****WOW! I cannot believe how much encouragement I got to continue. Thank you, everyone, for your kind words. It makes me happy! So I've decided... I will do my best to continue. I've never written a complete story and I'm kind of scared it won't turn out right, but I will try. It would seriously help me if you guys continued to encourage me. Well anyways, this is set in a different world. It's pretty self-explanatory. Enjoy! Also, I'm a new Beta and I would love to work on some stories, so if you like the style, maybe you should ask me to beta for you! ^^ ****

The chair was uncomfortable, but I was not permitted to fidget. My back hurt and the shoes I was wearing were pinching my feet. I shifted slightly to my left to try to ease a little of the tension in my back, but this earned me a glare from Alice, so I straightened back up until my spine was completely vertical. I closed my eyes and thought of my soft bed. I felt relieved that I could soon go and strip myself of this ridiculous outfit, and then collapse on my wonderful, wonderful bed.

Someone cleared their throat. "Your Highness." I opened my eyes and looked at the balding man in front of me. Just my gaze had him sweating.

"Yes?" I looked down on him, probably causing him more distress than necessary, but could you blame me? What do you expect when I am subjected to this much discomfort. I had been sitting here for hours, doing nothing but listening to complaints and giving reserved comments, meant to keep everybody content.

He used a handkerchief to wipe his brow. "I… uhh… I-I…"

The man looked like he was going to have a heart attack if he continued, so Alice stepped in on his behalf, since she had the privilege of scolding me. "Are you going to make him repeat himself, Princess? He asked if you were ready to accept the company of His Royal Highness of Albasca." She gave me a reprimanding look, but it was unnecessary. My focus sharpened on the conversation.

I had forgotten about this visit. I knew that it was coming up soon but I didn't think it would be for another few days. The traveling party must have moved quickly. I wouldn't say that I was eager for this confrontation, so much as curious. My mother had recently signed a pact with our sister kingdom, Albasca, to join our two countries into one. This would be made official by the marriage of the two heirs to the thrones; one of which would be I. This would be the first time that I had met my fiancé.

"My apologies." I suddenly felt a little guilty for causing this man discomfort when it wasn't his fault for my own. "Please send him in." I waited a few minutes, as he left to deliver my message, for the door to the throne room to open once more.

Altogether, four people entered. There were two knights in front, who blocked my view of the other two standing behind them. They were garbed in light leather, made for traveling, and had patches of mud crusted onto their clothes. When they came to the appropriate distance for speaking to me the two knights walked to the side and revealed the people they were concealing. The first man to catch my notice was unusual. This man, his advisor, I suppose, was dressed in light-colored robes and had glasses. He had curly black hair and had one of the darkest shades of skin I had ever seen.

This dark featured man spoke to me first. "Princess Royale Isabella Terre de Nakadia, it is with great honor that I properly introduce you to your betrothed, Prince Royale Edward Ciel de Albasca." This comment made my eyes land on the man next to him.

I was stunned.

He had a head full of copper hair that was going in every which way. His sun-colored skin contrasted with his white clothing. He had on loose attire that was made for traveling, but it did not entirely hide his toned body. I looked at his face and saw that he had lightly colored eyes. He walked up the few steps to where I was sitting and kneeled before me. My hand was pulled into his own as he kissed it. I could now see that he had a beautiful shade of green eyes.

Luckily, I had been taught to control my emotions in front of an audience, so I wasn't drooling.

"It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance," he whispered. His voice was deep and soothing; the perfect voice for a leader. His intonations alone made you want to trust and confide in him.

"I appreciate your sentiment. I trust that your travels were fair?" I could offer no compliment in return for it would be considered to be inappropriate. He let go of my hand and strode back to his advisor.

"As fair as Your Highness can expect, under the circumstances," he replied. "As you can see by our worn attire, we have not yet had the opportunity to settle in from our traveling. If you would be so kind as to pardon us, I am sure that my escorts would enjoy a bit of rest and a chance to clean up."

Now that he had mentioned it, when I looked past his dizzying beauty, I did notice how he was slightly dirty and how he concealed a couple of weapons that he still carried around his waist.

