“I think I am starting to love you too.” My hand shook in his as I spoke those cursed words. Words I only share with Théoden.

I didn’t mean it Théoden! You believe me don’t you? My voice trembled through the bond. Damn this devil.

I know you didn’t mean it Maria. Theoden told me as his voice soothed my body. Shhh, it’s alright Maria.

Marcel turned me around and bent down and kissed my lips. I wanted to gag. I wanted to run. But his compulsion had me stay firm. My breathing mimicked how I felt. It raced as all I could hear was thud thud thud. I didn’t kiss him back but he still kissed my lips. Not once but twice.

“Shall we get going?” Marcel asked as he stepped back from my frozen body.

“Ye-” Is all I managed to get out. I wanted to cry. I wanted to run. I wanted to hide. I wanted to shout. I wanted to fight. However without Théoden's aid and since we have not received the necklace yet my responses were limited.

I’ll check on that necklace. It should have been ready by today. Théoden said as my thoughts intermingled with his. Maria breath. Théoden reminded me as he siphoned the anxiety and suffocating feeling I was getting away from me.

I took a few deep breaths and managed to find my voice, “Marcel, what have I told you about compelling me?” I finally managed to ask him after moments of silence.

He looked ashamed, “Sorry. It’s an old habit I need to shake.”

“But yes, let’s get going.” I grabbed my bag and strapped my belt on my waist and put my bag in its respectful spot.

I moved gracefully ahead of him as I was in a hurry to escape him and this tiny room. As we exited the room I ran into Crimson who was standing in front of the door.

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“Hello there.” Crimson grinned, “I see the dress fit you well. Now about your dance, what did you decide to do?”

“A ballroom style called freestyle. It gives us no restraints.” I responded to Crimson, “Can we get going now though?”

“Sure thing dear. The stage is this way.”

Crimson led us back out the castle wooden doors and to the front of the castle where a platform stage had been placed. The stage was about fifty feet wide and contained various streamers and flickering lights to give it that festive glow. There was already a crowd that had started to gather in front of the stage. The crowd stretched to at least one thousand if not two thousand people of a variety of races.

It was close to noon and Crimson stepped on stage. She surprisingly walked with grace, her stance sturdy, and her voice boomed across the crowd. “Hello one and all! I invite you to the opening day of Summer Crests week long festival! Our first treat is that of a royal dance between two of the kingdoms in the Isle. Maria Roza Silvermist, the royal princess from Winterfall has graced us with her beauty and elegance. She will be dancing alongside our faithful king Marcel!”

The crowd erupted in cheer and my heart began to pound in my chest. My hands grew sweaty as my nerves kicked in. Maria, you will dance lovely. Théoden spoke calmly through the bond. It will be alright.

I took a few deep breaths and exhaled. I felt him siphon my anxiety and nerves away. Thank you. I owe you a dance after this.

I’ll hold you to that Maria.

Marcel looked down at me, to which I averted my eyes, “Are you ready Maria? The crowd awaits.” Marcel held out his hand for me to take. However, I refused his hand this time and began to walk on stage ahead of him.

I held my head high and walked out with grace as I fell next to Crimson. “May I?” I asked her as I wanted to take the stage. I cleared my throat and projected my voice as loud as I could. “Hello one and all! I thank you for allowing me to perform a dance in front of all of you.” I paused briefly as I thought of what to say next. “I look forward to the unification of our kingdoms in the near future. I hope to serve both Winterfall and Summer Crest proudly.”

The crowd cheered one more and as I finished my brief speech I heard the sound of Marcel’s heavy footsteps fall next to me. “I am happy to be here today with Maria, our future Queen. I hope the festival is holding up to previous standards and I hope our dance will show unification for our two kingdoms.” He kissed my cheek without the use of compulsion. I couldn’t help but flinch ever so slightly.

“Alrighty! Now that, that is settled. Let the dance begin!” Crimson shouted as moved off stage with ease.

“Just follow my lead.” I told Marcel as I offered him my hand.