“Edom! Come back here!” I shout.

My brother smiles as I chase him through the garden. Tag is one of his favorite games to play when we have time of our own. The courtyard gardens are filled with twists and turns, making it the perfect place for tag. I always love the sweet smell of the flowers as we run through the greenery together. I adore moments with him like this. As the male heir to the throne, I know that he will have the world on his shoulders someday. I want him to have the chance to be a child before that happens.

Edom quickly looks behind him and sees I am quickly gaining on him. “You can’t get me Arie!” he taunts. I can’t help but beam when we play together. If I wanted too I could finish the game right now, but I want to enjoy this moment together just a bit longer.

As I continue along, I am pulled backward by a tree branch. With all the excitement, Edom doesn’t notice I have stopped and maintains his speed. One of the downsides to wearing long flowing sleeves playing garden tag is you get caught quite frequently. I can hear the lecture by my Mother now. ‘A Princess must not ruin her clothes needlessly.’ I take in a deep sigh, carefully separating the delicate fabric from the shrubbery.

“Please don’t tear, please don’t tear,” I repeat to myself. With a steady hand, my focus remains on the entangled blue sleeve. I would like to prove to my Mother that I can act like a lady at some point, and not ruining another dress would be a great start. A bright smile shines on my face as the last of the branch is removed from my person. “Yes!” I whisper

Heavy footsteps announce themself to my right. Gasping for air my Brother looks at me with disappointment in his eyes. “Why did you stop?” He asks.

With a smirk, I reply, “My apologies, your highness, but this bush got to me first.” As he laughs I can feel my heart fill with joy. I truly love my brother with all my heart. There has never been a day that we were not together since he was born. I fear the inevitable day that we will be separated, but for now, there is nothing standing in our way.

A low voice speaks. “Pardon me, Princess Ariella.” One of the palace guards left his post to approach us. From the looks of his armor, he is one of my Fathers, personal guards.

“Yes, what is it?” I speak calmly, and regally, hoping to show my brother a good example. Seeing Edom’s curiosity unfold, he slowly walks to my side holding my right hand.

“The King has requested an audience with you at once my lady.” Edom squeezes my hand as if trying to tell me not to leave. Straightening my posture, I look to the guard with as much grace as possible. “Might we have time to finish our game?”

The stately iron covered guard shakes his head solemnly. “I am afraid not my Lady. He requested to speak with you immediately.”

As much as I don’t like to disappoint my brother, an immediate audience with the King must take priority. Letting Edom’s tiny hand free, I bend down to meet his eye line. “I must leave you, my Prince. May we finish our game some other time?”

Edom knows that sometimes I need to leave him during certain circumstances, a meeting with the King being one of them. With his big brown puppy dog eyes, he looks to me and says. “Promise?”

I giggle under my breath. “I promise.” Edom grins and hugs me with all his strength. “Bye Arie.” and with that, he runs back further into the garden to enjoy the rest of his playtime alone.

“Please follow me, your highness.” The guard speaks guiding me out of the garden and back into the castle. His tight shoulders and lack of eye contact show me a sense of stress.

Tensions have been high since the Orcs have declared War with the neighboring Kingdoms. Their numbers may be small, but they are strong and fierce warriors. Some say that one Orc can take out six humans at a time. The legends say that iron and steel run in their blood, only the toughest of metals can penetrate them. The Orcish culture is cutthroat, which is how they have managed to take on several territories already. Thankfully they are nowhere near the Theora gates, but my Father fears that will not last as long as we hope.

My voice cuts through the silence of the palace hall walls. “Any news of the War? What does the King plan to do to secure our people? Surely all of Theora is wondering the same.”

The clanking of his chainmail covers his response a bit, but thankfully he speaks up to compromise. “It is not my place to say my Lady. Please forgive me.”

I suppose it was wishful thinking to get inside information out of him. The King has been locked away day and night forming a strategy, and anyone within earshot has been sworn to secrecy. Keeping my head high I accept my defeat with the poise of a Princess. I know better than to push for information. “Very well then. I will wait until the King is ready to divulge his plan for the Kingdom.”

Walking around a corner I see a few royal servants gathered hauling boxes. Some of their inventory was in wooden crates, which I expect. However, among the crates were also heavy leather trunks. It took three able-bodied men to carry the just one of the cases passed us. ‘It could be a multitude of things packed inside’ I think to myself. This is a reminder that there is no need to overthink about such trivial things. My Mother has taught me very well over the years. ‘A Princess must always put her duties above all else.’ is what she would always say.

“I shall take my leave of you here your highness. The King is waiting for you in the Throne room.” The guard bows softly offering his respect to his Princess.

Just a few steps away is the Throne room. I have only been inside a handful of times. We would often through parties there. The room provides a grand space for music, feast, and dancing. Somehow, my gut tells me that there is not a celebration beyond that door.

Before opening the entryway, I make sure I am in order. My dress is not wrinkled, hair is smooth, and just for good measure, I give my cheeks a little pinch for some rouge. Taking in a deep breath I arch my back into a straight posture.

I enter the throne room dignified and graceful as every Princess should be. Just before me, I see the King and Queen perfectly placed on their thrones. Surrounding them are a few advisors and a soldier whose uniform I don’t recognize.

