1
Life could be worse- that's what I tell myself to get through the day. My usual routine is breakfast, study, lunch, study, dinner, and finally free time although it is supervised. I am well protected sure, but that also includes being protected from fun.
I am a princess and the oldest child of the crown so I have a lot that is expected of me. I am expected to marry for the kingdom's advantage and forge some sort of beneficial alliance, but really I was dreading it.
I had never met a man remotely my age here at the castle and I wasn't allowed to venture far from the courtyard. The castle was big, but it was still a cage.
I am of age now and I have no doubt my parents have already lined up a bunch of potential matches to choose from. If I was lucky they would pick someone my own age and not an old man.
I didn't have many friends here normally I am not allowed to associate with the servants here since they're "beneath me", which I think is ridiculous.
Of concern is also the terrible rumours going around of dragon attacks. No one knew who the dragon was or why it attacks but that has been going on for several years. Our kingdom has been fortunate to survive the attacks for the most part and the damage was not as bad as other kingdoms. I don't know if I even believe in such a thing as a dragon. They are supposedly huge with razor sharp scales and fire breath...
I know that if I were to venture out I would get in trouble, not that I haven't tried before. I often found myself wanting to sneak out during study time but I was always being watched. My parents don't exactly trust me not to run away.
My lessons are for home making, the usual things like sewing, cooking, reading and the like. I didn't have any brothers but I am sure the male study is a lot different which also seems silly. They claim we would not be strong enough on the battle field or be able to work in manual labour like blacksmiths.
I am sure I could do whatever I set my mind to and I think that is what worries my parents. They always seem to worry since I am the only heir and they are not sure who will take over the kingdom. As a result, they are going to match me with someone who is not a king but most likely some sort of duke, count, or leader of good status so that they can become king. Sure I am of royal blood and all that but it doesn't seem to mean anything unless you are a man.
So my husband will wear the crown and lead the people as well as make all the decisions... I doubt I will even have a say in it which is silly because I know how the kingdom runs right now and I wouldn't want to change that.
I use my free time to draw, paint, and write which are all skills that make me happy. I believe I have gotten quite good at making art pieces to display in the castle. I still had a guard or someone watching me while I did this, even though it seemed unnecessary.
I was in the middle of painting the final petal on one of the flowers when my parents entered the room. I sighed and set down the brush, wiping my hands and turning to them.
"Good news child, we found you a husband!" My father said with a grin as my mother smiled beside him.
"You will go for the wedding tomorrow and we will have our best guards take you," mother added.
"How long is the journey ?" I asked. I would have fought the decision but I know it wouldn't do me any good.
"Only about three days by carriage, it is remarkably close," my father said excitedly. "I really think you will like him, plus he can provide excellent leadership to the kingdom," he boasted.
"He is fairly handsome too, " mother added and father's grin faded a bit.
"Yes I suppose he doesn't look like an old prune," father chuckled.
"Are you going to the wedding?" I asked them.
"No, he said he will have all of that arranged according to his customs and traditions," mother replied.
"What is his name?" I frowned.
"Barnabus, but I think he prefers being called chief," father hummed.
"He runs a very successful village and has a lot of loyal followers that will all become part of the kingdom," mother added
"We didn't even know he was interested but he approached us and made a really good offer. You will be well cared for and he will obviously move back here to have his coronation at a later date," father beamed.
"I suppose I have no say in the matter?" I huffed.
"Trust us, we know what is best for you. You will be treated well and most likely happy to have some company around your own age," mother sighed.
"Yes we didn't want to pick someone too old although there were some good contenders. Chief seems nice enough except supposedly on the battlefield," father shuddered a bit. "His reputation proceeds him... as long as you behave and give him what he wants you should be fine".
"What does he want?"
"I am sure he will tell you when you get there. Now we should pick out your clothes for tomorrow, we want you to look your best," mother clapped happily.
And just like that I was being sold off like a chicken in the market.... I know my parents mean well but they are king and queen first and parents second. I get that one life is less valuable than the masses, a lesson I learned when a large portion of the village died in a supposed dragon attack. We went into mourning for a week or so and my parents made sure any grieving subjects were given food and shelter
That was a long time ago though and the dragon hasn't done any damage in years, not that I am complaining.
"I will leave you ladies to it," my father said.
"Now that you are of age I figured we should talk about your wifely duties when you are married... there will be certain things you have never experienced before and I thought I would warn you" mother said after father was gone.
Great... now I suppose she was going to explain how to be intimate with a man, which I already studied by myself, although she doesn't know that.
