Brotherhood

Chapter 2

This should have felt like a wonderful, spectacular day. But it wasn't. The rain fell in thick sheets outside. The castle felt dark and dreary. The sun hid away just like how Amy wanted to hide away. More than anything, she wanted to slip into her riding gear and escape the castle grounds, get as far away from here as she possibly could, especially on a day like today.

"Hold still," the seamstress demanded, holding a pin in her mouth as she glared up at Amy, but one look from Amy shut the woman right up and she got right back to work on tailoring the dress. The dress was almost done. Actually, it had been a slow project coming, mostly because Amy kept unraveling the thread when she thought no one was watching. That way, she could put off this inevitable day for just a little bit longer. However, she couldn't deny that this gown was absolutely beautiful. A deep royal blue with a lacy bodice and a full skirt. Though, she could definitely do without the earrings and the tiara. Oh, and especially these wretched elbow-length gloves. She could do without those too.

"Aren't you excited?" another seamstress just a couple years older than Amy asked dreamily as she spun around in a circle, almost as if envisioning herself in a full-length ball gown. "I can't tell you how excited I am just thinking about it. Oh, you will be the most beautiful woman there. And you're bound to get at least a hundred suitors vying for your hand."

Amy shook her head sadly, staring back at herself in the mirror as her dressed received its final touches. "There is no reason to have such an extravagant occasion. We all know that the king and queen have already chosen a suitor for me. Prince Charles Minnings. This is just for show to make it look like I actually had a choice in the matter."

But it didn't seem as if anyone listened or cared because they were already off in their own worlds, chattering about how wonderful the ball would be, all while Amy died more and more inside. Tonight would be one of the last nights she had of freedom. After tonight, she would be under lock and key.

"There!" the seamstress breathed as she looked up at her handiwork. "You look absolutely stunning.

"Just in time too," Amy muttered as she looked out the window to see lines of horses and coaches approaching the castle, waiting to be admitted through the gates. There was definitely a lot of security tonight, but she knew exactly why. With so much royalty and nobles all in one castle, there were bound to be rebel werewolves on the loose looking to get in.

Amy shuddered at the thought. How could such beings wield so much raw power? It was unfathomable.

Down below, Amy heard horns being blown to welcome the royal family of Elmire and her heart accelerated uncomfortably in her chest. As soon as she left this room, it would all be over.

"Thank you," Amy said as she nodded her head graciously toward the two seamstresses before turning toward the ornate door to her bedroom. Taking a deep breath, she opened the doors and was immediately greeted by two guards who followed closely behind but not too close. All too often, she had dismissed them, but all too often, they refused to leave her side. It made it much too difficult to escape when she needed to be alone.

"There you are!" Amy's mother said as she rushed toward her, taking a hold of both her hands. "You look beautiful. Just like how a princess ought to. You ready?"

Amy gave her a halfhearted smile before nodding. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Both her parents went first down the ornate staircase arm in arm as they were announced, looking as regal as ever. Amy had never felt much like she belonged. She loved archery and swordplay and riding. She loved doing things a princess never should do.