The Princess and the Pirate King

Chapter 3: Carina

Chapter 3

Carina

The door to my room burst open as I stood in front of the mirror as the servants pinned the last of the pins. I must of lost weight from all the stress of the arranged marriage.

"The servant wasn't joking when they needed to redo your waste." The Queen came over. A frown etching her face. I looked in the mirrors. The dress was purple with long sleeves, and I refused a corset with it. My long hair was pulled up into an elegant messy bun with strands of hair falling out. I ran my hands down the skirt.

"I'm sorry mother. I've always had issues gaining or loosing weight." Which was true. Healers said it was normal with stress of the duties of a royal. I hardly ate at times.

Fingers grabbed my checks in a hard grip, and I flinch at the touch. I looked into my mother's eyes. Leo and I inherited our father's emerald, green eyes. I inherited my mother's curly blonde hair. "Mother."

"You watch your tongue tonight." The Queen whispered. My nostrils flare. "You will be nice to the Duke and keep quiet." I pulled my face from her grip as Anna stepped into the room in a royal blue dress. Stacia pulled away. Anna looked between us in concern. She knew about the abuse and knew I didn't want the marriage.

"Why are you having me do this?" I whisper, looking at my mother. My mother turned to me. I stared her down.

"It'll be explained tonight." The Queen left the room. I looked out the window and saw a ship in the horizon. I head to the balcony and looked out. The sails were white and sat in the calm water. I wondered why it wasn't at the port.

A lifeboat landed on the sand and two figures step out. A man and a woman. I raised an eyebrow. The man's head turned towards me and his eyes seemed to find me. He was tall with long black hair pulled back. The man whispered something to the girl, whose head turned...

"Carina." I flinch at my mother's stern voice. "Its time to go." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath as I turned and stepped off the balcony. The Queen stood in the doorway, frowning as I moved across the floor. Anna was looking worried as she stood with my mother. I ran my hands down my dress to make sure it was smooth. "You look lovely dear. Now head high and let's go meet your future husband." She turned her back and Anna nearly had to hide a laugh when I rolled my eyes. Anna and I followed my mother out and down the steps.

People were already arriving, and I could hear their talks towards the ballroom. Mother didn't lead us to the ballroom. Leo stood talking to one of the guards. Anna smiled at him. Leo smiled back and I wanted to gag. I don't know why my best friend was with my spoiled brother, but he treated her good.

"You look lovely, mother." Leo kissed our mother's checks and gave me an awkward hug. "You as well, Carina."

"Thank you." I spoke. Leo kissed Anna and I looked away. I really didn't approve of what my parents wanted from me. Leo could get away with murder and they would turn their heads, but me. I probably be locked up in my room or sent off. Leo held out his arm for Anna and she took it without hesitation as the Queen led us into the throne room.

King Peter, who's hair was now silver with age, stood talking to a man and I stopped in the door. This was my first time meeting the man I am supposed to marry. His brown hair had silver streaked in it and his grey eyes land on me. Peter turned and smiled. I put a smile on my face, but I knew that it didn't reach my eyes.

"Duke Michael. I would like you to meet my wife. Queen Stacia with our son Prince Leo and his girlfriend Anna. And this is Princess Carina." My father said. The Duke bowed. I saw weariness in his eyes.

"It's an honor to meet everyone." His eyes linger on me, and I shivered. "And it's nice to put a face to a name." I wanted to gag, but I kept the smile plastered to my face.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Duke Michael." I said.

"We will announce the engagement in the ballroom shortly." My father said with a smile on his face. "I look forward to working with you on dealing with the Pirates." My head turned to look at my father. This is why I was being forced into a marriage. I had no issues with the pirates. The Duke didn't look as happy as I felt.

Anna and I shared looks. She didn't look happy either. I wished I could sink through the floor and disappear. Political marriages. I hated them.