"Of course," I answered. "You are welcome to any of the accommodations offered in our Palace," I told his knights and advisor. "There have been specific chambers readied for you, Prince Edward. Alice," I gestured to her, "will guide you to them. If you should have need of anything, do not hesitate to ask one of our servants."

"I thank you for your warm welcome." With this he turned around and strode out of the doors with his men on his heels. Alice had to run to catch up with him to perform her assigned duty.

Now that I was alone in the chamber, I permitted myself to slouch in the throne, my back protesting. I sighed. I wasn't sure what I was expecting from him, but it was definitely not what I had received.

**A**

I woke up with a surreal feeling. Did I honestly just meet the man that was to be my husband? It was like I was reading a story that had a bad build up. I felt like someone was saying, "Here you go! This is your life. I know you didn't get to chose much of it but there's no changing it now." I grunted and rolled back over. I didn't want to face reality at the moment.

Too bad Alice didn't feel that way.

"Rise and shine, Sleeping Beauty!" She threw open my curtains, letting sunlight flood through my room.

"No," I grumbled.

"Don't you 'no' me, missy! I didn't watch over you since you were three to hear you talk to me like that. Get your royal butt out of bed and go downstairs to eat breakfast with your mother and future husband." I sat up at this. "Got your attention, did I? So His Royal Highness is your Prince Charming." She winked at me.

"I wouldn't say that." I looked up at her.

"Oh, what's wrong, honey?" Alice always knew when I was upset, even when I was wearing my best poker face. "I had hoped that you would like him." She looked saddened by this.

"It's not that I don't like him. I just feel like I'm being forced into something, like I don't get to make any choices about my life." I wouldn't confide this to anyone but my caretaker, not even my mother knew as much about my life as Alice.

"I know, my dear, but sometimes you have to make something good come out of something bad. I think you should give Prince Edward a chance." She sat down next to me and wrapped me in her arms. "I know that you don't always have it the easiest, but it is your responsibility to ensure the happiness of your people. You know as well as I do that this marriage is paramount to that. Just don't forget to make sure that you are happy as well, even if it's just the simple things in life."

I smiled at her. "Thank you, Alice. So how is my mother taking to him?" She stood up and helped me with the covers as I rose from my bed.

"I swear that that boy has the tongue of the devil. He is charming her until she's practically giddy." She shook her head. "Come, Princess. You need to get dressed."

**A**

I entered into the dining hall, a bit apprehensive. I wasn't sure of how to approach this situation. I had never entered into a meal late before, seeing as how I usually dined alone. I walked over to where my two companions were sitting, and heard laughter. I smiled at that. Laughter was rare from my mother, so it was to be treasured.

My mother had become somewhat distant from everyone after my father's death. From what I had heard from the household servants and my hazy memories, they had been deeply in love. It tore her apart to be left without him. She never showed it, however, or shirked her responsibilities. So I took a deep breath and rose to meet mine.

"Good morning." I gave a slight curtsey to the queen and prince. "I apologize for my tardiness." My mother turned to me and smiled. I missed her loving gestures, so it was like a breath of fresh air for me.

"Join us, daughter. The Crown Prince is quite the company." I sat down across from Edward and next to my mother, after a servant had pulled out a chair for me. "I understand that you had the pleasure of meeting him yesterday, Isabella." I nodded at this. "Well, he must think more of you than me because he did not bestow me with his presence until this morning." I glanced at Edward to see his reaction, only to find him grinning at the queen in a conspiring manner.

"I assure you, Your Majesty, that had I known that your lovely daughter received her exquisiteness from her maternal heritage, I would have prolonged my rest just to be graced with your presence." He bowed his head at her, and I laughed. He peeked up at me with his beautiful green eyes and winked. Alice was right; he was quite the charmer.

"I believe that my mother has been thoroughly captivated, Your Highness." I suddenly had an idea. A little teasing might be in order for that little comment. "So we are exquisite, are we?" After he glanced at me warily, I continued. "So whom may I ask, do you consider to have the most beauty?" I asked while grinning at my mother, hoping she would play along.

He pondered this as a serious question, while glancing between mother and daughter. No doubt thinking of what the right answer would be. "Well, Princess Isabella, you have the vibrancy of youth, with that striking red hair that is such a famous characteristic of the royal family and nobility in your respective kingdom. Yet, Her Majesty has a grace and eloquence that can only be acquired over time. So to answer your question, you both are of equal beauty in your own rights."

