Sienna could barely breathe she was so nervous. Matt held her hand, but she was shaking into his palm. The thick layer of makeup on her face hid the deep shade of scarlet her cheeks had turned, but it did nothing to help the layer of sweat. She felt like her whole body was melting into the thick, black coatdress the Queen had arranged for Sienna to wear. It fit snuggly to the waist and was pinned with a chic belt. Underneath she had long tights and pretty heels. Sienna was the elegant, Royal outing Barbie doll.

Picture perfect, the Queen had said.

Adorably chic, Carol had agreed.

Unbearably hot, Sienna thought. She wiped her hands at her sides and then let her hand return to Matt. He held it, squeezing gently, as the King continued with his speech. Matt's father talked about the decision, the ball, and then, finally, the engagement. The crowd cheered delight. They were ecstatic. Their crowned prince was getting married!

Somewhere, Sienna knew, there was going to be partygoers groaning at the thought of Sienna as a princess. Especially, she thought, as the King made his most vital announcement: the pair would take the crown shortly after the wedding. Sienna Carlton, a born and bred peasant and citizen, was to be Queen.

The change was immediate. The screaming crowd was silenced, their mouths open and their eyes wide. Some began to whisper. The majority looked shell-shocked. Did they hear correctly? Was this generation of the monarchy going to end? Why? What was the King's reasoning?

The King said there would be no explanations at this time, but that he supported Matthew wholeheartedly. The choice had not been an easy one, but they as a family had decided it was best. He referred to them all by name: King Alfred, Queen Suzanne, Prince Matthew, Prince Leonardo, and the to-be Princess Sienna.

As he spoke, Matthew gripped Sienna's hand. The time had come. The Queen, dressed in an elegant floral dress, stepped out first. She was natural, not missing a beat. She waved joyfully and accepted her applause. Next came Prince Leonardo, which, by his expression, was not acceptable but he returned the crowd's excitement. As he reached King Alfred, he and his parents turned to face the doorway. Matt stepped first, Sienna following into step beside him.

Sienna's heart hammered in her chest. This was it. The lights burned at her eyes and she blinked the flashes away. There was a reporter to her left and a camera to her right. She squeezed Matt's hand and felt the pressure increase. Glancing up at his face, she saw him offer the smallest of reassuring smiles.

I'm here.

Sienna couldn't breathe, but she kept walking. It felt like a mile had been between the King and the archway. Once they reached the platform, Matt stopped and raised their joined hands. He was gracefully helping Sienna onto the platform. The crowd loved it. There was a roar of catcalls and cheers from below as Sienna let Matt lift her onto the stage. The King extended his hand and she accepted gracefully. To be honest, her legs felt weak. It didn't matter that this was the head of the nation, as long as she wasn't about to fall on her face in front of the nation.

"Lady Sienna!" The crowd cried.

Sienna didn't know how to react to the title. She shyly waved, still holding the King's hand as he brought her to the front of the platform. Matt was there in seconds, replacing the King's hand with his own. Sienna let her fingers fall loosely into place with his. Matt smiled, and, with a red face, raised their joined hands to the crowd.

I am the Princess. Sienna thought. But I don't deserve to be.

They didn't want an explanation. The nation exploded, clapping and cheering. They had a peasant who was going to be a princess. It didn't matter that she was plain or ordinary. She was shy, she was gentle, and she was destined to be their next Queen. Sienna was the embodiment of millions of little girls' dreams. One day, her prince had come. Shortly after, he had slid a ring onto her finger and promised her to the whole nation.

But he didn't love her.

Only one man loved her. And he was down there, somewhere. Or at home, sitting in front of his TV. Wherever he was, he was trying to piece this all together. How did Sienna go from his partner at the bakery to princess of his country? It was a slap in the face, for sure. Frank would have been happier if some random caller had upstaged him; the biggest man in the nation had come and stolen Sienna. How could a girl say no?

Sienna fought back tears as she smiled and waved.

I must look like the most desperate woman in the world to him.