against the odds

a royal proposal

Olivia's pov

My name is Olivia Grant and I am the Princess of Fiji, this may lead you to believe I have everything a girl could desire but that is far from the truth. Being third in line for the throne behind my older brother Tyler and sister Eloise, I often get decisions made for me. Now I am aware I probably sound like one of those girls who people hate, someone who has everything but is still complaining but the one thing I want but don't have is freedom. A perfect example of this is the fact that I'm being dragged along with my father to a business meeting with the Royal family of England, there is no reason for me to be there but yet according to my father "it is of the upmost importance I attend", this can only be bad news.

Our plane had landed in England and we were transported to London in a limo that the King had sent for us. Now I'm no stranger to grand palaces, I grew up in one (although I'm currently studying in America and staying in the dorms), but this was something else. The place screamed old money, with traditional stone walls and marble floor, decorated with perfectly framed oil paintings of who I could only assume to be the members of this family, it all looked so expensive but lacked any essence of being an actual home.

We were greeted by a friendly looking butler, who introduced himself as Edward, he politely greeted my father and then came to me, his smile faltered slightly before he shook my hand, almost like he was aware of something I was not.

Edward guided us to another expensive looking room, only this time there was 4 men, one a lot older looking  than the other 3 and one women who looked the same age as the older gentleman. I recognised the older couple as the king and Queen of England and the 3 boys from the oil paintings in the entrance so I assumed they were their sons. They stood up and approached us, each one greeted my father and then me. The king had a very cold looking face, his grey hair was accompanied with a matching closely shaved beard and pale piercing blue eyes, these eyes were clearly shared with his 3 sons. His wife has long lushes brown hair and a golden skin tone, it was clear she was an older women but she still radiated class and beauty. Then who I assumed to be the eldest son greeted me, he was very conventionally attractive but gave off a slightly creepy vibe, he had dirty blonde hair and was well built, I just did not like how his piercing blue eyes looked me up and down like I was an object that was for his viewing pleasure only. He took my hand in his and placed a slow kiss on it, everything about this guy creeped me out. He introduced himself as Charlie and then walked away. I was then approached by another of the sons, this one did not look interested in being here in the slightest. He had light brown hair matched with the family blue eyes and was definitely the most in shape of the 3 boys, although it was clear confidence was not something  he lacked just from his presence he only exchanged a brief smile with me and introduced himself as Jay. Then came what I would guess to be the youngest son, he looked about my age, it was clear he was uncomfortable with being here, much like me, he had a slimer build to his other brothers and dark brown hair, he had a natural charm to his presence and was gifted with the most beautiful smile. He was just about to introduce himself when his father interrupted by calling everyone to the table.

Everyone sat down except my father and the king of England, they stood side by side at the head of the table. My father had his business face on which concerned me. He cleared his throat and began to address us, he began by saying something about how him and the king of England have been in discussions for the last few months about how an alliance with our 2 countries would only lead to a great growth in power, I began to zone out until the king of England began talking. His voice commanded attention and it terrified me, I was clearly not the only one that he had this affect on as his 3 sons instantly straightened up in their chair when he began. He stated that the best way for this alliance to be cemented was for his eldest son Charlie to marry one of my father's daughters and Charlie had chose me.

I felt my lungs close in. I couldn't breath. This could not be happening. I looked at my father for help but all he did was nod at me like it was a done deal. My own father had just auctioned me off like I was nothing and he just expected me to be ok with this? I was speechless, all that was coming out my mouth was slight stutters. I clearly wasn't the only one kept out the loop as although it was clear Charlie was well aware of the situation the other 2 sons looked just as shocked.

I finally managed to string a sentence together in my defence. "But I'm 17, I'm not even legally allowed to marry until I turn 18", I looked at my father hopefully but the king of England answered, "and that's exactly why Daniel will be accompanying you to school for the year, to make sure you don't lose any value until the engagement can be announced". Who the hell is Daniel and why do they think this is ok? The youngest son then piped up. "Why are you bringing me into this?" he questioned. I assume he's Daniel. "Seeming as you are the same age as Olivia it only makes sense, I will send Jay with you to America to keep things under control" was all he replied with a harsh stare in Daniels direction. This seemed to be enough as Daniel quickly shut up.

Guess I was on my own again. But all I'm hearing is I have a year to get out of this and I will do everything in my power to do so.