Chapter 1

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The wedding was in a week. The palace was in a tangle to finish preparations before the event. The maids were running back and forth with clean white linen for the guest rooms. The servants were busy washing and scrubbing the palace until it sparkled. Guards were standing in their posts thankful that they weren't given any duties besides watching for trouble and getting supplies.

         With all the excitement going on, Nicole wasn't able to sneak away for sword practice. Her older sister Rayne was getting married to the neighboring kingdom's prince. The neighboring kingdom, Starling, already had a King. They had no use for their prince, but to marry him off. Rayne was the successor of the throne from her father. The King of Erigan had no heir and had died a month ago from sickness. The kingdom was in need for a strong ruler thus Rayne had agreed, as Queen, to marry to strengthen the kingdom.

         Nicole didn't like the idea that Rayne was getting married to a man her sister barely knew and had only seen once. Didn't Rayne say that she'd marry for love? But what can Rayne do now? She had to do this to protect her kingdom.

Today the Prince Walden, was going to arrive at the palace. Nicole called him the "Wall," for short and as the barrier in their lives. Everything had to be perfect and in place before he came. Everyone was weary and nervous. They didn't know what he was like.

         Nicole was stuck in her room getting fit in her gown for the engagement. Her gown was a light pink and cream color. It was sleeveless and clung to her curves perfectly. The gown fell loosely down to her ankles. She looked like every princess should look.

         "How does it feel?" her maid asked.

         "It's perfect," Nicole said, and then mumbled under her breath, "After what, like ten times of redoing it."

         "What was that?" the maid asked again.

         "Nothing," she sighed.

         Nicole changed to her original dress and was about to sneak away, but to have Rayne blocking the door. Rayne's blue eyes were tired and had a hint of anger written in them. Her beautiful face was set in a frown. Her usual neat brown hair was a mess.

         "He heh..." Nicole gave a hesitant laugh, "Please?"

         Rayne gave a cold smile, "No. You're not getting away this time Nicole."

"Oh come on! I've been here all day!"

         "You know that everyone's busy. Don't be distracting the soldiers from their duties," Rayne warned.

         "I don't distract them," Nicole countered.

         "Who wouldn't notice a pretty thing like you on the field?" Rayne raised an eyebrow, "You're almost 18 Nicole. You're not a kid anymore. You're becoming a woman."

         Nicole knew the effects she gave the soldiers. It's not like she did it on purpose. She found joy in swinging and clashing her swords. The thrill always excited her and once in a while when the soldiers were shirtless.

         "I need you to stay here and help organize the palace. Will you please do this for me, Nicole? I need you to. Please just this once," Rayne pleaded.

         Even though they were five years apart, their relationship was strong. It was hard for Nicole to refuse her sister's request, but Rayne rarely asked others to do things for her. She was an independent woman.

         "Fine," Nicole slumped, "Just this once."

         "Thank you!" Rayne threw her hands in the air.

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