I was naturally bored out of her mind. It was yet another ordinary summer afternoon in the kingdom of Demacia. I probably have a class later on in the evening, as if I have not studied enough already. Arithmetic in the morning, biological science at noon, liberal studies such as language and history afterwards, magic training once more, and then several summons to the League. Day in, day out. Not to mention all of those dreadful performances my father forces me to do during formal events. All those light shows. All those people. All that sound. It was annoying, and awfully tiring to deal with on a daily basis. But those were indeed the duties of royalty, and that I absolutely am. Luxanna Crownguard, the perfect little princess of Demacia, always radiating with happiness, sunshine, and energy. Oh, please.

I was perched by my bedroom window, a book on my lap and a relaxing breeze blowing through the open pane caressed my long, blonde hair like water. I breathed in the scent of the florals from the garden down below. I love this time of day- when the world is at peace and I can somehow manage to find some tranquility in this superficial, self-centered architectural pandemonium of a civilization. Bearing the weight of a crown is oh so difficult. I adorned my usual outfit, a form fitting navy blouse cloaked over by a sheer, white drape embellished with gold trim, my palms hidden underneath metallic gloves. Sleek, denim trousers that disappeared at my knees underneath sensible leather boots. A silvery headband tucked within my golden tresses that will always flicker whenever a glimmer of light decides to shine over it. The book I was reading was particularly unrealistic- another one of those hopelessly romantic fairytales about a princess and a prince whom both completely despise one another but then soon realizes the feelings of their respective significant others and then proceeds to gallop together in the sunset on an impressive stallion and mare, disappearing into the horizon as they live out their well deserved happily ever afters. If only life were that simple. I took another sigh before stepping off of my windowsill and exiting my bedroom. I was surprised when a chambermaid burst through my door, eyes laced with stress and trepidation.

"Miss Luxanna!" she gasped, after pausing to catch her breath.

I placed a finger over my temple and shook my head with frustration. "What is it?!" I snapped, unintentionally of course. I never lash out at the Demacian servants but I felt as if my patience was running especially short today. The timid lady jumped at my sudden outburst, before I maintained my composure and cleared my throat.

"What is it?" I repeated, in a much more high-pitched voice, one that would suit my bubbly and energetic exterior quite well.

"Y-Your evening classes are cancelled," she continued reluctantly. "King Crownguard would like to request your presence at the gala today in the western wing of the castle. Some highly acclaimed Demacian aristocrats will be making their appearances, and he wants you to-"

"Do another performance, I know, I know," I finished, maneuvering my way across the chamber in order to remove a formal outfit. Might as well start early for yet another one of these exceptionally important social gatherings. "What do you think I should wear? A nice blouse, perhaps? Maybe a skirt if I am feeling extra fancy."

"A dress, your highness," the servant girl interrupted. "King Crownguard requests that you dress extra formally for this.. particular event."

"May I ask why?" I inquired, turning around to face her.

"U-um, well I cannot exactly disclose that information to you at this exact moment, my dear.." she stuttered nervously, twisting the washcloth intertwined within her hands.

"Oh, come on!" I squealed, stomping my foot on the ground, anger proceeding to build within my stomach. My face started to flush bright red. "Why is my life so difficult? Not even the subjects dedicated to my servitude will be honest with me. It is so frustrating to deal with all of you stingy peasants all the time, I swear If only someone- perhaps a I don't know, lowly chambermaid could possibly understand the complications I have to encounter, the obstacles course I have to complete, the struggles I must tolerate, how treacherous of an existence it is to be a princess! Oh, the horror-"

"Alright, alright!" the maid eventually capitulated. They always do. A smile began to tug at a corner of my lips. You can tell she was exasperated with me. Her once gentle hands were now balled into furious fists and her bonnet was slightly unaligned due to how many times she has probably shaken her head in annoyance upon entrance into my bedchamber. She looked around apprehensively, eyes darting from corner to corner. "You have to promise not to tell anyone I told you this, otherwise my life is on the line, oh I couldn't possibly-"

"You gave in," I chided, placing a hand onto her delicate shoulder. She wriggled away from under my hands.

"B-but, I couldn't possibly, they were orders given to me by the king of Demacia himself, if I were to wrong him, I would.. I can't, I am sorry Lux!" she cried, slinking away from me.

"Shhhh," I hushed, placing a finger to her lips. It was almost theatrical, my interaction with these people. "Don't fight it. I am the one you professed loyalty the day you decided to give in to this life of servitude, remember?"

"Of course.." she muttered hesitantly. Finally, she surrendered, even to herself, thank God. She pushed me into my spacious wardrobe and checked to see if anyone was watching us before shutting the sliding door behind us. "You have to be patient with me due to the fact that the information I know is still.. limited, to say the least."

I nodded frantically. "Just tell me already!"

"Well, you see, my lady, that sort of defeats the purpose of this conversation if you want to know everything all at once in one go because my knowledge is still quite limited, and if you can stop tugging at my hair that would be very much appreciated," the servant girl pleaded desperately.

