Short stories

Final preperation. The story, of Charlotte

One last time the woman looked in the mirror. Barely did she recognise herself. She had to touch her reflection in order to snap back to reality. She would be imperial princess soon. The luxurious perfume and make-up. Her hair perfect. This day musn't be anything less than that either.

Deep inside, she knew though. She was in fact a fake. This place was supposed to be her sister's. A lot had happened since she left for this kingdom to be married off. Her, an illegitimate child of a duke from the neigbouring kingdom. Her family close to bankrupcy and ruin. To prevent that, this arranged marriage between the third prince and her sister were supposed to happen. She was sent instead to pose as her sister who refused to marry the third prince. She in her eyes, deserved better. The training she had received to be like her was harsh but harsher would things be had she refused.

''Lady Madelaine, it is time.'' a maid said, entering the room after knocking on the door. ''Yes... of course.'' The woman replied and looked in the mirror once more. Madelaine. Her sister's name. Having to call herself that and being called that was still strange. Madelaine was not her name. But nobody knew about the existence of Charlotte. This facade. Could she keep it up? The maid proceeded to place the veil over her head. ''Remember, Madelaine. Play your part and you'll give a better life than one of your lowly background deserves.'' the maid whispered. Her father had sent this maid to keep an eye on her. It was suffocating.

''I understand.'' the maid got back as reply. Of course the maid had her own goals here. If Charlotte played her part well she got to live in the imperial palace and enjoy its luxuries. 

The coachride to the church was silent. People were throwing flower petals and the celebration was grand. That was on the street though. In the palace people pitied here. Called her 'the sacrificial princess'. Not a lie, Charlotte knew that. Her family sacrificed her. Her kingdom did the same. All for a meager treaty that likely wouldn't last a generation. After today... Charlotte would be no more. And princess Madelaine would take her place. ''Looks like you won sister...'' Charlotte said with a forced smile. Madelaine had always said she'd erase her if she could. 

The ceremony was grand too but most seemed to pass by Charlotte as if it was a dream. Like a puppeteer controlled her movements. Even after the grand feast with dancers and delicious food. She played her part well. However, it was also the weddingnight. It was no secret what would be expected of her. Maids helped her undress, bathe and dress up and before she knew it she was in a room alone with her now husband.

''You're trembling.'' the man said, brushing a lock of her soft brown hair behind her ear. Charlotte looked at him. The look on his face said it all. He pitied her. ''I wouldn't dare hurt my beautiful wife.'' he assured her. ''I can sleep on the sofa if you want. It's a contract marriage. Today was the first time we met. I can'texpect you to be comfortable with me Madelaine.'' 

Hearing him say that name to her again made Charlotte feel sick to her stomach. ''...I... I can't do this.'' Charlotte said and sobbed. Before she knew it the prince embraced her. It caught her by surprise and he whispered comforting words but again, saying her sister's name. Eventually Charlotte looked at him. ''I am not Madelaine.'' she said. ''My father lied... my old kingdom... lied. I'm not even a fullblood noble. I... I am my father's bastard daughter. I'm.. I'm so sorry.'' 

The prince looked at her, shocked. ''They would've killed me if I didn't partake... I know this is treason but I can't do this. I can't pretend being my sister. I never did anything wrong I just... I just wanted..'' ''To be a princess?'' the prince asked. ''No!'' Charlotte replied. ''To be safe! But keeping this lie? It's not safety it is torture... my sister I.." she stopped talking as the prince held her close. ''..I hate her... I hate that house...I hate being here..'' she said, more softly this time. ''If Madelaine is not your name then who do I have in my arms right now?'' he asked. ''..C-Charlotte..'' she replied. It was strange saying her name after so long. ''Charlotte. What a pleasant name. It means 'being free' in these lands.'' the prince's voice was gentle. ''Tell me... Charlotte... what is it you want most right now.'' he asked. ''...Burn my family no.. my old kingdom down.'' she replied. The prince could hear the resentment. Her kingdom having sent her off to marry him was likely not the only reason why. ''Hmm what a coinsidence.'' the prince said and patted her head. ''They did betray us...I feel like your desire and mine are rather close to one another. But for that I need your help.'' the prince said. ''My.. help?'' Charlotte asked. ''Let your desire be my wedding gift to you. In return... help me climb up higher and become King, Charlotte. Let's help each other.''

''You want to become king?'' Charlotte asked. ''My brothers are incompetent. One whores his life away and the other addicted to gambling. They'll bring this country to ruin. Charlotte. Help me, and I'll help you. I'll help you be free.''