The White Sword

Marriages were a big deal in the Western Kingdom especially when it came to choosing the right male. Many women wanted a male that was smart, kind but most of all obedient. When it came to marrying into the royal family the king would also have to be a great merchant. Wars were expensive and regardless of how well a war was fought it still cost a lot of money. The king's main job was to make money and support the Queen's ambitions for whatever she wanted to do. Princess Catherine's husband had to show a lot of potential in making money but still be submissive.

"Are you nervous?" Princess Aviva asked as the lady's in waiting dressed her sister in her bridal armor. Princess Catherine stood tall as she wore a white grown and white decorative armor plating over her chest, shoulders and arms. The detailing of a blue dragon was hand-painted along the edges of the armor the represent her strength. Her aqua eyes gleamed of bliss as the ladies placed her battle veil on. The crown was made of white thorns and a demon mask covered her face. The rest was covered by a thick veil. " No...I've been actually waiting for this day. I will finally be one step closer to being Queen," she chuckled. Princess Aviva smiled. Her sister looked fearsome but beautiful in the wedding dress. She silently prayed for the man that would have to deal with her. " do you know the guy?" Aviva asked. " You could say that...he is rather sweet in his letters. When being arranged its always good to write letters to your future husband to get an idea of what you in for. In letters, he may be a bit more romantic. " Catherine blushed. Aviva nodded before looking towards the door frame. " its time"...said the guards. Aviva hugged her sister tightly before heading to her seat. As she took a seat next to her mother she could feel the stares of many admirers. From her own family members and distant relatives to the groom's family. The tiny whispers of Aviva's beauty were once again confirmed even though she was only ten.

Ethan Landshire's eye draped over the ten year old as he heard of the rumors. He agreed that she was instantly the prettier of the two sisters. However, he was excited to finally meet Princess Catherine. The girl that would elevate his status even higher. Ethan was already known for being one of the best merchants in the south and northern sea. Now that he was marrying into the Western Kingdom he could finally expand and one day rule the western harbor. It was nearly impossible to get access to their ports without marrying into the family. He was lucky that more suitors were after the younger sister. That it was easier to win the future's queens affection. He knew the Western Kingdom's rules were vastly different from the rest of the world. But as long as he supported his wife...he felt that this life would not be too difficult. He waited until the whispered died down and the battle drums played. That's when he saw his bride. She was terrifying. She wore a mask that made her look like a dragon. Her presence was overwhelming that the back of his neck hairs stood up. As he tried to keep a steady face he felt her eyes lock on to his like a predator that finally caught their prey. He gulps as he just realized that he might have made a mistake.

The wedding was rather swift and even after Catherine took off her mask Ethan was still a bit scared. His family was relieved that she was very beautiful but they had to admit her presence was extremely overwhelming. During the banquet ceremony, Queen Lucia gave a speech and then bestowed a white sword onto Princess Catherine. Aviva was mesmerized. " Hey Robert...." she whispered. " hmmm?" He replied. " Why did mom give her a sword?" Aviva said. "Oh all married women get a sword. Its a western kingdom tradition. The sword is used to behead your husband in public if he cheats. That way you can replace him without questions. " Aviva nodded. " I want a sword...." then Aviva looked to Robert. " You would have to get....married.." he said looking scared. " can I marry you?" Princess Aviva said with a smile. " I rather you don't", Robert said knowing the truth about Aviva. " don't be shy...I just want the sword...I won't touch you. I still think boys are gross," Aviva said with determination. "Nooo", Robert said running from Princess Aviva.