Merida drew her bowstring to her cheek and aimed for the painted target on a tree. She took a deep breath and released the string. SMACK! The arrow whizzed through the air, finding a home in the center of the target. "Perfect!" she said to herself. She slung her bow over her shoulder and began to approach her target when suddenly a voice broke the silence.
"Merida! Oh, Merida!" it was her mother, the queen of Dunbroch. Her mother hurried through the forest with her usual composure and grace.
"Yes, Mum?" Merida asked when Queen Elinor reached the clearing where Merida had been shooting.
"I need to… talk to you about something," The Queen said, a hint of worry in her voice.
"Mum, is everything alright?" Merida inquired.
"Everything's fine, I just need to talk to you," Queen Elinor answered.
Merida looked at her mother with concern, "Are you sure? You sound worried."
Queen Elinor placed her hand on Merida's shoulder, "Everything's fine, dear. Please just come back to the castle with me. We need to discuss something." Merida finally gave in. She collected her bow and quivered and followed Queen Elinor back to the castle. The Queen lead her to the dining hall, which was empty except for the servant sweeping the corner. Merida sat down beside her mother, eager to year what was concerning Queen Elinor. The Queen sighed, "Merida, do you remember two years ago when I tried to marry you off?"
Merida nodded, "How could I forget? That's the year I defeated Mor'du and broke the curse."
Queen Elinor nodded, "Yes. That's also the summer when I declared that princesses will no longer be forced to marry. Sadly, the people of Dunbroch didn't agree with that proclamation. They've recently started rioting, demanding that you marry." Merida let her mother's words sink in, trying to guess where the discussion was going. "The leader of the Isles of Berk offered for you to marry his son, and I was forced to say yes," Queen Elinor explained.
Merida's mouth dropped open, "What?"
"Merida, I'm sorry!" Queen Elinor said, "I had to! The people were getting violent!"
"I-I" Merida tried to form a sentence but she couldn't. It was over, she had won her freedom two years ago. Now she was being forced to marry again?
"Sweetheart, I'm so sorry!" Queen Elinor cried, pulling her daughter into a hug.
"We barely got to spend time together! We just learned to get along," Merida whispered, fighting back tears.
Queen Elinor ran her fingers through Merida's hair, "I know, I know." She released her daughter and looked her in the eye, "I'm sorry."
"No," Merida said, "It's not your fault, don't apologize."
"The suitor will be here tomorrow," Queen Elinor informed her.
Merida nodded, afraid that if she spoke, she would melt into tears. "I love you, Mum."
The Queen smiled, "I love you, too."