Intrepid

Chapter 1: Unexpected Words

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Alessandra! It's time to wake up!'' Sounds of annoyance followed. ''You waste my time! I could have done so many other things instead of having to wake you up every morning! I wish you could just wake up early for once!"

Nagging was the one thing that my stepmother was good at, and it wasn't something I could avoid. Grunting in response, I got up and dressed. 

I brushed my tangled blonde hair and went down the stairs, like always. Everything seemed normal until I saw my father with a regretful look on his face. Although it was probably none of my business, I decided to ask him about it.

"Is there anything wrong, father?"

"Sweetheart, have you ever fallen in love?"

"No, father. Not once."

"I think there's something you need to know..."

"Oh." I said as suspicion and curiosity filled me.

"Look, I really don't want to tell you this but please don't get mad. A few weeks ago, a letter came in from a prince. He asked if he could have your hand in marriage and since you hadn't found someone you truly loved, I arranged the marriage for both of you next month."

In shock, I stared at my father as wild thoughts ran around in my head. "Father! How could you?" I said as I ran up to my bedroom and slammed the door shut behind me.

Covering my head with a satin pillow, I cried bitterly until I fell asleep on my bed. Not long after, I was awakened by the sound of someone gently knocking at my door.

"Who is it?" I asked.

"It's me."

I opened the door and saw my father standing in front of me.

"I'm terribly sorry, Alessandra."

"There's no need to apologize now. What is done cannot be reversed. Do tell the prince that the marriage will be next week."

My father was puzzled. "Darling, if it really bothers you-"

I wasn't sure if it would actually work out the way I planned it to be and as soon as it came to my mind, I felt thoroughly guilty. But still... ''Please, father, you know I make my decisions and they are final.'' 

''If you say so.'' He turned his back on my room with a look of concern.

When my father had gone, I called in my maidservant. "Listen carefully. Next week before the marriage begins, I need you to get my horse ready at the castle's backyard and make sure you don't draw any attention to yourself."

"You aren't leaving us, are you?"

"I guess I am."

"Oh, do stay!"

"No, I can't live like that anymore." It felt lame when I thought about how it came out to sound.

"Would it bother you if I followed?."

''Of course not!''

"It would be a great honour. Thank you for permitting me, your Royal Highness."