The Paradox Princess

Chapter 1

The fast thump of horse hooves broke the silence in the once quiet forest as Audrey galloped away from the looming castle that she called home. Once again, she triumphed at her ability to escape the grueling and mundane voice of her governess by hiding away in the stables.

Shortly after taking a short break from her lessons Audrey rushed to join her fellow four-legged companions. Before anyone could hinder her she had saddled Ginger and broke into a steady gallop towards the nearby forest of her home. A smile began to grow on Audrey's face as she relished at the long-sought freedom she desired since she was a young child. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she understood her rebellious nature had consequences many of which involved the reprimands of her father that she was not eager to face.

Just this one last time. Before father marries me off.

Audrey was to be wed. At one and sixteen it was unheard of that a young maiden, especially of royal blood was unmarried. Many people believe it was because of the fondness King Henrik had for his daughter. When Audrey was born not only did he lose his wife to the darkness of death but it also left him with the most precious thing he would cherish.

His daughter.

Oblivious to her father's sentiments Audrey slowed to a canter and climbed off of Ginger. She knew nobody would find her in her secret place. Nobody should know anyway. But she wasn't alone this time. Before her head was placed on the soft bed of grass she was immediately startled.

"Audrey!!!! Get back to the Castle. The king is in want of your presence." 

"UUHghhh", groaned Audrey.

It was her nurse. She wasn't surprised by her appearance. After all, since Audrey was but just a babe when her nurse, Celeste took upon herself the role of a mother figure. If anyone knew her best it would be her. 

Audrey pretended she didn't hear her and her indifference was the end of the straw for her. More often than not, Audrey's stubbornness got her in trouble and this time it wasn't any different. It was known, quite notoriously in fact, that Audrey had a bad temper that could rival any princess in any kingdom. And she took pride in this fact.

"You are coming with me young lady!" said Celeste before reaching down to pull on Audrey's ear. Her rounded figure and rosy cheeks were no match for Audrey's youthful one, unfortunately for Audrey, her grip did not fail her.

So began the treacherous, trek to the castle. By the end of it, both persons were huffing and puffing.

"I'm not going! I don't want to be married off like some damsel in distress!"

Her fingers did little to unravel the callous and warm hands of her nurse. Never had she imagined that Celeste would have such an iron grip.

"It is for your own good. You mustn't deny it."

Her indifference, and accepting tone surprised Audrey. Audrey began to grow curious of what was ahead of her. She thought maybe perhaps she might just listen to her father this one last time.

Author's note:
Bonjour mes Amies! This is my first attempt at writing a story I have wanted to write for so long. I hope you enjoyed it. Please tell me what you think.

Until next time...