The Reluctant Princess

Chapter Three

I have a habit of getting myself into extremely bizarre situations, and this was one of them.

How on earth had I gone from a normal person to a potential princess? This was so ridiculous, I felt as though I was in movie.

I’d read the file on Theo’s country, and it turned out that the place was pretty small. A population of fifty thousand, with a mining industry that kept the country rich. Theo’s family had been in power for over one hundred and eighty years (woah!) and Theo was next in line.

And me too, apparently. Poor sods, they won't know what's hit them.

I snapped closed the file just as a pretty girl, about the same age as me, if not younger, sat down beside me. She was dressed in a sharp black dress suit, but she had a kind face and a warm smile.

“Ms King?” She asked, in a tone that was far too polite for her age. I blushed.

“Please,” I said, “Call me Molly.” She didn’t reply, but coughed awkwardly.

“My name is Sandra Knight, and I am your assistant.” I just stared at her.

“My what?”

“Your assistant. His Royal Highness requested that somebody help you to settle in.”

“His Royal Highness?” I repeated stupidly. “Oh, you mean Theo?”  She crossed her hand in front of her, and looked down at them.

“Ms King-“

“Molly.”

“Molly, eh, I have to warn you, I don’t think that Theo has told you exactly what you’re getting yourself in for, has he?” I shook my head.

“Not really. I don’t even know why I’m here to be honest. Theo really owes me big time.” She looked a little confused.

“What do you mean, you owe him big time?”

“Well, I’m doing him a favour by marrying him, aren’t I?”

“But I thought that you two have been an item since last year?” I laughed loudly.

“No. We kinda get together every now and then, but we’re not an item.”

“Oh.” She brushed it off. “Anyway, eh, Molly, I am your assistant. I will help you with the day to day things, such as royal functions, parties, and interviews. You will have to have a new wardrobe, because the The Duchess (Prince Theodore’s grandmother) insists upon it. When you arrive, you will have a day of rest to become familiar with your surroundings, and then you and the Prince will have your first interview as a couple. The day after, you have a meeting with the Royal Wedding Planner, and the day after that-“

“Hold on!” I held up my hand. “Can we just take it day by day please?” She smiled sympathetically.

“Of course.” She stood up again. “I understand that this must be a shock for you, but Theodore has great affection for you. And I am here if you need anything, just call me. Oh, and we’re landing in thirty minutes, enjoy the rest of your flight.” I smiled at her, and stared out the window.  Theo had great affection for me, huh? Well, that would soon be put to the test.

***

I did not like Theo’s grandmother.

I had barely known her five minutes, and The Duchess was already driving me up the wall. My clothes, my hair, my accent; everything was wrong. Several times I considered bringing up the fact that this whole things had been her idea, but as I didn't want to make my life unbearable, I kept my mouth shut.