I have to admit, I'm a little self conscious about this one: my first attempt at a fairy tale, and of writing humans. Dern, humans are so complicated... I'd appreciate lots of advice on whether my characters are believable and such forth. Also, I apologize for the disgustingly short chapter. I've anguished over it, but there's really no way to make it longer. I promise chapter two will be longer!
Disclaimer: Uh. I think everything actually's mine, for the time being. I'll probably pull in a plotline from a fairy tale later, but right now I'm the proud owner of everything here. Except horses, unfortunately. OH! And the name 'Carvin' is actually my friend's invention and I stole it... with permission. THANKS LOBUCK!
Carvin slumped at the table, sweaty from being at the archery range and wondering why his father wanted to see him. The older man began to speak in his usual long winded manner.
"Now, my boy, I have been thinking about your future."
Carvin inwardly groaned; his father had been 'thinking about his future' ever since he was eight years old, and it never turned out to be anything enjoyable. School, for instance, had been one of those ideas.
"As you know, I am a duke. I believe that the Tiroes can do much better than being dukes, however, much better! With your experience in archery and horsemanship, in addition to your--"
"Father, please get to the point," Carvin interrupted, rolling his eyes.
The man chuckled and leaned forward, his youthful blue eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Ah, my boy, you take this news lightly! This is no mere trinket of information, to be cast by the wayside! No! This is monumental, and I believe you will be thrilled to hear it!"
Carvin's curiosity peaked a little and he sat up.
"Carvin, I've arranged," he paused a little for effect.
Carvin grinned.
"A marriage between you and the Princess Nre!"
"Surely you jest!" cried Nre, dropping her fork with a clatter.
"I most certainly do not," frowned her father, the king of Berensia. "Please try to be ladylike, Nre, and do not shout or drop your silverware."
Nre ignored him and pushed her plate away; she had lost her appetite.
"Come, come, my dear," soothed her mother, Gloria. "I'm sure he is a lovely boy; his father is one of your father's oldest friends! A duke, you know."
"Yes, mother, I know," Nre said impatiently. "But why? Why must you arrange my marriage? Alphonse was able to choose his own wife; I'm not even an heir to the throne! Why must I marry at all?"
Her older brother, Alphonse, was to be the ruling monarch when her father stepped down, and he was already married to the woman of his choice.
"The Tiroes are of fine stock. It would do us well to have some of their blood in our family," continued her father. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some matters to attend to."
He left the table, leaving Gloria to calm the irate princess. Blood, stock, Nre thought angrily. He makes it sound as if we're dealing with cattle!
"Nre--" Gloria started.
"I, too, will take my leave," Nre said, biting out the words like knives.
She stood up and whirled around, running from the room before Gloria could say another word. Gloria sighed. She did not like forcing her daughter into an arranged marriage. Thomas, however, did not listen to her when she tried to express her opinion to him in private.
"They will do this family well, Gloria, and I will hear no more of it," he had said, giving her a brief smile and a squeeze on the shoulder.
He got strange ideas sometimes; Gloria knew that. Never before, though, had they compromised the happiness of either of their children.
Sorry if it sounds cliche and/or dumb... It gets more interesting, I promise!
Please review! I need help!