Today is my birthday. It should be a happy day, but it is not. My parents the King and Queen of Ortho have just informed me that I am to marry the King of Marsden. What should be joyous is well not. What girl wouldn't be excited to marry the King of a kingdom, well this one isn't. King Clint is notoriously cruel and mean to people around him and to his subjects. Why my parents feel this is a good idea I have no thoughts on that one. As I look out the castle window and view the beautiful landscape that surrounds me, I can only shudder at the thought I am going to have to go live in that forsaken kingdom. To leave my family and siblings behind is just a wrenching thought. I am the youngest and have an older brother and 3 sisters. My brother will take over the kingdom of Ortho some day and he is well on his way to following our father's footsteps. My sisters are looking for husbands of their own, so why am I the lucky one to marry King Clint, the answer is simple. He requested me. King Clint will have Princess Ella for his Queen no matter what it takes. I guess in time I will learn why I am such an asset. I am nothing special, I have no powers like my siblings nor am the most beautiful but here we are.
I have been informed today of all days that the wedding will be in three days' time. Since I am 18 today there is no time to waste. My father must be gaining something from King Clint in order for this to happen. While contemplating my fate I hear carriages and many horses approaching our castle, the butterflies in my stomach are going crazy right now. I am scared and feel utterly alone in my fright over marrying this man. His reputation is known far and wide and my parents and siblings think that sending the lamb to slaughter is just a chance they are willing to take. Especially if the kingdom benefits in some way.
My maid comes into the room and interrupts my thoughts.
"My Grace, the Queen Cynthia requests your presence to greet your betrothed."
"I am ready Alice. Let's get this over with"
"Maybe it won't be as bad as it that."
"I hope not Alice."
As I make my way down to the courtyard to greet my future husband millions of thoughts go through my head, what will he look like, will he be handsome? Will he like me? Will he be nice to me? Will he be anything like the handsome prince that comes to me in my dreams night after night, who is the only person who is truly kind to me and loves me for who I am.
As I reach the courtyard my brother Prince Sebastian says "It's about time you got here, it would have been very rude of you not to be here to greet King Clint. Mother and Father are angry it took you so long. Do you have any idea what this alliance means to our kingdom."
"Nice to see you too brother and to answer your question no I have no idea what this means since I have just found out today that I am to marry this man. I am assuming you and father will make out nicely in this deal."
My brother just glared at me, if looks could kill I would be a pile of ash on the ground. My sisters Julia, Esther and Agnes came running up to me just in time to save me from bursting into spontaneous flames and were excitingly asking making sure I was ready.
"Your hair is perfect" said Julia.
"Hopefully I will be next" said Esther.
"Why couldn't it be me instead," said Agnes
That is my sisters for you. Julia who would rather marry anybody other than royalty, Esther who is just excited to leave and start her own life and Agnes who do anything to get what she wants even if it includes hurting family.
"It is time, get ready my child" my father says.
I stand there watching the coach with black flags with wolves on them pull into the courtyard. My stomach is in knots as I anticipate what will step out. The carriage out and the footman opens the door for King Clint. Out steps the most beautiful man I have ever seen, his hair was black as night, his blue eyes were piercing looking straight at me as if no one existed except for him and I. I feel as if the butterflies are going to come up and go straight out of my mouth. Partly because I realize that this man that stepped out of the carriage is the same one that has been visiting my dreams for the past month.