I stared out my window, the sprawling fields and following woods continued on for miles into the distance. Farmland circled the outside of the city walls, yellow rice fields and vineyards that stretched out before splattering the land between Rockton, my father's city, and Whiteturn, the city in the far distance. I could just see the tip of the white castle above the mountains that block it from my view. I could just see the flag standing at mast on the top of their highest tower; I knew it bore the red and black colours of their city. Whiteturn sat in a valley, the hillsides covered in cattle and goat that fed my city and theirs. The white stone of Whiteturn was what gave it its name, the large castle housed King Marcus and his wife Evelyn. I had visited Whiteturn a few times with my brother and father. I adored the city and the castle but the King and Queen were what I did not enjoy. They had no heir to their castle and many a times were in discussion with King Andrew, my father, of what to do. I remembered when they did have a son, his name rarely spoken anymore. He had been taken a killed by bandits almost eight years ago now and the King had no other children. I had met him only a few times; when I went to visit he was usually very quiet and reserved only there when his parents demanded. He was an odd child that I remembered. There was knock at my door and a guard informed me that my father asked for my presence. I moved from the windowsill and followed the guard, his navy and white uniform was polished and clean. As I entered the first room of the castle, the throne room, my father sat poised on the throne. It was commonly where he would be, listening to the muttering and complaints of those in the city. He had to listen, grant them what he pleased and then excused them. It was tedious and boring, she was glad she was not Queen. There was no Queen throne as my mother had died when I was toddler, I did not remember her. Caleb stood next to my father; we looked similar, as siblings usually did. His hair was slightly darker than my dirty blond hair. Mine flowed long down my back in waves; his was cropped short as royal men usually kept it. We both shared our mother's dark eyes while my father did not. Caleb eyes followed me as I entered the room, his dark eyes troubled and I knew something was wrong.

"Father, you called for me?" I asked with a curtsy as I stood in front of the two men. Caleb's hands were linked in front of him and I had never seen him more formal. There was no one else around other than our guards, Tom was father's person King guard and he stood off to the left protecting his King.

"There was a letter from Greenleaf," He spoke to me, his voice temperate. Greenleaf was one of the further cities; it specialized in growing timber and mining coal for the other cities. It was a smaller city situated in base of Mount Tyna hence their abundance of coal. King Hayes and his wife ran the small city and their son Prince Peter was the heir. I knew him fairly well; my father regularly invited him to Rockton for balls and occasions. He was a handsome young man with dark hair that was always well kept, and golden eyes. "King Hayes has request your hand in marriage for the Prince," I let the statement hang in the air as my eyes rose to meet my father's blue. I almost felt my mouth hang open in shock. I understood now, why he was here so often, why my father loved the young man. He knew all along that the King of Greenleaf wished marry me to his son. Peter and I were always just friends, I never had romantic interest in him, nor did I even think about him in that way.

"But… I am only sixteen father!" I spoke with an sharp tone, my father narrowed his eyes at my disagreement. I thought I had over two years before I would worry about this, many Princesses' usually eighteen when they married, like Princess Christina of Clouddale married Prince Will of Stockton. I looked to Caleb, my elder brother, who I was sure would marry before me. He would not meet my eye and I knew that he knew beforehand, he did not inform me of our father's plan.

"Prince Peter is going on twenty Beatrice, his father is impatient for him to marry and inherit the city," It was custom when heir's reached twenty they inherited their father's city but it could be altered or change depending on their father's length of rule and health. Prince Will had not yet become King and he was nearly twenty-two. Caleb was eighteen and yet there was no talk of his marriage.

"What about Caleb! He is nearly nineteen," My brother pursued his lips not speaking a word as I dragged him into the conversation. He stood regal and quiet like my father trained him to, I was the wild child. When I was younger I had insisted on learning to use a bow and arrow, fight with a sword. My father disapproved but he knew there was no stopping me from trying. I learned to ride, properly with each leg over the horse, galloping over the farmlands. I did not like to ride like a lady it was impractical.

"Unfortunately King Hayes did not ask for Caleb's hand in marriage, just yours, daughter," I glared at my father's sarcastic tone, clear he was annoyed at my deflection. I had seen Caleb, flirting with common girls and royals alike, he clearly did not have any plans to marry yet.

