I had always been the sentimental type, dreamed of the ideal wedding. I just never realised my parents were going to pick the groom.

"No. Absolutely not!"

Dad, the Prince Consort of Illea, ran a hand through his hair wearily. "Kerttu darling, please just consider it. It would benefit relations between Illea and Swendway considerably. You know how things are tense right now"

"That doesn't mean I want to marry Prince Lukaas! I barely know him and he doesn't even speak English!"

Mum sighed "Kerttu, you are the eldest Princess of Illea, and your Dad and I love you to pieces so surely you understand that you need to step up to play your part for this country."

She leaned over and clasped my hands in hers "We all have to make sacrifices in this family" she said in what I assume she thought was an understanding, caring tone.

It just made me even angrier.

"A sacrifice is not being able to go out without security or being followed by the press, not a forced marriage!" Mum opened her mouth to speak but I wasn't finished yet.

"You and Grandpa Maxon both got to choose who you wanted to marry. Mum, you even got to decide if you actually wanted to marry at all" I waved an accusing hand at her. "And may I just remind you that Illea doesn't marry its princesses off anymore, so it can hardly come as a shock to you that my answer is no." I stood up realising that I had shouted that last bit. Even through the awkward teen years, I very rarely fought with my parents, particularly Mum, and I could already feel the guilt creeping in.

"I'm sorry but I can't." I whispered then fled.

I could hear my parents calling at me to come back but I kept going, I didn't want the conversation to dissolve into a shouting match.

When my Mum was Princess she used to remind herself that no one was more powerful than her, a little confidence booster to get her through the job. But walking through the palace halls back to my bedroom, I had never felt less powerful.

I was the Princess of Illea but I couldn't even control one of the only things in my life that was solely up to me, choosing the person I loved.

Growing up I never really had many friends, never mind boyfriends; it was always just me and my sister Trina. Illea had been through so much with the government being set in place and the transition of power that no one seemed to want to marry into our family anymore so I could count on one hand the amount of boys my age that I'd met.

And now I was about to be attached to one I didn't even know.

I found myself heading back to my bedroom to calm down.

I've always found it to be the most soothing place in the palace. With its huge balcony with a picturesque view of the gardens, a four poster bed and full length wardrobe, it is the dream bedroom for anyone but what I love most about it is the small collection of potted plants and decorative flowers I have dotted around, making it my own mini greenhouse

Heidi, one of my maids, was hanging up one of my dresses when I walked in. As soon as she saw me, she put the dress down and bobbed a quick curtsey.

"I didn't expect you to be back so soon Your Highness. I can finish this later if you would like to be alone."

I looked at the array of dresses that were laid out on my bed, "No you carry on, I could do with someone to talk to anyway." I sunk down onto an armchair, "My parents want me to marry Prince Lukaas of Swendway."

Heidi turned to look at me in surprise, "I thought things were a little strained between Illea and Swendway right now."

I nodded glumly, "Ever since we rejected their trade deal on silver, they've been quite hostile towards us and then this marriage proposal suddenly comes out of nowhere. It's like they think we owe them something because of Dad's connections."

Heidi picked up another dress, a silver one that I usually wore at Christmas. "If you're so against the idea, couldn't Trina marry him instead? She might get on with the prince quite well.

I laughed bitterly. Heidi was right, Trina was born to be the heir of Illea, she had always been the more outgoing and confident one of the two of us, commanding the attention of any room she walked into. It was just a shame she was only sixteen.

"I wish Trina could do it instead of me" I said, "but she's too young and Prince Lukaas asked for me anyway, Swendway want their son on the Illean throne."

Heidi nodded thoughtfully and the room fell into silence

"You know you might actually have to marry don't you" said Heidi after a few minutes.

"Well I always knew I would have to soon, being nineteen, but I didn't think I would be sold off to try and make friends with another country! It would never work, he'd be forced to live here since I'm an heir and he isn't. He'd despise me!" I said indignantly.

"Maybe it won't be as bad as you think" Heidi said with a hopeful tone to her voice "Well I mean you speak Finnish fluently until he learns English and you might grow to love each other eventually" she hastened to add as my eyebrows grew higher and higher.

"As crazy as it sounds, I kind of wanted the whole love before marriage thing." I murmured but before Heidi could reply, my other maid, Darcey, burst into the room, her red hair falling out of her cap in excitement.

"The royal family is going out of the palace on a parade this evening and we can go as well!" she said, running straight over to Heidi who nodded her head towards me.

Darcey's head whipped round and her face turned nearly as red as her hair, "Begging your pardon, Your Highness, I didn't know you were here." She dropped a low curtsey.

"There's no need to apologise" I said, smiling. "May I ask what parade you're referring to though?"

"The one that's tonight Your Highness," she said sounding confused, "The one you're making a speech at."

I groaned. I'd forgotten that was today with the whole marriage proposal taking up all my thoughts. This parade had been in the planning ever since my nineteenth birthday a few weeks ago, it was a chance for me to outline my future plans for when I took over as queen.

