String of Fate

Chapter Ninety Six

As I sat in the carriage with my mother, father, and older brother, I stared out the window at the land that I would one-day rule. Even though my family took the same route every year, the beautiful scenery seemed to look different every year. It still did not help the fact that I was stuck in a carriage with my family for a week. There were much better ways that I could spend my summers.

My brother, Derek, seemed very happy that we were close to our summer stay with Caleb. Those two had always gotten on well for as long as I could remember. It was horrible because the two of them always ganged up on me to pick on me. It meant that my stay at the castle was terrible. At least it was only for a month, and I only had to deal with him for two weeks in the winter.

"Rosalinda, sit up straight. Do not slouch. You are a princess. Behave like one." My mother ordered, moving around one of the folds of her dress. I did as she said, moving my hand to my lap instead of leaning on my arm to look out of the window. I pushed some hair behind my shoulder. "Why aren't you wearing the necklace that Prince Caleb got you for your birthday? I thought that I told you to wear it today to make a good impression, especially considering that he hasn't seen you since the New Year."

"Mother, I told you to call me Rosie. I put the necklace in my purse because I didn't want to lose it during the travel. Don't tell Caleb, but it is my favourite necklace." I explained as the castle gate came into view. I pulled my purse from the seat next to me and pulled out the necklace. Setting the purse back to one side, I put the necklace around my neck. "There we go. All ready to meet Prince Caleb again."

"Don't sound so enthusiastic about that." Derek pointed out, glancing at me from the window his side. We all knew that he enjoyed these trips more than I did. I couldn't help but glare at him. He didn't even look at me to see my glare. I fixed my expression and turned back to the window before my mother could scold me. "Oh, look, there's the castle. We're almost there now. You should be happy to be able to see your betrothed."

"Why should I be happy when he behaves like a child? Especially towards me." I asked as the carriage came to a stop. We waited until the carriage door was opened on Derek's side and he hopped out. I let my parents go next, my father going first and then helping my mother down. Finally, I headed from the carriage, and expected to take the butlers hand to help me down. Instead, Caleb, and a soft smile, greeted me. "Oh, thank you, Caleb. Hello."

"Hi." He replied, helping me as I moved down the carriage steps and to the ground in front of the main castle steps. My mother and father had already walked up the steps to his parents, the king and queen looking as majestic as they always did. My brother was standing next to my parents, and I couldn't help but dislike the fact that they had left me alone with Caleb to allow the two of us to talk. He would probably make some joke that other people would find funny but would insult me at the same time. "How have you been since the new year? I see that you are a little taller."

"I have been well, thank you. My maid has said that I have grown a little taller. It's nice of you to notice." I answered, smiling at him as I quickly took my hand from his, clasping the two of them in front of me. It always felt weird to touch him. It was strange that, even though we were meant to be together in the future, I didn't even know him that well, and we had technically grown up together. "How have you been?"

"I've been good. I've been getting better at archery, so, that's been good. It's probably going to take me a little while longer until father lets me go out on the hunting parties, but at least I'm improving." He told me, gesturing for me to head up the stairs first as our parents were heading inside. He fell into step beside me as we walked to the drawing room. "You're probably still a little better at archery than me."

"Maybe. It has always been my strong point." I joked as we followed our family into one of the drawing rooms in the castle. It was nice that there wasn't a party otherwise this place would have been filled with people. Now, it was just us. The maids were rung for tea as I sat down at one of the small tables near the window, hoping to enjoy the view. I expected Caleb to sit with Derek by the fire, but he surprised me by sitting opposite me at the table. "It's rare for you to join me for tea, Your Highness."