"I do not know the Prince," I huffed to my father lowering my tone but my father only laughed at that, feeling my anger.

"Prince Peter has travelled to Rockton tens of times daughter, he is a kind young man, he always brings you flowers," My father reminded me. I thought about the bouquet he brought me last time, with pink roses and white daisies. His visit was for my brother's birth day anniversary a few months back. I looked to my father then, realization in my expression.

"He knew his father planned on marrying us, that is why he brought flowers during his visits! He knew of this before I had the courtesy of even being made aware," I remember the timid touches to my hands, the soft dance in the ballroom as my brother danced with the young Princess Shauna of Riverside in his river blue dress, she was far too young for him but I saw her bright blush as my brother touched her.

"Beatrice, I will hear no more of this," My father growled lowly and I took one more glance at his light eyes and spun around running out the doors to the garden. I could here him calling after me, his low voice angry and rough. The guards patrolling the castle looked at me and I slowed to a walk, they would not dare touch me when they had no orders to so they continued walking. I entered the Queen's garden; it was my mother's life work to plant the garden in the east part of the castle grounds. It luscious and beautiful filled with daisies, roses, lily pads on the pond. It was peaceful and where I spent my time thinking and reflecting. I walked across the arched bridge looking down at the large koi fish beneath me. I took large breaths, only then noticing the tears in my eyes. I did not want to marry and I did not want to leave Rockton to the small city of Greenleaf. Rockton was by far the largest and richest city, with Riverside being the second. Greenleaf was smaller than Whiteturn, and both could fit into my home thrice. I watched the fish swim, their vibrant colours reflecting the garden around them. I could hear footsteps but I did not bother to run again.

"You could have told me," I spoke firmly to my brother, his steps stilled near me and he leaned against the railing of bridge looking over the edge. My dark navy dress and his navy pants matched but his top was white with the dark blue trim. We were the Prince and Princess of Rockton and we were forced to done the colours of our father's flag.

"Father ordered me not to, he only told me a fortnight ago. But alas I had a feeling long before that," I knew he was right, I should have known. Father always spoke of the young Prince, of his hunting abilities and politeness, he told me long before today but I never chose to listen.

"When?" I asked simply and my brother stilled and I knew it was soon.

"A fortnight," I sucked in a breath, it was sooner than I feared. My brother tapped his foot lightly on the wood bridge, causing the fish to scatter away scared of the sound. "The Prince and his father will arrive tomorrow noon and we are hosting a ball the next day," They were coming here, tomorrow.

"I have no choice," I reminded myself aloud and Caleb just nodded in the edge of my vision. He left me to think then, his sure steps walking away from me as I stared at the grains of wood in the bridge. He would go and tell the King that I had given in and would do as he commanded from now on. I had no choice and I did not plan on displeasing my future husband in his stay here. I knew Peter and I could be kind to him. I headed back to my room and my maid, Rose, told me she was ordered to bathe me. I knew it was all for the meeting tomorrow as there was an extravagant amount of lotions and perfumes available for me to choose from. I always adored the smell of lavender and thus I insisted on those. When I was thoroughly scrubbed and lathered I could be left alone. I sat in my chair reading of bandits raiding villages and stories of their brutality and rash brotherhoods that tormented small farmers. I wondered must it be like to be a bandit, free to do as you pleased and no duty to tend to. I read until my eyes burned and the sunlight dimmed to where even the candles were too dark for me to read. I placed the book down, blowing out the candles and lying under my blankets feeling my soft silk robe and I drifted to sleep thinking of the golden eyes of Peter.