"S-sorry, I will stop," I apologized, quickly taking a step away from the poor chambermaid. She took a deep breath before continuing.

"Anyway, the reason King Crownguard wants you to present yourself.. elegantly tonight is due to an ar-" she immediately covered her mouth after uttering the first section of the word I was so desperately craving to hear.

"Ar?!" I exclaimed. "Ar?! That is all you have to say to me after so much begging and

deal-breaking and anticipation? Is this genuinely the only fragment that you can provide to me given your so-called limited pool of knowledge?!"

"Your grace.." the servant lady stammered, looking down at her feet and folding her hands on top of another. "It's just that, I am not sure how you would respond to the news, and I am slightly.. frightened?"

"How downright horrible can it possibly be?" I asked, somehow managing to release a giggle. "If it's another one of those run-of-the-mill cocktail parties, I am sure this one will irritate me just as moderately as the previous ones have. So come on, spill!"

"I-it's.." the maid stuttered, still twitching uncomfortably as I held her gaze menacingly.

"It's what?" I cooed encouragingly.

"It's.. it's.." she remained adamant, pretending to inspect some other portion of the closet, as if that action could somehow bail her out of her current situation.

"WHAT IS IT?!" I shouted, flailing my arms around in the air before slamming them onto her shoulders and shaking her around.

"AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE!" she reciprocated in volume. She immediately shrunk at my reaction, covering her mouth with her hands. I loosened my grip over her body, and tried to comprehend what was just said to me. An arranged marriage? How come? Who could it possibly be with? Why me? All of these inquiries began to overwhelm my mind, all of which I was perfectly clear would remain unanswered until quite some time.

"Can you at least tell me who it is," I whispered, looking down at the floor.

"It's Jarvan the fourth, a Lightshield I believe," she murmured quietly.

"I see," I replied, placing a hand onto my forearm. My mind stopped spinning. It seemed as if the world was at a standstill. "OH, THE TRAGEDY!" I screamed, burying my face into my hands and sobbing into my arms to oblivion.

"He is incredibly handsome, by darling," the servant girl assured anxiously, as if that could possibly throw me out of my shame spiral. "A very respectable commander, I heard. He lead the Demacian armies against Noxian forces to victory! He is also an intellect, and quite the comic. I do believe he is well-acquainted with your brother."

"I need to sit down for a moment," I squeaked, placing another palm over my forehead. "I feel.. lightheaded."

"Of course, your majesty," the servant girl responded, hastily guiding me out of my wardrobe and seating me on a stool. She placed a hand on either side of my neck, gently massaging me to relieve the overwhelming stress I have recently undergone. She opened her mouth as if to say something comforting, but immediately bit her tongue. Smart girl.

"Do you think I will like him?" I asked shyly.

"Well, I am sure you will find him at least slightly appealing, dearie," the maid pondered. "He is not completely unbearable, from what I have heard. Sure, he may be arrogant, rowdy, outspoken, overly opinionated, overbearing, aggressive, annoying, and assertive at times.. may not be the brightest lightbulb in the box, but I am absolutely positive you will not despise him completely, that is."

"Oh, he sounds terrible!" I whined, kicking the ground with my boot, whilst jamming my poor toe. My mood has disintegrated exponentially over the run-down of those disgusting qualities.

"I am sure he is not so bad," the servant lady sighed, patting me on the back, and pulling a handkerchief out of her pocket and providing it to me as a tissue. I wiped some pathetic tears out of my eyes. I felt very vulnerable at this point. "Now, Miss Luxanna, if you would let me get you bathed and dressed, that would be wonderful-"

"No!" I protested, standing up. "You are helping me in my quest to.. escape!"

"Escape?" she inquired, her tone becoming increasingly worried. "Oh but, Miss Crownguard, you and I both know that that is entirely implausible, and you would surely get caught by the royal guard, not to mention how much your father would scold you- I am sure it would be in both not only my best interest, but your family's if we were to carry on as if you are happy with this.. plan.."

"No!" I repeated once more. I threw the maid's handkerchief on the ground before stampeding toward my windowsill.

"Oh, be careful with that!" the servant lady scolded, picking up the piece of soiled fabric and rubbing it with her hands. "Now, your highness. Please cooperate with me here. I have already prepared a bath for you. If you could just do me this favor. Let's not jump to unreasonable conclusions. I am sure if we discussed this calmly and maturely with your father, everything will work out just fine."

I sighed. "Are you sure?"

"Quite positive," the maid replied somewhat assuringly. And in that moment, I almost believed her. Before she collapsed into another fit of trepidatious muttering.

"Oh, my life is ruined!" I wept.

"Now, now dearie," the maid cooed. "Let's go take that bath."

I nodded, and eventually obliged. Not that I wanted to. But because of everything I do nowadays- to fulfill my royal duties.