Marie shifted in her seat, grumbling under her breath as she once again moved her rather large dress around. The dark blue material hung tightly to her her torso and arms, cutting off circulation around her forearms. Once at her hips though, the scratchy material flared out significantly with blue sparkles covering the lower half. To top it all off she had on blue heels that she didn't know how to walk in and makeup caked onto her pale face.
Blue eye shadow adorned her deep blue eyes with bright red lipstick that contrasted her already dark outfit. The freckles that usually ruled her face were tamed with pale powder. Her black hair was curled for once instead of being an unruly straight mess. Her mother made her clip her bangs back to reveal both of her eyes instead of the usual one. If she looked in a mirror, Marie doubt she'd be able to recognize herself.
The only reason she was dressed like this was for the ball her mother was hosting. She rolled her eyes at the thought of it. While she was busy rubbing her sore feet under the table, people were laughing and dancing. Marie knew it was all for show. Normally she would've skipped out on a ball but her mother made strong intent on making her go this time around.
She didn't know why, her and her older sister Lee were always so sour about balls. May, the youngest sister loved them. When Lee ran away 2 years back, May became the center of attention. Whenever they were in a room together, everyone's eyes were immediately drawn to the yellow ball of sunshine that was May.
Marie couldn't hate her for this and if anything, appreciated her for this. Having the attention off her meant she could do things she was passionate about and not get yelled at for being "unladylike." She could practice fencing with the servant boys in the backyard or ride her horse carefree. So there was a lot of love for May here.
Glancing over Marie saw her younger sister in action. Many young princes surrounded her, smiling and sharing laughs. She smiled a bit. She did have a soft spot for May. They became a lot closer after Lee ran away.
Unlike her sister, Marie spent most of the evening sitting alone in the far corner of the ballroom. Every now and then she'd catch the disapproving glare of her mother, to which she'd promptly look away and not budge a muscle. She liked to think she was rebellious.
She suddenly heard footsteps approaching her table. She quickly released the foot she was massaging and stuffed it back into her shoe. She looked up in time to see her mother with a woman that looked about the same age as her and a boy that looked around her own age.
"Marie, there is someone I'd like you to meet." Her mother said in a sickly-sweet tone. She would've rolled her eyes but instead put on a polite smile of her own. "Yes, mother?" She said, replicating the same tone. It was so obviously sarcastic, one to which her mother responded with a silent warning. The two guests seemed dense though, since they only smiled back at her.
"This is Queen Kathleen from the Southern kingdom and her son Prince Eddward. My Queen and Prince, meet my daughter Princess Anne-Marie."
Marie smiled at them, not sure why her mother introduced them. She hadn't done that since Marie was 12 when she called Prince Eddy "as short as his temper."
The Prince was much taller than her, roughly 6 feet. He had combed back black hair that reached his chin and big brown eyes. His skin tone was roughly olive but looked smooth to the touch. He was wearing the same dressed up attire as the rest of the princes though he didn't look as confident in them as the other men.
He smiled at her, revealing a gap between his teeth that was oddly cute to her. He reached out and nervously grasped her left hand, bringing it up to his lips to kiss her knuckle. "Its very nice to meet you, Princess." His voice was obviously nervous but she knew his words were sincere. She held back a blush, and instead drew her hand away politely.
"Nice to meet you too, Eddward."
He didn't get the sarcasm in her voice, and neither did his mother. They both smiled, but Marie saw her own mother with practical fire in her eyes.
"Excuse us one moment your Majesty." She grasped Marie's wrist rather tightly and dragged her off, leaving behind two confused guests.
"Anne-Marie Lynn Kanker, you are to be friendly to these two tonight, am I clear?" Her mother demanded.
"Why though? You haven't introduced me to anyone in years."
Her mother pursed her lips. "Just listen to me with this. I'm going to talk to the Queen, you stay with Eddward and talk to him. You don't want to know what happens when you disobey me." She took her back to the two, where she promptly left with the Queen.
Eddward looked very nervous, while Marie just looked annoyed. She wasn't complaining necessarily. He was cute, she just didn't feel like talking. She didn't want to try to test her mother more than usual though.
