Amelia ran her comb through her short hair and looked into the mirror. She watched with abstract interest as her light grey eyes abruptly filled with tears and she heard something drop onto the vanity with a clatter. The sound seemed to come from a distance and it took a moment to register that she'd dropped her comb.
Right. She'd been combing her hair. And now she was crying. And soon she would be married. And then she would just sail right off the world. Right.
She knew being a princess was difficult; there was no mistake about that. It had been drilled into her from birth. Her entire life, everything she'd know, would be a mix of compromising, decision making and sacrifices. From the time she was old enough to understand, she learned that she had responsibilities that set her apart from everyone else. That she was different and special and that so much rested on her shoulder. If she was ever mentioned in history books, right after her name it would say 'A responsible princess who was very aware of her role in society.'
Up till now, Amelia had thought that she understood her place and responsibilities.
Knowing she would deal with sacrifices was one thing, but actually being prepared for something of this magnitude...
For as long as she could remember, her life had been relatively easy, everything black and white. You followed orders, listened to advice and made decisions that didn't really affect you much. Sure, once in a while there would be complaints and you always spent just hours on studying different papers concerning laws and customs that you always had a sinking doubt that you would never, ever use what you were learning and you were really just wasting your time…
So, sure there were problems and plenty of boredom, but overall she'd been happy and relatively worry-free. Until the problems concerning Dils and Ralteague and their states along the coast.
Now everything was blurred and foreign. One little mistake that she made here, a wrong choice and her kingdom could suffer. Just the thought of Dils problems was enough to nearly make her throat close up with worry. As much as the princess tried, she couldn't help but go over the reason why she was here over and over again in her head.
Their trade routes would shrink, and then disappear; their land would slowly be chipped away, and eventually Ralteague would invade or acquire the kingdom through different means. They might even want a royal marriage to combine the two lands. Or a war might even break out between the two northern kingdoms and, though it shamed her to admit it, it wasn't one Amelia was sure Dils could handle.
Saillune was a safe kingdom. It's magical temples, numerous libraries and schools, and bustling trade was the envy of many countries. They always stopped wars from occuring for several centuries and though it had its dark times, the kingdom was known as the safest throughout its history. More liberal and peaceful than the other places surrounding it, it held a certain status. You could, for instance, proudly tell people that your child had left for Saillune, regardless of any circumstances with that child. Even if that child had run away, you could still hold your head up.
Every kingdom in the land hoped to make strong ties with the seemingly invincible and very influential land. Dils had been extremely lucky to have the chance to marry its princess to one of Saillune's princes. A safe future was just about guaranteed for her kingdom and she should feel honoured…
Amelia had heard it all before. It didn't really help matters.
She certainly didn't want to marry a stranger, that was awful enough, but from the rumors the maids had been spreading, 'her prince' already was involved with someone. How could she marry someone who already had a…betrothed? It was unthinkable. Of course, in some other kingdoms such things were acceptable, but as far as Amelia knew, Saillune was not one of them. And Dils would never allow such a thing to happen to their princess.
Not to mention, the woman he had brought to the palace was also rather frightening.
While everyone else went out of their way to way the latest fashions, to try to pick up the Saillune accent and always, above all else, act politely and to know their place, this woman did none of that.
Her outfit was something Amelia hadn't seen outside very old books she had half heartedly glanced through when she'd been younger. She could still remember seeing that very similar looking bikini before hastily turning to another page of the dusty book.
The woman's hair, though dark, was too light to pass as what was common in Saillune. And it was too long. In the rather temperate kingdom, most people tended to wear their hair short. And most people here had well tanned skin; the tall woman's pale flesh made her stand out like a sore thumb.
And before Amelia had briefly entered the meeting room, she had heard the taller woman yelling and demanding information. One that was normal certainly did not yell at royalty nor demand things.
She remembered meeting her 'fiancé' and the sorceress. From the brief glimpse Amelia had gotten, the 'other' woman had been just plain scary.
She had been wearing a completely inappropriate outfit, looked almost feral with her narrow, bright eyes, and acted without care or consideration for anyone else. It was both amazing and frightening. She just barged in and demanded what she wanted. The very odd woman was just so different from everyone else and either didn't notice or didn't care.
