Longer Summary: Princess Kisa of Clarines struggles with insecurities and self-doubt after a failed betrothal. Now that she's faced with yet another unwanted political engagement, Kisa will do anything to avoid another heartache. When a mysterious lure draws Kisa to an abandoned turret of the palace, she discovers a magic mirror and is shocked to find a snarky man trapped inside. Although she agrees to help break Drake's curse, things quickly grow complicated, for not only does she begin to fall in love with him, but breaking a curse proves quite difficult when she herself feels trapped—by her own self-doubts.

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"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
—Eleanor Roosevelt

My hand shakes where it hovers, poised to knock on the door of the study where my parents have asked me to meet them. The reason for the visit isn't a mystery; I've known for several months now that this day would come. Despite having had time to prepare myself, I still am not ready to hear the news that will change my life forever.

I take a wavering breath. You can do this, Kisa. Be brave. But despite being a princess of Clarines, I don't feel brave. I never have.

I take a deep breath and knock before nodding to the footman standing outside the door, inviting him to open it. Mother and Father sit with their heads bent together, conversing quietly. They simultaneously peer up at my entrance.

"There you are, Kisa." Mother stands to greet me with a hug while Father peers on with a proud smile, already pleased by the answer he knows I will give in response to their news. He wasn't wrong; I knew my duty, although knowing it didn't make it any easier to fulfill.

He motions to the navy settee. "Please have a seat, dear."

I perch on the edge, my hands clenched into fists, hidden within the folds of my skirts, trying not to appear nervous. My parents take seats across from me with all the regal bearing expected of a king and queen.

"You wanted to see me?" I manage to keep my voice steady, a small victory.

Mother reaches over to take one of my hands. "Your father and I have something to tell you."

I braced myself. Mother glanced at Father, allowing him the honor of sharing the dreaded words that would alter my life forever.

"We've been in contact with the Queen of Mercia, and all the arrangements are finally in place. We've invited her and her son for a visit so that you and Prince Wren can get to know one another before your betrothal."

I release a shaky breath. There it is. I'm surprised, as Mother and Father have told me a few months ago that during my brother's wedding reception, the Queen of Mercia has expressed interest in forging an alliance between our two kingdoms. The alliance makes sense; not only is Clarines Mercia's only neighbor, but we are their primary trading partner.

What baffles me is why she 's interested in having her Crown Prince Wren marry me. I'm an unremarkable princess, especially compared to my two superior younger sisters, both of whom are of age to wed. But I keep my confusion locked away, just as I keep every other emotion; it's safer this way.

Mother and Father are still awaiting an answer, so I force a smile. "I'm pleased for the opportunity to get to know Prince Wren before our engagement." Especially considering I've only met him a handful of times over the years; from what I remember, he's a rather sullen man, even more so than my ex-fiancé, Crown Prince Daizen of Nemeth.

The familiar pain I've fought to suppress returns to attack anew. I force it away. Now is not the time to remember my broken engagement.

"That's what we were hoping, but"—Mother squeezes my hand—"please remember that your father and I would never force you into any arrangement that you're not comfortable with, especially after what happened with Zen…" She bites her lip guiltily.

Father rests his hand on her shoulder. "It's alright, darling. It all ended well for him."

She dabs her eyes with a handkerchief. "I know, and I'm still so relieved. But I couldn't bear to watch another one of our children endure a situation similar to his. No political arrangement is worth the cost of our children's happiness."

"That's why we're arranging for Prince Wren to visit before signing any contracts." Father turns to me. "If you find you don't suit, please be open with us."

Even though I know they are sincere in their willingness to put my wishes above the interests of our kingdom, I also understand that doing so will disappoint them, for it's their duty to see to the welfare of our subjects…a duty that is also mine. I've known it my entire life and won't falter.

"I understand." I take a steadying breath in an attempt to calm my nerves. "When are they to arrive?"

"At week's end."

My heart sinks. So soon? But perhaps it's for the best so I won't have time to get even more anxious than I already am. My chest tightens and my mind's familiar taunts return before I have a chance to suppress them.

