Alexander and Corina stood outside the room that his parents were in. The princess struggled to control her nerves as she gazed at the door, her blue eyes narrowed. Her lips were downturned and her hands trembled as she held onto the excess fabric of her dress. She clutched it tightly and began to take long, deep breaths. "This isn't working," she sharply exhaled.
Alexander glanced at Corina, a soft expression over his features. "Is something bothering you?"
"I already asked Jeffery!" She sighed, then looked to the floor. "How am I to greet a king and a queen? My nerves are on edge!"
With her fingertips, Alexander gently stroked her right cheek. "Corina, you're the child of royalty. It'll be alright. Speak to them as if they are your own parents."
Corina shook her head. "No, no. It would be too impolite. What should I say?"
Alexander was unable to hold back a small laugh. "Trust me. My father has character. You have nothing to fear."
"I have everything to fear! "I'm a fraud, and not even a good one."
"You're not a fraud, and even if you were, you're the best one," Alexander replied.
Corina let go of the fabric and held up her hands, clasping them together in front of her chest. She looked up at the duke and gave him a weak smile. Though the words were appreciated, she knew she had been living an entire life, which was a lie.
"O-Okay," she whispered. "I'll just waltz in there and say, hi, I'm Corina! I'm a princess!"
"That's fine," he laughed. "Make sure to let them know you're a pretty princess."
Corina puffed out her cheeks and shook her head. "Let's just go in."
Alexander nodded, then knocked on the door. When she heard the door click open, it nearly made her jump out of her skin.
King George answered the door, and his gaze immediately met the princess' own. He had a wide grin on his face when he saw her and immediately grabbed her hand and pulled her inside, causing Corina to let out a small, surprised yelp.
Alexander shrugged his shoulders, then walked in behind them. He watched as his father stood facing her, his hands resting firmly on her shoulders.
Corina's anxiety was at its peak as the king examined her. She felt like he was looking her over from head to toe with the way his eyes scanned over her body. It was brief, but to her, the moment felt like hours had passed with her standing awkwardly in front of the king.
"She's perfect!" George's voice roared through the room with a tone of happiness and excitement. "I can't believe it!"
Corina gasped when she felt him pull her into a bear hug. She thought she was going to lose her breath from how tight her future father-in-law was embracing her. It was a very affectionate hug from a man she had never met in her life. She couldn't comprehend how a king from another nation was standing there, squeezing her as if she were his own daughter.
When he finally let go, he said, "I always wanted a daughter. I got stuck with two, smelly boys."
"Hey!" Alexander rolled his eyes. "I smell that bad? Really, father? That's the first thing you say to my bride?"
George rolled his eyes in response, looking straight back at the duke. "Don't roll your eyes at me."
Corina watched the playful interaction and felt a sudden release of her anxiety. Somehow, the hug, and the casual interaction between a father and son made her feel at ease.
"I-I'm Corina!" She stated it brightly. "I'm a princess!"
Both Alexander and George looked at each other, then started laughing. Corina wasn't sure if she should be offended; the two men were laughing in response to her introduction.
"Sorry," Alexander said when he saw Corina's blank stare. "I didn't think you would actually introduce yourself that way."
Corina sighed and looked to the floor. She poked her two index fingers together. "I didn't know how else to do it."
"It's endearing, princess," George said with a gentle tone. "I'm so happy that my son will be married to a woman like you. To be honest, I'm glad thus boy isn't marrying Lady Helga."
"Lady Helga?" Corina inquired with a raised eyebrow.
"Don't!" Alexander spoke sternly as he approached his father.
"Fine," George chuckled.
Corina looked between the two. She noticed Alexander glaring at his father. Her curiosity about the Helga woman was piqued. She was determined to uncover the truth about it. She wanted to know why Helga was problematic.
"Ah," George suddenly said. "Come! I'm sure Queen Charlotte wants to speak to you," the man said, motioning toward the sofa. "She's asleep in bed. I'll get her."
"N-No need, Your Majesty!" Corina blurted. "I will wait here!"
George waved his hands dismissively. "Ah, no! I'll get her," he said before quickly heading toward the room Charlotte slept.
The duke looked to the princess as she stood with her hands clasped in front of her dress, biting down on her lip. Alexander walked over to Corina. "It's going to be alright. My parents are good people," he said in hopes of making her feel more comfortable.
"They are!" She gasped out.
"What is it, then?"
Corina shook her head, and shrugged her shoulders. "I... don't know. I... I... just feel anxious. I know I'll make mistakes with them."
"That's okay. No one expects perfection, Corina. Just relax," Alexander whispered as he stroked her cheek. "This is a lot to take in. I can understand your nerves. You have nothing to worry about though. My parents will love you no matter what."
The princess blushed. "Okay..." She muttered before leaning into Alexander's touch.
George soon remerged with Charlotte at his side. The Queen looked over at the two with a small smile, "Hello," she said softly. "It's lovely to finally meet you, princess."
Corina's eyes widened at the queen, her gaze fixated on her, her heart began pounding in her chest. The princess was too scared to move. She felt frozen in place by fear and uncertainty. "H-Hi," she barely squeaked.
The Queen reminded her of her own mother in appearance, but could tell she was a little different. For one, her beauty alone was intimidating to the young princess. She woman had such a soft, gorgeous face, with barely a wrinkle. Her features were perfectly symmetrical and the ideal of beauty. No wonder she had birthed such a handsome son.
"Don't be scared, dear," Charlotte spoke. "You're safe here."
Charlotte walked up to the princess and gently placed her hands on her cheeks. "We are all very excited to get to know you, Corina," Charlotte said as she cupped the girl's face in her hands, stroking her thumbs along her jawline.
Corina felt herself melting under Charlotte's touch. She couldn't believe that she had actually been scared. Charlotte had a calming aura and was extremely motherly.
The woman pulled away, then led them to the sitting area. The Queen was seated across from Corina and Alexander. King George decided he wanted to be close to his son and the princess, so he ordered a frowning Alexander to scoot to the opposite end of the sofa. George took the opportunity to squeeze between them, placing an arm around each of them.
"Wow," George commented. "They're adorable, aren't they, dear?"
"They are, but mind your manners," Charlotte warned her husband. "Don't run the poor girl off."
"Seriously," Alexander sighed.
"I can't believe the two of you will be married in a week!" Geroge hummed as he looked at a shocked Corina."
"A week?!" Corina gasped.
Somehow, she hadn't considered the wedding date. She had imagined an extended period of time before the two of them would exchange vows. She wanted to spend more time with Alexander first. She was having so much fun at the palace she hadn't thought to ask him about the wedding plans.
How was she supposed to deal with the idea of being married in such a short time?