I awoke early letting Rose dress me in a beautiful new white-navy gown, the soft fabric clearly handcrafted by the best tailor. I broke fast alone; my father likely preparing for the arrival of King Have and Prince Peter and my brother most commonly would be with him. I ate quickly before getting out of the castle and towards the royal stables. My mare, Dove, nickered to me and I walked to her petting her white hair. She was a beautiful ladies horse that contrasted sharply with the muscular, black horse next to her, which was my brother's. Dove was lean, with long flowing hair like mine. I quickly looked around, seeing the stable boys busy with cleaning the stables and feeding the hunting hounds. I grabbed Dove's leather headstall and opened her doors leading her out to the field. Careful not to dirty my dress I released the rope from her halter and watched her gallop off in the grass paddock. The grass, even the white fence, was immaculate but my horses hooves dug up the mud letting herself get down and roll in the dust. I could see the stable boy glance out at the field as Dove galloped around. "Take her in for lunch," I called to him and he only bowed his head at my request as I left my horse feeding on the grass. I saw a familiar guard doing the patrols and I walked over to him, he flashed me a smile before formally bowing as he was expected to. "Robert how goes duties?" He was my most trusted guard despite his young age; he rose in the ranks of the guards quickly due to his skill and likeable personality. My father up ranked him last year to my own personal guard and he was my closest confidant other than my brother.

"It is well my princess, we are tasked with increasing security with the arrival of the other King. We were told he had many issues with brotherhoods in his city and we worry that followed him here," I narrowed my eyes at that, bandits were dangerous and enjoyed reeking chaos on the cities. "Do not worry my lady, we have it under control," He said with a soft smile, I followed him as he continued on his patrol of the grounds watching the high castle walls.

"Will you come with me to Greenleaf?" I asked him, his eyes saddened at that. I knew he had family here, a younger sister and a mother as well. He got paid enough to work for us and they lived modestly but he would be reluctant to leave them behind.

"I heard the King considered it but I have no received orders, my lady," I could tell he did not want to leave. He adored his family.

"Please I extend an invitation to your sister and mother for the ball, I can find them clothing," I told him and Robert just smiled at my kindness. No one would notice if them came as usually nobility in the city were invited, they would not notice one common family.

"My lady, that is too much they would be out of place," He spoke back to me and I shook my head.

"It is not! I am your princess I order it," I spoke with a smile and he knew he had little choice now and he nodded.

"Susan would be delighted, my mother will likely not attend though she will be grateful for the invitation," I heard the horns of the gates and knew that my Prince was here. I took a breath and Robert nodded at me encouragingly as I wished him well and walked back towards my duties. I found Caleb already standing at the steps into the castle, his white clothes spotless. The wide gates of Rockton castle began to open revealing the carriage of Greenleaf. The side painted with their dark green and blue flag. I stood straight beside my brother; he would always be first to greet guests due to being the heir as the King waited in the Throne room. The carriage stopped and was opened by one of our guards. The King and Queen of Greenleaf came out first and Caleb greeted them with a low bow. Had we been commoners we would have been forced to kneel but alas we were also royal. The King greeted Caleb with a nodded and my brother kissed the Queen's hand respectfully. The King's golden eyes fell to me as I stood behind my brother and he smiled.

"Princess Beatrice, you are as beautiful as I remembered," He spoke with a smile and I thanked him and the Queen spoke similar pleasantries. My dark eyes glanced back as Peter exited the carriage; he was dressed in an elegant outfit with the forest green of his flag. He already had a bouquet of flowers in his hand, this time yellow daisies that my mother used to love. He greeted my brother quickly but his eyes were on me.

"Prince Peter I am glad to see you again, the flowers are wonderful," I spoke with a smile as he gave me a kiss on the hand and gave me the flowers. The King and Queen walked in with Caleb as the Prince and I trailed behind them.

"Your dress is beautiful my lady," He said lowly, almost as if he himself was shy. We walked back into my father's room together. My father and the other King greeted each other as old friends, which they were while we waited for them.

"Welcome to Rockton once again Prince Peter such a joyful occasion as well," My father spoke with a boisterous voice. I was certain my father did not miss the flowers in my hand or the close proximately we held to one another.

"Yes King Andrew, I am most delighted," My Prince said with a smile and I matched his as he looked at me.

"Your father and I are yet to discuss wedding arrangements but we are certain it will take place in a fortnight at Greenleaf but in two days time Rockton is hosting a ball for your engagement," King Hayes told me then, his gold eyes on me and I smiled, I could see Caleb watching my expression and he could tell I was faking it.

"Please Princess Beatrice take a walk with your Prince around the grounds, Robert shall be outside to escort you," I knew that was my father's way of dismissing us so they may speak of their arrangements. Peter looked at me and held out his arms which I linked mine with as we walked towards the door. Robert stood waiting for us and he took notice of the locked arms. We walked out together and the young guards followed us just out of earshot to give protect by privacy.

