The Princess of Two Crowns

CHAPTER 1

This story deals with the broken promise of a princess, and she will eventually get married off to a distant kingdom

The kingdom of Azalea, ruled by king Augustus Valmort of Azalea had a beloved sister Roselyn Celeste who died after giving birth to her daughter Aster Celeste. On her deathbed, Princess Roselyn Valmort took her brother Augustus's hand and said "Promise me one thing that you will take a good care of Aster and "Never force Aster into a loveless marriage. Let her choose a man who will cherish her, not a crown that needs her."

Aster was brought to Azalea along with her companions Lady Eliana and Lady Vivian at a young age. She grew along with King Augustus and Queen Helena's three sons. The eldest and also the heir was Lucien Valmort who was the closest to Aster. Other two sons are Adrian Valmort and Cedric Valmort were also around Aster's age. Aster was told that If she married Lucien, she would be the future queen. Aster and Lucien were childhood sweethearts. As they grew older they became more closer.

He makes a promise to her that she will be his bride and the future queen. Lucien always comforted her when she remembered her mother. He always stayed there for her. They grew interests for each other. It continued until one day, where the king's decision changed their lives.

The war broke out, Azalea was safe but except for the kingdom of Velmora the only kingdom in threat to them. To prevent battle he proposed to form allies through marriage by marrying their crown princess to our kingdom.

The king Frederick Ravenshade of Velmora accepted it but asked for Azalea's crown princess to marry into their kingdom also. Another condition was that we should pick the groom. Without another choice King Augustus accepted it, and requested for a visit to Velmora.

After a few days, King Augustus and Queen Helena along with Lucien and Adrian they left to Velmora. Cedric tells Aster that you will be married off to another kingdom. Aster does not believe it, she said that Lucien will marry her. Cedric replies see you would not believe it, Hear it from uncle Theodore then. (Theodore Ashcroft is Helena's brother). Aster asks him, he says Lucien is gonna marry the crown princess of Velmora, you will be married away for the kingdom's sake.

Hearing it breaks her heart, she waits for Lucien to come back and explain himself. After a few days they come back, but with king Frederick and Queen Margaret of Velmora. Also the crown princess and other people. When he came Lucien grabbed her hand and took her outside. She asked him what are you doing, you promised me. He replied, I'm doing this for Azalea's sake, for the people living here.

So you picked another woman over me, is she better than me. That you forgot all of the time spend with me She asked him. He replied, she is Lunaria ravenshade of Velmora if we become allies Azalea will be powerful. Also you would be a future queen of Velmora, you should be nice to Luna. Better to accept your fate. He left, Lady Vivian called Aster the king is looking for you.

When is arrived she saw three princes there. Augustus said that Aster it is your choice to pick your groom. These three gentlemen are the in line to be the next heir. King Frederick and Queen Margaret's sons Leonard and Edmund Ravenshade. Queen Margaret's younger brother Arthur Blackwell. You have plenty of time to decide.

Afterwards she sat nearby the river, she felt she was being watched. Only to find out it was Leonard. He told my dear princess I find you interesting, why cannot you be mine. Also I enjoyed your little show earlier. She asked him who are you? I will never marry you! and she left.

After staying in her room, she started crying for a long time. She came out, to find Edmund there. He greeted her, and asked her you okay? I know this may be a sudden shock for you. Sometimes life takes unexpected turns, it is upto us to accept our fate. By saying this he left. Leaving Aster in shock.

Then came Arthur, he said be my bride and I will be the future king. You can be a queen. See Aster blackwell suits better than Aster Ravenshade. You should decide fastly and he left. She went to Edmund she asked him how to deal with her situation. I understand, you should forget him. He left you, you have three choices to pick. Just do not pick Arthur he values power more than a girl's feelings. He just want to be the king, my mother planned it. Take your time, time heals everything. Trust me and he left.

She hid in the garden and cried quietly. A cold wind swept through the palace gardens. Aster shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. Without a word, Lucien removed his coat and draped it over her shoulders. "You'll catch a cold," he said. Aster smiled. Then what about you? "I'm not the one shivering.". You should not be here, get back quickly. No one should see you here, Take care then.

While going back, Lucien stopped her. He said, I'm sorry. I hurt you so badly, forgive me please. Aster stood silent for a long moment. The coat he had placed around her shoulders felt warm, but her heart felt colder than ever. "I can forgive you, Lucien," she whispered. His eyes widened with hope.

"But I can never forget." For the first time, she stepped away from him instead of toward him. Lucien reached out as if to stop her, but his hand froze midway. Neither of them spoke. The promise made beneath the azalea blossoms years ago had finally come to an end.

As Aster walked back toward the palace, she looked up at the towering banners of Velmora fluttering beside those of Azalea.

Somewhere within those halls were the three men who would decide her future.

Crown Prince Leonard Ravenshade.

Prince Edmund Ravenshade.

Lord Arthur Blackwell.

And for the first time in her life, Aster Celeste did not know where she belonged.

End of Chapter 1