The maids seemed to think the woman was an evil witch who had placed the always trustworthy if not predictable Phil under a spell. Amelia was sure the odd woman was a sorceress, but as for the evil part and the spell, she had no idea. Although occasionally members of her family learned magic, none had studied it intently. Most considered magic a hobby, herself included.
The brief mention of her family brought the panic back, like a gnawing rat that had begun to burrow into her very skin. She could feel her stomach growing nauseous and churning. Amelia had mental image of a boat being tossed to and fro by a rampant storm, waves crashing into it. She couldn't tell if the boat represented her future being tossed by an uncontrollable force; or if the sea was simply her stomach and the boat simply her last meal.
How could she marry someone she had never even met before, someone whom she'd only heard stories and rumors about? In fact, she'd spent more time with his brother—
No, stop there. She had enough on her plate with thinking about him.
Amelia had heard quite a bit about Phil, although she had never seen him before. The First Royal Successor made a lasting impression on people. He certainly didn't look much like a prince. His other brother, (oh, alright, him. Another unfair thing, how the second prince had popped into her head and refused to leave) the brown-haired, oh-so-handsome one seemed to be the one more suited to the role of royalty. Indeed, the second brother's quiet dignity and peaceful nature she couldn't remember seeing before had caught Amelia's attention. She had spotted him reading quietly in the park and had enjoyed their short, pleasant conversation.
Mostly small talk, mostly just what her mother would have called 'fluff,' but it had been very nice fluff. Amelia couldn't recall the exact words they'd said, but the tone of their meeting had stuck with her.
Ever now, the princess didn't know what had possessed her to just go up to him and introduce herself. Maybe because he had looked so calm, the exact opposite of how she'd felt since hearing about the deal her mother had made with Saillune.
If given a choice, the princess would have rather chosen the slightly younger prince. Amelia might know less about him, (Oh, dear, she was smitten with a man whose name she didn't even know. Like something out of a storybook) but she had no interest in Phil whatsoever. In fact, the dark-haired woman would have done nothing less than applaud if the first born prince had gotten married to the weird woman--regardless of any evil spell or not.
But, Amelia sighed, this situation was hopeless. She certainly couldn't go back to Dils if she just called off the wedding. And not going back to Dils just wasn't an option. Her kingdom needed this alliance in order to gain more land in the Coastal States and increase their trade routes, without them they were finished. Her home that she loved would go into chaos and die out. Impossible to think of, but she'd gone over the economic situation again and again with advisors. They were in a tough spot, no denying that.
Running away never occurred to her. She wasn't a spontaneous person and had never lived on her own without title and privilege. Amelia knew some magic and possessed more common sense than many of her peers, but she was still rather naïve about things. The princess had had some magical training, but not enough to become a professional sorceress like Naga. She had never handled or even touched a sword or real weapon for that matter. If she traveled alone by herself, gods only knew what would've happened to her.
She was a princess and that was all she knew and wanted to know.
Amelia stared hard into her reflection; still not completely connect the falling tears to her. It was someone else's face in the mirror, Amelia was back in Dils, studying customs and spending time in the garden, gossiping with her friends.
No, she most definitely wasn't in Saillune preparing for her wedding (what a horrid word to her now, 'wedding.' But what did it matter, after all, she was safe and comfy in her home where matrimony was the farthest thing from her mind). That wasn't her reflection in the mirror, not her dark hair and pale face, (And whose sad, overcast eyes were those anyway?) just her twin.
More tears splashed onto the vanity.
Maybe, maybe the two kingdoms could arrange some kind of deal. Her mind, feeling overstrained like a tired muscle, grasped out for some kind of idea. Anything would do.
They could…maybe strike up something and trade lands in the Coastal States. Or just sign some kind of agreement. What kind of agreement, Amelia had no idea. Saillune was known for their pacifist view on things and would certainly not start a war over something like a wedding.
So, why didn't she just leave? Just figure out some kind of deal and head right back for her home kingdom? Amelia wiped her face. She knew why.
The princess would have to return to Dils and face the advisors and her mother and see their disappointment. Even if she managed to get some sort of agreement with Saillune, the people in the palace would be upset. What they wanted was a marriage to secure ties with the other kingdom and make sure their kingdom would be protected for generations to come.
