Seconds in Time

Page 3

"I don't have a choice do I?" My voice was already dismal.

"No, by law you have to marry him." Mother said, confirming my fears.

I had heard many things about Prince Alexander. It is rumor that he never smiles and feeds on people's misery. They say tha he is a soulless, emotionless monster that will destroy our kingdom when he inherits the throne. I don't want to be a part of that.

"The full impact hasn't set in yet, but I'm terrified to put this ring on. It's like I'll be betraying myself if I do." I admitted and set the ring on top of the soft box. Just as I mentioned the impact this was going to have on my life I realized how much I was going to lose. I probably wouldn't see my parents often and I would see my friends even less. I was going to be trapped in a castle and a loveless marriage for the rest of my life.

No one said anything for a long while. I didn't know what else to say and I'm sure no one else did either. As much as I wanted to just cry I wasn't going to let my self.

"Can Crystal, Juliet, and Leonardo stay over tonight?" I asked my mom. This would probably be the last time we could all be together. Well, it would be the last time before my life turns upside down at least.

"I'll go get them and let you girls talk." Father offered and kissed my head before leaving. I could tell he was furious. He didn't want to give me away any time soon and now he has until tomorrow before I no longer live under his roof.

Once the door closed behind him we all seemed to have something to say.

"I can't believe this is happening." Crystal said, giving voice to what the three of us were thinking.

"Yeah, you're going to be my maid of honor in two weeks." I noted. I don't care who I'm marrying or what the circumstances are; I've had that planned for about six years.

"Do you think they'll let you pick?" Mother questioned.

"Well, they damn well better. They aren't going to take me away from everyone I know and love and lock me in a castle without letting me get my way on at least one thing." I answered a bit heatedly. Instead of getting all sad about things I usually end up angry, which at the moment seems better and easier to deal with.

"Put the ring on." Crystal insisted and pointed to it.

"No." I said reluctantly and toyed with my fingers.

"You're going to have to wear it, Lilly." I chewed my lip. She was right after all.