"When did you find out, my lady?" Peter asked softly and he unraveled his arm as soon as we were out of view of our parents, I looked at him curiously, his light eyes worried

"Yesterday," He sighed slowly like he was upset by that, perhaps he was. He ran his hand through his dark hair messing it up slightly.

"I am sorry," Was all he said and I realized he was not aware that I did not know before, he likely assumed I already knew. We walked along the cobblestone paths right past my mare in her field. I looked out at her as she stood biting the grass and she glanced up as we passed. "Is that your horse?" He asked gesturing that we could walk closer to her and we did. She came towards the fence expecting a treat that I did not have. Peter petted her face softly and she leaned into him. "Her name?"

"Dove," I said softly barely above the wind. Peter turned to me; his frame was larger than me, his eyes looking down at me. His eyes were filled with worry, I knew him well enough to recognize that.

"Are you alright?" He asked softly to me and I noted his tone was genuine. His hand reached out and touched my lower arm and I glanced down at the contact making him retract it.

"I am, my prince," I said quietly but he knew I was lying, my voice too timid. He pursed his lips slightly at my answer but did not push me to say anymore. We continued walking around the grounds and it should have been nice, the weather was cool, Peter would smile and ask what my favourite flower was or the type of fishes. But alas I could not get the thought out that I was being forced to marry him. He stood me before we reentered the castle his eyes softly looking down at me.

"That was nice, my princess. The garden was almost as beautiful as you," He said with a boyish grin and I blushed slightly and thanked him. His face was serious then. "I must give you this," He held his hand out and I placed mine in his. He pulled from his pocket a beautiful diamond ring, it was simplistic but you could see the pricelessness of it. He slipped it onto my finger and I ran my other fingers along it. It was beautiful and elegant.

"It is beautiful," I breathed to him and I was not faking my shock, the silver band indented with small diamonds that matched the large one placed in the middle.

"I am glad you like it Princess, I shall see you later tonight for dinner," He spoke, I smiled and nodded as he disappeared up the stairs likely to one of the guest rooms. Robert was behind me as I leaned against the large entrance pillars of the castle, the double doors still wide open. I twirled my ring around my finger, feeling the weight of it.

"It is a beautiful ring Princess," Robert spoke lowly and I looked at him before nodding softly. I did not reply to him as I entered the castle and went to my room thoughts racing through my mind. I lounged in my room thinking of everything that was going to happen in the next two weeks. I stood up grabbing a dress from my cabinet, a beautiful red dress and stuffed it in a bag. It could be ironed out, I grabbed my dark cloak and headed out of my room and to the castle gate. No one was around the front end of the castle other than guards so I made it out to the gate and slid my cloak over my head.

"Princess is it wise to leave at this time?" A guard questioned me. I had strong command over them and when I nodded the gate began to slide open. When it was largest enough I slipped out and called back to the guard.

"I trust my father will not hear of this?" I questioned and the guard shook his head obediently. I knew though if my father were to ask they would answer him as they served their King first and then their Prince and Princess, but my father would not ask if he did not noticed my presence. I covered my blonde hair with the hood of the black cloak and started down the cobblestone path. I lowered my head as I passed merchants on their carts and no one seemed to notice my identity. I wandered down the road, weaving through some cottages before getting to the door I wanted. I knocked briskly as I noticed some young men outside a bar that seemed to take notice of me. It was broad daylight yet many of them would not even recognize their princess without the hood, but still I would not take the chance of my father hearing of this. The door opened to a shocked girl face, her dark hair was braided in front of her and her blue eyes matched her brother's.

"Princess?" She breathed and let me in, closing the door quickly behind me. I pulled down my hood and looked around the small place. It was quaint with clean cream walls and firm wooden tables, the fire burning clearly roasting something.

"Susan, your brother did not have time to inform you but I wanted to formally invite you to the ball tomorrow night," Her eyes widened with shock. Robert had taken me to see his sister and mother before after a trip to the market that I insisted on but I truly should not be here without a guard.

