Chapter 1
I hate dresses, I thought as I struggled into the monstrous contraption that was being forced upon me by my mother. I'm sixteen years old now, and therefore have to wear a dress almost everyday "as befitting a proper young lady".
"Nightshade! Hurry up! They'll be here soon! And remember, you must behave like a lady! No trousers, no sword fighting, and perfect manners." my mother yelled at me from downstairs. Did I forget to mention that the whole reason for bane of my existence today (the dress and acting like a lady) was the fact the the king, queen, and prince were coming through town? Well, they are.
"Stupid dress," I muttered as I stumbled down the stairs, holding tight to the railing so I wouldn't fall.
"I heard that! And a lady would lightly hold the railing with one hand while gracefully descending the steps." She put a lot of stress on the 'lady'.
"In case you haven't noticed, I have no interest in being a 'lady'." I said, finally getting down the stairs. "Where did you get this dress anyways? It's too heavy! Couldn't you have gotten me a simple dress instead of a mountain?" I asked, looking down at at the circle of poofy skirts that surrounded me three feet in all directions.
"Oh, hush. You look fine. The prince is sure to notice you in this," she squealed. This is what as always on her mind. Marrying me off to some baron's son or a noble. I'd much rather live on my own, as a nomad maybe. Or better yet, join the army.
"Mum, we've been over this. I'm not going to get married!"
"Not even to William? Not the ideal choice, but perhaps if there is no one left-"
"Mum," I cut her off. "I'm not getting married." And then I burst out laughing At the thought of marrying Will. Will, who I did everything with. Will, who taught me all the skills he learned that were deemed 'unladylike' by my mother. Will, who loved me like a sister and I loved him like a brother. Marry Will? No way. Just then, the front door opened.
"What's so funny?" Will asked.
"Mum said that if she couldn't find me a more 'suitable match' she would marry me off to you." I replied.
"What's funny about that? After all, I am devilishly handsome and perfectly charming." Will said. He raised his nose in the air and looked down at me.
"You're a perfect devil, all right."
"Hey! That was mean," he pouted at me.
"Nightshade Hemlock! I expect better from you! A lady does not sling insults and jibes like a common schoolboy!" My mother interrupted us. "Now, stand up straight and act proper!" With that, she swept out the door to Main Street where everyone would stand to greet the royal family.
"By the way, nice dress," Will smirked, looking down at the the pink and yellow pastel cream puff that surrounded me.
"Oh, shut up." I said. Then I punched him in the shoulder.
"Ow," he whined. "A young lady shouldn't hit people!"
"Do you really think she's gonna turn me into a lady?"
"Not a chance. You'll always be Nightshade Hemlock, the girl who fights with a sword, is the best hunter in town, and destroys any dress she wears! Now come on, we can't be late."
