Sparks fly in Egypt

by arabellasparks

Princess Arabella of Sparks has been promised to Prince Atem, the next ruler of Egypt, but she doesn't know anything about him! And how will she get to know the "real" him if they always have to be the Prince and Princess around each other? Thanks to Arabella's handmaiden, Catania, she just might get the chance to be apart of Atem's world before they marry.

Prologue

I hated camels. They smelt bad, spit in your face, and were super uncomfortable. But at least camels weren't as bad as the future that awaited me on the other side of the desert.

-Earlier-

"But father—" I tried.

"No buts! You are going to Egypt to marry the next king and that's that!" he said, "I know it's not what you want, but this isn't about you. We're almost out of money and the crops are dying. You must think of the people, our country will not survive without the help Egypt will provide."

"I know father, I know. I just wish…"

"It could be different. I wish that too. Do you think I want those barbarians to have my only daughter?" he said. I looked up and saw the anger burning in his eyes. I did know how hard it was for him, especially since it was an Egyptian raid that led to my mother's death on my fourth birthday.

"Fine. I'll do it." I said guilty.

-Now-

"Ugh. Are we there yet?" I asked Catania, she was my favorite handmaiden, "I swear that next time I cross this damn desert I'm doing it in a carriage."

Catania chuckled before saying "But then Your Highness would not get the chance to tan so liberally." We laughed so hard I almost fell off my camel! That just made us to laugh more.

Eventually we sobered up and I began thinking about my impending future. Would he be kind? Is he handsome? And the biggest question of all: will I love him? Catania noticed my shift in mood and tried consoling me.

"I'm fine," I kept telling her, "This is what's best for my country."

"Perhaps," she said, "but that does not mean it's what's best for you."

I knew she was just trying to comfort me, but I couldn't help but say, "But I am my country Catania, and if this marriage to a complete stranger will help save the children on my streets from starving to death, then I'll do everything in my power to ensure the wedding happens. I just wish I had time to get to know him before we're bonded for eternity."

Catania looked at me with sympathy. Then suddenly she perked up, as if a light bulb went on in her head. I knew what that meant, she had an idea, and if I was right, my life was going to get a lot better. Smiling like the Cheshire cat she whispered into my ear the plan she had concocted.

"You're brilliant Catania!" I yelled with joy, "I can't wait to get to Egypt now."