"Princess, that is too much, I do not have anything to wear to such an occasion," She spoke with grace; she seemed to learn formal speech from her brother. I handed her the bag and she opened it with large round eyes. She pulled the red dress out; it looked to be a good size for her as we were of similar height and weight. She touched the fabric with a look of shock. "I should not," She breathed out but I just shook my head at her.

"Please I insist, it is a party for my engagement," I said with a sigh and Susan's eyes jumped to mine, she clearly had not heard of that. I took a seat on the wooden chair and she lightly rested the dress on the sofa before sitting across from me. I twirled the ring in my hand. "I am to marry Prince Peter,"

"That is wonderful, right?" Susan asked with a wary tone, knowing it must not be with my quiet reaction. I just gave a small smile at the sentiment.

"I suppose," My words gave away more than I should to my guard's sister. She gave me an understanding look, but likely she would never understand.

"What is the Prince like?" She asked quietly, placing her hands on her knees gracefully. I really took a look at her, she had beautiful nearly black hair that was held in a braid, her eyes kind and bright. She looked sweet and loving. What if I had been her?

"He is kind, I have known him since we were both children," Susan stayed quiet, knowing that was not the end of the conversation. She patiently waited and I just sighed softly. "I do not want to get married, I did not think I would have to worry about it until at least my brother did," I admitted to the common girl softly, she looked at me with wide eyes.

"Is the Prince getting married?" She asked a little too quickly, I narrowed my eyes at her slightly with a smile.

"Not yet, why does that bother you?" I asked grinning and Susan blushed politely and shook her head denying her words. I knew common girls and nobility alike adored my brother, with his dark blond hair and large eyes he was notably attractive. Susan was not omitted from this fact.

"No Princess, just curious," She spoke bashfully and I just chuckled. "Will you take my brother with you when you move to Greenleaf?" I could hear the nerves in her voice, the wavering voice. I glanced up at her before lowering my eyes back to my delicate hands.

"I am unsure, that is still the decision of the King," I reminded her softly, I had no power over where guards were stationed but I knew it was likely he would follow me. While my new husband could provide guards Robert was of high command and would likely be tasked with my protection in the smaller city. I did not tell Susan that, but I knew she knew by her soft, sad sigh. She did not want her brother to leave and I understood. It was hard being female in the city, her brother kept her and her mother safe and without him they would be on edge and nervous of burglars or rapers. I would ensure that did not happen to them but they would worry, their mother especially. I heard loud footsteps and sat up straighter looking around, Susan glanced at me before getting up and looking out the window, she let out a breath and I knew it was nothing to fear.

"Susan! Why did you leave the door unlock, I tell you every time to be safer, there could be…" Robert spoke loudly as he entered the small house, his voice interrupted by the sight of me sitting in his living room. He looked rapidly to his sister who only shrugged sheepishly; it was not her fault I was here. "Princess why are you here? You should not be out of the city with guards, I was told you were in your room?" His blue eyes looking down at me, clearly worried he would be punished for my disappearance or worry for my safety, could be either, and could be both. I only smiled at him as I rose up from the chair.

"I am alright dear Robert, no need to worry," I assumed him but he did not relax.

"My guards did not tell me you left, gods those men never listen I should have them expelled," He ranted roughly but I shook my head softly.

"I ordered them not to say anything to my father," I admitted and he sighed roughly, he looked me over then making sure I was all right. He looked at the black clock covering my elaborate dress underneath that would most definitely give away my status. He gave a small chuckle seeming to drop the angry persona, I gave him a cheeky smile and his sister just watched us

"You are impossible, Princess," Robert spoke with a sigh and breathy laugh getting over his initial worry. "Not sure how I can keep track of you in Greenleaf," As soon as he spoke Susan and I looked up briskly, he rubbed the side of his head at the two girls staring at him.

"You are coming with me?" I asked and he nodded slowly and his sister sucked in a breath. I looked at her, her eyes large and worried. Robert was her only brother she needed him. I cursed my father, who must have known.

"You are leaving me?" Susan asked softly her eyes tearing up. Robert looked desperately from one girl to the other, his eyes rest on mine and I gave him an understanding look. Duty was the death of love.

"We will speak about this later sister, I must take the princess back to the castle," He looked at me and I raised my eyebrows before giving in with a nod. Susan looked sadly at us as we left the small house and she latched the door behind her. He was leaving her for me. My heart clenched with sadness. I did not want to leave and neither did my guard.

