Royal Pains: Suited for a Suitor?

Chapter 1~Megan

So, sorry this took so long to post. I just kept forgetting to type and upload to the net. 

Anyways...this first chapter was written by my sister. We alternate every chapter. I hope you enjoy the story.

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"Just as I thought," I muttered as I hurried down the hall, gown swishing. "She decides to miss another state dinner and then she'll want me to explain in every detail what the new batch of suitors looks like."

I stopped in front of a mirror to straighten my crown and dress before continuing to the end of the corridor and turning.

My parents stood waiting for me in front of the closed balcony doors. Mother sighed and clucked her tongue when she saw Caroline was not with me. I stood next to Papa, who looked rather ridiculous dressed up with his round pork belly and spectacles perched on his nose. I looked to see if Elizabeth was there, but it appeared that she had also been instructed to turn in for the night with the other littles.

The doors opened and the trumpets sounded, announcing the royal family. The men stood and applauded heartily as Ma and Pa walked down together, and then I, after them.

They continued to stand, as decorum commanded, until we sat down. On my right hand, Father sat next to Mother. On my left sat a prince, whom I soon recognized to be from the kingdom of Shelbelay. I had met him at a jousting tournament the year before.

Out came the servants with silver platters. The cook had done his best with stuffed goose, cranberry tart, beef stew, and much more. I, of course, had eaten before hand, so I could sit back and criticize all the men.

Almost immediately half of them were eliminated. At the other end of the table sat the young duke of Endrogena, who had the most obnoxious voice and an awfully drippy nose. Others were too loud, too bouncy, too young, not young enough, too tall, or needed a booster seat.

I let out another sigh, which was heard by the prince of Shelbelay. He looked at me, then at my plate.

"Not hungry tonight princess?" he inquired with a good natured smile.

"I ate before I came. You never know what to expect at these affairs," I replied.

"Ah, but if your cook is preparing the meal then you shouldn't be one to worry. If you want to have any strength for dancing after this, you'll have to eat something," he said jokingly.

"I lost my taste for balls to fortnights ago on the eve of my 16th birthday. Besides, there will be enough noble woman that not many will notice I am gone," I measured.

"You will not be staying, Princess?"

"Oh call me Meg, everyone else does. I never did catch you name last year at the tournament, only that you were the prince of Shelbelay," I offered.

"It's Denny," he replied

I stifled a laugh, but quickly composed myself. Mother was shooting me the evil eye.

"My name is rather funny, but I believe you now owe me two dances at the ball for laughing, " he said, eyes twinkling.

I laughed again. " I suppose so, but they will be the first two and then I will leave." 

Now Mom was shooting me the stink eye, but Denny laughed along. 

The food was cleared and we were all asked to move to the ballroom for light refreshment and dancing.

Mother and Father left first.

Denny stood and offered his arm to me. Blushing, I took it. As we left the ballroom, I started to think I wouldn't tell Caroline that I met this prince - because I loved him. He was just the right height, with swirling eyes and dark hair. He was humorous and a wonderful conversationalist. And he was here to court my sister!

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So that's the first chapter. I'm going to try and type as much as possible and see how many chapters I can get uploaded. I also happen to be working on the prequel ~Royal Pains~ but that won't be posted for a while. This book should be completed rather soon, since we are finished writing it. Ciao!

~Caroline