the princess

Chapter 1

1.
Adeline

That was it.
I was about to walk out those big palace doors and kick some serious butt.
I had enough of people telling me what to do.
Enough of having to smile and pretend to be happy while waiting in this godforsaken palace for something to happen to me. Something exciting. Not having tea with a bunch of snobby old ladies who tell boring stories about their boring sheltered lives.
I was going to tell my father what I thought. What I thought about the conflict he was going to inflict upon this country by signing that contract. But no.
Of course, as a "lady" that's not something I could do. Not even something I should know, let alone, think about.
As a real princess I would have to spend my days taking small walks with other ladies in the palace garden or listening to tedious conversations between my mother and her ladies. I would be told what to do and what to say for the rest of my life. My real opinion not mattering. Hidden away, deep inside a box in my head where all the things I can't do or say go, a big lock keeping them from getting out. A lock to always be locked.
I sigh putting away the hairbrush I had been brushing my hair with for the last 20 minutes, lost in thoughts.
I look at myself in the mirror. A palatial emerald necklace hanging around my neck. Something I, as a young lady, should be fond over. But all I could feel was the feeling of being oppressed, the emerald necklace a way of keeping me quiet. It's green jewels tying me to the palace, promising more of it's kind if I just kept shut. In the end a meaningless piece of jewelry which I would immediately trade for at least a spark of excitment in this shelter of mine. I sigh taking it off and carefully putting it on my dresser.
My eyes wander to the next item. My tiara. I had been given the tiara by my mother when I was 15. Back then it had filled me with joy. I had thought it was beautiful, the last thing I needed, to be a true princess.
Oh had I been wrong.
It is beautiful, no doubt. The delicate gold spun into little swirls, gently embracing the little sparkling diamonds. But the mere fact is, that it is meant to remind me of my duties of a royal. Duties that I am tired of.
Slowly turning around, I go over to one of the windows, the moonlight casting a shadow on the floor of my room.
I open the window and let in some fresh air. As the cool fresh air touches my skin, I can't help but feel an incredible urge to climb out the window into the darkness of outside.
The palace we're staying at, at the moment, is right by a lake and it's because of its size named the Grand Lake. I watch as the moonlight is mirrored in the water of the lake, my urge to escape this comparatively small room growing bigger and bigger.
My thoughts are interrupted by a quiet knock on the door.
"Come in", I respond absentmindedly.
Greta, one of my personal maids walks in.
"Your highness, I have picked up a dress for... princess", she stops to look at me and then at the opened window," with all due respect I don't think it's a good idea to have your window wide open like that, it's freezing outside, you could catch a cold or even worse, a chest infection!" She swoops over putting down the gown on a little cushioned bench. She gently pulls me aside to then close the window.
"Besides you should be sleeping soon, you'll need the energy for tomorrow", she goes on, looking at me strictly.
Choosing to ignore her strict gaze, I turn to my bed to sit down and ask,
"What's tomorrow?"
She strolls over to the previously put down gown and gently folds it.
" Tomorrow is a very important gathering, you're father has asked everyone to."
"Is it about the contract?"
I can't fully hide the excitement that overcomes me.
"I don't know...", Greta simply answers to my dismay.
" And even if it was, would it matter?"
"No, I guess not", I silently say as I watch her put away the gown.
It would matter. It would matter a great bit. In fact, if I could even just listen to all the opinions of the court concerning the contract, I'd already be happy.
"Someone like you shouldn't want to be involved in political affairs like this one",she says, slowly putting the dress away.
"I know", I can't help but sigh. "I'm just concerned for my country, that's all", I lie.
" There's no need for that, princess", she says softly, closing the closet.
"You should think about what you'd like to wear for next Friday", she changes the subject as she hands me a white night gown.
She then continues to help me get ready for bed. As if I wouldn't be able to dress myself for bed. Although with all the buttons and ties this dress had to offer, I'm not completely sure I would.
"Greta, you mean the ball next Friday?"

"Yes, your highness."

"Remind me. What kind of ball is It?"

"It is the inaugural ball, your highness."

"Inaugural to what?"

"To the season."

"Oh, that's right. Where every eligible person in the court gets married off", I say, unable to hide the sour undertone in my voice.
This year it's particularly "special" because my brother, the crown prince, is part of it.
I already have the need to roll my eyes just thinking of how many desperate crown-seeking girls are going to throw themselves his way.

"Your highness, I'm certain that something in your favor will arise from this too", she says reassuringly. But I'm not reassured at all.
The thought of being married off to some boring duke or rich courtier for the rest of my life just for the convenience of others, makes me want to puke.
Greta starts braiding my hair.
"Greta...do you think...anyone in this court will ever marry out of love?"
She takes time to answer.
" To be blunt, your highness... no probably not, at least...it's not the priority of most of the marriages. Yes it does play a role. But almost everything that happens at court, happens for convenience."
I have to admit. That's pretty sad.
"But I'm sure you'll find somebody you'll really fancy", she says, gently finishing up my hair. I know that's not the truth.
I lightly smile anyway. "Thank you ", I say, not only referring to the braiding.
"I'm just doing what I'm told", she says switching off, most of the lights. "Good night, your highness", she whispers softly as she slips out the door.
" Good night, Greta", I say quietly.
I then get under the duvet, and switch off my bedside lamp.
In the darkness, I slowly fall asleep thinking of tomorrow and the following weeks, and I can't help but wonder about what is coming my way.

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First chapter wohoo! Hope you enjoyed, next chapter will be out soon :) If there are any mistakes or you you have any (constructive!) criticism, feel free to share. But no hate!
Thankss