He'll hate you too, just like Daizen did.

I squeeze my eyes shut, willing the fearful words to leave me. They quiet but linger, lying in wait to make another attack soon.

"Kisa, dear?" Mother's face is twisted with worry.

I force a smile. "I have no doubt their visit will go well. Then we'll be aligned with a powerful kingdom."

Father frowns. "That's true…but Kisa, even though we'd be pleased with such an alliance, please know we're sincere in that we'd never force you to—"

"Zen's engagement fell through with Lyceria, as did mine with Nemeth. This one has to go through."

My parents study me closely, as if trying to pry off the rigid mask I wear in order to steal a glimpse of my true feelings. But they won't succeed; I've long since trained myself to keep my emotions hidden.

"There's no doubt this would be a wonderful alliance for us," Father said. "Not to mention I'd be pleased to have one of our daughters as the future queen of our primary neighbor, but this isn't the only potential alliance you can make. You could always marry Prince Wren's younger brother, or any of the four princes of Bytamia"

"Bytamia is too far away, Father. Being aligned with a kingdom across the sea won't be nearly as beneficial as being aligned with our neighbor. "

"Indeed." Father is still perusing my expression. I fight to keep it neutral. He finally nods, seeming satisfied. "Very well, I'm pleased you understand the situation. I hope you and Wren discover you're a good match, but if it doesn't work out, then we'll arrange a different marriage for you. All will be well." He pats my hand.

I nod again. "It will be."

But I don't believe my own words, especially as my constant fear attacks anew.

What if you fail…again?

No, I couldn't. But how could I not when I still didn't understand what I'd done wrong the first time?

︵‿︵‿୨୧‿︵‿︵

I sit rigidly in my seat, fighting the urgency to pace the parlor as my gaze repeatedly darts toward the window for any sign of the carriage bearing the Mercian royal crest.

Oblivious to my tension, Yua wriggles excitedly beside me, her embroidery forgotten on her lap. "This is so exciting, Kisa. You're to marry the crown prince of such a wealthy kingdom, and Wren is so handsome."

My romantic younger sister thinks every prince is handsome, even those whom she's never met. Yua's embroidery slides to the floor as she swivels in her seat to peek once more out the window with a disappointed frown. "The carriage still isn't here. I don't think I can bear to wait a moment longer."

I bend down to retrieve her embroidery. "Perhaps this will help you pass the time. Would you like some help?" I know she's been struggling with some of the more complicated stitches.

She wrinkles her nose at her unfinished pattern. "Who cares about embroidery when you're about to meet your future fiancé?" She pulls back the navy velvet drapes to peer outside again with another sigh of longing. "They're taking a rather long time..."

"It's a long journey, Yua," Anwen says from her seat on the neighboring settee.

"How far, exactly?" Yua asks.

Anwen doesn't even look up from her needlework, nor does her perfect posture falter. "Three days, which you'd know if you ever paid attention in our studies."

Yua rolls her forget-me-not blue eyes, the very same ones all of us Wisteria children have. "I do pay attention…to interesting subjects like music and dance, not dull facts such as how many days' journey it is between the five different kingdoms." She returns her gaze to the window for a minute more before swiveling to face me. "How can you sit so patiently when your future husband is on his way to the palace?"

Future husband…my stomach knots. How can we marry when I know almost nothing about him? I know I should at least be grateful my parents care enough for my welfare to allow me to get to know him before the wedding, but deep down I know I really have no choice, despite the illusion I do. Which means I have to learn to care for Wren.

Hopefully he isn't as sullen as I remember...

Yua is looking at me expectantly, awaiting an answer.

"I'm pleased for the chance to renew our acquaintance." It's a diplomatic answer that doesn't reveal my true feelings on the matter. "I'm sure he's amiable. I remember him being rather…proper."

Just like Anwen. My gaze darts toward her as she hovers over her embroidery. Why isn't Wren pursuing her? The two would make a fine pair; their temperaments seems better matched, not to mention she is more beautiful than I am.

Everyone is more beautiful than you are.