The thrones are each decorated with the kingdom colors. Golden vinery surrounds the crest rail and falls down to the arms of their seats. Blue crushed velvet cushions the blow for my parent’s royal weight. Above their heads is the flag of Theora; blue with gold around the frame, and in the center are two gold birds side by side.

After making halfway up the carpet runner I catch my Fathers’ eye. Shooing away one of his advisors he says. “Ah! Ariella please come forward.”

I obey the King’s command and move forward the appropriate distance; just three feet from where they sit. Slowly I bow my head in a refined courtesy. “You asked for me Father?”

The King straightens his shoulders back looking down at me. All eyes seem to be on me at the moment, and I can’t help but feel nervous. Placing my hands at my side, I press the palms to my thighs in an attempt to keep my composure.

“We have recently received an offer of alliance from the Kingdom of Xosta. As I am sure you know, their army is by far the best in the country. They have high numbers of soldiers who were each trained extensively to ensure maximum efficiency on the battlefield. Since our Kingdom is nowhere near battle ready, we are at a tremendous disadvantage. Our army is nearly non-existent. Therefore an alliance with them would be in the Kingdom’s best interest.”

I know about Xosta. They are known for their cruel and unempathetic monarchy. The King is foul and malicious, and as such so is his son. They tax their people extremely high and care little for the poverty growing in their land. Since Theroa has the opposite principals, our two Kingdoms have budded heads for centuries. I am shocked that Xosta is even considering an alliance with us. The more I ponder the thought, the more I know that my Father is right. Their army is the best in all Olkyrie. An alliance with them would be an opportunity we could not pass up. “That is wonderful news Father. But forgive me, how do I fit in with this? It seems like you have made up your mind.”

My Father’s crown lowers with his brow. I look to my Mother and she is clearly troubled. Her eyes were everywhere but on the King. I wait patiently for him to speak, fearing what will come next. Taking in a proud breath, the King announces his decry.

“The one condition was for their Prince to marry the Princess of Theora to truly unite the two kingdoms. We have already started to gather a few of your belongings in preparation. You shall leave for the harbor tomorrow morning.”

My face went numb. I always feared this day, knowing it would happen; but I did not expect it to be this soon and under these circumstances. Traditionally there is a courting period with the prospective Prince. Now the first time I will meet him will be when I walk down the aisle. I want to speak but I have no words. Looking to the Queen I see tears welling up in her eyes. Breaking the emptiness in the room my Father continues.

“King Thybaut was kind enough to send a proxy that will assure your safe arrival in Xosta.” The soldier I saw from earlier appeared from the shadows. The man was covered in black armor from head to toe. His face was hidden by a thick ebony helmet. The top of his crown flowed a dark red penacho. There was no mistaking it, he was of the Xosta armed guard. The soldier's silence was unnerving.

I swallow hard thinking carefully on how I phrase my question. “What do you think about this wager Father? Is there no alternative? Surely this can’t be the only-”

With fury the King slams his fist on the arm of his golden throne. The sudden sound shocks me to my core. My heart was racing out of my chest as I looked into my Father's eyes. One thing about the King is he is never quick with his anger.

“We are not in the position to bargain, Ariella. You WILL go to Xosta, and you WILL marry Prince Galleren. It is for the good of the Kingdom. Any further questions should be directed to your Mother. I have more important matters to attend too. You are dismissed.”

Standing abruptly the King wavys his arm, calling his advisors towards him. As my Father rose from his seat I took every second I had to look at him. Memorizing the curves of his face, his broad Kingly posture, even the tone of his dark brown eyes. I have the feeling this will be the last time I will see him.

“Come along dear. We have much to discuss.” The Queen calls to me calmly.

Taking her lead I follow her to the west wing of the castle. Most of the bed chambers are located here. As I ponder the different rooms we pass, a terrifying thought occurs to me. In just a few days I won’t be sleeping alone. What is worse, I will have to… give my virginity to a complete stranger. All my life I was taught that the intimacy between a man and a woman is sacred, and shouldn’t be taken lightly. We were given one body to live, and we should not take it for granted. Not only will I share this intimacy with a stranger, but the Prince of our rival Kingdom. I feel sick just thinking about it.

Entering my bed chambers, the thoughts running around my skull begin to overwhelm me. Feeling weak at the knees I sit at my vanity to maintain my composure. Once my Mother closes the door behind her, she begins to cry uncontrollably. Her body trembles as she sobs like she hasn’t cried her entire life. Wanting to comfort her I place my hands on her shoulders. I can feel every bone in her body shaking underneath my grip.

“It is just a wedding Mother. This isn’t goodbye. I’ll write to you everyday, you’ll see it will be like I never left.” As the words escape my mouth I realize that I don’t believe them, so how can my Mother?

This changes everything for us. When I leave Edom will be forced to begin his apprenticeship to become King. As for visitation, I doubt the Prince of Xosta will allow me to leave his castle after we wed. This will most likely be the last time I see my family. I can feel the tears sneaking up on me, but I hold on to them in an effort to ease my mother's pain.

In between her wails of sorrow, the Queen manages to speak. “It is not a wedding Ariella... It's a death sentence.”