The Commoner's Princess

1

The journey to Valoria was a long and arduous affair. The carriage rattled along the winding roads and clicked and clacked through the dense forest.

Miranda sighed taking everything in through the small window. She couldn't believe that she was being forced into this. She was marrying a man ten times her senior and she was only 8 and 10. It was indeed preposterous.

"Miranda, my dear, you must lose that pout and hold your head high. We are to arrive in a few minutes. I can see the castle from here." Elena said sitting up and fixing her appearance.

Glancing at her parents, she couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment towards them for the decision they made long before she had a say in the matter.

"Mother, father," Miranda began, her voice filled with frustration as she addressed them. "I cannot, will not, and should not sacrifice my happiness for the sake of bloody politics and tradition. I want to marry for love not duty can you understand that?"

William sighed before speaking.
"Miranda, you are of noble birth, and with that privilege comes certain obligations. You must put the needs of the kingdom above your own desires."

Anger flared within Miranda as she listened to her parents' words, her frustration boiling over, "By Jove, this is outrageous! I refuse to be a pawn in your political games any longer," she declared. "I will not go through with this marriage, no matter the consequences."

Elena reached out a hand to her frustrated child, "Miranda, we understand your feelings, but you must understand the gravity of the situation. The fate of our kingdom hangs in the balance."

With tears glistening in her eyes, Miranda met her parents' gaze, "I will not be forced into a loveless union," she vowed, her voice unwavering. "I will find a way to marry for love, even if it means defying tradition and risking everything."

"Enough! My God in heavens you are stubborn. You should be grateful. Heavy is the head that wears the crown but you have it. You are royalty. You are not a peasant and work the fields. What's done is done. You can not show up to this kingdom and defy anything. You will be found and charged guilty of adultery, which is punishable by death." William yelled.

Miranda's eyes widened and she wiped her tears. Sitting up she looked out of the window.

As the carriage rolled to a stop before the imposing gates of Castle Valoria, Miranda let out a huge breath as she fixed her tiara.

The footman and driver spoke to the guards before the gate was open and they drove up to the cobblestone courtyard with the huge fountain in the center.

The door opened and William was the first to get out then helped Elena. An attendant was ready to assist Miranda. She grabbed his hand and stepped out brushing off her dress. Looking around, Miranda noticed all the activity. Servants were scurrying about and knights stood guard.

"My, what a spectacle," she noted.

"Good day royal family and welcome," a woman greeted, curtsying with a burgundy day dress on.

Miranda gave a polite smile.

"I am Lady Caroline, the governess of Valoria Castle."

Miranda wanted to roll her eyes but stopped. This would be the woman in charge of her culture and customs education and anything else concerning her for that matter.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Miranda gave a light smile.

"Likewise, shall I show you all around?"

"That would be lovely," Elena said slipping her arm into William's.

As they made their way through the courtyard, Miranda was greeted by the denizens of the castle, each offering a respectful nod or curtsey in her direction.