Runaway Princess

The Meeting

Just take a deep breath in and out, in and out, in and out. Come on, you can do this Anna! Anna said to herself as she was being dressed up in a frilly puffy dress.

Is this too tight, princess? One of the handmaids said.

Yes. Anna said bluntly.

She hated wearing these kinds of dresses the most. It felt like insects crawling everywhere on your body. It was itchy and heavy. Who ever made these kinds of dresses must have been on drugs.

After Anna was fully dressed, she was rushed off to get her hair fixed.

Ow! That hurt! She scream out loud.

Well, if you would stay stilled for a minute we could get this done a lot quicker. Said one of the housemaid.

You keep pulling my hair! Give me the comb, I would rather do my own hair.

But princess, you mustn't.

As Annabella was trying to pull the comb out of the housemaid hands, her mother walked into the room.

Annabella! What are you doing?! That is no way a lady behaves. Said Annabella mother.

Annabella let go of the comb and looked at the floor, expecting another long nagging from her mother.

You said you would behave. I told you that this is a very important meeting. You are not a little child anymore so don't behave like one. Her mother said with a little bit of anger in her voice.

You may continue. Her mother motion for the handmaid to continue with the hair.

I know I'm not a little child anymore. Annabella muttered under her breath as she got her hair brushed.

Later around noon, everyone was getting ready for the special meeting with the king of Archgonia. People were bustling here and there. Annabella was able to escape the rushed but got caught by her mother. Finally, everything was ready and the meeting finally occurred. Somehow, Annabella was a little bit nervous. She haven't met him before and he just suddenly showed up asking to meet her. She wondered what it was that was so special that he had to asked for her to be present. Usually, it is her father and mother who are present when dealing with official affairs with other kingdoms.

Annabella! Annabella! Her mother whispered loudly with a stern look in her eyes that said you better behave.

Annabella looked at her mother and looked at the door that awaits the King of Archgonia on the other side. A servant came into the room first.

Announcing the King of Archgonia presence to King, Queen, and princess of Madelania.

As soon as the servant finished. The King of Archgonia appeared. He was dressed in a fur and sea blue robe. Wearing a gold crown covered in rubies, diamonds, and emeralds. He was big, bigger than her father and taller. He had tan skin and bushy eyebrows. But his clothes made his clear blue eyes appear very strikingly freakish like you could get lost in them. He appeared very scary looking. Annabella swallowed her spit as she looked at the king. Butterflies were flying around in her stomach. She never felt this nervous before, it felt like her knees were going to give in and needed to be seated but she had to keep on standing.

Thank you for meeting me. He said as he bow down his head.

No, we are gracious for you coming your way to get here. We know it is quite a journey to come here from your kingdom. Annabella father spoke.

Well, the pleasure is all mine. Now, is this the young lady?

Yes, this is my daughter.

Annabella looked at the king then back at father but her mother nudge her forward.

Oh! She thought. She was supposed to introduce herself.

It is a pleasure to meet you. Anna said as she bow her head.

And how old are you? The king said.

I am 17. Anna said.

Let's all sit down. Her father said as he moved towards the seating placed in the room.

As they all sat down, Anna felt the tension in the room go up.

You both do understand my reason for coming here. The king said.

Reason? What reason? No one told me anything? Anna said to herself, kind of looking desperate to find out the real reason why she was there.

Yes, we are willing to accept the offer. Her father said.

Good, I also like the girl too. I think it would be a perfect fit. We could set the appointment for this coming up summer. The king said.

What? What? What? Anna thought frantically in her head.

What's going to happen this summer? What perfect fit? The king likes me? All these thoughts ran through her head as she heard the conversation between the king and her father go on.

This summer sounds good. Her father said.

Okay, we have an agreement. I do hope you are willing to keep your word. You do understand if you don't.

Don't worry.

Then the king look at Anna. Anna was startled as he spoke to her.

You will be able to meet my son for the engagement soon. At the moment, he is occupied with something. The king said.

ENGAGEMENT! Anna thought she said it to herself but accidently said it out loud.

The king was startled. Both her mother and father gave her a very angry looked.

Oh, oh. She was in big trouble but how could she keep calm. If she was to be wed, she would never be able to escape royalty life. She would have to leave the place she called home forever. She would missed everything and start a new life someplace else. But as she looked at her parents, she knew she had to do something. She'll just have to play along for just a while and think of another escape.

I mean engagement. Oh, I'm so excited and can't wait. She said with a fake smile.

The king laughed very loudly, liking what he heard.

That is very nice. I also can't wait either. I am glad this is going very well.

As the king and her father left the room, she finally let out a sigh. Her mother looked at her.

You do know that this is upmost importance. Although, I am quite surprised at your response to this news. I am especially quite shocked at how well you also behave. Her mother said as she walked out the room.

I'll just play along. I'll never get marry, especially to a stranger. I need to think up of an escape. Anna said to herself.