It was like any cloudy day in our village and still the smell of war and death loomed over us. Many men had already died but still all our village prayed our soldiers would come home soon. I am Zarita and I have a twin sister named Ilona. We both work for the village baker and we had been working many days to ensure the soldiers had food and we were starting to run low on supplies.
Our prayers were finally answered within two days of the declaration of our supply shortages, when, after many months of fighting, our remaining soldiers returned. Ilona and I were among everyone on the streets when the army came riding in led by the mysterious and handsome prince, Vlad Tepes or as he had become known on the battlefield, Vlad the Impaler. As we cheered, Ilona and I noticed there was a sullen crowd in front of the church.
"Is that the Order Draco" I whispered. "Indeed and rumors are now spreading that they are not all they claim to be. Some have said something sinister will befall us and they will be to blame" Ilona whispered in reply. We continued watching as the soldiers were reunited with family and other families were given something their husbands had left behind for them. That's when I saw Vlad was watching Ilona. "His highness was watching you" I whispered to her as we began returning to our work.
"I'm fairly certain his highness was watching you Zarita" Ilona replied as we finished making the dough for sweet bread."Really now sister, you are being silly. What would a mystery like Vlad Tepes see in someone like me" I asked. "Everything that makes a good wife" Ilona told me. "If that's the case then why have you received four marriage proposals that you have rejected and I haven't received one" I asked in reply."Because you're much too particular" Ilona answered as we put the dough on trays, kneaded them, and put them in the ovens. "Is it wrong of me to question a suitor's intentions" I asked as we cleaned our hands.
"All I'm saying Zarita is try and trust one suitor and he might prove to be a gentleman" Ilona told me as we took the others trays of bread and brought them up to the store. Right then, I saw his highness, Vlad Tepes come riding up.
"Ilona, look who just stopped outside" I whispered as we finished wrapping the breads and placing them in the correct baskets. He walked in and immediately, Ilona and I curtsied. "Dear girls, please rise. You need not be formal" Vlad said, walking toward the counter. Ilona and I rose immediately and watched as he made his way toward us.
I could see his piercing blue eyes inspecting both Ilona and myself. "Are either of you currently courting" he asked. "No your highness" we answered at the same time. "And your names" he asked, watching us carefully. "Ilona" my sister answered. I hesitated a moment before answering "Zarita."
"Such beautiful names and one of your names means 'princess' if I'm not mistaken. Perhaps, your name is a sign of your destiny" Vlad commented, looking at me before he continued "Lady Zarita, I must ask if you will join me for supper at six this evening." I was at a loss for an answer as his eyes had a hold over me and stolen all control of my thoughts and my words. Next thing I knew, I found myself saying yes to his invitation.
When he was gone, I blinked a couple times and asked Ilona "What have I gotten myself into?" "Supper with his highness which could lead to him taking you at the altar" Ilona answered before adding "You need to clean up and change into something nicer." We told the owner and then took off back to our cottage.
Ilona helped me choose one of mother's old dresses and fix my hair. "Ilona, I'm not sure I'm the one for his highness" I commented, looking at my plain reflection. I certainly looked nothing like a princess. Ilona placed her hands on my shoulders and told me "You are beautiful Zarita and he seems to think you are perfect as well. You need not discourage yourself. Just be the lady mother taught us to be."
Right then, we heard the thundering of horse's hooves and carriage wheels. I stood from the chair and made my way to the door as one of the guards met me and helped me into the carriage. I briefly caught eyes with Ilona before the horses took off. I still couldn't help but feel something evil was about to befall my life but I had no clue how everything would change but would it be for the best or the worst?