It meant I would have to go and speak to my parents.

When I knocked on the door to my parent's bedroom, a maid answered and I was ushered in where my Mum was choosing jewellery for the dress she'd picked out for later today.

Strong but feminine is my Mum's style whereas I tend to go for a softer approach with light gauzy fabrics to compliment her bold colour choices. I couldn't design dresses if my life depended on it and I would have given anything to draw the way my Mum could.

I coughed quietly, trying to remember my manners and not be too impatient and thankfully Mum swung round on her stool and smiled at me warmly, a smile I returned. Clearly we were both regretting the discussion from earlier.

I decided to open with a compliment "Thanks for letting Darcey and Heidi stand with me on the parade, I've never seen them so excited"

Mum's smile grew wider at this "Don't thank me, thank your Dad"

"Thank me for what?" my Dad strolled into the room, stopping to kiss my Mum on the forehead.

"For letting the maids go on the parade" I replied trying not to gag at the sappy looks my parents were exchanging.

I cleared my throat and tried to move the conversation along "I assumed we'd need to discuss the upcoming parade, go through the details and everything."

This got my parents attention and my Mum put the necklace down that she was holding and turned to face me.

"This parade is particularly important for you Kerttu as it's your chance to discuss some of the future plans for when you become queen so it needs to be a show of strength focused on you and the next generation." She hesitated and looked to Dad for reassurance before continuing. "It would also be a great time to announce a potential marriage if you've had a change of heart. I can assure you the Swendish royal family is quite keen for this alliance to work"

I sighed "Not this again, I thought we'd already established my answer was no."

I had been planning my speech for weeks and I wanted it to be memorable for its content not a plan for marriage.

Before Mum could begin to argue, Dad laid a hand on her shoulder and looked at me with kind warm eyes. "Kerttu we're not going to force you into a marriage if you're really that against it. We love you and despite what you think we actually want you to be happy. But please be aware that next time, you may find that it is necessary to make a personal sacrifice for Illea, whether you're against it or not."

He squeezed my shoulder reassuringly.

"I'll go send a message to Swendway informing them there will be no marriage and then we can think of how to tell the public" my Dad said as he left the room. My Mum gave me one last s exasperated smile then shooed me away to go get ready.

I headed back to my room to find that not only had Heidi and Darcey tidied my entire wardrobe but they had sorted out all my jewellery as well.

"Can you get me the baby pink dress with the roses out please Darcey? I need to make a statement today" I turned round and walk towards my dressing table "Oh and then you and Heidi need to pick something out of there to wear as well" I heard Darcey gasp and Heidi whip her head round to stare at me in disbelief.

"Your Highness, we couldn't possibly wear one of your dresses on the parade, it wouldn't be proper." Heidi said but she was cut off by an elbow to the ribs and a "Sssh, of course we can." from Darcey, who had only ever served as my maid and therefore wasn't as bothered by propriety.

I resisted the urge to laugh at the two of them. "Well I don't see why you shouldn't get to wear something pretty, all these dresses are just going to be sitting here and we're about the same size." I sat on the bed, watching them inch forward to my huge wardrobe.

"Can I recommend the two floor length gowns over on the left; I think they'd really suit you both." I pretended to ignore their muffled squeals as they found the two dresses I'd mentioned and instead savoured the satisfaction of knowing that at least I'd made someone happy that day. That was something.

Two hours later we were all dressed up and ready to go. Heidi and Darcey looked gorgeous in blue and green floor length gowns. I looked pretty great myself, extremely feminine which is the look I tend to go for, just because it makes me feel good, not to show any sign of strength like Mum has to.

Mum looked radiant in a deep red strapless dress and black blazer, looking classy as always and the two of us contrasted nicely, our matching dark hair setting the image off nicely.

My parents both smiled at me as I walked over to join them and I arched an eyebrow at Dad who understood what I was asking immediately.

"Prince Lukaas is no longer something you needed to worry about sweetheart." He said before smiling at me again, though this time it looked a little strained.

Before I had time to question this however, an attendant ushered us out the palace's front doors whilst someone went to locate Trina since as usual she was running late. Perhaps this was why my Dad looked worried although this wasn't exactly unusual for Trina.

Moments later my sister showed up in a mint green dress trying to put earrings in as she walked and the attendant led us all round the corner where an ornate golden carriage was waiting for us complete with four ebony black horses and open windows obliterating all thoughts of annoying sisters and proposals from my mind.

Despite the extensive grounds here at the palace, I was not a strong rider so the only horse I was really well acquainted with was my own brown mare Firefly, who was nothing like the huge black stallions facing me.

"I had no idea we had these four in the stable." I said to Dad who spent a lot more time with the horses than I did.

He sighed, "They were a gift from Swendway, they arrived last week."

I looked at the stallions again, in a new light this time. They were clearly a show of strength and it unsettled me to think of the rejected marriage proposal.

