Recap: Princess Kim got engaged to Prince Jack (against her will.)

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Kim

Julie almost claps in excitement, but stops when she sees my expression.

"To Prince Jack, right?" she asks. I nod nervously. "Well, can I see the ring?" she asks. I let her look at it, and when she looks up, Julie's eyes are brimming with tears.

"Julie? What's going on? Why are you crying?" I ask. For some reason, I feel a twinge of... something. I think it's... compassion. I never felt that. I mean, don't get me wrong. I enjoy having Grace, Kelsey, Lisette and Julie around, but I never had any reason to feel anything other than mild happiness, intense anger, discontent and rare shock.

"Well... if you're getting married, I won't be your personal seamstress anymore!" Julie wails. I just lay there awkwardly, unsure of what to do. I finally sat up and pulled Julie in for a hug. Startled at first, Julie cried into my shoulder, ruining that beautiful purple dress. I felt a little unhappy at that, but I didn't care much.

"Julie, maybe you should find someone. I mean, you've been working hard on my wardrobe, you need to spend time with someone else," I suggest. I never really gave good advice, so I'm not used to it.

Julie pulls back, embarrassed, and mumbles, "I already like someone." I smile, and motion for her to elaborate. "Well... it's the librarian, Milton Krupnick. He's amazingly smart, and kind, and even though he's not good with swords, he can occasionally scare people who defile the books," Julie giggles quietly.

"Well, why don't you talk to Milton more? Tomorrow, I will write my... fiance and ask to bring you, Kelsey, Grace, and Lisette to my husband's kingdom. I'm sure Father won't mind if I did," I suggest. Julie's face brightens.

"Will you, Princess?" She asks hopefully.

I laugh and reply, "I'll try. And call me Kim. You're my good friend."

Julie's face is glowing so brightly, it's almost blinding. "Thank, you Pr-... Kim," she hugs me tightly and almost runs to the door. She stops at the doorway, turns around, and says, "I know you want to escape. And you don't like your fiance. Trust me, you will be fine. Just compromise," and walks away, closing the door.

I smile until she's gone, and realize how light hearted I feel. I feel so free. Compromise... Julie's voice echoes softly in my head. I get it now. I can't abandon my kingdom. If I love it so much, I have to bear the pain of being royalty. I mean, I shouldn't dishonor Teril. Even if I hate my status and my... fiance. Ugh. I rush to my desk, pull out a piece of parchment, and began to write in that way-too-elaborate handwriting I was taught. I have to be careful to act like I was happy, or at least okay with the engagement and upcoming marriage.

My Dearest Jack,

How are you faring? I am doing well. My brother's fiancee is lovely. I mean to ask you something. My dear seamstress, Julie, will miss me dearly when I leave to become your bride. I would dearly appreciate it if I could bring her, my lady-in-waiting, and two of my personal guards. I would not settle in my new kingdom as happily if I cannot have my dearest friends. Yes, those guards are my friends.

They are lovely yet protective girls. Julie understands my style, and makes the loveliest and yet comfiest dresses ever, my lady-in-waiting Kelsey is the best at making me look lovelier, and my fellow guards are skilled girls.

I hope you are doing well, and I anticipate becoming your bride soon.

Your beloved,

Princess Kimberly.

I wait for the ink to dry, and then roll up the parchment, tying it with a purple silk ribbon. I call for Kelsey, who had just finished showing Donna the garden. Waiting for her to come, I slip out of my gown and put on my green one. Simple yet still slightly extravagant, the gown had tight sleeves that stopped short of my elbows, and was pleated. Gold thread swirled around the hems, and there were pleats around the edge of my skirt.

"Yes, Princess Kimberly?" Kelsey greets brightly.

"Call me Kim, Kelsey. But I'd like it if you would send this to Prince Jack in the Kingdom of Birari," I ask politely.

Though mildly shocked, Kelsey recovers quickly and says, "Of course, Pr- Kim." She takes the scroll, hesitates, and asks curiously, "Is this a love letter? I can't see you pursuing a prince."

I laugh in shock. Dang, I feel like I've endured enough shock for a few years. "No, Kelsey, I am not pursuing him. I'm engaged to him," I explain.

Kelsey's jaw drops. "Y-You're engaged? Does this mean... you'll be leaving me?" I smile sympathetically. What's happening to me? Why am I feeling more emotions than I'm used to? AM I CHANGING?

"Kelsey, this letter asks Prince Jack if I can take you, Grace, Lisette, and Julie with me to the Birari," I shake my head.

I wait until Kelsey finishes cheering and hugging me. "So could you please get a messenger run this to Jack?" I ask. Kelsey, nods, still overly excited, grabs the scroll, and walks out the castle.

A week later...

The messenger Kelsey chose was a good one, who got it to Jack in no time. Jack was apparently ecstatic to hear from me. He replied eagerly,

My Lovely Kimberly,

I am doing as well as I hope you are. I am glad to see you were honest enough to tell me you had more friends than your lady-in-waiting. You're bad at being honest.

Of course you can bring them. I spoke with my father, King William, who is pleased that I made a wonderful match. He insists you do, and has talked to your father, whom I hope will agree. My father even said, "Your bride needs to not be overly homesick. By all means, she can bring her friends!"

I am puzzled though. How did girls become guards? Should they be in their homes, embroidering or doing things as befit the girls of their status?

You are lovely even if you wore no makeup, jewels, or fancy dress.

Your love,

Prince Jackson.

I'm angry. HOW DARE HE INSULT US GIRLS? Does he know that I take archery? Female royals of Teril have to learn archery to help their husbands with war. Grace and Lisette even taught me a little swordplay. Lisette was a swordsman's only child, so she begged her father, and later, the king, to let her be a swordsman - or rather, a swords woman. And Grace? She was too tomboyish for a noblewoman, so they let her be a guard.

I will rebuke my fiance for underestimating my friends, I thought as I sat down in a chair, and began scribbling on a sheet of parchment.

I'm not sure about this chapter...