Mother was the one to answer him. "That answer serves to keep everyone happy. You will make a good monarch," she surmised, while giving me a wink. This only served to make him look down at his plate, and my mother and I shared a secret smile.

I was glad that he didn't seem to be as condescending as most of the nobility that I have met. That is not someone I would have wanted to share my life with. I stared at him while he ducked his head to hide his reddening cheeks. His hair was lighter, now that the dirt had been washed from it. It was now almost light enough to be mistaken with a shade of red. It looked soft and I found myself longing to touch the disarrayed locks. I wondered how it would feel to run my fingers through it…

I jumped slightly when the door slammed open. Two people entered. One carried my breakfast on a tray while the other rushed to my mother to whisper in her ear.

My mother addressed us while my breakfast was set out in front of me. "I have some business to attend to so please excuse me." She stood up and made her way toward the door with an air of authority. She walked with a purpose, and it made me wonder if I would walk like that when I became queen.

After the maidservant had left the room as well, I turned back towards my food.

"Your mother is quite unique, as queens go. I find myself fond of her already. You are very lucky." I listened to his deep voice in wonderment. That was an unusual comment to say the least; almost border-line improper. It was a remark only the closest of friends would share with one of royal blood. I was unsure of how to respond. I looked up at him to judge his countenance, but he was relaxed and confident. I was fairly sure that he meant nothing by it.

"I am aware of that, Your Highness. I believe that we are all blessed in some aspect. I am certain that your parents are just as affectionate towards their children."

He shifted towards me so that he could look at me more directly. "I recognize that it would be considered inappropriate for you to do so in front of spectators, but I would welcome it, if you were to just call me 'Edward' whilst we are alone. I would also be keen on referring to you as 'Isabella', if you don't mind." He looked at me with a charming smile on his face, meant to persuade, no doubt.

Suddenly, I found myself very angry. I am expected to be married off to a man that I barely know, and he thinks that he can just come into my life and expect to be one of my dearest friends because of it? I was beyond enraged. It was a battle just to keep my voice level. "Actually, I do mind, Your Highness." I stood up as the smile on his face faded. "Do not presume to know me due to our circumstances." I was still hungry, but I did not want to give him the satisfaction of seeing me calm down after making such an issue out of his comment, so I strode away quickly.

Once I was out of the room, I realized that I had made a fool out of myself. He was most likely just trying to make this easier on both of us and I had to take it as an insult. This did not change the fact, however, that I was too proud to admit to him that I was wrong.

I sighed and headed for my garden. I needed time to think.

**A**

Once I reached my personal sanctuary, I went straight for my flowers and lay down. Being with my plants and flowers, laying on the fertile soil itself, seemed to give me energy. It was like getting a loving caress from Mother Nature herself. I sighed contentedly and relaxed. It was like I could feel a pulse from the flowers themselves, just giving out energy to their surroundings because they were so full of life. This is where I felt at home the most.

I loved my garden with a passion. There were very few that were even allowed into this place. Alice, my mother, and I were the only regular occupants. The servants were only allowed to enter in an emergency. Not even the caretaker came into this greenhouse, unless I was on an extended trip and could not tend to it myself. I cared for every single plant in this room. This is where I came when the stress became too much for me. Taking care of my plants helped keep my mind off of my worries.

After laying there for a few minutes, I decided to get some work done. Some of the tulips required water, and there were some dead leaves that could use disposing of. I changed into my gardening clothes that were in a small closet located near the entrance, and after I put up my ridiculously long hair (I wasn't allowed to cut it), I got to work.

As I worked, I considered how I felt about what was happening. I was required by duty to my country to marry Prince Royale Edward Ciel de Albasca; this would join our sister kingdoms into one. So what that means for me is that I have to marry a handsome, rich, and charming prince. It doesn't sound too terrible when I put it like that. So why was I making such a fuss about it? Was I really so stubborn that I couldn't do my duty just because I had no say in it? I could be so much worse off. I should be grateful for the fate I had been given.

