The Waltz of The Warrior Princess

Chapter 1

      The fabric of my dress tears as I run, breathlessly, from the man in the crimson cloak. He twists and turns to catch up, but I'm more prepared than he'll ever be. "I've told you a million times, you need to work on your agility," I say "I know you've lost your pinky toe, but that's no excuse for your slacking". Zy, one of my only pinky-less trainees, acknowledges me with a grunt. I toss my sword onto the moist soil that occupies the forest grounds and remove my shoulder plates, then settle on a hay stack. Rushed hooves sound behind me as a messenger aboard a steed with a velvety brown coat comes rushing out of the dark wood. "Princess Cordelia, the king requests that you prepare yourself for a suitor at once", he says, with his head bowed. I nod sharply and order that everyone returns to partnered sparring, and I am once again dragged into the castle to be bathed and beautified. 

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      "Oh my, look what you've done to your gown!" gasped Lina, my assigned maiden. "How many times have I got to remind you to change into your leathers when you're out there?" I dismissively apologize to her as I slouch on a nearby floor cushion. My father had already introduced me to many suitors, but none were interested in my position as a warrior. "I've truly given up Lina, maybe it's time that I focus on bearing offspring and spreading rumors" I state dramatically. The scent of burning sage and rose petals carries through the room as Lina calls me to the bathroom. I remove my clothing and lower myself into the warm, soothing water. "You know, there's nothing wrong with only wanting to bear a child," says Lina suddenly, in a remarkably hushed tone. Before I'm able to respond, I doze off, feeling helpless.

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     "Please welcome, King Winston the third of Virapulus and his rightful heir, Prince Xander of Virapulus" announces a member of the royal guard. A short man, with a royal mantle almost the length of the entire palace, drags his feet along the carpet that was neatly layed out for his arrival. He is followed by the supposed prince, who bares hair the color of ivory and a face that radiates with the usual princely confidence . "Tales of you have infiltrated the land, Princess of Thymeria" vocalizes Xander, unsurprisingly. "My 'rebellious nature' tends to spark up conversation" I reply as he reaches out for my hand. Boresome inroductions are exchanged as usual and then we take our seats. I watch as my father and the King of Virapulus settle into conversation of neighboring kingdoms and ways to improve the governance of our people. "What do you think of battle?" I ask the Prince, leaning my chin on my palm. "Battle is beautiful in it's own revolting way, but I think those who go to battle are nothing but imbeciles". Fighting to keep a disgusted expression off my face, I offer a tight smile "how so?". He disregards me and turns towards my father with a twisted look of satisfaction. My father, who is watching us closely, with nothing but a tiresome expression. "Dinner will be served now" states a servant who doesn't seem to notice the tension in the room. Rows of roasted duck covered in gravy and pastries filled with cheeses from all over the world line the table. The aroma makes me realize that I'd forgotten to eat my usual afternoon snack and doesn't help with manageing my etiquette. 

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     I can infer the meal was simply exquisite from what I was allowed to have, but it seems that the Prince is not usually one to compliment such talented chefs. Once dinner was over, father suggested that the prince and I take a stroll through the royal gardens. To my great delight, the prince encouraged the idea, pulled my chair out from beneath the tablecloth, and looped his arm in mine. As we descended the marble steps that led outdoors, he noticeably slumped and released my arm. "I can't follow through with this act" he sighed "I bet you understad how it feels to have to pretend all the time". Shocked, I respond "tell me about it" and so he does. Mr.Princeling complains about all the luxuriously exhausting efforts he has offered for the sake of his kingdom, and just like that, what little hope I had is diminished. "You know, I admire your....interests, but I'm afraid I prefer marrying womanly women? I'm sure you understand what I mean". There is no father or king of any kind to control me here, and there is definitely no etiquette, whatsoever. "No, I'm afraid I don't understand" I say bitterly. There is not even the slightest change in his demeanor "well, just look at yourself! What woman allows herself to get so...big and grumpy? I mean-". Before another sound comes escapes his lips I pull out a beloved dagger from my sleeve and cut the inside of his arm, avoiding a blood vessel that would surely leave him dead, and kingdoms at war. 

   ***Chapter one has finally been written, after weeks of being busy with school. I really enjoyed writing this and hope to continue with it. Please feel free to offer any advice or changes I should make in my writing! Thank you for reading <3***