While my sisters are oblivious to my apprehension, it isn't lost on my brother and his wife. Zen and Shirayuki have been watching me carefully, Zen with protective worry, Shirayuki with compassion.

The latter leans forward, her emerald eyes shining characteristically with worry. "Are you alright, Kisa? You seem nervous."

I force a tight smile. "I'm fine." Liar.

"Of course you're not," Zen speaks up. "How can you be when you're expected to marry someone you hardly know? Having narrowly escaped a similar scenario myself, I greatly sympathize."

"Unlike some members of this family, Kisa knows what's expected of her." Trust Izana to but in with his unsolicited opinion.

Before Zen can retaliate, Mother interjects. "We're not going to force a union between Kisa and Wren."

Zen lifts his eyebrows at this tidbit of information. "So, no contracts have been signed?"

"Not yet."

My second oldest brother relaxes back against his seat. "Lucky break, sister. In that case, there's still time to wriggle out of the arrangement. Do you need any tips? Because I have plenty. You'll certainly need them; Wren isn't exactly a basket of fun."

"Don't try to influence her." Anwen finally looks up from her embroidery to glare at him.

"And don't encourage her to abandon her duty," Izana adds. "She's not you."

Zen lifts his hands in defense. "I had a perfect excuse for my actions: I was engaged to Princess Rika." His mouth twists on her name. "Duty isn't strong enough to stomach that match."

"It all worked out," Shirayuki speaks up, a certain fondness in her tone.

The love match between my Zen and his best friend, now wife, will forever be legend in our kingdom. Their fondness and admiration was first established through friendship, but blossomed into something beautiful over a course of time.

"Only because a miracle occurred." Zen gives Shirayuki a snuggle and the two share a smile, no doubt able to communicate their feelings without words.

My heart lurches at the sweet display, for it's a reminder that my dreams of someone falling in love with me will never occur. I've always known a love match is impossible. Despite being a princess, I'm entirely average, a fact that means I'll never secure any man's affections, let alone a crown prince's. We'll undoubtedly have a loveless union. The most I can hope for will be amiability between us, children to cherish, and the opportunity to make a difference for the Mercian people who'll soon become my subjects.

Some of the nerves I've been attempting to mask must show on my face, for Yua rests her hand over mine. "Don't worry, Kisa, I'm sure it'll be alright." She frowns. "Although, as handsome as Wren is, there is a downside to your match, considering he's supposedly cursed."

"That's just a rumor, Yua," Mother states chidingly. "Please assure me you have enough sense not to bring up such a thing when our guests are visiting."

"Of course I won't." But Yua's smile is rather wicked. Oh, dear.

Shirayuki tips her head back to look at Zen, causing some of her apple-red tendrils to fall away from her heart-shaped face. "I'm not aware of such a rumor."

Zen leans closer and lowers his voice to a loud whisper. "It's said that all four Mercian royal children are cursed in some way. Nobody knows exactly what Prince Wren's curse is, but you can be sure I'll investigate during his visit in order to discover not only his, but the rest of—"

"Please, Zen." Mother's plea cuts him off.

Zen winks conspiratorially at his wife. "I'll share the rest of the gossip later."

"I still don't understand how someone as odious as you ended up with the sweetest woman," Anwen says sourly.

Zen grins. "It was undoubtedly due to my incredible charm. Isn't that right, darling?"

"You are rather charming," she agrees.

My brother kisses the top of Shirayuki's head and she smiles up at him before turning back to me. "Please don't be nervous; I have no doubt Prince Wren will see all there is to admire in you. You're such a compassionate person."

"As always, my wife is right," Zen says. "Wren would be a fool not to see what a wonderful woman you are; the trick will be getting you to fall in love with him." He wrinkles his nose. "Unfortunately it won't be difficult; you've always demonstrated kindness to all you meet—the servants, our grumpy old tutors, Izana—"

"Bastard," Izana mutters under his breath at the jive.

"—even rabbits."

Shirayuki furrows her brow. "Rabbits?"

Zen chuckles and I fight my own smile. I know which story he's about to tell; it's one he tells often.

