The Princess of Havenmoor

Chapter One - The Arrival

~ Hey guys! I'm super excited to publish this story, it's one that I really enjoy writing and one that I hope you will enjoy reading! Right now, it looks like my publishing day will be on Fridays, but it might change when things come up in life and all! Thank you so much for reading! I hope to read your comments and criticism to become an even better writer!~

 She took a deep breath as the carriage rolled up to the castle. Her father had arranged this meeting, of course, she wasn't feeling quite sure about it yet. The sun shone through the trees as the horses pull lightened. The carriage wheels caught in a pothole in the gravel, giving her a small jump. She raised her gloved hand and adjusted the necklace that hung around her neck.

Her father sat next to her. He was a renowned Duke, third in line for the throne of Orham. His peppered beard was neatly trimmed and laid atop a purple cloak that he insisted on wearing. After all, it was his favorite cloak, and he needed to make a good impression to the King of Havenmoor. She noticed a twitch in his thumb, just as the castle formed outside the window of the carriage.

It was grand, with marble archways lining the pavilion and perfectly trimmed hedges enclosing the lawn. What more can one expect from a kingdom with a wealth of gold and jewels. Father had always been envious of Havenmoor. The nation had utmost luck in all its endeavors, whether it be war, trade, or politics. Havenmoor never seemed to lose.

There was a procession of maids and servants that lined the gravel path leading up to the castle doors. The carriage abruptly stopped, the horses clearly drained from the journey. She waited patiently for the foorman to open the carriage door, adjusting her necklace once again. The door opened with a flourish of regal trumpets, and her father exited the carriage first, allowing the footman to lend her a hand with the steps.

Her dress hovered lightly on the red carpet that had been unrolled, and she took a deep breath of fresh air. The corset that she was wearing cut off her pathway to oxygen while sitting down. She studied the people lined up individually, each of them wearing a greeting smile and black and white outfits. Some stood out more than others, a particularly old man, and a bright red haired woman being the most obvious. Most of the help at the castle in Orham were incredibly similar looking.

"Welcome, Duke of Orham, and Miss Adelaide." A heavyset man with a white goatee stepped forward. He was in brighter attire than the other servants, predominantly wearing light red with stripes of white throughout his pants. He exuded the title of Lord throughout his stance and his attire.

"I am Lord William of Wintershire. His Majesty the King of Havenmoor's attendant. Allow me to escort you to the courtroom, His Majesty awaits with Prince Aaron." Lord William nodded his head and turned to lead Adelaide and her father towards her fate.

It had been a long time since Adelaide had been to Havenmoor. She recalled early childhood memories of playing in the gardens with Prince Aaron's sister. She hardly imagined that his sister would become hers one day.

The wars between nations had begun to get bloody and dangerous. Trade routes and resources began to dwindle between all the neighboring countries of Orham, Havenmoor, and Westerview. For upwards of seven years Orham and Westerview had been engaged in conflict and battles. Havenmoor remained neutral, until now. Prince Aaron and Adelaide were to be married, creating a lasting ally with Havenmoor against Westerview. Countless lives had been lost during the war, and with the alliance between nations nearly finalized, the war was about to be over. Westerview hadn't enough troops to hold off the force of two armies.

Her marriage would save hundreds of lives, thousands of families would stay together. At least, that's what Adelaide kept telling herself. She had never truly met her betrothed, save the vague memories of him as a child. She feared that he would be ruthless to her, just as he is rumored to be in the castle. He is a merciless politician, and a skilled strategist, she heard. All she could do is hope that the rumors weren't true.