How To Train Your Princess

The Arrival

"Now ladies. You will be given a room with four girls in each upon your arrival. You attend princess classes six days a week to prepare you for two months to meet the prince at a week long ball allowing him to make his decision. Those of you who are not chosen will return to your regular lives at the end. The new princess will be allowed to visit her family, then move into the palace. Now, lets get going. we have a lot to do in very little time." Gobber says. 

I share a look with Ruff beside me before we mount our horses and are off. I glance behind me at the village as we begin our journey to the palace. 

                                                                                                       ***

We stop to rest at a stream once we are halfway to the palace. I sit on a rock watching Stormfly gulp water, exhausted from the heat.

"Alright girls, listen up. When we arrive, we will provide each of you with a few pairs of clothes, necessities and you will report to your rooms and get situated before meeting in the Dining Hall. Any questions?" Gobber asks when he's finished. 

No one responds, so he returns to situating his sack on his horse, Grump. I chuckle quietly watching Grump bob his head up and down in protest to Gobber tightening the girth.

I hear crunching of gravel behind me. I turn to see Ruffnut sitting down beside me. She stares at Barf as he nibbles on grasses, her fingers toying with the reins in her hands.

"What do you think he looks like?" she asks suddenly.

I furrow my brow in confusion, even though I have an idea of who she means, but ask anyway. "Who?" 

She meets my eyes. "The prince. I bet he's dreamy and perfect." Ruff coos, getting lost in her imagination.

"I'm sure." I say sarcastically. "I wouldn't get your hopes too high. Someone who has as much as he does, probably has people do everything for him. He's probably a huge jerk and a spoiled brat."

She looks at me like I've insulted her. "Don't say that! You're just jealous he has more money than you."

I roll my eyes. "Why are you defending him? You're acting like he's yours and you've already won him over." 

"We will see." she answers, getting to her feet and dusting off her skirt and leggings.

"Lets move out girls!" Gobber hollers.

                                                                                             ***

I stare at the back of Ruff's head as we ride along the path on our way again. 

I'm beginning to have mixed emotions about this whole prince situation. At home I was too overwhelmed with the idea that I was leaving the village, but the more I think about it, the more worried about the prince I am. I mean, what if he's this complete numbskull and self absorbed. I don't know why I'm so uptight about it suddenly. It's not like he's going to pick an ordinary looking, poor girl like me. If he's really bad, I only have to tolerate him for a week. I can do that. Right?