James Gets Betrothed - Chapter Thirty Seven

Kristen came to Amelia while she was up in her room. "I need you to stay here or in the garden. I have to tend to court matters today," she told Amelia. "Ok, I will play here or in the garden like you want me to. Will James be able to play?" she asked. "No, he has to attend the as well. You can play with him later." Kristen replied.

After Kristen left the room, Amelia sat down to play with her dollhouse to pass the time.

Down in the throne room, it was a very important day at court, and everyone was to attend. The queen had been planning this day for a long time. James wasn't sure why he had to attend. All he wanted to do was play with Amelia. They had visitors at court, and a girl in a pretty pink dress approached the queen.

"Hi, I'm Princess Julia. I'm happy to meet your highness," she told the queen and bowed in a curtsy.

"I have heard of your beauty and how smart you are. I think you will make a fine wife for my son," she replied.

James froze solid; he was now in shock and just looked at Julia. He could not smile or even speak. He knew he couldn't say anything in protest to the matter..... at least not yet.

Princess Julia looked very pretty, and he knew she would be a pretty wife, but he didn't want her to be his wife. He knew nothing of her and hated that he had no say in who he was to marry.

The queen reached over and picked up a small golden crown. She approached Julia and placed it on her head.

Kristen then picked up James's crown and placed it on his head. She then motioned for them to stand at the head of the court to show their union and betrothal to all. Everyone could tell that James was not happy. 

Everyone in the kingdom thought it was a good match. They seemed to make a cute couple.

"We are here to celebrate the union between the Kingdom of Winchester and the Kingdom of Hampton. With this unity, a great alliance has been formed." Kristen announced.  

The food was served, and music was played. Kristen had James on one side of her and her beloved William on the other. The queen, Isabel of Hampton, sat by William. Princess Julia sat by James. The food was of great taste, even though James had no appetite.

"Time to celebrate! James, dance with your new betrothed!" Kristen told James in a low whisper. Even though he was not happy, he walked out onto the dance floor with Julia, who looked thrilled. James put on a brave face and a fake smile and pretended he was having fun when all he wanted to do was run.

It was cute to see them dance together. Kristen and William were happy with such a match for their son.

After everyone left the feast, James pulled his father aside. "Do not make me marry her. I don't like her. I want to choose for myself one day." James pleaded with his father. "You know this will be a good match. In time you will grow to love her. I married your mother, and as time passed, I fell in love with her." he told James. "Please!" James began to beg. "No, it's settled, not another word," he replied. James knew he was defeated and had no choice in the matter.

Meanwhile, Kristen met with Julia to have a personal chat. "I think you will be happy here and will make a good wife for my son. When you are old enough, we will hold a grand wedding." Kristen told Julia.

"I think he will make a good husband. My mom told me a lot about him and your family. I would be honored to be his queen one day." she told Kristen.

Amelia was enjoying the shade on a pretty day. She lay on the soft grass watching the ladybugs and butterflies to pass the time until James was free to play after attending court. She didn't question why she was not allowed to attend but often wondered why she was always excluded from everything. 

She jumps up off the grass and looks over to see James has finally come outside. However, she notices he's not happy at all.

She ran over to James. "What's wrong, James?" she asked, concerned. James stood there with his face in his hands, sobbing. "They want me to marry this princess. I do not want to marry her! I know nothing about her and care nothing for her!" he replied.

James finally pulled himself together after Amelia cheered him up. Only to find princess Julia standing there looking at both of them strangely. "Oh my, there are two of you. So are you his sister? I have never heard of you." Julia asked them. "It's none of your business!" James snapped back at her.

 I'm going to be your wife one day and be the Queen of Winchester." she told James confidently. "No! No! Not if I have any say in it." James replied to her as he threw his hands up to pretend to fend her off. 

"You don't frighten me. You don't have a say in the matter. The queen already said I could be your wife," Julia said as she put her hand on her hip with amusement.