Queens

A Lifetime Oath

As the date of the royal wedding getting nearer, everyone was getting busier and busier. It was very much lively, to describe how it had been. People walked back and forth along each hallways and rooms, while random noises kept being thrown left and right. Amids all the hectic things the adult were doing, young Princess Rhea was minding her own business, reading books in her mother's deserted bedroom. The reason why she seek some isolation there was not only because she tried to avoid getting in anyone's way, but also because she was irritated.

She hated how everyone was paying that much attention to the wedding. She knew she supposed to be happy welcoming the soon-to-be new Queen, but she found that she couldn't. Since she was little, Rhea had already idolized her Uncle Hans. In her eyes, the Crown Prince was perfect as any princes she had read in fairytale books. He was handsome, smart and kind-although he rarely show it. Only her he would flash that smile to, which made her really happy and adored him more. For that, Rhea still couldn't find herself believing why some barbarian princess had to be wed with her perfect uncle.

Oh, she had seen that DunBroch princess and her pathetic attempts to waltz before. Sure, she was getting better at it by day, and people in the castle seemed to love her spirit, and maybe her manners weren't that bad-

...

Anyways! Rhea just hated her! She didn't even know whether her uncle like Merida or not. As far as she knew, the two only came in contact for like, three times, and then boom! Marriage all of sudden! Her mother said the marriage would be a blessing for the kingdom, but all Rhea could see was a curse.

As if being summoned by her mind, her mother barged into her secluded state, bringing in her Aunt Rapunzel before closing the door behind them. Her mother's green eyes widen in surprise when meeting her daughter's blue ones.

"Rhea, dear. I thought you were supposed to be in flower arranging class right now?" The first daughter in line-Princess Mel, asked, as she took a seat on her yellow sofa. Rapunzel followed, taking her right space.

"Mrs. Barbara had to handle the bouquets for the wedding. I had nothing better to do, so I came here, with these." The little girl gestured her abandoned books laying on the floor.

Rapunzel took that time reading the title of one book, "Tale of the East, huh? You sure spend your time studying diligently, don't you, Rhea? That's a quality princess right there."

The compliment made Rhea's heart swelt in pride. Her nose went upright, feeling proud. Nothing was more satisfying than being told what a fine princess she was. But the feeling soon evaporated when her mother opened her nosy mouth.

"Why don't you spend a bit time playing too, dear? Studying is important, but playing-like kids your age usually do- is also important. I'm worried tha-"

"Mother, playing silly games is for kids. I'm not a kid! As a princess it is my duty to become the best for our kingdom." Rhea interrupted halfway through her mother's nagging. Million times had she heard her mother's constant complain about her unnatural behaviour, as in, ditching childish activities in favor of leaning to be a perfect princess.

She supposed that was why she disliked the DunBroch princess. She was a polar opposite of what Rhea aimed to be. Merida was different from her epitome of real royal. What was so wrong about wanting to be as perfect as his uncle? Why couldn't her mother see that?

Said mother sighed dejectedly, seemingly realized that if she continued arguing with her daughter, things would turn ugly. Their relationship wasn't the best, but Mel tried not to worsen what already been damaged. So she dropped the subject, and turned her focus to her younger sister instead. For once, Rhea was grateful of her mother. Getting to her feet, Rhea collected her books then bid her mother and aunt adieu, saying that she would go back to her own room. The sisters nodded at her then continued their conversation. As she pushed the door open, she couldn't help but scoffed mentally at her mother.