Crowned Compass ✓

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 6

My eyes fluttered open and I saw Adonis sitting on the window alcove, looking out at the gardens.

Had he not slept or did he simply wake early?

I rose up and covered myself with my sheets, rubbing my eyes as I yawned.

He looked over at me silently before looking back at the gardens.

I stretched, "Another day. Hm, Sir Adonis?"

He nodded.

Before I could step out of bed, my door swung open and my mother stormed inside with Gloria trailing behind her.

My eyes widened, "Have you both lost your minds? Ever heard of a knock?!"

"Ever heard of a lock?" my mother spat before pulling my arm and making me leave the bed.

"What are you doing mother?"

"Gloria, hurry and get her dressed."

I rolled my eyes, "I can dress mys-"

"No," my mother said, "you can't."

Why was she being like this..?

She sighed and almost said something until she saw the knight at the window. "Who is this man? Have you been doi-"

"Heavens no. Father didn't tell you? He has been ordered to watch over me."

Adonis looked over at my mother before averting his eyes elsewhere.

"Oh... I see...Adonis...no mistaking it," she trailed off and shook her head.

"You were supposed to be awake long ago," she continued, "We have a meeting about the ball and your confirmed choice."

"Choice?"

"Are you getting narrow-minded munchie? Your husba-"

"No!" I shouted over her.

My mother was taken aback. "Excuse me, young lady, have you forgotten who you are?"

"I know exactly who I am and I will not do this," I cried.

"You will. Gloria go get her dress, please."

"Yes, your majesty," she bowed and left the room.

"Mother...this will destroy everything I believe in."

"What do you believe in, Lessi?!"

I blinked and the room got quiet.

She placed a palm to her head, waving a fan in front of her face, "Talks like these make my blood pressure rise."

I looked down, "Are you getting ill mother?"

"I'm just fine, munchie," she sighed, "just do me the simple favor and choose, okay?"

"But I-"

"If you don't. I will choose for you."

I almost screamed but a sting crossed my face and she quickly backed away.

I touched my cheek and she shook her head in tears, "I'm so sorry."

She hurriedly left and I just stood there, my heart pounding through my ears.

All this over wanting to have a few more years of youth alone?

Gloria walked back in, "Princess, this dress is gorgeous I believe...you'll...like it?"

I turned my head and held myself.

"It didn't go well, did it?"

I shook my head and she placed the dress on the table, walking over to hug me.