The Deteriorating Health Of The King
They waved as they turned and stepped back off of the balcony. 'Thank god thats over' they thought in unison.
Arikka and Arabella weren't exactly princess role models. Now that they were out of public view both of them pulled their tiaras of and handed them to their ladies maids. Arikka began to pull the pink pins out that were confining her wild black curls. They had both grown to look like their mother; big innocent doe eyes and black hair. the only real difference in their general appearance was their eyes. Arikka had green eyes like her mother and Arabella had deep blue eyes like her father.
They smiled at each-other in anticipation for the coming night. It was their 16 birthday and a grand party would be held tonight to honor them. There would be food and dancing and laughter and fun. The girls could hardly wait.
They walked together back down the hall towards their fathers quarters. Ever since they were 11 their father had kept quarters of his own because of his bad health. Arikka and Arabella stopped outside of his door to look at each-other.
"Here goes." Arikka said as she knocked.
Without waiting they entered the room and proceeded forward to stand on either side of their fathers sickbed. That morning he had asked to speak with them about an urgent matter. This was his chance.
"Sit down girls." he managed before a fit of coughing over came him. Both girls sat on the edge of the bed and took their fathers respective hands. "Oh, pardon me. As I was about to say. You can see how poor my health has gotten" The girls eyes flickered to each other then back on their father. "In one hours time I shall make a proclamation that by the end of the year the two of you must be wed. You shall rule-" he trailed off into another coughing fit.
Both girls began arguing at once. "Father no-", "Please", "How can we find love in one year? More like ten... ".
"SILENCE!" Both girls jumped a foot off the bed and then quickly looked back at their father. "I say marry and marry you shall. I've sent a note to every eligible bachelor in the kingdom and all who are interested are coming here tonight."
Both girls were quite glum as they left their fathers room. they walked down a few doors to the bath chamber and had their baths and fixed their hair. Arikka pinned hers back again but Arabella just let hers flow free. It was shorter and tamer than her sisters so it didn't matter. They got dressed back in their rooms. Arabella in a brilliant golden yellow and sea blue dress that was long and flowing and Arikka in a frilly white dress with lovely pink accents.
They were just about to leave their room when their mother came bustling in. Her face was cherry red and there was a huge smile on her face.
"Oh my beautiful girls!" Evonya squealed. "You've grown up so fast!"
Their aunt Evonie, Evonya's younger sister entered the room then.
"All your guests are here children. Go to your party and have fun." Their aunt said gleefully.
"Don't worry about your fathers silly idea girls. You have time still. Now go down and greet your guests and please wrap it up by midnight!"
