Courting the Prince

Amie was already exhausted after her third week of quick courting. Having to handle several suitors each day was wearing her down far faster than she thought it would. What was worse was things weren't proceeding the way she had hoped.

Every handsome prince was from a kingdom too small and every charming duke was too low of status. Amie had to grin and bear it every time somebody she enjoyed the company of was rejected. Prince Peter hadn't come along yet and the few people who had been picked for further review were more than double Amie'a age, ill, and viewed Amie as a plaything. All she could do was hope things would turn out well for her.

On top of the daily nightmare of attempting to flirt with awful suitors, Prince Jacques had decided he was going to be Amie's personal tormentor. Every day, after leaving the gardens where the dates were taking place, the Prince would 'accidentally' run into her on her way back to the South Tower. He enjoyed playing childish tricks on her, taunting her about her fate, and doing everything in his power to sour Amie's mood more than it already was.

On a particularly stressful day, Amie had enough of his games. Jacques jumped out from his hiding spot and was getting ready to harass Amie when she snapped first, "Why do you insist on pestering me!?"

Jacques was taken by surprise. Normally she ignores him and continues on, but today he finally got a reaction. Jacques regained composure and with an evil smirk responded, "Dear Adeline, you should know your place. Remember which one of us is true royalty. Unless of course you want me to tell everybody the truth about your upbringing in the South Tower."

Amie wasn't having it, "Fine! Go run your mouth to everybody, you snake! If it gets me out of marrying an old pig with a foot fetish, I'll be happy a brat like you ratted me out!"

Jacques was amused with the sudden change of character, "Puppet, did you forget your role?"

Amie was getting increasingly irritated, but she knew if she continued on, either Jacques or anyone who was eavesdropping would run off to tell the Queen. She stopped the conversation quickly, "You're right, I did forget my role."

Amie began to walk away but Jacques was not satisfied with that reply, "So what? You're just going to give up that quick?"

Amie asked, "Well what else can I do?"

Jacques was starting to get angry, "Why don't you fight? Make a scene, talk back. Do something other than what you're told."

Amie scoffed, "It's easy to say that when you are lucky enough to have that kind of luxury."

Jacques huffed, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Amie explained, "You're a real prince, Jacques. I'm not a real princess. You can act however you want without consequence. If I act like that, I'll be executed. I'm just trying to survive."

Jacques started up with his scheming, "Well if you don't want to marry an old goat then perhaps I can make a suggestion?"

Amie's answer was a simple, blunt, "No."

Jacques ignored her and made the suggestion anyway, "What if you marry me?"

The suggestion was enough to make Amie stop in her tracks. Her face contorted and she responded with a disgusted, "Ew, no." After responding, she continued walking.

Jacques responded, "Wow, you act like we actually are siblings. You realize the first time I met you was less than a month ago, right?"

Amie stood her ground, "I've been adopted into your family, so yes what you said IS weird. But more importantly, why on earth would I ever be with a nightmare of a person as you? You're rude, you're entitled, you're impulsive and childish. It's a good thing you're not the older brother. If you were, then this country would be in ruins with y-" Amie's rant ended when Jacques punched her in the gut.

Jacques' playful grin had disappeared. With a menacing glare, Jacques threatened her, "Watch what you say, peasant. Or I'll make sure you receive a fate far worse than death."

Amie stood still, frozen in place both out of fear and agonizing pain. Once Jacques stormed off, Amie hobbled her way back to her room.

Amie was still in pain when she awoke the next day. With a newfound fear of the annoying prince, she decided the best course of action was to avoid him as much as possible from now on. In her eyes, he had become too unpredictable and she could now see how unstable he truly was.

Amie spent the rest of the day hiding her pain from everyone. She didn't want to worry Julia or Edith, especially with how stressed they were about poor Amie's awful suitors. She didn't want to mention to anyone else her pain either just in case they went to Queen Zephine, who was always looking for an excuse to hurt Amie.

She spent the day spacing out during all of her dates, reflecting on the past month and how she could only believe things would get worse for her. She was lost in thought while waiting for the last suitor of the day. So far lost that she didn't even notice when he finally arrived.

"Your Highness? Your Highness! ...PRINCESS ADELINE!!!" A familiar voice was trying to snap her back into reality.

With her train of thought interrupted, Amie looked up to see who the familar voice belonged to. Her face began to glow with excitement, "Prince Peter! It's lovely to see you again!"

"Yes, I can't believe how quickly the schedule filled up after your banquet."

Amie's joy vanished quickly as she remembered who was in charge of picking her future husband. She did her best to hide her sudden change in mood, "I was quite thrown off by all of the interested individuals as well."

Prince Peter could sense something was a little off with her tone of voice, "I'm sure there were many unpleasant suitors." He let out a small laugh, but Amie's demeanor did not change. They were still at the entrance to the garden, where maids and butlers were busily passing by in the background. Wanting to see what was bothering her, Prince Peter had an idea, "I don't get to have much time with you, why don't we go for a stroll?"

Amie smiled. Even though she was still upset about her future, she felt a little more at ease with her Prince by her side, "I would love a stroll."

They walked and exchanged light-hearted banter until they reached the other side of the garden, far away from any prying ears, "So, Princess Adeline, now that nobody is near, could you perhaps tell me what is bothering you?"

Still uneasy, Amie looked around to make sure nobody was eavesdropping. After ensuring nobody was around, Amie opened up to the Prince about her disasterous dates, "Oh it's awful. The King and Queen have complete control of who I will marry and they have only chosen the most vile of creatures." Amie paused for a moment and began to blush, "I... I secretely hope they will chose you..." Amie turned away to hide her embarrassment from confessing, "but I fear they'll find a reason not to have an interest in you."

Prince Peter let out a small chuckle, "Why are you blushing? I'm here because I want to marry you." he laughed again, "I should be the one nervous, not the other way around!"

Amie turned back towards him, "Well, I suppose you are right about that." She was smiling a little, but there was still apprehension behind it.

"Don't worry, they won't reject me."

"How could you know that?"

"Navarre has conquered some lands in the last few months. While I'm mostly here for you, I was also sent to discuss new trade options with your mother and father. There is no way they'll say no after they hear what I have to say."

Amie's eyes lit up, "That's wonderful news! I'm so happy to hear that!" She started leaning forward to give him a hug before she stopped herself, "Forgive me for my poor manners."

The Prince looked around quickly before leaning in to kiss her. Amie's heart was pounding as their lips touched. It was her first kiss. She didn't want the moment to end, but the Prince pulled away before anyone could see. With the most charming smile, Prince Peter said, "Forgive me for my poor manners."

Amie and Peter went on with their date and began walking back to the palace. Flirting with each other the entire way back, it was hard to pretend nothing happened. They reached the the garden entrance once again, where the King and Queen were to greet them.

Before they could give their verdict, Prince Peter pulled them to the side, "Before we discuss marriage further, I have a message from my father, King Theo of Navarre. He wishes to discuss a new trade proposition with with you." He turned to Amie, "It was lovely seeing you again, Princess."

Peter and Amie exchanged farewells. The Prince walked away with the King and Queen, leaving Amie alone to walk back to her side of the palace. Before their date Amie was wallowing in despair. Now, thanks to the charming Prince's words, she had confidence that they would see each other again soon.