Princess Iris
CHAPTER 40

"That looks like the last of them," Father says and turns to me and I smile at him. "You did a splendid job today, Iris. For the first time in a long time, the four kingdoms are coming together to fight. I am proud of you," Father says. "Thank you, father," I say with a thought in mind.

"What's wrong?" Father asks.

"It's one thing getting the other three great kingdoms to agree to a cause but the other kingdoms? I think it's going to be a hassle," I say.

"As you said, the future is not set in stone yet. And besides, if anyone can convince them to agree to this cause, then I am proud to say it is you," Father says.

Just then a shadow catches our eyes. We all turn to find Sir Arnold.

"Your Majesties," Sir Arnold bows.

"I have to return to my room, say goodnight to mother for me," I say.

"Oh yes speaking of your mother, she asked me to let you know Queen Fiona will love to see you before we leave for Filamonda in the morning," Father says.

"Queen Fiona wants to see me? What for? Is everything ok? I mean...?"

"Iris calm down. I don't know why she wants to see you, your mother didn't say, but I know whatever it is you can handle," Father says and kisses my head. "Goodnight honey." "Goodnight father," I say.

NEXT MORNING

"Thank you very much, Your Majesty," I say with a curtsey.

"Oh, it's ok my dear. Now let me run along before your mother, Mariah catches me," Queen Fiona says.

I watch as she exits from the sailor. Just then Bridgette comes in and curtsies.

"Your Majesty, Sir Arnold, and Sir Andrew are already bringing the coaches up front. The King and Queen will be joining us soon," Bridgette says.

"Thank you, Bridgette," I say following her out of the sailor.

As we make our way down the stairs, I see King Leonard at the door. He seems to be waiting for someone.

"Bridgette, I will meet you outside," I say.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Bridgette says and leaves.

I walk down the stairs and towards King Leonard.

"King Leonard," I call as I curtsey.

When he turns to me, I can't help but notice how handsome he has become. He has always been on the tall side and this right here is too tall. His shoulders are broad and his jaws seem very firm. I can just see his biceps through his shirt. I couldn't help but feel intimidated.

"Queen Iris," King Leonard says and bows.

It takes me a while to collect myself.

"I wasn't expecting this," I say to myself.

"I didn't see you during the ball," I say.

"I had some problems to deal with," King Leonard says running his hand through his hair.

"During a ball?" I ask.

"It couldn't be avoided," King Leonard says.

I nod at him and look away. The silence stretches between us.

"Emm, I... I... am sorry about your father, King Theodore. I am sorry I couldn't make it to the burial, I was..."

"It is fine Iris, you didn't miss anything," King Leonard says.

"Funny, Isabelle said the same thing," I say.

"And she is right, you didn't miss anything," King Leonard says.

The silence stretches again.

"I see you are set to leave," King Leonard says breaking the silence.

"Yes, but it seems my coach hasn't come up front yet, and father and mother are still yet to come down," I say turning to the stairs.

"I think that might take a while," King Leonard says.

"What?" I ask.

"The other Kings and Queens are throwing a little party for your parent's retirement," King Leonard says.

"Are they now?" I say understanding King Archer's little stuff comment last night.

I look up at King Leonard and he seems to be staring at me. I become so aware of myself. He looks behind himself and runs his hand through his head. I watch the gesture for a while. "That's a new one," I say to myself.

"Do you mind joining me for a little walk around the castle?" King Leonard asks.

I look at him surprised. I wasn't expecting that. The warm feeling in my chest is back, I can feel it everywhere in my body.

"Since our parents are going to be while we could pass the time walking around," King Leonard says.

I stand there looking at King Leonard shocked. He looks at me for a while

"You don't need to come if you don't want to. I just..."

"Leonard, I love to join you," I say interrupting him.

King Leonard looks at me surprised and nods his head. He takes his hand from his head; he looks at it and looks at me. Finally, he stretches his hand toward me. I look at his hand and look at him. Something seems to be stopping me from taking his hand.

"I want to take his hand, but If I take his hand what will it mean? I am engaged to Prince Jeffery; we are set to be married. Why is all of this so confusing and why I do feel so warm around King Leonard?" I ask myself. King Leonard seems to have seen the conflict inside me. He closes his palm and drops it. He gestures to the door.

"After you Queen Iris," Prince Leonard says.

I smile at him, as we head for the door. We walk around the castle in silence but this time the silence was comfortable and the cold weather was welcoming. I smile as the cold breeze graces my skin and the air smells pure.

"I wish I could stay like this forever, the air smells and feels beautiful. That's why I love it at Filamonda, everything is so perfect over there," I say turning to King Leonard and I notice he is staring at me again. "Leonard, are you okay? I ask.

"Yes, I am," King Leonard says.

"Are you sure? Because you seem to be staring at me a lot," I say.

"Hmm, I am sorry, it wasn't my intention. I was just wondering," King Leonard says.

"Wondering what," I ask as he brings out his gloves.

"Why are you doing this? Why are you agreeing to get married to Jeffery?" King Leonard asks

I frown at him as he wears his gloves.

"What do you mean why? You know why. Pirates are attacking and my people..."

"Your people? Don't tell me you are doing this because of your people," King Leonard says with his famous rude tone.

I stop walking and frown at him.

"Yes, I am, why else will I agree to marry Jeffery? I ask getting irritated.

"Because you love him," King Leonard says.

I look at him surprised. I have never had to think about love since I agreed to marry Prince Jeffery. All I have thought of is how to protect my people. "Love?" I ask.

"All we were ever taught at Royal Academy is our duty to the throne and to the people, nothing on how to be ourselves. I have read and watched every king and queen before we fail at one thing, 'the ability to be themselves.' That was what you were all about Iris, I admired that about you growing up and it made me hate myself because I couldn't do what you were doing. Take this from me, Iris, if none of this is your first choice, think about it again. Don't end up like the old me," King Leonard says.

"The old you?" I ask.

"The old me never spoke out, the old me lived in fear. The old me only knew pain, the old me was a coward, the old me watched but couldn't protect his family when it counted the most and the old me couldn't protect the one person, he always wanted to protect," King Leonard says.

I remain speechless and shocked after listening to King Leonard. I can't believe just how much a lot can change when you shield yourself from the world.

"I can't believe just how much Leonard has changed. I never knew he looked up to me. What happened to him," I ask myself.

"What happened to you?" I ask.

I watch him absorb my question.

"You, you happened Iris," King Leonard says.

As we stare into each other's eyes, I feel something change inside me.

"There you are; we have been looking all over for you both all over."

We both turn to mother and Princess Isabelle looking at us.

"Honey we are leaving," Mother says as Princess Isabelle joins us.

"Iris, are you alright? Princess Isabelle says.

I smile at her and nod.

"I am fine," I say turning to King Leonard.

"Thank you very much for your time, Your Majesty. I look forward to working with you," King Leonard says.

I didn't know how to respond, so I just take to my heel and follow mother behind. I look back at King Leonard and Princess Isabelle. Princess Isabelle is telling him something as he turns and looks at me. Our eyes meet for a second as I walk away with mother.