Marie took back her seat from her earlier, while Eddward just stood, smiling at her. She grinned back.
"You know its weird for me to sit while you stand and smile at me." He was knocked out of his stupor, while red fled his face. He sat next to her hastily. "M-my apologies Princess."
Marie crossed her legs and leaned back. "Just call me Marie. Is there anything less formal I can call you besides 'Eddward'?" He looked surprised at her.
"W-well I mean sometimes people call me Edd, but-"
"Edd it is then."
Marie seemed done with this conversation but Edd didn't take it.
"So Pri- Marie, what are your hobbies if I may ask?" Marie was a little stunned. In her experience, any Prince that was left alone with her would only flaunt his own skills and try to use them to seduce her. They could care less about Marie's interests, only after their own.
She didn't let her shock show, instead remaining weary.
What game is he playing? She thought.
"Well, I like horseback riding and fencing. I also like painting." When she met his gaze, she expected the expression on his face. Confusion, and disbelief.
"Not to sound rude Marie, but aren't those two activities more.. ahem- male dominated activities?"
She rolled her eyes. She was good at reading others, so she knew he really was trying not to offend her. Doesn't mean she can't have some fun with it.
"So? What's it to ya? You think just cause I'm a 'lady' means I can't fence or ride a damn horse?" She sat up a bit from her slouched position, making herself as intimidating as possible.
His brown eyes widened in shock as his mouth stuttered looking for the right words.
"O-of c-course not your Majesty! I was merely stating- oh dear.. I didn't mean to offend you, if those are truly your passions then please pursue them!" His voice kept creeping higher as he spewed each word in a hurry, his hands bracing for something. A slap, punch, she didn't know.
She giggled instead, making Edd lower his guard.
"Well then thank you, Edd. What do you like to do?" He obviously looked out of the loop but it just made Marie continue smiling.
He adjusted his clothes a bit and coughed.
"Well, I enjoy playing some instruments like the piano or cello. Though I do admit my true calling is science. I love observing it and attempting to comprehend it. I hope to be a scientist when I'm older." He stated confidently.
Marie's eyes twinkled listening to him talk about his passion. His whole face lit up and he refused to let go of his smile which allowed her to see the adorable gap between his teeth.
A sudden realization struck her and she stopped day dreaming. "Won't you be king though?"
His face dropped noticeably. "I suppose you are correct. Maybe I can pursue science as well when I'm king."
She was about to speak up again when the two parental figures returned. "Marie! Eddward! Please, come with us."
They didn't have a chance to speak before the respective parents dragged them away from the comfortable corner in the room to the center and up the stairs to the queens throne.
Marie spotted May as she took her place next to her sister, a knowing grin overtaking her features. Marie was about to demand what she knew, when some of the guards blew their trumpets, quieting the ballroom.
"Subjects of Flunpark! As you are all aware, my eldest daughter Anna-Lee is no longer in running to be my successor." The subject of Lee made Maries stomach drop. As annoying as she was, she still terribly missed her sister.
Marie figured she knew where the conversation was going. She was going to state how she found someone suited for May and make her queen. Given Maries bad attitude and antisocial behaviors, combined with the fact men avoided her like the plague, May was a shoe in.
"Tonight's ball wasn't just any ordinary occasion. I got to talking with Queen Kathleen from the Kingdom of Culdesac, and we have come upon an agreement. My next eldest daughter Princess Anne-Marie, and Queen Kathleen's only son Prince Eddward are to be married in two months!"
The subjects didn't want to be seen as disrespectful so they started clapping and cheering despite their confusion.
Marie paid them no mind, instead focusing on her mothers words as she felt her stomach drop. Marriage. Two Months. Prince.
Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open, staring at her mother. "What do you mean married?!" Marie demanded. Luckily she wasn't heard over the crowd and was instead given a glare that could kill. "We will discuss this later." Her mother growled.
Marie's thoughts turned to herself. She'd never be this carefree spirit anymore. She wouldn't be able to get away with her hobbies anymore. She'd have to be a perfect lady who did boring things. She'd be trapped. She'd move far away from her last remaining sister. She'd be alone.
