Living in a marble castle does not mean life is a fairytale, for Annalise it is anything but. It all started with flash backs of the old castle burning to the ground but these flash backs become more violent and frequent leaving Lise questioning abo...
The hall erupts in earth-shattering cheers, it's so loud I can't even hear my heart cracking as it falls from my chest. The band starts up again playing a spritely tune. Grandon's eyes are ablaze, his lips stretched out into a crooked grin, unable to keep his perfect composer, he's soaking up every speck of attention.
He comes around to the other side of the table and stands before me. My years of etiquette class takes charge and I stand up without thinking. Grandon dips into a low bow, on his way back, he smiles at me as if this is a game and he's daring me to play.
I oblige his request by curtsying and shooting him my most princess like smile. The hall is sent in to another round of equally ear drum splitting applause.
When we finally take our seats to begin the feast my mind is thrown into spirals of thought. I feel as though I've been hit square in the chest by a train as a particularly grim realization forms in my mind; My purpose My reason for existence is nothing more then an illusion too fool the kingdom into a falsehood of safety.
The fire had put everyone on edge, particularly because their beloved queen perished along with the castle. This is my fathers plan to end the anxiety.
A wedding of the kings only daughter will distract the nation long enough to ease the stress, with a suitor as handsome and quick witted as Grandon. The engagement will help the citizens forget the loss of my mother.
I am nothing more then a ploy to make the king's job easier.
The night drags on as the festivities begin, noblemen and women dance after devouring a feast of ham, roast beef, every winter vegetable imaginable and a decadent dark chocolate mousse. Grandon and I share nothing more then a sparse introduction, for my father has led me for one conversation to the next insuring I don't have a moments peace to run away and find Joel.
I search for him as I am allowed a short thirty seconds before every new interaction. Not having seen him since the engagement was confirmed brings me to the conclusion that he had escaped before anyone realized he didn't belong.
The musicians keep the atmosphere light, playing only upbeat songs with flute and trumpet solos. Everyone is laughing and full of raspberry wine, if this wasn't the worst day of my life I might be having fun too.
The party dies down around two A.M, and as soon as my father released his ever tightening grip I stumble out of the great hall, leaving my imminent husband without saying good night. The corridors are full of tired party goers, leaning against the marble walls sipping their umpteenth glass of raspberry wine.
Once I have broken way from the main halls I stop and choke out a sob. No tears have left my eyes as of yet so I take in a shaky breath. Everything feels hot and disgusting, I touch my cheek smearing my make up with a sweaty hand. The marble is cool against my smouldering cheek, silent tears drip down from my face onto the glossy wall.
Knowing that this hall is open to the public, I pull my self together and speed walk to my quarters. When I get to my room I burst open the door and collapse on the canopy bed.
Loud painful sobs etch out from inside me followed by a waterfall of steaming tears. If only I could get out of this, if only my father wasn't so cruel. My torturous thought are put on hold when I hear my personal maid, Rhea speak.
"Miss are you alright?" She asks with genuine concern. She comes and sits on my bed and put a dainty hand on my back. "I don't understand," She coos "Shouldn't this be a day full of delight, don't you want to marry the prince?"
With one sentence One question One second of time My horrible little secret is a secret no more. *********************
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Sorry about the cliff hanger! I'm going to start a publishing schedule of Wednesday's . I really hope your enjoying so far. Bye and keep reading!
