Remi is a tomboyish princess who must ascend the throne and become queen in half a year. Her father hires seven teachers to prepare her for the role. But can Remi concentrate with seven of the most beautiful men she's ever seen as her mentors?
"What?!" I scream out, my voice breaking, I hold my clenched fists protectively against my chest. I was trying to stop the piercing pain running through my heart. My father had just delivered the worst possible news to me with the straightest of faces. He didn't seem worried at all!
"I'm sorry Remi. The doctor gave me half a year to live." I gasp and collapse to my knees, tears were blurring my vision. I could no longer see my father's face. He bends down and takes my hands in his. "Don't worry my darling, I'll prepare you to ascend the throne. You were born for this role, and you will be perfect."
Shaking my head violently, I didn't wish to think about that right now. My small world was crumbling all around me and my father, the king of our kingdom didn't seem bothered. It was atrocious! "You can't leave me father, I'll have no one left!" I desperately plead to him, but I knew deep down that was a request even a king couldn't grant.
I was a single child and my mother died giving birth to me. I always blamed myself for her death, even though it was beyond anyone's control. The world lost an amazing woman when I was brought into the world. My father never held me liable though, he did his best to raise me. I was the farthest thing from a typical princess. My father always told me how tom boyish I was for a young lady with royal blood.
Our staff, butlers and maids did their best with me, but I wasn't the upstanding soon-to-be queen that I should be. I would run around outside barefoot and chase crickets in the middle of night. Most princess in neighboring countries were what you would imagine. They were perfect. Their posture and visuals were impeccable. But our maids would have to wash away the dirt under my nails each night before dinner.
I was a handful when I was younger.
My father embraces me tightly and I cry against his shoulder, soaking through his silk hanbok. "Remi, I never wanted to leave you. But this isn't something we can battle fate about. My time is coming, and I have to prepare you properly." I sniffle and wipe my eyes once I lean away from him. "I can't rule this country without your consul!" My father laughs softly.
"I think you're more prepared than you give yourself credit for. As for your image, we will work on that. I've contacted seven gentlemen to come and stay within our home to teach you. They will transform you and before you know it, you'll be the confident, strong, and intelligent queen that you were meant to be." My mouth falls open to his words.
He has already planned all this out so soon.
"How long have you known of your illness?!" I accuse him of harboring information. My father drops his head, he knows he's been caught. With a deep sigh, he continues to shatter my world. "I've known for a month now. I didn't want to tell you until we knew for certain that it couldn't be cured." The tears form in my eyes again. He was incurable?
"Daddy..." I croak out, the reality setting in. The reality that laid on my shoulders now and felt like a brick against my heart. I would be losing my father in half a year's time. And I wouldn't even get to cherish the last six months I have with him because I'll be 'transforming.' This was all too much to bear.
My father cups my cheeks lovingly and kisses my forehead softly. "I know darling, I don't like any of this either. Let's enjoy the time we have left." My eyebrows drop. That seemed impossible to me. "How can I? If I'm going to be learning everything I need to know, how will I have time to see you?" He holds my shoulders tightly and focuses only on my eyes for emphasis.
"Remi, our country comes first. Our people are what's most important. I have to prepare you for your role. You ascending the throne in your current state would be irresponsible. Our people have been loyal and proud citizens under our rule. We must return their faith by giving them a queen worthy of their love." I nod my head. I understood all of this, but never did I think it was fair. This was very unfair.
"I-I'll make you proud," I stutter out, hoping that I can keep my promise. My father smiles sweetly and kisses my forehead again. He pulls me to my feet. "Go clean yourself up, dinner will be served soon."
Leaving the company of my father, I head down our long hallways in the direction of my room. I briefly stop in the foyer and look up at the top of the stairs and stare at the painted portrait of my late mother. My lip quivers and I let out a deep sigh.
"Mom, I need you to watch over me. Dad will be leaving me soon and joining you. Guide me mom, help me. I need to become as great as you. I've got impossible shoes to fill, but I will try." I place my palms together and bow to her.
I wish I had gotten the chance to meet my mother. I was robbed of an amazing relationship. The bond between mother and daughter is supposed to be one of the strongest bonds there is. But I was dealt a poor hand and am left with only a king in my hand, with no queen to pair it with.
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