Marie glanced over at Edd who didn't look so much better. He looked paler than usual, his eyes big, and a slight tremor taking hold of his body.
He just kept looking forward.
Poor guys in shock. Marie thought.
To her left was May, hollering louder than probably anyone in the room. Her eyes were brimming with happiness as she clapped and cheered for her sisters success. This time, Marie didn't find it adorable. Marie felt her heart skip beats as the situation slowly sunk in. She rushed down the stairs, not stopping for anyone. She went toward the back hallway where no guests were allowed.
She heard footsteps quickly following from behind as she stopped in the corridor. She expected it to be her mother but instead met her sister who followed her.
"Isn't this great Marie?" May asked, a wide smile overtaking her face. Marie crossed her arms, pacing the corridor.
"No it isn't!" Marie grumbled. May ignored her, bringing her hands to her face in awe. "It's so romantic! It's just like those stories we used to read!"
Marie didn't think May truly grasped the situation. She stomped up to her ignorant sister, grabbing her by the shoulders which stopped her rambling.
"MAY! This isn't like those stories! We didn't fall in love and then get married. We're two complete strangers getting married! I'm going to be the queen of his nation while you're gonna stay here and get married and rule ours! And guess what? We might not see each other ever again! No more random night rides or coming to each other when we got nightmares! I'm going to go far away from here and there's nothing I can do about it!"
Sharing her emotions let out a weight Marie didn't realize she was holding. She instantly felt better, but when she met the eyes of her sister she felt worse. Her sisters baby blue eyes were darkened and misted over in tears.
"May.." Marie started in a quiet tone. She didn't mean to upset her sister. She was always the happy one out of the three who knew how to cheer them up in an instant. Now she was sad because of Marie.
"I DON'T WANT YOU TO DISAPPEAR MARIE!" She shouted, wrapping her arms around her elder sister. Marie gasped, feeling the air leave her lungs at the tight hug from May. She instantly wrapped her arms around her sister just as tight.
"Hey hey.. Don't cry about it May.. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you sad. I was just being grouchy like usual." Marie muttered. She felt that the words she was relaying to her sister was just a message to herself because she felt the tears well up in her eyes as May cried on her shoulder.
"I don't want you to leave like Lee.." May muttered in misery. The tears instantly fell at her sisters words, making Marie grasp on tighter to her sister. "I'd never do that to you May. Never. I love you." She didn't even realize how hard she was sobbing until May backed up from their hug and wiped the tears from her cheeks.
"Marie.. You're letting your makeup run.." May whined through her own sniffles, trying desperately to wipe it off with her fingers. Marie wrapped her hands around Mays wrists, holding her in place.
"I don't care about makeup stupid! I care about you! Every chance I get I'm gonna try to see you okay? I'm not abandoning you!" May nodded at her sisters words, taking them like a bible verse. After Lee ran away, Marie and May started to appreciate each other more. They understood how family can be gone in an instant. From that moment on they tried to value their time together more when May wasn't off doing princess things.
They heard footsteps approaching from a distance, but both of them refused to look up. Instead a handkerchief came into their view. May looked up first, a surprised expression overcoming her. She smiled wobbly at her sister before leaving the hallway.
Marie took the handkerchief from the mystery hand, thankful to wipe her face of her pathetic tears.
"I-I'm sorry.." She looked up to meet the deep brown eyes of her future husband. She was surprised that he was knocked out of his stupor. She thought he'd be in shock for at least an hour.
Marie sighed, dropping the now dirty handkerchief to her lap.
"What're you sorry for? You didn't have much of a say in this as I did."
Edd crouched to meet her level, a nervous smile on his lips.
"Yes, that is true. But there isn't much we can really do about it besides accepting it. So, if I may, can I take you for a walk?" Marie thought about it for a moment. She hated balls and this night was going to be spent wallowing in misery if she was alone. Company seemed best, even if it was the person who would be changing her life.
She shrugged. "I guess."
He held out his hand for her and Marie accepted it, feeling the soft skin of his hand wrapped up in hers. She felt her heart skip a beat as he smiled wide showing off the adorable gap between his teeth. As he helped her stand up, she had a feeling that this wouldn't be as bad as she thought.