I pulled the hood over my head masking my hair before turning to speak to my companion. "I could ask my father not to make you go… I could find another guard…" Robert smiled softly at my words but I knew it was no use.

"Duty, my princess. Just as you must I must as well," He spoke lowly and I bite my lip looking up at him sadly. I did not want to cause other people sadness. I could have another guard. I could speak to Peter, my brother, someone. We walked silently and there were more looks as at us as I followed the guard up the winding road of Rockton. Carts flew past being pulled by mountain ponies from the nearby mines as they dragged diamonds, or oil barrels. He walked me to the castle entrance, waving for the gates to be opened. He gestured me in but he would head back home now.

"Thank you, Robert, apologies to your sister for me," He nodded at that but I could hear him saying, it is not your fault. I continued back into the castle grounds and into the castle. I did not make it very far before being stopped.

"Beatrice where you have you been?" My father growled and I looked up being met with the eyes of my father and the King of Greenleaf. Sets of blue and gold eyes both looking angry. I realized I had not take the cloak off and looked like I was sneaking around, which I was. I stuttered for a second before regaining my composure.

"I was taking my horse in Father, I put Dove in the field this morning and took her in for lunch," I paused and my father looked suspicious, the other King even more so. "I apologize for worrying you but I was just outside," I said politely.

"Why are you dressed like a common bandit?" My father questioned then and I stumbled over my words again.

"I… I did not wish to dirty my dress that you made me. It is most beautiful father and it would not look well to get dust all over it," I said quickly and I knew it was obvious I was lying.

"You are lying daughter," My father commented promptly and I lowered my head slightly.

"Do you have no control over your daughter King Prior, she could have been taken," The other King roughly argued and I knew I did not like him. His golden eyes unwavering as he looked me over and I shifted in my stance. My father looked like he was going to speak but another voice interrupted him.

"Apologies my Kings, but the Princess was with her white mare, I saw her out of my chambers," Peter walked out from the west entrance, ever graceful and poised. I looked at him confused, what was he doing? The two fathers looked at one another, puzzled at what to do. They were certain I was lying but here the prince was bluffing for me.

"Is that right Prince Peter?" My father questioned and my Prince nodded taking close steps to me so he stood beside me, towering over my small frame. We stood together facing the two Kings, both of us being dishonest. My fiancé nodded confirmed his lie and the Kings sighed knowing they had no grounds now. "Very well, I shall not argue with your son King Hayes, he seems very sure of himself. Daughter, if I catch you sneaking around again there will be consequences," He warned me and I just nodded at my father. Peter took my arm and led me up the stairs and out of range of our fathers. I looked to him pulling my arm out of his when we were alone.

"Why are you lying for me?" I growled lowly and he looked taken back by my words and tone.

"I just helped you, why are you angry?" He asked offended.

"What do you want?" I asked this time and his held straight eye contact with me before sighing. I felt the ring between my fingers, the cold metal and large white diamond.

"I do not want anything, my Princess, I just want to get along with you," He spoke and I could hear the honest in his voice. I relaxed slightly giving in. Thanking him for helping me and he smiled slightly before the smile dropped slightly. "Where were you?" He asked then and I looked up worriedly. I did not want to get Robert or the guards in trouble for helping me.

"I was visiting a friend," He raised his eyebrows and I sighed playing with the end of my hair. "Outside of the walls,"

I could see his fist clench at his side. "That is not safe," He stated and I knew that was what he was going to say. "A friend?" He questioned then and I shifted my feet.

"You have met my guard Robert," He stiffened and I knew how that sounded and quickly recovered what I was saying. "No, nothing like that! I was visiting his sister in the city," I swore to him and he seemed to believe me but he was not happy.

"Be safe Princess," Was all he said and I was surprised as he walked away. He did not ask me to say I would not do it again, or ask me why I was there. I stood mystified at his actions.

Cities and Families:

Rockton: Andrew, Beatrice, Caleb Prior

Whiteturn: Marcus, Evelyn Eaton

Riverside: Lynn, Hector, Shauna Righter

Clouddale: Christina

Greenleaf: Peter Hayes

Stockrun: Will Hughes