hand into his, he walked me out of the room and through the long corridor. The soldiers on guard bowed down as we made our way out of the palace and into the beautiful garden.

I can proudly say that this garden holds a major place in my heart. Ever since my childhood I've maintained it as my own. I have had sweet memories with each and every plant in this garden and worked plenty of days since childhood in taking care of this beautiful abode which I maintained for its beauty and of course, its lovely dwellers, the birds.

Honestly I cannot take the full credit of maintaining this wonder. With the help of three other gardeners I have kept it beauteous since ages, a sight which any visitor appreciates wholeheartedly.

"Beautiful as always," father commented as we walked through the royal garden. "But not as beautiful as my princess."

I chuckled. "Thank you father. I've ensured a regular improvement of the garden. Recently we have been able to plant a new collection of flowers such as the Cheddar Pink and Field Poppy. The sight of these is one to behold."

Father patted my shoulder. "Aha! I knew that you were worthy of being given the task of maintaining the royal garden and look at how proud you have made me! I am so happy for your diligence and fulfilling your responsibility."

I beamed with joy. "Thank you father! How have court matters been lately?"

He huffed in exhaustion. "Tiring as always. The country has been facing some troubles including food scarcity due to less rain, religious riots and some repulsive sexual preferences."

My ears shot up. "Sexual preferences?" I asked curiously.

He nodded. "Yes my dear. Today a group of citizens came for justice. A father pleaded to be assisted in curing his son. Happens to be, his son has unusual fancies."

I raised an eyebrow. "What unusual fancies father?"

He sighed. "The man said that his son wants to spend his life with a man and that he did not feel any arousal towards females."

My heart skipped a beat. I felt numb at what he had mentioned. This was the last thing which I had wanted to hear that day.

"What is it my dear?" father asked placing his palm against my cheek. "Do not worry, they cannot and will not affect your life. You need not bother yourself with this matter."

I smiled weakly, unsure of what to speak. I, for one, was myself in dilemma with my sexuality. As far as I knew, I was meant to get engaged to a male, the Prince of any other Kingdom. But I never felt any attraction towards males, let alone a Prince. But the same could not be said for...females.

A bird chirruped and flew above us, landing on my right shoulder. It was a sparrow, the bird which I love the most. They are small yet the most adorable.

Gently, I traced my fingers against its short head with my best efforts to not harm it. It chirped at my shoulder for a while after which it flew off, making my father come up with laughter.

"It must be your distant relative," he joked which he seldomly did. "The two of you are very similar. Pretty and always ready to fly."

I giggled. "Appears to me that you're in a good mood today."

He patted my shoulder and said, "Being with my bird always makes me feel happy. And-"

"Your Majesty," a soldier came up to us and bowed to father. "Her Royal Highness," he greeted me and bowed again.

"What is it?' father asked authoratively.

"Majesty, the King of Netherlands has arrived at the palace and requests your presence."

The two of us stared at him in wonder. What would the King of Netherlands be doing here unannounced?

"Has he stated his purpose of arrival?' father inquired further.

"No your honour," the soldier replied. "As soon as he arrived he requested for your presence. He awaits you in the royal guest room."

Father looked at me. "Would you like to come?"

I was uncertain but agreed to it. The soldier guided us as we made our way back into the palace and walked through the long corridors. Once we reached the guest wing, I began pondering upon what could have been the reason of an unannounced arrival.

Could it be for some diplomatic matter? But then why would the King himself arrive at the Palace? Or was it something concerning? I did not want to imagine the worst scenarios.

However, I considered against overthinking. Our Kingdoms for decades had been allies which meant that for whichever reason the King had arrived, he had no intention of harm.

The door to the guest room opened and the two of us entered together while the soldier remained outside. Once we were in, the door was closed and I could glance at the King of Netherlands.

He must have been of my father's age, his royal glamour exuding from his attire. He was dressed in a similar manner as that of my father, except that his robes displayed more colours of blue than my father's usual red or gold. By the looks of him, I could easily guess that the King in his earlier days must have looked attractive as he did today.

"King Frederick Bakker, what a pleasure to meet you today!" father greeted while shaking hands with him.

"Pleasure is all mine King Evans," the King replied. He looked at me and smiled. "Princess Jane has grown into a beautiful young lady."

Father's chest puffed up in pride and he smiled broadly. "Indeed Frederick, my daughter is the epitome of beauty. She is very skilled as well."

King Frederick nodded in admiration. "Agreed, after all she is your daughter Evans!"

Both laughed as father turned to me. "Jane, Frederick is my childhood friend. We've known one another over decades and it's our friendship which has kept the peace between our two Kingdoms."

I smiled and bowed towards the King. "Nice meeting you, your majesty."

"Oh daughter, there is no need for formalities," King Frederick laughed. "We are more like a family!"

"Yes we are!" father exclaimed.

After a slight cough, he continued. "So about your unexpected arrival, could you please enlighten me?"

"There was something noteworthy which I wanted to discuss."

"But why take the effort of coming yourself?" father asked. "You could have sent a messenger. A King must never leave his Kingdom unless the matter affects him directly."

"Which is the reason why I came myself," King Frederick replied. "I apologise that I arrived unannounced. I could not help but arrive as soon as the thought crossed my mind."

Father turned towards me. "Jane, you may leave us for a while. I will-"

"No Evans," the King intervened. "This matter concerns her the most."

My brows creased. What could be so important that concerned me as well, considering I had never met the King of Netherlands in person. This sudden information rang bells for me.

Father looked equally confused but he indicated me to stay. The King continued.

"The time has come Evans," he spoke, "your daughter is of the age."

I gulped. What was he talking about?

"Could you be more specific?" father asked impatiently.

"Remember the promise which you gave me about two decades back?" King Frederick asked. "You made a promise that when the time comes, you would get your daughter, Jane married to my son Henry."

WORD COUNT: 1469 Words.