I wake up to the sun hitting my skin and then my eyes. I scrunch them close, not wanting to open them, or even begin the day.
"Courtney!" I hear my name being called from the kitchen of my small 2 bedroom house. I groan. I get up and change into my clothes.
I wear my light blue skirt with a white long sleeve shirt. I comb my hair and fix it up, since I have short hair. I look in the mirror and walk out, seeing as nothing ever changes.
I walk outside my door to see my mother cleaning up the table before breakfast. "Good morning" I say walking past her to get the broom to sweep "No need to, I did it already" I nod my head.
As I was about to sit down, a knock is heard from the door. "Would you get that for me sweetie?" I walk over to the door.
It's the tax collector. "25 silver coins right?" I say getting ready to get the money out "50 silver coins" I look at him after he says that "It's 25, it has been for a long time. I'm not sure if you're new or-" "It's 50, the prince has decided to higher the amount" "what?" My mom came next to me "Is everything alright?" "No! Everything's not alright! The price went up to 50." "Then give him 50 sweetie" "but-" But before I could finish she had already given him the money, and he left.
"Why'd you give it to him?!" I say confused at why she would. It was an outrageous price to give "I don't want problems that's why" she said calmly going about her morning
I sit down still confused. She hands me my breakfast and I eat it, while she sits in front, drinking water. "Why would he raise the tax? This is so stupid!" "I didn't want to give that money any more than you did"
We just sit there in silence until my mom gets up from her seat and starts getting her stuff ready to leave to her work.
She works as a children's teacher/ caregiver in a small building about 15 minutes from here. "Sweetie, can you go to the market and get some needed food. You only have 1 gold coin along with 7 silver coins, so spend wisely." I nod and she leaves.
I get my stuff ready to leave and head out.
Times Skip - - - - - - - "Thank you" I say, using up most of the coins given to me. Now left with 2 silver coins.
I walk downtown to get to my house, and I see a crowd of people gathering around this one spot. "Excuse me? What's going on?" I asks a woman in front of me "I'm not sure, something about the prince" she said turning her head forward.
This prince. I've heard enough of him already. I politely (not really) push my way through to see what people were gathering around I heard a couple of squeals from girls and look to see the tax collector putting up a poster.
Once it was posted her had left. I check to see what it was. It read
The Prince will be picking a future bride 7 days from now. Someone amongst this town. So prepare your finest women, for everyone of them above the age of 18 and below the age of 24 shall have the chance to meet the prince at the ball and will be determined whether or not they shall be fit for his bride. This ball shall take place in his palace, and is mandatory for every women who fits this description to attend. A copy of this letter shall be sent to the homeowner of every house in this town
My eyes shot open reading this. There was no way I'll be marrying this stupid inconsiderate prince. Not of my life depended on it. He's done enough to this town. It's not happening
I walk away not knowing that hurt lied ahead.
A/N: probably isn't a good idea to publish this book, especially since I need to update pushover but idc 🤷♀️ y'all should follow my insta
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
