The Dark Prince

Chapter Three

The Caligo Kingdom is far more beautiful than I had expected it to be, but I hardly have the mental capacity to coo over the large stone castle or sprawling green, flower-specked meadows, my thoughts completely preoccupied with the meeting that is about to conspire. I would rather be anywhere else, but as the carriage lurches underneath me, bringing me closer and closer to the castle, I know that there is no escape. Across from me, somehow managing to remain perfectly positioned despite the jerking movements of the carriage, my mother observes me silently, a sadness in the set of her mouth and the delicate furrowing of her brow.

"This isn't what I wanted for you, Amelia." She sighs after a moment, shaking her head. "I wish it were not necessary."

"I still don't see why it is necessary." I replied with a scowl, shaking my head. "Seeing as you and father both refuse to discuss it with me."

Mother frowns. "I'm sorry, Amelia. You will learn soon enough, but we are keeping everything very tight-lipped as of now. Do not fear the Prince. I know you have been told many things about him, but I am sure he would not harm his fiance."

I scowl, not bothering to respond to her feeble attempt at comforting me. At this moment, I do not think I've ever disliked her more. Sold to the wolves, without so much as a proper explanation why. The only reason I've gotten is that it is for the good of our Kingdom. Engaged to a monster, I cannot bring myself to feel anything but dread and a bit of fear. As we near the castle, the royal guards standing at the large stone wall surrounding the castle greet the driver, questioning his business at the castle.

I hear his response, his voice shaking slightly. "We are delivering the Princess."

There is a rustling noise, then the black steel gates open, allowing the carriage entrance. Moments later, the carriage lurches to a sudden stop in front of the entrance to the castle, a long set of stone stairs. The castle looks bleak and dark close-up, void of any color, other than the green ivy snaking up the stone siding. The driver opens the carriage door, allowing my mother and I to step out, and I take a moment to examine my pale, sea-green gown. It is not a color I would normally dress in, but much to my displeasure, my maid Sabrina had insisted it would impress the Prince. I could care less about impressing the Prince, honestly. I dread the thought of marrying him, securing myself to someone with such a dark reputation and wicked skillset. Everyone knows that the Caligo royal family practices dark magic.

The castle doors open suddenly, creaking to life, and in the entrance stands the Caligo royal family. It is my first time seeing them in person, but I can instantly tell they are royals, given away by the haughty tilting of their chins and the straightness of their shoulders. Upon seeing the King, who stands in the front, I can tell instantly the rumors of his sickness are true. Though he is still a handsome man, his hazel eyes are dull and uninterested, with dark circles beneath them. His graying black hair is messy and unkempt, and his skin is pale. He seems to be relying heavily on the gold staff in his left hand to stand, leaning his weight onto it.

Beside the King, the Queen, however, looks to be in perfect health. Her blonde hair, while peppered with a bit of gray, is pulled back into a tight, braided bun, not a single strand out of place. Her blue eyes assess me coldly with interest, and her mouth is twisted into an expression of distaste. She carefully brushes imaginary dust off the front of her scarlet, frilled dress, clearing her throat. "Welcome, Queen Sophia and Princess Amelia." The Queen says, her voice void of any sort of emotion. "Please, come inside. I'm afraid Capsian is still out riding, but he shall be home soon, I am sure. Dinner will be ready shortly."

Mother shifts beside me, clearly slightly uncomfortable, but smiles pleasantly, as poised and proper as ever. "Thank you, Queen Edith. We would be delighted."