Third Person POV
The next day Rowena's chambermaid, Grace woke her up with such great enthusiasm, it startled her.
Rowena's POV
"Oh my you seem to be in a very jovial mood today" , I asked my chambermaid who simply smiled in response before saying..
"Her Majesty Queen Elenore has selected a few more than eligible suitors for you , who are invited to have lunch with us in the castle today. Naturally today is of great importance for you your highness."
I stared at her in shock. Had I heard her right? My mother has arranged for me to meet suitors from other kingdoms without asking me first? I absolutely don't want to get engaged, after all im only 16. My mind raced with thoughts.
I decide to wash up ,dress for the day and talk to my mother about the suitors. I wasn't really sure how to approach her.
The gown I wore:
Grace then proceeded to do my hair. I sat in silence, not wanting to talk as I was still thinking about how I was going to deal with the suitors...and my mother. Grace seemed to understand that and left me alone after she had done my hair.
I swung open my door and much to my surprise, mother was already standing there.
"Oh good Rena, you're already awake and dressed ."
"Mother.." I began hesitantly. I wasn't really sure how i was going to talk to her about how she had decided to select suitors for me without even asking me first. I decided i would not beat around the bush.
"I heard from Grace that you've invited suitors from other kingdoms to join us for lunch today"
Mother looked a bit taken aback. "Indeed I have. It is time for us to make political allies of other kingdoms. It is what's best for the kingdom."
"But mother, I don't want to be betrothed to just anybody, and certainly not now. Im only just 16-" I tried to sympathize with her before I was cut off by her commanding choice of words.
"This is not up for discussion Rowena Danae. Now if you will, I have to take care of a few things before the suitors arrive"
"Yes mother" I said looking down at my feet as she left gracefully as a queen would. She's using me to build alliances with the neighbouring countries. That just makes it a million times worse. I really have to find a way to get out of this.
TIME SKIP :12 NOON
I quietly watched from a window as I saw young rulers , most probably in their, 20s,arrive in carriages. Some of them even looked like they were 30-
I decided to join them and get it over with quickly. I greeted the guests with a warm smile and sat down at the table. Most of the men attempted to make small talk with me.
A tall young man in his 20s ,who had jet black hair, brown chocolatey complexion and green eyes spoke up.
"I have received loads of marriage proposals from women, Rowena , but you see none of them have caught my eye. I prefer women quite like yourself" he said , looking pleased with himself.
Pfft so should I be honoured or perhaps you'd want me to giggle and blush uncontrollably. I mentally cringe.
"That's nice, But unfortunately Craig I don't really prefer men like yourself." I realise I sounded harsh but he should have seen it coming. Besides I thought I caught most of the men snickering at our short but 'pleasant ' exchange.
Out of all the men who tried to start up a conversation with me , fortunately there was one who actually bothered asking about my interests rather than boast about their political influences and riches.
"Well, I really love reading. I spend most of my spare time reading in the palace gardens. It has a very calming effect on me." I say. He smiled at me and we begin talking about our hobbies. After that it was just silent throughout the meal.
I really wanted to make it clear to these men that i wouldn't be marrying any of them regardless of what my mother says. So i made up my mind and decided it would be best to talk about it now.
"I'd like to make it clear to each one of you gentlemen present here, that Im not looking to get engaged to any one of you. I have no intention of getting married at 16 . On behalf of my mother, I apologise if this has caused any inconvenience to any of you ."
With that, I excused myself , went upstairs and locked myself in my chamber.
TIME SKIP: 3:27 AM
Third person POV
The princess just couldn't sleep properly. She'd wake up in the middle of the night for no reason. It was like she couldn't find a position that was just right. She kept tossing and turning until...
Suddenly, she sat bolt upright on her bed anxiously. She had heard something moving outside her door....
YOU ARE READING
The Heir Of Aelia
Fantasy"In the end, she became more than what she expected. she became the journey, and like all journeys, she did not end, she just simply changed directions and kept going." A young princess trapped within her own castle walls, discovers a secret passa...