While picking out the dead petals and leaves from the flowers, I tried to think of why I was really upset. The meal was going fine until my mother left…. Could that be it? Was I upset that he was able to spend more time with her? I thought of how they were interacting with each other, and I had my answer. I was jealous of the way conversation flowed so easily between them, when it was so strained when it was just my mother and me.

With this last thought, Alice barged in, and she looked like a mad red hen. I stood up to face whatever chastisement she was bound to give me.

She walked straight up to me, and even though I was a good six inches taller than her, she seemed to tower over me. "What is the matter with you?! What did Prince Edward say that was so horrible that deserved for you to screech at him and run off to your hideout? This, I might mention, had the effect of making me leave your windows half washed because no other servant is allowed in there." She was now tapping her foot impatiently with her hands on her hips. Now that I knew the reason why she was really upset, the sight was almost comical. I had to keep a giggle back because it would have only made the matter worse.

"Well, to be honest, he didn't really do anything horrible. We were having breakfast with my mother, but she had to leave soon after I arrived due to business. He made a couple comments that were personal, and I took offense to it. I mean, we have known each other for not even a whole day yet, and he wanted to personalize our relationship with each other. He doesn't know me so why should he have the privilege of acting like he does? Also… I may have been a little jealous that he could interact so freely with my mother when she has been so distant with everyone else." I turned away from her so that she couldn't see the look on my face right now.

Alice seemed to deflate at this admission. She reached out to touch my arm to console me. "Bella, you need to trust that there are reasons behind the way the Queen acts towards you. She would never intentionally hurt you. She loves you too much."

"She has a funny way of showing it," I snapped. "If she loves me so much, why is it that she has talked more to a stranger in one morning than she has to her own daughter in an entire month?!" I was now breathing very heavily through my nose and my hands twitched, aching to hit something to vent my anger.

"Calm down," was her brilliant reply. Yeah, that answered everything.

She waited patiently for me to get over my temper tantrum while I paced around, wanting something to throw at the wall. Alice's next tactic was to distract me.

"They are having a banquet in honor of the Princess's engagement," she informed me.

Go figure. "I presume that it will be held soon, seeing as how the Prince will be leaving the day after tomorrow."

"Yes, it is. Tonight, actually." She was fiddling with her sleeves, now, obviously afraid that I would take it badly. This didn't surprise me, though. I already knew that things were being rushed with this marriage. Both Nakadia and Albasca were under the threat of the ever expanding empire of Nalmarna. The sister kingdoms were strong in their own ways. Albascans had befriended the dragons that live in their mountainous land and had fierce warriors that fight with them. Nakadians had a way with the land to make it do their bidding, creating a powerful weapon if so desired. Even with these strengths, however, Nalmarna has caused much terror with its technology wielding army. This marriage was a way of joining our two countries. The hope was that with our combined forces, it would make Nalmarna hesitant to create hostilities.

When I looked over at Alice again, she was still avoiding any eye contact, and I began to become suspicious.

"What are you hiding from me?" I inquired.

She took a step back from me and looked over my shoulder while replying. "It is nothing, Your Highness."

It must be really bad if she wasn't telling me straight off. "Alice." I paused, as I waited for her to meet my eyes. "I pride myself in how close we are and how we tell each other everything. I think of you as both a mother and best friend. I don't want to start omitting important information from you. Please don't start with me." By this time, Alice had closed the distance and embraced me.

"I don't want to keep anything from you. I just know that you will be upset." She looked at me sympathetically and said, "I've been ordered to start packing your things."

I was shocked this time. "Whatever for?"

She pulled back and looked me in the eye. "Your mother has issued a notice this morning that you are to accompany the Prince back to Albasca and make your official visit earlier than planned."

"Why would she do that?"

"That's something that you need to bring up with your mother," she advised while looking away from me.

Why would Mother speed up the visit? Did she want to move up the wedding as well? She couldn't do that though, could she? Two entire kingdoms have already been told a date. It would cause a lot of chaos to change it so suddenly. Why would she want to anyways?

"I'll talk to her at the engagement party," I finally said. "That's probably the soonest I would be able to see her anyways." I walked back towards the entrance to put my tools away. I did not leave my garden, however. Instead, I walked back over to my flowers and, once more, lay down on the soil. I closed my eyes, letting the feeling and energy of the plants relax me.