The winters in Aereth were as any other, well maybe not as harsh since our people have been trying to find ways to survive the harsh winters for almost a hundred years, and well it definitely did not come in vain, seeing as for the past 30 years the Kingdom of Aereth has definitely not come across a food shortage, be it in the summers or in the winters.
This is what we call power.. the power of knowledge should never be overlooked. Years and years of research led us to peace, our people happy and definitely not starving, alliances with other kingdoms, our kingdom was definitely not lacking.
But these alliances definitely put me in a pinch, all these princes coming to show my father the continuous peacekeeping and alliances always show an unwanted interest in me... and trust me the unwanted is only on my part, and today that would be the Prince of Frostgarde, Prince Celian.
Frostgarde is a kingdom in the cold mountains which just separated itself from the kingdom of Virelia. The winters in Frostgarde were never-ending and before they get to figure out how to keep their people from starving, I had to bear Prince Celian.
Today was a party of sorts which always happened every revolution when the winters start. Most people just got to call it the winter's pledge, just to show that the other kingdoms still respected the alliances with each other, and it was always hosted in Aereth. "Princess Liora... a dance?" I looked to see whose voice it was and of course, heavens for me, it was Prince Celian with his head bowed humbly, his hand out requesting mine. I looked around and of course all tables were looking towards us. I glanced at my father... and behold him smirking in his cup... he has always found Prince Celian's pursuit of me quite funny... I mean he is a good-looking man with his blond hair, dark eyes, a definitely attractive build covered by wools that most of the frostmen wore.. he was definitely a catch... but maybe not for me.
"Of course Prince Celian... it would be my pleasure." I force a smile as I put my hand in his and head to the center of the grand room, and we face each other as we bow slightly before the music starts. He places his hand on my lower back which makes me break out in shivers... not the good kind of course as we start dancing. "So? How have you been doing since I saw you last?" he asks.
"I swear to the gods Celian this needs to stop," I whisper angrily.
"Whatever do you mean Liora? Me asking you to dance?" he replies.
"Celian... me and you... it will never happen. I do not see you that way."
He twirls me and pulls me in even closer. "But why not? Seriously Liora you are it for me, why can't you see that... maybe I'll go straight to your father and ask for your hand," he threatens.
I laugh out softly. "And what makes you think he will go along? Celian what do you have to offer?" I pull away from him as the music comes to a stop. "Thank you for the dance Prince Celian, until next time." I bow and turn to head back to my seat for the meal next to my mother, Queen Serene Valen.
"You and father are the biggest traitors in my life, the gods will punish you for it... he threatened to go to father to ask for my hand, I mean who does that? Who does he think he is?"
My mother laughs softly. "Perhaps in his mind the more he insists... the softer your heart gets for him... despite all that it amuses your father and me whenever he approaches you," she replies.
"Mother... my desperation for him to stop amuses you... I hate you two right now... and father stop laughing I swear to the gods," I whisper shout.
"I am sorry, daughter," he said once he finally caught his breath, still smiling into his goblet. "But how can you not see how amusing this is? Worry not, your marriage will be your choice. And in the unlikely event that circumstances change, you will be consulted. You know that, Liora."
Of course I knew that... my parents were my parents before they were the King and Queen, but I knew that was only possible because our kingdom could afford that luxury. No desperate need that required my forced submission to a political marriage. But I knew my father had received plenty of proposals that he turned down, but I did not stop to imagine a day when I actually had to submit for my kingdom's survival.
"Anyway Mother, Father I would like to return to my rooms. I think the day has quite winded me down."
Father looks to me. "Of course Liora... but I do hope you are quite alright," he says, worry appearing on his face.
I smile softly to him as I stand and collect my heavy ridiculous gowns. "Of course, do not worry father, I am quite alright."
I move around the table and stand in front of their seats and bow to show my respect for them. "Your Majesties, I will take my leave." I turn around and move towards the exit of the grand room.
I step out of the room and breathe heavily, another day completed, I think happily. I notice my guards also get ready to escort me to my rooms, so we head towards my wing.
I enter my chambers and notice Resa, my handmaid, has already prepared my bath and a change of gowns definitely looking lighter than the one I have on. "Your Highness... you returned sooner than I expected... did something happen?" she asks chirpingly.
I fall back on my bed dramatically and sigh. "Celian happened...." She rolls her eyes dramatically. "But you know you don't have to worry about him... your parents would never...""I know but does he have to act like that every time he is here... It should stop.""The only way I think he will stop is if you actually marry... I know he will not cease if there is even an engagement."
"But Resa I am only twenty winters... why do I have to marry that young.""Anyway the Great Battalion arrived around two hours ago," she says smirking, knowing very well that is the news I was waiting for all day. I sit up straight and comb through my hair with my fingers. "Whatever do you mean?" I ask stupidly.
She laughs softly. "I mean exactly what I said... they arrived two hours ago." I stand abruptly and smooth out my gowns... maybe I can bear these silly gowns longer.
"Very well. I will be back later."
I barely waited for her response before fumbling out the door, hearing her laugh through the door.