The Noble Woman

Chapter 1

Setting-  England (Alternate Universe)

Time: January 1854

*Note: This story takes place in a alternate universe in 19th century England, that is why I didn't use the names of the real monarchy during this time. This is completely fictional, just an element of my amazing imagination. Please enjoy the read and comment and vote.

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"Julia I will never get this corset on it you don't cooperate. Now take a deep breath and hold it in!" My mother, Ella,  informs me sternly

I take a deep breath and she pulls with all her might. My corset tightens around my rib cage and its hurts to exhale. One day I'm sure this thing will crush my ribs. Oh how I hate this,

"Whats the point of the corset anyways? Its not like I'm fat," I say to my mother

"Its not about being fat, its about having the perfect shape that men expect. And you must fix your English, Instead of saying 'Whats the point of the corset anyways? Its not like I'm fat'  You should say 'What is the purpose of the corset? I do not believe I am obese'. You will never marry the Prince speaking like a peasant!"

"Mother I am sure I will marry the prince,"

A smile engulfs her face as she contemplates the very real possibility of our family being inducted into the monarchy of England,

"Well tonight be on your best behavior. Remember all of you etiquette classes and agree with everything he says," She says

"Yes mother,"

Tonight is my first date with the Prince of England, Prince George. I am not excited. I know tonight will be filled with fake smiles and forced conversations. My father, Peter, is a respected lawyer here in England, he defends royal and the wealthy. His high nobility gains him access into the parties that King Charles throws ever so frequently. He makes me dress up in my most beautiful, elegant dresses and my mother spends hours putting exquisite curls in my long silky golden hair and golden make up around my large green eyes. I must admit, I am beautiful, and my parents and I knew that once the prince laid his eyes on me, he would be struck by my beauty. The first time he saw me, he requested that I have dinner with him in the kingdom. I am dreading the torture I will soon endure. I am only sixteen. i don't want to be married off and sent away and locked up in a palace. I want to go swimming in the lake. I want to climb trees, but mother tells me that only peasant girls without any class engage in those activities. I am a woman of nobility, and I must always act in that manner.

My mother helps me into my dark green crinoline dress and at 8 PM and say goodbye to my mother and father and I am then sent off to the palace in a horse and carriage, feeling like the Princess I will one day be.

We arrive  at the kingdom and I am once again stunned by the beauty, grace and size of it. My parents estate is big as well. Big enough for housing seventeen servants and big enough to get lost in, but compared to this palace, my house seems like a shabby cottage.

As i enter the palace, I begin to feel anxious. I don't want to be here, but this is probably one of the most important nights of my life, It can determine my fate.

The Prince George approaches me in fine clothes that probably cost more than my entire estate. Should I bow? Should I do a curtsy? Crap! I should have paid attention during those hellish etiquette classes. I just stand there, looking foolish probably,

"Hello my lady," He says in a voice as smooth as honey and then he kisses my hand

"It is a honor to be in your presence my great prince," I say wishing I was home writing some poetry