My eyes snapped open as the morning light shined on my face. It was dawn. I hurried up and started getting changed to go to the castle and stay with the prince. He was a gentleman that was for sure, but I've never met a prince that wasn't. In fact, I've never met a prince until now. I was scared, of what was going to happen to me after this. I was curious, was this the prophecy I was promised when I was born? And I was anxious most of all. What if I wasn't the best choice? He will flirt with me until I fall in love then he'll move on.
I shook the thought out of my head. Even if that did happen, there is always a reason for everything. My stuff was already packed and my mother could be heard sleepy downstairs. I would leave before the others woke up, that's the best choice of action not to make them cry. I picked up my bags, not before taking my tiny satchel and places things like old expensive hairpins my mother bought me, the necklace father had in the box, the last of my money to buy a ride to the castle, some jewelry that our family has been passed down by generations, and finally a present I had personally got for the prince. I had thought about giving him this special lapis ring that I had found in a shop one day and kept it.
After a while of not moving, I left the house fully. I put on the hood that I planned on wearing because it was cold and looked as if the snow would start falling down. I went to the closest place I could, looking out for anyone who could do anything for money. When I had found a man who was simply riding around on his carriage, I went up to him.
"Excuse me, sir. May you help me get to the castle? I really need to go fast, and of course, I'll pay you" I said. The guy looked down at me, knowing I was the "cursed" child he had heard of. I couldn't help but glance in the direction to go if you wanted to go in the field.
"Why should I? How much money you have to take me all that way?" He demanded. I let my hands go through my bag for a second before pulling out the money.
"I've got two quarters and a dollar," I said. He seemed impressed that I could have so much money on me. He sighed, nodding to the carriage before holding out his hand. I smile with relief and handed him the money, climbing in the carriage soon after. It was going to be a while before I had to get to the castle. The other night was at the bonfire place, but the castle was through at least three villages after this.
The man went for a while but after getting to the edge of Nickel berry village, he stopped. I stepped out to ask him what's wrong and he got off his carriage. He started untying one of his three hoarse, handing it to me.
"I can't go any farther" He shook his head, "But take the horse and head to the castle from here. Tie your bags on the horse's side, she can handle it" He said, climbing onto the carriage to leave. I sighed, tying the bags on her and hopping on, taking off into the dusty paths of the villages.
It had still been morning by the time I had gotten to the castle. Prince William had been waiting outside and smiled when he saw me approach. He held out his hand to help me off the horse.
"Glad you made it" He smiled, "Was the journey ok?" He asked as I grabbed his hand and jumped off the horse. I smiled.
"It was ok, not a lot of people talk to me. Even the people in different villages know who I am, so people are afraid of getting near me" I said. He nodded slowly as if thinking inside his head. He grabbed my bags and smiled, turning to take them inside. I grabbed his arm and yanked him gently to where he was facing me. I took my bags back and smiled at him.
"My bags, I carry them. I'm independent," I smirked and nodded for him to lead the way. He smiled at me and led me to a huge room with a king-size bed. The room looked empty and I was wondering if he guessed I wouldn't want to be in the same room as him when we first started this.
"I'll send some maids to help you later, I have to go," He said. I nodded and set down my bags, looking around the room.