Chapter 2: the Engagement Ball

Artemis's POV: (a few days later)

It's been a few days since i met Prince Vladimir and the bad feeling I got never went away, if anything it's only gotten worse. I tried to lie to myself and just say that I may just be having jitters or something but I knew that I wouldn't believe it. As I stroll through the halls I talk with Mags for a bit, she's the one who I tell any problem on my mind and if i don't she'll keep pestering till i do.

"I don't know what's wrong with me Mags, every time I encounter Vlad its as if there's something in my head warning me about something. I just don't know what and it bugs me to no end." I huff as I cross my arms as she looks up at the ceiling as if an answer is printed somewhere along it.

"Well ...your father is basically having you marry someone you don't know, and at the same time he hardly talks about himself when asked a question. I would say maybe try and get to know him, see if he'll try answering you without an audience. You're schedule is basically fit around his visit, there's really no other option." She says bluntly which i know she means well but there are times in which I wish she would just beat around the bush and show some sympathy.

"I know, and maybe you're right. I mean our fathers both arranged it and i think he was caught off guard as much as I was. I wouldn't open up quickly to someone I just met too. So to please father and my feeling about him i will try and get to know him as much as I can." Just as luck would have it, as soon as we had stopped footsteps approached from down the hall as Vlad arrived.

"Ah princess, i'm glad i was able to run into you. The maids told me you would be down here." he said flashing a smile as he also greeted Mags.

"You don't have to always call me princess," I said trying to suggest that he doesn't have to be so formal with me,

"You can just call me Artemis" He looked a bit embarrassed before he nodded

"If that is what you would like, then you can call me something other than prince." he said as he makes it seem like he's never really been told that before. I smiled softly trying to be polite and act like there was nothing wrong.

"Alright, how about i call you Vlad?" i suggested and he smiled which sent chills down my spine.

"As you wish Artemis, would you be so kind as to join me on a walk through the garden i'd like to get to know you before the ball." he said and i nodded leading him to the garden trying to be as cautious as i can.

As we walk we try and make whatever small talk we possibly could, from weather to family. Try as i might it feels like it's hard for us to actually talk. I bit my lip trying to think of something we could talk about.

"So tell me about your family, do you have any siblings?" i asked wanting to know a little more about the environment he grew up in.

"Well i have two older brothers so i won't be king any time soon and they get all the attention, they always have ever since we were young." he said tensely and i got the bad feeling in my stomach again.

"I'm sorry, i-i grew up an only child but my father has always been more concerned about my studies than who i actually am and how i actually feel." i said keeping my head down. I heard him sigh and knew just fro that he sounded annoyed by my answer.

"I-i'm sorry but i-i should go get ready for the ball, if you'll excuse me Vlad?" I curtsied and walked back into the castle to get ready. As i was getting ready i couldn't help the growing feeling of unease that was coming over me. Like something bad was going to happen at the ball. I tried to push it off knowing it was my duty as a princess to go through with this and that it would make my father happy. I had just put my shoes on when there was a knock on my door and i looked up to see Mags opening the door.

"It's time for the ball Artemis are you sure you are ok going through with this?" she asked looking worried . i nodded and walked out of the room going to the doors that lead to the ballroom where i knew Vlad was waiting for me since father wanted us to walk in together. I walked over to him and saw that he was pacing and that he looked agitated.

"Vlad you look very handsome this evening."i said trying to be polite. He stopped and glared at me.

"You're late. You were supposed to be here five minutes ago, if we're going to be married you need to be on time." he all but snapped as he took my hand a little too aggressively and looped it through his arm. I bit my lip trying not to make things worse as the doors opened and we both smiled and walked out as everyone smiled and bowed to us.