Thankfully, I could distract myself with Heidi and Darcey who looked completely bewildered so I led them over to the carriage they were going to ride in along with some of the guards and Mum's lady in waiting. Then I hopped back across to my own carriage and we were off.

The palace is not too far from the centre of Angeles but it was a rare chance for me to actually see what was going on, my view not impaired by security cars for once, as there were only two this time. But sitting with my parents, there was definitely some unease in the air which dampened my high spirits somewhat.

I couldn't understand what was causing this tension. We weren't covered in security so surely that had to mean the public were excited to see us?

The only one who seemed oblivious to the atmosphere was Trina who was nearly stood up so she could see better.

I swatted her on the arm, "Sit down, you need to at least pretend you're a lady."

"I am a lady." she said and then stuck her tongue out at me making me swat at her again.

"Let her enjoy herself Kerttu." my Mum said softly, "It could be the last time we're out of the palace grounds for a while."

I frowned, "Why do you say that?" but Mum shook her head. "That's for later, look we're coming to a stop now."

The carriage rolled into Angeles main square and came to an eventual halt, inviting the cameras to swoop in. Taking each others hands, my family stepped out onto a big white platform that had been constructed; a united front.

From here, I could fully see the crowds and despite my parents apparent worrying, they didn't seem frustrated or annoyed at all.

I soaked up the atmosphere before stepping out in front to address the audience, everyone instantly falling silent.

This parade was in my honour so it would be my time to shine.

"People of Illea, I am honoured to be here with you today and I am exceedingly grateful that you have come in your thousands to show your support. Now I am of age it will be my privilege to take on more important roles within Illea and helping my parents and the government run the country."

At this I looked over and smiled warmly at Prime Minister Swann who was standing slightly off stage. The first Prime minister who happened to be my Great- Aunt Brice recommended him to the public and he'd been in the role for as long as I could remember.

I looked back to the crowd who were still watching me attentively. "Now is the time for our generation and I am sure that we can continue to help Illea grow and prosper as a nation. As your future queen, it is a huge concern of mine that each individual should be allowed equal opportunities. Over the past few years, Illea has become much more equality-based since the elimination of the castes and the prejudice that came after it. But I still feel that more can be done"

There was an uneasy tension in the air now and some of the ministers are exchanging annoyed glances. When it was decided that I was going to make a speech, I was given about five different speeches to choose from but I had disposed of all of them in favour of my own.

"There are certain issues which I feel need drastic improvement such as equality in the workplace and the long lasting prejudice that until now have simply been accepted." I paused in order to give my words maximum effect.

"As an example of the way I want to shape Illea, some of the people behind the scenes at the palace, are stood next to the royal family for the very first time today as equals." I turned round to smile at my maids reassuringly and they beamed back at me.

"These people behind the scenes have never been shown to the public until today, despite the hard work they though. When I am queen, I would like to continue this work of promoting the people in society who feel they do not get the recognition they deserve and I hope you will support me and my family in this. Thank you."

I gave a huge smile for the cameras then gratefully stepped back and went to stand in between my parents and my maids as one of the other ministers took over.

Heidi took my hand and squeezed it, "It was a great speech my lady." she said and I smiled at her. Whilst I hadn't hit all the points I'd meant to, I thought I'd done a good job. I did care about equality and I wanted to make Illea more equal for everyone, especially females and the less educated since Mum had also worked on eradicating prejudices during her reign.

"We are currently working with the Swendish royal family in order to improve relations between our two countries…" The minister had moved on to talk about Swendway and my ears pricked up at this. That wasn't on today's schedule! He was only supposed to be talking about the new trade deal with New Asia, how did Swendway come into that?

I shot a glare at Mum but she refused to make eye contact. I looked at my small silver watch; there were only a few more minutes to go. The wedding proposal couldn't be brought up now, surely there wasn't enough time.

The minister, a short bald man whose name escaped me, folded his notes and put them behind his back and cleared his throat.

"As there have been several rumours concerning the royal family this week, I feel it is my duty to address these rumours." he said in a quavery voice and I felt my heart sink.

"Earlier on this week, we received a marriage proposal from Swendway between Prince Lukaas and Her Highness Princess Kerttu. After intense consideration, the Princess has respectively chosen to decline the offer. We now look forward to the future in which a friendship with Swendway will be formed, regardless of any marriage proposal. Thank you for your patience."

The usual applause from the crowd was littered with outbreaks of whispers and muttering.

I leant over and hissed at Mum "What was that? It makes me sound like I think I'm too good for Prince Lukaas!"

She smiled at me for the sake of the crowds but I could see the worry etched on her face.

"We'll discuss it later, when we get back to the palace."

We clambered back into the carriages and I made sure that my parents knew I was angry by refusing to look at them. The crowds hadn't dispersed yet and there was still a lot of muttering and angry faces. I kept a smile plastered on my face and kept waving like there was absolutely nothing wrong but staring out at all those faces was beginning to bring tears to my eyes.

I didn't know where we were going to go from here.