Valor, Deception & Marriage

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Five days have passed since the Royals visit. I still haven't gotten any details on the arrangement my parents have made with the Fates and my betrothal. The only things I know of that have to do with them is the ball that is to be held to celebrate the Fates' marriage. And that I am to be Prince Teague's guest of honor, so I have to stay at his side throughout it all.

Swinging my sword I hit the dummy and let loose my rage onto it. I imagine I am attcking Prince Teague, for what he did. Hit after hit. I hack off part of the dummy. After what seems like seconds, which was most likely minutes, I feel a hand on my shoulder. Stopping me and bringing me out of my fitful rage.

"What's wrong Will? You've nearly decapitated the thing." Johnny laughs at my newest enemy. He has come to be my only friend so far.

"Arranged marriage" I manage to grumble out.

"Ah. It's got you talking so it must be bad." I nod and frown. We just stand there because I already destroyed the thing. The signal sounds and I nod goodbye. "Bye Will see you tomorrow and hopefully in a better mood." With that we leave. Me with a gash on my hand for a reason unknown to me.

I grunt while Stela pulls the ribbons of the corset tight. "I'm sorry. Excuse me for saying this but it seems you've gotten bigger." The servants know I won't have them punished for speaking their mind. I can't control then like everyone wants to control me, so I let them have that right. I laugh at this, I've only gotten bigger due to more muscle.

After what feels like years, I finally step into the dress my mother got for me. A white dress with light yellow lace on the bodice in the shape of small flowers. I brush my hair and put it in a braid at the back of my head. Stela then puts white and yellow flowers in my hair so it looks like a crown of them. The jewel in the center is a flower with black petals and a blue stripe in the center of it. Looking in the mirror, I think to myself I look like an actual princess. Wow.I smile at my reflection, though it doesn't reach my eyes.

With Charlie beside me, we walk into the Fates giant doors. Charlie pulls on my arm, and points. Smiling, I start running with Charlie right beside me. He starts to smile and run ahead of me. We get into the ballroom, and all eyes are on us in disapproving looks and whispers. I look at Charlie, just a few seconds ago he was one of the happiest kids. Now he looks like someone just slapped him.

I scowl and glare at them for making him on the verge of tears. I walk to the middle of the room with Charlies hand in mine still and start dancing with him. Forget Teague. I'm going make my brother happy first.

Slowly I start to see Charlie smile and have fun. He does a funny dance that makes him look like a spinning siren.

After a few more dances that cause him to have fun even though people give disapproving looks. Though not the ones that live freely. Several other kids come over to dance along with us, while the nobles children stand there with disgust written on their face. Eventually Teague comes over and joins, dancing with the others. The music is lively and fun.

After a while the song turns slow and by some miracle Teague and I are dancing together. He looks like he's eager for something but I don't know what? Unable to keep my curiosity in check, I ask him. He replies that he is just waiting for something to happen, and has been waiting for this day to come. I'm confused and want to ask another question when Annalora shows up all smiley and cuts in. I can't hold in my laughter at Teague's expression.

Charlie taps on my arm asking to dance. I smile and dance along with him. It's time to exchange partners. Someone wraps their arms around my waist from behind, and I , on instinct turn and punch them. Teague is taken aback by that but looks sorry he ever touched me.

"Well, you can surely pack a punch."

"Now you know not to surprise me." shrugging I walk to get a drink. I hear his foot steps behind me and when I grab my drink, I turn and end up spilling it on him. There's that clumsiness that I've been waiting for!

"I'm so sorry!"

"It's fine, I shouldn't have been right behind you like that." "No, I should've paid more attention."

On and on we went trying to take the blame when the Fates start their announcement. King Lucians voice booms throughout the room. "My fae we are glad that you have come to join us in celebrating 3 things."

I thought there were only 2 thing they wanted to celebrate, their anniversary, and the Fae plane. I wonder what the last thing is.

"Mine and Queen Meave's reign and anniversary." Queen Meave speaks next. Her voice of a powerful ruler. "We are also celebrating our son's betrothal." I get confused. I haven't seen the girl he is supposed to marry. "She has exceeded all expectation. And above all will be a powerful ruler. Her fate decided since she was born." Now I know that it can't be me. My parents let me choose my own fate. "Please celebrate your future rulers, Prince Teague and Princess Mina" The crowd goes wild.

I feel powerful magic suffocate the air. And feel my eyes heat up. I send a glare to my parents. They said I could choose my own fate, but yet apparently it was decided before I could even speak. Someone tugs on my hand. Charlie. He looks as upset as I am but he doesn't look like he might murder someone.

I calm down enough to walk with Charlie out of the Palace. Everyone is shocked that we leave, especially right after that announcement.

I walk with Charlie to the practice area that Johnny and I train. Using magic to change my clothing, I teach Charlie how to hold a sword. He doesn't look surprised at my knowlege of this. In fact he looks like he knew all along. If I'm going to be forced into a marriage, I'll just have to force them to let me out of it.