You sure she's alright...

she will be fine...

"Urggggh," I groaned.

I was in a chair in the middle of a room. My legs and hands were tied. I started to panic. What the hell was happening? Suddenly the door opened and how surprised I was to see the queen and General Maddox walk right in.

Half an hour later...

I felt like I was staring into space. The table in front of me just doesn't seem to exist. The queen and the general were waiting for my answer.

"What, just what?" I said completely shocked.

After General Maddox released me from the great uncomfortable chair, I was seated in the same room with the queen. She told me the reason I wasn't chosen for the position was that she had another job for me. She wanted me to marry the king-to-be. At first, I thought she was joking and started laughing but both the queen and the general looked serious and didn't smile. I then realized she was serious and I asked her why. The queen told me that she needed someone who would be able to survive in court and if I did this for her, I will actually have a purpose for life. For now, I added. Plus, the most important reason for this was so that the king-to-be would be able to be crowned in three months. Just about 90 days. I could do that. I think. Back to the present.

"You will not really be married, just paper-married," began the General.

I cut him off, "What the hell is paper-married." I suddenly remembered my manners and muttered a quick apology.

"Paper-married is when you sign the forms that allow you to be well married," began the queen. " To actually be married, is if you guys actually did the ceremony."

I was silent, trying to process the news. "What did the king-to-be say."

"He doesn't know yet," the queen admitted.

I felt horrified. He might kill me! General Maddox saw my expression and chuckled, " The king usually does what his mother tells him so you should be fine." 

"The king what," a new voice entered the door.

A young man, aged around 20 stood at the door, arms across his chest. He was wearing the royal signal so I knew instantly that he was of the royal bloodline. He stood around 6"3" ft and had dark blonde hair. His green eyes met mine and I instantly knew that this was the worst day of my life. Holy sh*t! This guy. This guy! Why? I gave a mental groan. I just found my mate but he has no clue who the hell I am. Fantastic.

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15 minutes later...

How can he look so calm, this is insane. I watched his expression. He was displeased but he agreed with the queen. 

"Before you make your choice, can I talk with her first," the queen asked gesturing at me.

His eyes softened before they harden once more. "Of course." Damn, he had such a nice accent. Snap out of it! I mentally slapped myself. He excused himself out of the room.

The queen looked at me for a moment before smiling. It was not a sly smile but a genuine smile. "I see you guys are mates." I was once again shocked out of my mind. 

" I have a talent for spotting mates," explained the queen. "Don't worry I won't tell him, that is your choice to make." However, the queen had a twinkle in her eye.

"If, If, I agree to these terms, could you give me another name?" I asked her. 

The queen frowned and nodded but didn't ask any questions which made me grateful. So I just have to pretend to be betrothed to him even though I am "paper-married," I could try and protect him, and technically, I would still be a guard, eh, that's actually a good deal.

"Can I ask another question," I began. The queen nodded," Go ahead."

"Why me?"

"I need someone who would be able to survive in court. Not only that but you are not afraid of death. I admire your courage and you would do well in protecting my son," replied the queen softly.

"Wait, hold up, son?" I asked, my voice incredulous. 

"Yes, he's the king-to-be, was that not clear?" the queen asked, amusement in her eyes.

I stuttered and shook my head. The queen got up and gave me a hand. "Deal?" she asked.

I looked at the hand. This deal could change my life. I got out my hand and shook hers.

"Deal."

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I didn't know what happened after that but it was clear that KTB and the queen were having a little disagreement. By little disagreement, I meant a fight and by KTB, I meant king-to-be. King-to-be is just too much of a mouthful. KTB is better.

It seems that KTB agreed as I was called a few minutes later. The queen was sitting across from me and KTB was sitting to the left. Some forms were in front of us. KTB started signing them before the queen interrupted. "Before we get started, may I introduce Ms. Aeryn Evans," the queen gave me a signal as if she wanted me to remember this name, " to my son, Prince Sebastian Ramirez." Sebastian looked at me for a moment. 

"I know that's not her real name," he said, his eyes narrowing.

"How do you know," I retorted.

Sebastian got up in an instance, growling," Are you questioning me."

"No, but how are you that certain that that's not my name?" I fired back, standing up.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair, "I just know."

I scoffed and we both sat back down.

The queen looked amused. "That might not be her real name, but this name should be used for her safety and when she is ready, she will tell you her real name."

He snarled, "So you do know her real name."

"Do not disrespect your mother," I said sternly.

He looked at me, amusement flashing through his eyes before they turned hard once more. "No lady had ever said to me before."

"Well, it's a good thing I am not like the rest of them," I retorted, grinning mischievously.

He gave a small smile before it vanished and his expression said what-the-hell-did-I-just-do. The queen smiled to herself. She was already changing him, she thought.

We finished signing the "paper-married" forms and the queen called a maid in. "Show Ms. Evans to her room."

I followed the maid, just noticing that we were already at the palace. My room turned out to be a deluxe suite. (Not that big, just the right size; shown above) Not only that, but I had my own bathroom. As I laid down on my bed last night, I wondered about what I had gotten myself into. I had found my mate and was married to him! I couldn't wait to tell Carter and Mars about this. Boy, will they be shocked. 

The next day...

"What!!!!!" I covered my ears. The queen had allowed me to retrieve my things at my house (more like a hut). Carter and Marlee were definitely killing my ears.

Mars swooned. "You are married to a prince."

Carter grumbled something under his breath. He glared at me. "Why didn't you tell me before you made a decision."

"The queen wanted me to answer right away since she wants KTB to be crowned as soon as possible," I explained.

They both had many questions but I promised to write to them from the palace and it wasn't hard to get in touch with Carter, considering the chances of meeting him in the hallway since he was also a guard. The queen was going to announce this to the royal court. Dukes, Duchess, Lords, and Ladies. I was nervous but I kept my cool as I strode into the dining room. I hadn't eaten breakfast yet and was starving.