If only she hadn't been an only child… Sighing, Amelia readjusted her outfit and looked herself over. The maids and handmaidens had finally left her a little while ago and soon she was going to be late for a meeting with her 'fiancé'. Standing up, Amelia brushed the wrinkles from her expensive dress and headed out toward the hallway.
Phil fixed the heavy cloak draped over his shoulders. Usually he wore his standard and comfortable white outfit that the rest of his family wore, but due to the fact that the meeting was so important, everyone had insisted on him wearing something fancier.
All the pomp frustrated the prince and right now all he wanted was to go talk with Naga in a quiet setting. Maybe he could find out more about her past. Heck, he didn't even know her last name yet. Phil had been ushered out of bed this morning so early that he hadn't even had the opportunity to talk to Naga and wasn't sure he if would have the chance all day.
His schedule was back packed. First, meet the princess of Dils. Then, go talk to the wedding planner his advisors had chosen to look over some of his ideas and take a look at things. They'd probably spend a few hours going over just the guest list. After, spend the rest of the day with his father and more advisors and spending the rest of the day reviewing things he had missed during his trip.
Nervously, the bulky prince hoped Naga wouldn't just get tired and run off. His new friend wasn't the patient type and he couldn't imagine her staying in one place for a very long time. It was just another reason to try and escape the stifling palace.
The open road was calling to him. And really, how could he say no to that freedom? He'd heard the term 'wanderlust' before, but had never experienced it truly until now. It wouldn't be too hard to escape to his room for a few minutes to gather his things. Already, the prince had an outfit, complete with mask, which would help conceal his identity. Then just a quick stroll through the palace (Phil knew several shortcuts to get around the major hallways) to Naga's room. It probably wouldn't be very hard to convince her to run away with him. She seemed just as uncomfortable as him.
Then, well, Phil wasn't sure. They could go around the countryside (after high tailing it many, many miles away from the palace) fighting injustices, do good deeds and generally being happy and spending time together. In time, he would write to his father and explain everything. The thought was so tempting he had to fight the urge to jump up and run out of the room.
Would it work? Maybe. He could just leave with Naga and never come back. But would that be fair and just? Saillune might end up suffering in any trade disputes that might arise. His people might end up suffering. And Dils wasn't going so great itself. This marriage might help solve any problems the two kingdoms had.
But wasn't forcing two strangers to get married also unjust and unfair? He didn't know the princess (what was her name again? Gods, he didn't even know her name!) , and most certainly didn't want to marry her. She was a complete stranger and his heart didn't belong to her. Automatically, his mind turned to his beautiful and unpredictable sorceress/bodyguard.
He wasn't entirely sure how he felt for her. Sure, he thought about her a lot and loved spending time with her and the sight of her made his heart skip a beat…
But still, they hadn't known each other for that long. Naga was still much of mystery to him. The sorceress still hadn't spoken much of her past, aside from that little not-so-happy tale. It didn't matter too much to him. Even if she had a mysterious and dark past, he would still accept and care for her. But, despite what many thought of him, Phil wasn't entirely naïve.
He wasn't planning on rushing out and just marrying Naga. He didn't even know how she felt for him, although she obviously cared for him. There was no way the gorgeous sorceress would have traveled this long with him if she disliked him (but, hadn't she spent a large chunk of time with that odd fellow from her story? And hadn't they hated each other? Hmmm). Still, the prince wanted to learn more about Naga, spend more time with her and get to know her even more. And what she felt for him.
He wanted to know what went through her head when she looked at him, if she cared for him as much as he did her. If her heart also stop whenever their hands would touch and if she couldn't stop thinking of him.
Well, now his schedule was even fuller than before. During a lull in one of his meetings, Phil would quietly slip away to go to Naga's room so they could talk for awhile. Then, who knew? Everything was still confused and up in the air. He could leave with Naga, or he might end up having to marry that princess. Speaking of which, she was due any moment…
There was a tap at the door.
Sorry for the lack of update. I've been mostly working on some of my other stories, and my muse suffered. but I do plan on updating more from now on. Expect the new chapter in the near future.
