Arranged: A Future Decided

16 Sucks

Note: The perspective might shift around a bunch because I like to write in 1st person but from different people's perspectives. So I'll just state who's perspective it is every chapter or when it changes. Also, I'm going to change some minor geography and political stuff because hey! it's fiction! And the work of my illogical mind.

'I hate being sixteen already. It's 7:23 am and I already hate it. That might possibly be because I woke up in sheets soaked with my own blood. Fuck it, fuck it, fuck it,' I thought as I threw the cover sheets back over and turned to my coffee table stacked with so many books if I added another it could break.

I grabbed my phone from the charger and looked at my notifications. I had a bunch of news articles, some snaps from my friends, and a few text messages. I tossed my phone on a sitting chair before heading into my bathroom to deal with my soaked clothes. Fifteen minutes later I stepped out into the hall in a blue and white 50's style sundress. After all, I live in southern Italy on the Mediterranean and it's almost always hot. I looked out down the hallways before heading towards the breakfast nook. I wound quickly through the mass of corridors, rooms, and staircases. It's kind of strange, this castle had been around for almost two centuries before Columbus 'discovered' the Americas.

The castle is called Pulchritudo and sits on 4,812 hectares, overlooking the Mediterranean. It's acres upon acres of rolling vineyards, farmland, and pastures; it's breathtaking. I waltzed into the breakfast nook and gave my father a peck on the cheek.

"Good morning, tato," I said getting a plate and helping myself to the strawberries and a cup of espresso.

"Morning, little love," he said looking over his newspaper and smiling.

"Good morning ladies and gents! How's the blushing bride-to-be?" Jested my brother Ricci as he flounced in and shook my shoulders.

"Say that again and I'll turn you into a naked mole rat!" I spat as I brandished the hooked knife I was using to core my strawberries at him. His eyes got big as he stepped back, one hand on his hair and the other up in surrender. 

"A princess does not threaten people at the breakfast table!" corrected my governess, Signora De Luca, as she walked in. I glared at her. "Nor do they glare at people."

"Well! I'm going to go do some sailing today," Ricci declared after downing his expresso and standing up.

"I hope your boat sinks and you drown!" I yelled after him as he walked out.

"Signorina Eva! Have you no shame?" De Luca exclaimed.

I tapped my chin for a second thinking before crossing my arms and replying, "No."

Signora De Luca's face was redder than our finest wine, "And to think you're marrying the Prince of Denmark in two months and twenty-four days."

"Yeah, well it's not like Nikolai will ever be King, he's seventh in-line!" I declared rolling my eyes.

De Luca sighed shaking her head. I stood up and took my phone out, plugging in my earbuds and starting to play some music as I walked away. I found myself wandering over one of the hills and into the forest. Out of the 4,812 hectares, only about 3,978 are in use for agriculture and business. The rest is either for my family's private enjoyment and entertainment or reclaimed forest. I say reclaimed because, years and years ago, during the World Wars there was a factory on a couple acres. It made gas masks for Italy and our allies.

After about fifteen minutes of walking in the forest, I reached one of the springs on the land. Next to it was a small cottage where members of our family would come to stay and replenish in the 'healing' waters. It's not actually healing but it definitely is relaxing. Perfect for calming down after a particularly tedious lesson with Signora De Luca. I stepped on to one of the rocks and dipped my toe in.

"Aahhh" I sighed as I found some relief in the cold water.

I sat with my feet in the water as I started to deal with my notifications. I sent my streaks to my friends Kathy, Charlotte, Gene (short for Genevieve), Kennedy, and Victoria. All of them lived in the US except for Charlotte who is Canadian, and Victoria who is from Austria. I opened our group chat and texted them so I could start venting.

Eva: Guess who's fate is officially sealed!

Gene: It can't be that bad. I mean he is really handsome...

Eva: I will gladly trade spots with you

Victoria: It could be worse... at least he has a title

Eva: I don't want to be told who to marry

Gene: Nobody does Eva, but you'll live out your life as royalty!

Eva: I already have more money than them

With that I put my phone in my pocket and headed back towards the house. I walked out into the open grass that was so neatly clipped. I heard the sound of sea planes and looked out to the sea.

"Oh, fuck."