Royally Surprised

I took a deep breath as the sun danced across my face. It was a day like any other, yet I could feel something stirring in the air. I just couldn't put my finger on what it was.

Something was telling me I should be prepared for whatever the day was going to throw at me, so I decided it was probably in my best interest to listen to my gut. From time to time I would get these feelings, almost like warnings. It was the times that I had ignored them that things seemed to go terribly wrong. Learning from my mistakes, I tried to stay more in tune with the feelings now. As a result, I spent extra time getting ready this morning. After stretching, I did my hair and put on one of my favorite outfits. Just as I finished, there was a loud knock on the door. Nothing could have prepared me for what was to come next.

It felt like a whirlwind as I, along with several of the neighboring young women, were quickly ushered out to the town square of our small town.

“Hurry and line up. The prince will be here any minute now! Don't forget to smile and be polite,” the well-dressed man standing before us said with authority dripping from his words. “As you know, today he will be selecting a potential bride!”

Gasps could be heard throughout the crowd.

Just as I was attempting to wrap my head around what was happening, the royal carriage, accompanied by several men on horseback, came into view. A masked man, the leader of the guard, led the way. The remainder of the guardsmen followed closely behind the carriage.

I could feel my heart beating wildly as they walked the line of girls coming to a stop directly in front of me.

The masked man whispered something to the prince and the prince nodded before they proceeded to ask a series of questions. If I’m being honest, it felt as though we were being interrogated. As the questioning came to an end, the masked guard nodded towards me once more. The prince nodded, seemingly in agreement.

"We'll take her." The guard announced.

"You have a half hour to gather your belongings and say your goodbyes." He said nodding at me.

My jaw dropped. Was this actually happening?

I nodded silently and hurried on my way. We all had heard the rumors of the ruthlessness of the prince and his guard, so, although in shock, and not fully sure I wanted to go, I dared not say or do anything to go against their wishes.

The 30 minutes seemed to fly by as I packed my belongings and said goodbye to my couple close friends. They were all I had left as my parents had died in an accident the year before.

Once back at the carriage, the prince extended his arm, motioning for me to climb in. I was shocked when the masked guard climbed in behind me rather than the prince. I watched dumbfounded as the prince proceeded to the front of the carriage climbing up beside the driver.

"That figures! He plucks me out of my little world, is taking me away from everything and everyone I know and love and doesn't even have the decency to accompany me."  I couldn't help but mutter under my breath.

"You’d prefer him to be back here with you? I'm sure I could arrange that." The masked man replied.

"No no. I'm sure you're probably better company anyway." I said with a sigh.

"Why is that?"

"Well, it's just that I can't imagine a prince who seems to think it's okay to come snatch people from their lives and then not even have the decency to be there for the awkward, scary even, ride towards their new lives, can be a very good person- not to mention the fact that his reputation proceeds him."

"Is that so? And what exactly have you heard about him?"

"Well, aside from the fact that few have ever seen him, he is said to be ruthless and to lead with an iron fist. It is also said that he shows no emotion. Rumors say that it is because he lacks them- far from the Prince Charming little girls read about in the story books. But..."

"Ah, so you believe him to be a monster?"

"You didn't let me finish."

"Okay, go ahead."

"But, those are all mere rumors. Although, I do believe rumors tend to be laced in some truth. So, I've always assumed he had to be both brave and strong. Making the kind of decisions that a prince is forced to, can't be easy. And, showing emotion to potential enemies or anyone else aside from his trusted few, could be seen as weakness and vulnerability..."

"So, then you don't think he is a monster?"

"I didn't say that. I guess time will have to tell. Although, he does seem to lack basic manners as he is not back here with me right now. And, we can’t forget the whole part where he just plucked me from my familiar and comfortable life without knowing me or considering how it would affect me. Why did he pick me anyway?"

"Perhaps because you seemed so obedient and easy going..."

"Oh, well that just figures!"

"I'm kidding. Obviously."

With that I shot him a dirty look. Jerk! However, he wasn't wrong. It was no secret that I am strong willed and can be a bit difficult at times.

"Look out the window." He said holding back the curtain.

"What?!" I questioned not sure what I was supposed to be looking for, as all I could see were the guards."

"Look at their faces. Any look familiar?"

As I looked from face to face, I realized I did recognize a few. There was Will, the nice guy who had started working at the local store about 6 months ago. Oh, and John, whom I saw daily as he started helping my neighbor, Mr. Smith, on his farm- also about six months ago. As I continued looking, I spotted 2 more familiar faces. I looked to the masked man sitting across from me questioningly.

"Yes, I see several familiar faces. But I don't understand?"

"Your prince isn't just some fool who selects any girl on a whim to be his potential princess. He had members of the guard planted in all the neighboring towns for the last several months, scouting for any potential suitable women. Of the few that were found, he observed each for himself for several days before making his final decision. And make no mistake, even now, you are not guaranteed the princess position."

I was shocked to learn this, yet, I was determined to maintain a strong demeanor, just like the prince.

"What if he decides I'm not to his liking? What is he going to do? Kill me and disregard me like some rejected toy? Or do I just become some maid expected to serve his every whim? Perhaps I should pay more attention to the rumors about him and heed them as a warning." I retorted.

"Perhaps you should." He replied coldly.

Just then, there was a knock on the carriage door.

The prince leaned his head in.

"My mask sir?" He said, extending his hand to the masked guard sitting with me.

Wait! What was going on?!

"Oh yes, right. I almost forgot. Thank you. You and your mask have been most helpful today Jasper. And this little conversation has been most enlightening." He snarked, shooting a cold look in my direction.

"Glad to be of service." Jasper replied, taking his mask and closing the door.

Oh. My. God. The prince! Although I desperately wanted to see his face, I was scared to look up after everything that I had allowed to slip out of my big mouth. I felt like a fool.

"I wear the mask and let a trusted member of my guard, such as Jasper, take my place occasionally, thus allowing very few to know my true identity. It not only allows me to better ensure the safety of my men but allows me candid glimpses into what and who is real. Take you for example; you wouldn't have felt comfortable divulging everything that you did, knowing I was the prince."

"I apologize Your Grace."

"Edward. You may call me Edward, and if I decide I do in fact like you and don't want to 'disregard you like some broken toy,' possibly Eddie someday. However, we are a long way off from that currently."

"Yes, Your Grace. I mean, Edward." I said glancing up at him briefly before quickly looking away."

My god! Did he have to be so handsome? My mind was racing, and the awkward silence that lingered for the remainder of the ride allowed me to get lost in my thoughts.

I was jolted back to reality as the carriage came to a halt.

"I will allow Jasper to show you to your room, given your current distaste for me." Edward said, extending his hand to help me out of the carriage.

"I apologize for anything I may have said out of line or to offend you." I said, attempting to mask my embarrassment.

With that, he nodded and disappeared off with several of the guards.

I couldn't help but feel awful. I didn't dislike the prince and definitely didn't mean to make him feel that way! I didn't even know him!