Chapter 2: Meetings

Three Years Later

Alther paced in the parlor, feeling unexpectedly nervous.

Today, the whole castle would be welcoming Ashton's betrothed, and as per royal tradition, she'd meet every member of the royal family individually, starting with the king and ending with her intended.

Though Alther knew that ultimately his opinion on the princess was irrelevant, he was still worried what she would think of him.

Would she become someone he'd enjoy spending time with like Ashton?

Or would she hate him and avoid him like his mother?

Alther slumped into a seat, sighing. He wasn't even sure why King Selwyn had been so adamant about him meeting Charlotte. Alther had never seen his father so serious about anything involving him before, which made Alther nervous.

A light knock on the door shook Alther out of his thoughts.

"Prince Alther, the princess is ready to meet you," a servant quietly stated.

Alther shot to his feet, straightening his clothes out and stood as straight as he could.

"Come in," he replied.

The doors opened and the princess walked in.

Instantly, Alther thought she was beautiful. Her gleaming brown hair was tied back into a braided bun, with a few strands framing her face. She wore a long, red dress that complimented her complexion nicely. When she looked up at him, he noticed her brown eyes had little golden flakes in them.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Charlotte sank into a curtsy.

"The pleasure is all mine," Alther replied, bowing. "Would you like to take a seat?"

Princess Charlotte sat down elegantly, and Alther dismissed the servant before sitting himself.

Noticing her discomfort, Alther tried to appear casual.

"There's no need to be nervous with me, princess. This isn't an interrogation."

Charlotte smiled slightly. "I never thought it was, your highness."

"I'm glad," Alther smiled back. "But in all sincerity, there's no need to be so formal with me."

The princess relaxed slightly, but Alther could tell she wasn't completely at ease.

"Do you have any questions you'd like to ask? About the kingdom, or your bethrothed, or anything really."

"If I may, what's the purpose of meeting the royal family individually? Wouldn't it be easier to meet everyone all at once?"

Alther leaned back in his chair. "It would be, but some years ago, one of the crown princes fell in love. The problem was nobody liked the girl he chose, since she seemed a little...crazy. But the prince was adamant about marrying her and he did so anyways. Three years afterwards she tried to kill him."

Charlotte's eyes widened.

"So it's a safety measure."

Alther nodded.

"Well, Prince Alther? Am I considered a murderer?" She joked.

"Oh, definitely. I knew from the moment you walked in you'd kill us all," Alther joked back, and they both laughed.

"Honestly, I think my brother is very fortunate to be engaged to you,"

Alther said, making the conversation serious once more.

Charlotte unconsciously fiddled with her dress sleeves.

"I'm worried he won't be," she admitted. "I mean, I've heard he's perfect, and everything a prince should be and I just...I don't think I'm good enough for that. Thousands of girls would kill for this chance, and I don't want it."

"Hey," Alther tried to sound reassuring. "My brother doesn't care about perfection. If anything, I think he'd consider you refreshing, after all the stuff the queen-" Alther caught himself. It wasn't the first time he'd referred to Queen Haven as someone he knew rather than his mother, but in present company it was unacceptable. "-mother puts him through," he finished, hoping Princess Charlotte hadn't noticed.

But he could tell she had, and something told him she wouldn't be forgetting any time soon.

"I see," she replied, reluctant to say anything else.

"Well," Alther stood. "Let's go introduce you to your betrothed."

Alther held out his arm and the princess took it, and they both stepped through the doors and into their futures.