Stolen Kingdom

I

The breeze curls in through the open balcony doors, tossing my hair as Mary attempts to braid it. This is the third time nature has ruined her work. It's a beautiful day out, which is why the balcony is open to begin with, but Mary isn't having it anymore. She huffs, straightening her shoulders as she stomps over to close the doors. She grumbles under her breath while angrily resituating the curtains. When she scuffles back over to me, her lips are pressed taut.

I stifle a smile, keeping my chin and my head straight. I watch her start over in the mirror, tugging a bit more aggressively on my locks because of her agitation. "Mary, do calm down. You know I have a tender skull," I mutter, scrunching my nose as she nearly pulls a strand of hair out of my head.

"Forgive me, dear," she says quietly, clearly trying to hide her annoyance. "However, we are already running late so I suppose you deal with it."

"If anything, I'll throw more of a fit to miss more of the event."

"Annaliese, it won't be that horrible. You tend to overreact."

I exhale loudly, expressing my own annoyance. "I do not. I want no part in this... this... whatever it is. Father is the one overreacting."

Mary meets my dull brown eyes in the mirror, a kindness in her bright blue ones. "He's doing this for you. For the kingdom."

I bite the inside of my cheek to restrain from arguing further. I understand why he's doing it; I just wish that it didn't have to come to this.

Once Mary seems satisfied with my hair, she scurries to my wardrobe to pull out the newest addition. My dressmaker, Clarice, says she worked nearly three weeks on it, full days and nights. It's an enormous gown, ridiculously so. The skirt billows as wide as my arms can spread, the bodice as tight as it could possibly be, aching my ribs already. I'm afraid to breathe too heavily in case the lacings snap completely. Though, I must admit, the calm lavender hue accents my pale skin nicely.

The moment I begrudgingly slip on my flats, there's a firm knock at the door. Mary lets out an exaggerated sigh before going to answer it. My personal guard, Max, stands tall on the other side, his posture stiff. The sight makes me shake my head in amusement. Max never lets go of his soldier form.

"Your Highness, His Majesty is awaiting your arrival to begin the ceremony," he says in a strong voice, bowing his head slightly.

"She's ready now," Mary replies, ushering my towards him. "Do try to smile, Annaliese. You are much more appealing when you smile."

In spite, I offer her a mocking smile to which she scowls at before continuing to push me out the door. I press my lips together as I stride alongside Max down the hall, towards the grand staircase that descends into the ballroom. Max fidgets beside me, but he's too formal to speak without being prompted, so I elbow him in the side to spill it.

"Is this really what your father wants?" he asks quietly, as if he's afraid of being overheard.

"Unlikely, but it's what he called for."

"It just seems a bit... rushed."

I click my tongue, dreading this entire ordeal more and more the closer we get to the entrance. "So it does."

Then Max stops abruptly, turning towards me. I frown in confusion at how anxious he appears. He is always so obedient to the king that he hardly thinks twice about some of the events that take place. In his mind, all that's important is getting the princess to and fro safely.

"Forgive me for speaking outright, but I do not think this is what's best for you or for the kingdom," he blurts, his eyes wide at his own actions.