♥Not Quite a Husband♥

Marriage

The Kingdom of Flourish Valley, a beautiful place. With rolling hills, hard working peasants, and a lovely castle, what could happen? But be warned... This is not your average fairy tale...

"Rise and shine Princess."

I mumble and grab my pillow.

"Oh Luna darling, must I be up so early?" I ask sitting up.

"Of course! The King and Queen request your presence." Luna our maid says opening the curtains.

After I am dressed in a simple gown and curls, I make my way down the corridor. There I take the long steps toward the dining hall. The castle is very confusing and easy to get lost in.

As I'm about to open the door I hear my mother and father speaking.

"Yes I know Reginald. But she's just so young. I'm afraid she not ready!" The Queen says worriedly.

"Nonsense! She's turning 18 tomorrow! After all we had an arranged marriage at that age." King Reginald says confidently.

My heart leaps. An arranged marriage?

"I suppose your right dear. I shall speak with the duke right away." She sighs.

I straighten my gown and storm through the door.

"Would you like to talk to me first!?" I shout with anger.

"Elizabeth! How long have you been there? You know it is impolite to eavesdrop!" The queen says sternly.

"Mother I heard it all. What do you mean by arranged marriage?" I say looking at my father.

"Darling, our kingdom is in trouble. For reasons I may not tell you. We need you to take your responsibility and make allies with other rulers soon to be." The king says as if I were his royal guard.

"But I don't want to marry!" I cry.

"Elizabeth Renee Manroe! Act like a lady. Not a five year old." The queen says moving my hair from my face.

"Darling.. There is to be a ball in honour of your birthday. There will be many esteemed gentlemen hoping for your hand in marriage. You may choose a husband then. We await your answer." The king says.

And with that they leave the table. I'm left there with my jaw dropped to the floor. What?! I simply can't marry! I'm not ready!

What can't my dad tell me? I'm the one getting married anyways, I deserve to know why!

As I walk through the halls I'm suddenly flung forward as my heel catches on the hem of my dress.

"Ahh!" I yell as I fall to the ground. I await the impact when two strong hands grab my waist.

"Are you OK miss?" He asks lifting me to my feet.

"Umm.. yes. Yes I'm OK. Thank you." I stutter sounding like a fool.

"Forgive my lack of manners.. I'm Elizabeth.." I say gazing into his light blue eyes.

He is tall, and has light brown hair. He seems smart and really kind. A true gentleman.

"I'm James. Just James." He smiles.

"What brings you to the castle?" I ask.

"I umm... I'm just bringing some important news from the east." He stammers.

Something seems fishy about him.. Whatever Elizabeth your being silly.

"So your like a messenger?" I say cocking my head to the side.

He smirks. "Something like that."

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Hope your enjoying the story so far!!!

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-Kate♥