A bloody war waging between generations of creatures.
An ultimate betrayal by one they trusted more than anyone else.
A fairy and an elf entwined in a love forbidden for thousands of years.
This isn't your average fairy tale...
I carefully braided the shining, flowered hairpin into Irene's hair. She stared into the mirror, glaring angrily. I sighed. "I know you don't want to do this..."
She hadn't said a word to anyone all morning. I felt bad for Irene, but I truly did understand why she had to have a spouse. A kingdom with two rulers was twice as strong as a kingdom with one.
It had even been a fight to get her to wear a suitable dress for this occasion. She'd tried to wear a studded black getup, which I'd taken and hidden in my chamber. She was now wearing the standard dress for a meeting to choose her suitor, a shimmering purple ballgown.
My own dress, a strapless green ensemble, was beautiful. Lady Gonzala had gone with me to the tailor to pick it. It was one of the rare occasions that I was allowed to leave the castle. I couldn't remember the last time I'd been out in daylight.
"Are you ready to go?" I asked Irene gently. She remained tight lipped and silent. I rolled my eyes. "Irene, I will go get the Duchess to come up here if—"
"—I'm ready!" she snapped. Smart girl...
I wondered who all was going to be there. I knew a few neighboring countries were presenting a son for marriage, but I'd never met any of them. The king met us at the door to the throne room, ready to walk Irene in. I lingered behind a bit, as I was to walk in on my own.
"The guests and suitors are already inside," my father informed us. That explained the sounds of drunken thumping coming from the throne room. I yawned into my hand, trying to disguise how little sleep I'd gotten the previous night.
Two guards appeared before us. They suddenly snapped to attention and unanimously swung open the double doors. The crowd hushed slightly as Irene and my father strode in. I trailed behind awkwardly, wishing this whole entrance thing had been set up differently.
After the slow, monotonous walk through the crowd, we finally reached our thrones. On the rare occasion that I actually sat on my throne, I always felt uncomfortable, especially with all these people staring at me.
I sat patiently, waiting for the... ceremony or whatever to begin. I honestly didn't know what to expect. There were too many people in the room for me to distinguish who the suitors were. I could only hope order would be called soon.
My prayer was answered as my father stomped his foot on the ground, sending a boom echoing through the chamber. The crowed silenced, and parted to the side. In the center of the room now stood five men, dressed in different colors representing their kingdoms.
A squire walked in from the side and began announcing the suitors' names and countries. I payed no attention, trying to scope out the one I wanted for a future brother in law.
The first prince was average-looking, but he was nervous, glancing at his surroundings fleetingly. The second was ugly; I payed no attention to him. But when I laid eyes on the man in the middle, the rest of them faded away from mind completely.
He was beauty. He was grace. His hazel eyes were gorgeous, seeming to contain so many depths and layers. His chocolate-brown complexion shone, perfectly complementing the rippling muscles on his flawlessly toned arms.
I frantically turned my head right, trying to catch Irene's eye past my father. After a moment, she looked my direction.
Middle! I mouthed as subtly as I could. She raised her eyebrows, and turned to stare at the suitors. A moment later, the squire finished the announcements. My father and Irene proceeded to stand. I'd been instructed to stay in my seat and call as little attention to myself as possible. What else was new?
"As fairy king of Ozymandia," my father began, "I believe strongly in the wellbeing of my daughter, Irene of Ozymandia, and am allowing her to choose which one of you she is to marry." He quieted and stepped to the side, allowing Irene to take his place in front of the center throne.
Her expression was emotionless. When she spoke, her voice was monotonous and low. "I choose...Juergen of the country of Fercads."
That was the man in the middle! I smiled. Good choice, sis.
She immediately sat back down and allowed the crowd to begin its clamoring again. A few minutes later, the three of us were led out of the throne room.
My father murmured something to Irene, and she immediately turned and ran into her chamber. I looked at him questioningly.
"Wedding's in two days," he grunted briefly. I opened my mouth to say something, but he left. I groaned. Was my relationship with my father ever going to be okay again?
AN Hey guys! Just wanted to share a cover I made for my story real quick...
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I just thought it looked cool. In order from left to right: Lyndsy Fonseca as Irene India Eisley as Serena Max Irons as Finn Shemar Moore as Ozio (Not on cover) Sophie Turner as Amara
