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...
Before I have a chance to leave for breakfast a page arrives at the door. Thankfully Rhea had already finished weaving a navy blue ribbon into my hair, forming a french braid.
She left to greet the page leaving me to finish putting on today's garments(A black dress with full-length sleeves made of translucent mesh, the bodice is made of taffeta that flows out into a white a skirt which is embroidered with a garden of colourful flowers).
She returns with a cream coloured enveloped marked with a waxy pine green seal. She flips it over in her hands and inspects the seal.
"It's from the prince." She explains handing it over. I pop it open while Rhea continues to do up my dress.
"It's an invitation, to a private breakfast in the west wing tower." I muse.
"Shall I send a page to deliver an acceptance letter?"
I sigh and respond, "I kind of half to go, don't I." It sounds like a question but we both know the answer.
Rhea laughs, "Annalise it's only breakfast, you do realize a marriage means you have to spend time together? Right." I chuckle at myself for being so melodramatic.
"Oh Rhea," I say, " What have I gotten my self into?" My breath catches and I choke on my non-existent dreams.
"Lise please don't cry, I've just gone through all that work, you wouldn't want to throw it away would you?" In response, I sniff and pull my self back together. "That's the girl I know, so strong and resilient." She comforted. "Now let's get you ready to meet Grandon."
The west wing tower houses a parlour with no windows, the only light originates from oil lamps that flicker and burn out. When I arrive the small room is lit with fresh lamps and the small table is set for two.
Grandon is sitting in a large emerald armchair, speaking quietly to a butler. When he sees me his face remains painfully neutral, he bows this time without a wink. Apparently, his affections for me was just a show put on for the castle. After the silent introduction, he beckons me to the table.
The butler pulls out my mahogany chair and I take a seat. Today Grandon is wearing black pants and a green vest, under an ebony blazer with gold accents. I suppose green and gold are his signature colours, they do suit him nicely.
"Sorry for the short notice," he apologized "I just thought the longer I waited to do this, the more likely it would be that I lose the nerve." He ran a hand through his charcoal hair and smiled nervously.
Although I have only known the prince for a short time, I have learned Grandon is an extremely calculated person. Every monarch must be able to control his or her emotions, its imperative to keeping a country from realizing when dangers are near but today he falters and true emotion dances across his face.
"I've never had to do this before" He admits. I furrow my brows, what he said was very contrary to the rumours I have heard. In the days before he arrived, wisps of words travelled throughout the palace many of which about his previous romances.
Upon reading my expression he tilts his head up to the ceiling and lets out a curt laugh.
"I suppose the gossip of my alleged rendezvous have slipped out from the confines of my castle"He guessed. I scoop a spoonful of porridge into my mouth, avoiding the question. He runs a thumb across the edge of his jaw and replies, "I see." His eyes drop to his plate, but he does nothing to convince me the gossip isn't true.
"I suppose the whole bit about how you've never done this before was a lie." I tease, forcing a grin. Grandon gives out a breathy laugh.
"Actually no, I've never had to ask a girl out on a date before, previous flings where bred from... passion." He assures a playful smile tugging on his lips. My heart bangs mercilessly in my chest and I can feel my cheeks turning pink. I stab my fork into my fruit salad and pull myself away from the weightless feeling
"Grandon, you do realize we're getting married. There no reason to start a courtship now." I blurt. Grandon leans into the table, resting his head in his hands.
"I do realize what an arranged marriage is love, but I just thought we should probably get to know each other before we agree to be bound for life. Besides, it would be pretty awkward if our first kiss happens with the two kingdoms watching." The once faint blush turns into a deep rouge when he mentions our first kiss, I never really had to talk about this with anyone before.
When I had imagined my first kiss, it was always a spur of the moment ordeal, it would happen naturally I would never have thought I would be negotiating a moment in my life, as though it was some sort of business deal. I suppose in a sense this whole thing is just that, a business deal.
The kingdoms get an alliance
My father gets rid of me
I get absolutely nothing.
"So," Grandon says breaking me from my thoughts. "Will you agree to a courtship?" He once again runs his hands through his hair, he looks genuinely nervous.
A spark is lit in my chest when it dawns on me that Grandon, the crown prince is worried I may say no. I let my face break out into a smile while my brain spins around a blissful thought; maybe this marriage can be more than a signature on a trade deal.
Here comes that word again, that awful, fickle word so easily spilled from my lips.
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Thank you for reading this far! I love writting about Annalise, but I'll be expanding on Grandon, Rhea, the king and Joel soon. Do you like the new authors note font, it took me a while to choose! The writting scedual is now in effect, I will be posting every wednesday from now on. Thank you and enjoy!
I'm really sorry wattpad had a glitch and it published my unedited version without the actual story part I have since replaced it and fixed the problem. Please message me if there are any more problems.
