A week had passed since the Royals visit and my encounter with Prince Teague. I still haven't gotten any clear details on the purpose for the celebration aside from the Fates' anniversary. But my parent's leash has gotten tighter as the day nears.

Swinging my sword I hit the dummy and let loose my rage onto it. I imagine I am attacking enemy soldiers who attack the border cities killing innocent citizens. Hit after hit. I hack off part of the dummy. After what seems like seconds, which was most likely minutes, I feel a hand on my shoulder. Stopping me and bringing me out of my rage.

"What's wrong Will? You've destroyed the thing." Johnny says. He has come to be my only friend so far.

I nod and frown.

We just stand there until the signal sounds and I nod goodbye. "Bye Will see you tomorrow and hopefully in a better mood." With that we leave. Me with a gash on my hand for a reason unknown to me.

I grunt while Stela frowns at my "extra weight" as she pulls the ribbons of the corset tight. "I'm sorry," she softly says. I laugh softly.

After what feels like years, I finally step into the dress my mother got for me.

Looking in the mirror, I think to myself I look like an actual princess. Wow.I smile at my reflection, though it doesn't reach my eyes.

--

Outside the ballroom

"Remember Wilhelmina, it is extremely important that you stand with Prince Teague during the speech." Saraphina said as she cast a worried glance to her first born. Like most mother's she wanted the best for her child. She truly did, but she wanted her daughter to also live a long time.

After a few dances with Charlie, several other kids came over to dance along with us, while the nobles' children stand there with disgust written on their face. At some point, Teague had come over and joined the crowd watching as the siblings danced.

After a while, the song turned slow and by some miracle Teague and I are dancing together. He looks like he's eager for something but I don't know what? Unable to keep my curiosity in check, I ask him.

"I'm waiting for the show to start."

"What show?"

I'm confused and want to ask another question when Annalora shows up all smiley and cuts in. I can't hold in my laughter at Teague's expression. Karma!

Charlie taps on my arm asking to dance. I smile and dance along with him. It's time to exchange partners. Someone wraps their arms around my waist from behind, and I, on instinct turn and grab their arm nearly breaking it. Teague is taken aback by that but looks sorry he ever touched me.

The crowd gasps in horror, awaiting his wrath to fall upon me and my family.

"I'm so sorry!"

"It's fine, you needn't apologize for being well trained." He says vaguely.

I open my mouth to ask when he shushes me and drags me to the podium where the Fates start their announcement. King Lucians voice booms throughout the room. "My fae we are glad that you have come to join us in celebrating 3 things."

I thought there were only 2 thing they wanted to celebrate, their anniversary, and the Fae plane. I wonder what the last thing is.

"Mine and Queen Meave's reign and anniversary." Queen Meave speaks next. Her voice of a powerful ruler. "We are also celebrating our son's betrothal."

I get confused. I haven't seen the girl he is supposed to marry. "She has exceeded all expectation. And above all will be a powerful ruler. Her fate decided since she was born." Now I know that it can't be me. My parents let me choose my own fate. "Please celebrate your future rulers, Prince Teague and Princess Wilhelmina" The crowd goes wild.

I feel powerful magic suffocate the air. And feel my eyes heat up. I send a glare to my parents. They said I could choose my own fate, but yet apparently it was decided before I could even speak. Someone tugs on my hand. Charlie. He looks as upset as I am but he doesn't look like he might murder someone.

Teague tugs my hand as he pulls me to stand with his parents. The night never-ending with fake smiles and overly long and boring introductions and flattery.

By the end of the ball I am calm enough to walk with Charlie out of the Palace. I have given everyone here enough face.

I walk with Charlie to the practice area that Johnny and I train. Using magic to change my clothing, I teach Charlie how to hold a sword. He doesn't look surprised at my knowlege of this. In fact he looks like he knew all along. If I knew I was going to be forced into a marriage since I was born, why did they tell me I was free to choose when it seems I've never had an option from the beginning?