Chapter 1: Princess or Princess

June 24th

Hello, I am Aria. Princess Aria, of the kingdom of Plis. Recently, our kingdom has been under attack by the kingdom of Fritz. They are against a human marrying an angel, as either my sister or myself shall be sent to marry the Prince of Angels.

My elder sister is also a princess of the kingdom of Plis. Maximas, or as we call her Max. Max seems to be her usual laid back self, even though security has been tightened up.

Currently we are at the Garden Palace. I'm not sure how long we'll be here, but until the new palace is complete we must stay here. I hear someone knocking. I shall put this diary away and write down all the important things in here as they happen.

Aria hid the leather-bound book, finger combed blonde her hair, and hurriedly opened the door. A short girl walked in; her shoulder-length, light brown hair resting on her shoulders, and dark brown eyes glancing across the small, classic castle-style room. "Aria," she spoke, her voice full of authority. Aria noticed she had on one of her more dressy dresses, and pulled part of her hair up. "It's almost time to go to the ceremony."

"Ceremony?" Aria blinked her light blue eyes in confusion and tilted her head to the side a little.

"To announce who will marry the Prince! How could you forget?!" Aria's eyes opened wide.

"It's today?"

"Yes."

***

The Grand Hall of the Garden Palace was filled with life and activity when Aria and Max arrived. The marble stair cases and arch ways were polished until they shined and the assorted plants and flowers were trimmed and watered, looking very healthy. Aria slid through the crowd her puffy light blue dress and bow not the only reason why she was gathering many stares.

"That's Princess Aria!"

"She's sooooo pretty!!!!"

"Princess Maximas will definitely be chosen over her."

"Ewwww. It's Princess Aria."

"She's so small for her age!"

"How old is she?! She can't be 18!"

Although Aria had lived her whole life in the public eye, and it was natural that people would talk about her, she blushed a little Everytime she felt someone's gaze on her, or heard her name called. She only felt better when the royal speaker called everyones attention.

"If I may have everyone's attention," he began, eyes glazing over the crowd until it was silent. "We will announce which princess will be marrying Prince Kaden of the Angels." There was a silence, interrupted by someone shouting:

"Just tell us all that Princess Maximas is the chosen one!"

Several whispers broke out. "SLIENCE!" the crowd stopped. "The princess to wed Prince Kaden is…PRINCESS ARIA!"

Silence filled the room. Then whispers broke out. "Why her? She's only 18!"

"Princess Maximas should have been chosen!"

"She can't be old enough!"

"The kingdom is going to the dogs! Next they'll suggest we all sacrifice ourselves to Fritz!"

***

Aria's head was pressed up against the stained glass of the window. Tears ran like rivers down her face. She glanced up at the stars and clouds overhead. "Why mom? Why?"