"Kisa and I spent most of our childhood frolicking in the orchards. One day we happened upon an injured rabbit. My taste buds immediately started to water as I imagined taking it to Cook so she could prepare rabbit stew."

Shirayuki covers her mouth to suppress her smile. "Oh, Zen, you didn't..."

Zen's grin is unrepentant. "Believe me, I nearly did, only Kisa refused to allow it. Instead, she felt sorry for my supper and insisted on bringing it home in order to nurse it back to health. She kept it as a pet for years, and it lived to a ripe old age. If she feels sorry for injured rabbits, she'll undoubtedly feel sorry for a crown prince who lacks a personality and marry him out of pity."

"Really, Zen." Mother gives him a scolding look and he lowers his eyes in remorse. "You shouldn't—"

Yua's excited squeal interrupts her. "The Mercian royal carriage just rolled through the gates. They're here!"

"Then you'd best not be seen gawking from the window," Anwen says wryly.

Yua sighs but obediently settles beside me, poised like a proper princess, with no sign of her previous restlessness. Anwen sets aside her embroidery and we all turn our attention to the door, waiting in silent anticipation for the footman to announce our guests.

I clench and unclench bunches of my skirts. Perhaps he'll be better than you remember. Perhaps you two will be well matched after all. Perhaps—

The footman enters with a bow and my breath hitches. "Announcing Her Majesty the Queen of Mercia and her son, the Crown Prince Wren Amnell."

We all stand. I hold my breath as the footman steps aside and the queen sweeps into the room, followed by the most serious-looking man I've ever seen. The Queen of Mercia is striking in her beauty, with a youthful face despite her advancing years. She wears a crimson traveling gown that matches her lips, and her raven-black hair is adorned elegantly, making her look as if she is attending a ball rather than having just finished her third long day of travel.

I shift my attention to Prince Wren, also dark-haired and dark-eyed, and wearing a blooming red rose pinned to his lapel. He stands with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression stoic as he listens to the exchange of pleasantries and inquires about their travels. I peruse his face hungrily, trying to discern his personality, but the only thing that stands out are the dark circles beneath his eyes that make him appear exhausted.

In the first lull, I step forward for my own greeting. "It's a pleasure to welcome you. Thank you for traveling all this way for a visit. I hope your time here is pleasant." I curtsy.

The queen stares at me, and in my paranoia I'm certain she's scrutinizing me for flaws. I shift beneath her perusal.

Her expression quickly smooths into a smile. "The pleasure is ours, dear. My, aren't you a darling little thing." Her smile widens, showing unnaturally straight and white teeth. The queen turns to Wren and tips her head in my direction, beckoning him to step forward. "Isn't Princess Kisa a charming girl?"

Prince Wren gives me a bored look but says nothing. My heart squeezes. We've only just met and already he seems unimpressed with me.

Are you really so surprised? You're entirely unremarkable.

It's one thing to believe that, but quite another to have my self-assessment confirmed, and by my intended at that.

The proper introductions made, Mother has a servant show our guests to their rooms, announcing that dinner will be in an hour's time after they've had a chance to rest.

The queen gives a smile in return while Prince Wren looks entirely indifferent. The moment Prince Wren's back is turned, Zen raises his eyebrows at me with a look that clearly indicates he isn't impressed, meaning his invitation to come up with an elaborate escape from the union is still open.

"He's rather…serious," Yua whispers to me the moment the door closes behind the queen and her son. Dread pools my stomach.

Perhaps he's simply tired.

But I don't believe my attempt to cheer myself up. The small bit of hope I've been secretly clinging to fades. Have I really been expecting anything else?

A/N: This story will be slight AU. The monarchs of Clarines are alive and well, not to mention I've given Zen and Izana three adoring little sisters: Kisa, Yua, and Anwen. :)

While this story is Kisa and Ren's (both my OCs) other characters from the show will very much play important parts in the story! After watching this anime, I just fell in love with the characters and the world it's set in! I couldn't help but take some creative liberities and add my own ;)

Please let me know your thoughts!