The Royal Engagement

Chapter 2

The agony of sitting still and smiling for hours was eating Amy's conscious. The silence of the room for the artist's convenience allowed all her insecurities, doubts and regrets of the marriage to settle into her mind.

Marriage...

Then it hit her suddenly. She was about to become engaged to the prince of a kingdom she truly hates. Stress began to electrify her skin in the form of goose bumps. She'll have to go The Sirium Empire, a place for children's horror tales and urban legends. Sweat began to dribble, cleaning her makeup – powered face. The artist noticing the imperfection, frustratingly threw his hands in the air. The maids frantically came to redo her face before quickly retreating out of the frame.

Hours passed until the artist finally rejoiced at his completed masterpiece. Amy finally let all the emotions she had to conceal with a smile out at once.

"I'M NOT READY TO GET MARRRIIIIIEEEEDDD!" she wailed, as her mentor came into the room.

"Well, that's quiet unfortunate, Princess Amelianna. I've just received news of your confirmed engagement to the Prince of Sirium." She informed monotonously. Amy fell to her knees with a shocked face. What did she get herself into?

"Unfortunately, this also means that I will no longer continue as your mentor. You will be moved to the Sirium kingdom after your wedding and be trained by another," she had a softer, sincerer tone as she spoke this time. Amy's face dropped in sadness. Her mentor was there for almost her entire life. Experienced all sides of her, and now she must say farewell? 

 "I must say Princess that it has been an honour being chosen as your mentor. Although, I have always been tough and unimpressed by your performance... there is nothing more joyful to me than to see you grow into the fine, beautiful young women you are now. So, thank you for allowing me to teach you. It was the greatest adventure of my life. You will be missed dearly by not only me but the court, the servants and your people. We are privileged to serve such a kind Princess such as yourself."

Tears were glazing both of their eyes during the heartfelt moment... Amy began to sob as her mentor walked over to her and embraced her warmly and lovingly.

She smiled sentimentally at the precious young girl in her arms. She broke the hug to wipe her tears.

"Now, now. Haven't I taught you not to cry for everything that overwhelms you? Come, let's walk. I need to speak to you about your visit to the Sirium Kingdom"

Though a sniffling, whimpering mess, she followed obediently, eager to spend as much time as possible with her mentor. In way it's ironic, as a child all she wanted to do was stay away from her mentor, now she doesn't want to even lose sight of her.

A few minutes of strolling around the open garden hallways of the castle reduced Amy's tears to a red nose and flushed face. Her mentor began her talk in a serious tone,

"Amelia, there is something I must address about the Sirium Prince and his kingdom. When you arrive in three days, they will be cruel and judge you, but you must persist. This is for the sake of your kingdom, nothing else. You don't have to love the prince and I predict you wouldn't bring yourself to, but, do it for the benefit of the marriage. Understand? Even if they hate you, do not fret. They are not permitted to harm you in anyway and know that we will always support you."

Amy looked up innocently at her, nodding at her advice and took it to heart. Not another word was spoken as the sun began to set into a gorgeous orange glow. Amy sighed as she lost herself in the crisp sunset. 

One week...

It came quicker than expected. She spent the last few nights saying farewell to her loved ones and attending a small farewell dinner party for nobles. And, now, she was here, heading towards The Sirium Empire in a carriage with her mentor. She'd specifically requested that only her mentor accompanied her inside the carriage. Amy broke the silence with a question,

"Mrs Angelica, what is the prince like? Is he kind at least? Handsome?" Angelica gulped and shuffled uncomfortably in her seat, aware that the prince was not Amy's ideal.

"W-well, not quiet Your Highness. The young prince is notorious for his several...mistress' and obnoxiously arrogant and narcissistic tendencies. All he seems to care about is laying with women, slaughter, riches and power. A perfect representative for the Siriums if I say so myself."

Amy's eyes widened I fear as she nervously fidgeted her dress. "Oh no... He sounds terrible." She said apprehensively. Her mentor quickly recovered from her description.

"Don't frown Amelia. It will strain your face and fidgeting will crumble your dress. Stay sharp as you head into unknown territory and DO NOT falter in front of the king." Angelica could detect the depressive, stressful mood that hung around Amy. It wasn't like her. "And, most importantly...don't let that place break you. Everyone treasures your optimism and kindness. Don't lose the only things they can't take away from you."

Amy smiled brightly before sighing and proceeding to gaze out the window at the quickly changing scenery. The Sirium Empire was scorching to say the least.

Amy felt the climate change drastically. The heat was unbearable having lived in a cold, snowy kingdom her entire life. She felt uneasy as they travelled through the devastating state of the town towards the castle. People throwing things at the carriage, swearing at her, whispering and giving her repulsed looks. What made things worse is that she could only speak minimal Sirium and she intended to live here. The court will surely bully her for that.

Finally, she had arrived at the castle smoothly. One of the servants opened the door and assisted her out the carriage, allowing her first clear view of the castle. It was enormous and grand to say the least. Amy was merely baffled by the outside in comparison to the Laphitian Kingdom's castle. And she had always thought that castle was the most exquisite one she'd ever seen. This castle, however, sits on a pedestal, Laphitia could never hope to reach.

"Amelia, close your mouth this instant! It's unlady-like and makes you look like a fool! Remember, this first impression is everything!" Angelic harshly whispered whilst ushering Amy along.

Looking around as they ascended the steps to the main gates then doors, Amy could easily notice that the castle had the security equivalent to Laphitia's entire army just at the front. Goes to show how vital it is that this marriage succeeds. Laphitia stood not a single chance against Sirium's army.

She looked forward again to see the main doors waiting to be opened. And, opened they did. She took a deep breath, preparing for the impression that decided the fate of her kingdom.