Chapter 1
It was never about riches for me, all I ever wanted was to be in love and be loved. When my father had told me that I would be marrying the prince, I was over the moon, any lady would be. I thought this new life would bring me happiness and excitement. Perhaps I was too much of a fantasist, at least that is what my mother told me. Her exact words were, “Eleanor, you welcome this idea of marriage with closed eyes and the palms of your hands facing the sky, your head in the clouds.”
I sigh at the memory and turn my head to face Louis in the seat beside me, “How long until we arrive?” I ask, placing my hand on his, only for him to pull away hastily. I try not to frown, instead I look away in embarrassment.
He answers, “Soon, my love.”
I wanted to scoff at his endearment, it is nothing but a lie. He does not love me, in fact he never will. It is what I have been told by him, although he had put it in a gentler way, “Our marriage is for show.” is how he had said it.
:::.
We arrived at the palace, as soon as we stepped inside, Louis kissed my cheek and murmured something like "I have work to do." An excuse I am too familiar with. He sleeps in another chamber, farthest from me. He thinks I haven't a clue about his sleeping arrangements.
"Your Highness, I have drawn a warm bath for you." I hear Margaret say from beside me.
I nod, "Thank you, it is much needed." I smile politely. She takes my hand, something I'm used to. It isn't considered proper, but it is the only affection I receive from at least one person.
She undresses me carefully and takes the pins out of my hair, keeping a soft smile on her pink, plump lips, "Have you found a suitor yet?" I suddenly ask, looking up at her, she is a few centimeters taller than I.
Margaret laughs, "No, Your Highness, if I had I would be leaving you."
Her laugh is like velvet and kind silly, "Good, I still need you here." I say.
"You are my greatest friend." She says looking deeply into my eyes.
::::.....
I have always wondered if I'd die a virgin. If I'll ever birth a child. It pains me to know that nothing that I do or say will get Louis to love me the way I love him. I do love him… even if we have been married for half a year and I know very little about him, he is my husband and has been nothing but kind to me. He always claims he is busy at night and whisks himself away to his office every time I try and initiate sex. I stopped trying after the third month of marriage.
“Prince Louis is waiting for you outside your door, Princess Eleanor.” Margaret says once she enters the threshold, she is wearing her jet black hair in ribbons and tight curls, her dress is much simpler than mine but she is breathtakingly beautiful.
“Very well.” I smile tightly, moving out of my chair and away from my vanity mirror. I looked spectacular with the help of a maid, but no matter how neat I look…Louis could not care less.
I left the room to find that indeed Louis had been waiting for me, a gorgeous smile graced his thin lips and his blue eyes crinkled with mirth, “You look brilliant, Eleanor.”
I grinned, tucking a strand behind my ear, “I do?”
“Yes.” He holds out his elbow for me to take.
“What has you in such a delightful mood?”
“You will soon find out.” He grins.