Love's Not Fair

Controlled

"So the princess married the prince and they all lived happily ever after." My mother read to my younger siblings. "This is a great story! After all..." Mother raised an eyebrow.

"All is fair in love and war!" My siblings responded, as cheerful and clueless as they are.

Mother had taught us that line ever since we were little. She explained how love will always be your go-to-feeling. All is fair in love and war. That was her favourite quote. But my love wasn't fair. My whole marriage was planned for me! And as for war, my family is against me. Everyone except for Summer. My dear older sister.

As mother closed her book, she eyed me as her peaceful expression melted into a cold stare. "Amandra Tràs! Get out of those ragged clothes at once!" I looked down. I was wearing a white hoodie with denim shorts. "Is this how you want your future husband to see you as? A commoner? You are royalty, dear! Change at once. I'll get Maeia to pick out the most formal dress."

I gritted my teeth. Maeia immediately bowed and hurried to my family's wardrobe. That apparent "future husband" of mine would be announced at the ball later tonight. My family was hosting our annual ball, where my courter would be announced. I don't even know who it is.

Maeia returned, carefully holding a beautiful dress on its hanger. It was beautiful. Too bad it had to be used on such a dreadful occasion. She gave the dress to me. I bowed and retreated to my bedroom.

I stared at myself in disbelief. Was I really the princess from the story? No, the princess had the opportunity to choose her husband. I heard faint voices outside my door.

"Mistress Summer! Let us do the work!"

"No! It's my sister's day, I got to support her!"

Summer swung open the doors to my room. Her normal, elegant black dress was now covered by a white apron, filled to the brim with makeup materials. "I knew you were here!" She grinned. "Amelie was just on her way here to do your makeup, but I stopped her." Summer sat down on an ottoman. "Wow...my sister looks beautiful." She caught the distressed look on my face. "Don't worry. I bet your courter will be an amazing guy. He'll treat you well. I'm sure! And if not..."

Summer threw a punch in the air. I rolled my eyes, giggling. Summer was my older sister. She's 26 now. She was always there to support me ever since I was alive. My mother only cares about wealth and business. She was always busy. Then, Summer became my mother figure. She still is, to this day.

But by the time Summer had finished my makeup, guests were already in the ballroom. That's when I spotted someone. He was stunning, with his brown shaggy hair and casual suit. He had unusual purple eyes, but it gave off a nice aura. He saw me staring and smiled.

"Good evening...?"

"Amandra. Most people call me Amy."

"Amandra. Beautiful name, it suits you well."

"Thank you,..?"

"Jacob. Jacob Libra."

"I don't think I've seen you before. Where are you from? What requires the attendance of a young man so...handsome?"

"I appreciate the comment, Amy. But I'm here on my brother's wish. This is an important banquet for him, so it was only right I support."

He pointed to the left. There stood a young man, roughly younger than Jacob and more my age. His suit was more formal, and he had black, ruffled hair and the same purple eyes. The only thing was, he gave off a very intimidating aura. He seemed quite cold, like the opposite of Jacob. I turned away.

Jacob snickered. "Hey...look at me, not him." He said in a playful tone. I rolled my eyes. I was already starting to like him.

Then my mother appeared on stage.

"Welcome all to this special occasion!" Everyone clapped, except for me. "Today we are celebrating my dear daughter's engagement." Since when was I dear to her? "So I'm excited to announce my daughter's future husband, Mr. Libra!"

Wait. That's Jacob's last name. My eyes twinkled with excitement. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. Mother gave me a hand signal, and I hurried my way onto the stage.

"Come up here too, Libra!" She exclaimed. I stood there, patiently waiting for Jacob. But he wasn't moving. He stood there still, silently clapping. I was confused. But then it all made sense when he came onto the stage.

"Alright! I wish you two luck, Amy and Louis! We'll miss you!" My mother blew a kiss in the air. No...this can't be happening. I glanced at Loius. His eyes met mine, as he scowled, basically telling me to look away. I flinched and turned my head. My hands were practically shaking as Louis brought me down from the stage. I could hear the claps from the crowd behind us. He held the door connecting to a black tesla as I climbed in. I gulped. He aggressively slammed the door as he sat next to me. The trip to his house was silent. No one dared to talk. When I wasn't looking, I could feel his eyes occasionally staring at me. Did I hear a faint whistle from his lips?

"Oi. Look at me, will ya!"

That scared me.

"Yes,?"

"Don't act dumb. You know my name is Louis. Your own mother said that to you and a million other people." He exaggerated.

"But she's not my mother." Shit. 

"What..?"