What is Expected

Chapter 1

       Clarissa liked to runaway,  it was exactly that, that had put her in trouble years ago, but she couldn't help it, the need to get away for a few moments had always been strong. Back then, she tried to get away from the tension between her parents, but now? It was the uproar that the city seemed to be in now that news of the prince's return had got around. The city had lost its peace, she had lost her stability and ability to get lost in her thoughts, there was just so much to do, so much expected of her.

Deep in thought, she rubbed the spot where the jagged lines of the healing scar was. It was a 'mark of her Bravery' the Queen had said, and the City believed so. Her father had been proud, but her mother thought her foolish. It was in that moment that she knew her mother loved her. She thought herself foolish too and couldn't for the love of her imagine what had possessed her to make such a stupid action. She could have died, she thought but it seemed no one thought about that. It was her duty, it had been expected of her. She was a hero!.

  Irritated at herself for distracting herself from her few minutes of bliss with shrewd thoughts, Clarissa slams her book shut, dusts the dirt of her skirt and got up to face civilization. There was work to be done events to be planned, the prince was to return and that was a cause for joy.

"Oh joy" she muttered  as a scowled formed on her blood red lips at the thought of the palace. She had to get back, there was work to be done at the palace. Over the years Clarissa had worked at the palace, performing various jobs that now she wasn't sure of her official job. Recently she had been placed in charge of events and major arrangements pertaining to palace. Clarissa became steadfast in the arrangement of royal matters, she was entrusted a job that many did not have and only dreamed of. And she served just well and followed the rules of the kingdom,  she did what was expected. Now she was given the pleasure of welcoming the prince with a Celebration, a welcome Ball.

   She was given a place of her own a few months ago, before then she and her mother where accommodated at the palace after her father had passed away protecting the King, doing his duty.  Out of generosity, they were given a quarters within the palace walls.

She could here noises on her way back to the palace. Sounds of jubilation and she pulled her legs across the ground trying to go as fast she could without making a fool of herself, she was already a fool because the prince was back and she wasn't at her required position. To hell with it she thought as she gathered her skirt up and broke into a mini sprint across the hallways and finally down the stairs, she could sight the small crowd gathered at the entrance. She descended the final flight of stairs and came to a stop and was met with the most beautiful green eyes on her.