I know I might be a little pushy on this, but I would appreciate any reviews. I'm gonna stop there. Here is... Chapter FIVE!

Kim

I walk into the courtroom. It's barely 5 o'clock, so the royals won't be here for a few minutes. I head towards Father, who's observing the hasty set up process.

"Kimberly, darling, how are you tonight?" He greets warmly.

I answer, "Just fine, Father." I take a breath, and start, "Father, Jack has summoned me to his kingdom to prepare for the wedding."

King Marcus's eyes tear up. "So soon?" He asks sadly.

I feel just as bad. I am his only daughter, and he's losing me. What's happening to me? Am I getting used to whole "royalty" thing? I better not. "Father," I whisper. "I am sad too. But it's my wedding. And I was hoping..." I take another deep breath, and continue, "I was hoping..." the rest of the words come out a mutter, my voice rising and turning into a squeak. Father smiles.

"Were you hoping that you could take Lisette, Grace, Julie, and Kelsey with you?" he guesses, his face amused. I look up in shock.

"How.. How did you know?" I stammer. King Marcus smiles and pulls out a worn out letter.

"Prince Jackson wrote me a letter," He simply says, handing me the letter.

Your Highness,

Your daughter and my love, Princess Kimberly, has made an unusual request. She wishes to bring a pair of female guards, her seamstress, and her lady-in-waiting. I would not mind if she does, but I was wondering if it interfered with your customs. If you need more persuasion, my father has put in a good word for her request. He says that she try to adjust to a new kingdom, and with some familiarity from home, she may be happier with her lot.

I hope you do not get angry at me for reaching you so boldly, but it is your daughter's request, and I wish to honor my beloved's wishes.

Prince Jackson

I stare at the letter in shock. "I have thought it over, and I honestly agree. I already have my two best swordsmen-in-training getting accustomed to the routine," King Marcus smiles.

"T-Thank you, Father," I stutter, and then curtsy. On my way to my chambers, I bump into Milton, the librarian, carrying books and scrolls.

"Ah, hello, Milton!" I greet as I pick myself off the floor.

Milton places his pile of books carefully on a nearby table, and bows deeply. "I'm genuinely sorry, Princess Kimberly!" He frets as I dust myself off.

"It's alright. But you are Milton..." I let him sweat, (figuratively,) and then add, "so you must know Julie, my seamstress!" Milton blushed.

"I-Indeed," He murmurs, staring at the ground.

"And what do you think of her?" I inquire, smiling gently.

Milton starts, and fidgets nervously before saying, "I... I think I may be smitten with the fair girl. Her embroidery is lifelike, and her beauty is as radiant as the sun. Everything about her is attractive," he blurts out. He stares back down at the ground, shuffling his feet.

"No need to be embarrassed," I say lightly. "She thinks fondly of you as well," I add. Milton brightens.

"Does she?" He asks eagerly. "I must talk to her. Even if she left, I would write her often, and devote my time and life to memorizing her beauty!" Milton gushes.

"She deserves it. I'll see you around, Milton," I pat his shoulder and head to my chamber.

"Kim!" Kelsey exclaims. She's changed into a new dress. It's a rosy pink, with bell sleeves and a loose skirt, not the puffed out ones I have to wear to the royal dinner. Her hair is braided down her back, and soft wings of hair cover her ears. Plus she looks stressed.

"Kelsey! You look beautiful!" I exclaim. She rolls her eyes.

"I may look beautiful, Kim, but I'm more worried about you. I didn't do too much of your makeup!" She wails. It's my turn to roll my eyes.

"Don't you roll your eyes at me, Kimberly!" She says a little cheekily. She sits me down and applies my make up.

"Open your eyes, Kim," Kelsey declares. I open them.

My eyelids are glittering with some unknown substance. My lips are glossy but not too glossy. My cheeks are rosy and dainty. Every one of my birth marks are nowhere to be seen, and I look gorgeous. Not something I can say every day.

"I look... amazing! Kelsey! You're an artist!" I exclaim. Kelsey beams. "And I have some good news," I add.

"What?" Kelsey asks, her expression one of a puzzled dog.

"Jack called for me, and he says you can come!" I say as cheerily as possible (which isn't really cheery,) about my stinking, too-dang-perfect fiance. Julie bursts in, holding another gown.

"I'm sorry for interrupting, but I have something for you, Kim!" Julie gasps. Then she notices us. "What's happened?" she asks.

"Jack called for Kim! And even though you don't like him," Kelsey glances at me, "I can't believe we're going to another kingdom!" she squeals.

As Kelsey and Julie jump up and down and squeal, I add, "And Julie?" Julie turns to me, flushed and excited, "Milton is completely in love with you. He said, and these are his actual words, 'Her embroidery is lifelike, and her beauty is as radiant as the sun. Everything about her is attractive.'"

Julie shakes her head. "I don't think Milton is telling you the complete truth. I mean, you are the princess. People might only want to tell you what you want to hear," she says sorrowfully.

I frown. And this is why I hate being a princess. WHY does everyone hope to please me?

"Well, if they hope to please me, then they'll have to tell the truth to please me!" I exclaim furiously, perching on my bed. Julie rushes over.

"That reminds me. Kim, I've finished your wedding gown. You won't be growing, but if you do, then I can easily adjust the length," Julie perks up, pulling the gown from the bag.

The dress is...

Guess what? TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY! And my birthday present for you is a NEW CHAPTER! But... do you guys get attacked by your friends on your birthday?