THREE---WHAT?

"Mother!" Maree said in surprise. She immediately curtsied to show respect.

"Child..." the queen muttered as she walked into her daughter's bedroom. Maree closed the door and went to stand in front of her mother.

"Good Morning, mother." Maree greeted.

"Morning, Princess. How are you and how was the journey?" Her mother asked as she scanned the entire room.

"All fine, mother. Please, have a seat." Maree said as she pointed at a chair. She led her mother to it and sat her down.

"That's good to hear. I see your stay in the city has changed you a lot." The queen said.

"Not at all, mother." Maree let out as she bowed her head. She folded her palms together so as to stop herself from showing her anxiety.

"Anyways, I have a few things to discuss." Her mother spoke in a steely tone. Queen Regina rested her arms on her lap as she stared at her daughter.

"Okay. I'm-" Maree began but was cut off by her mother pointing to the bed.

"Sit." She ordered. "I heard that you've started giving importance to that lowly maid. Was it my mistake for sending you off with her?"

"N- no, mother. It's not like that." Maree stammered out.

"Royalty doesn't stammer and neither does it mix with commoners. You shouted at a guard for a maid. You even told her to get some rest while the other maids, even the head maid, took her bags inside." Queen Regina scolded, harshly. Her old, wrinkly face had formed a slight scowl as she stared at her daughter.

"No, mother. I mean no disrespect but I think you've said something wrong there. Firstly, if royalty doesn't mix with commoners then why do maids work for us? They're mixing with us by staying close." Maree began, slightly offended. She didn't spare her mother a glance as she continued, "Secondly, she and I both came back from a trip so why am I the only one allowed to rest when we embarked on the same trip? Mother, doesn't it sound unfair?" She ended, finally facing her mother.

Queen Regina's mouth hung wide open as she gazed at her daughter. The daughter who had never dared to speak up to her had just called her wrong. The Queen clenched her fist and closed her mouth as she thought for a while.

"It was my mistake to allow you go to the city. And more so, with that retard." Queen Regina said. "No worries though, it won't happen again."

"Wh- what do you mean?" Maree stammered out, wondering if her fears were coming true.

"You won't be going back to the city and that maid is not going to be with you much longer." Queen Regina let out as her lips curved a bit.

"Mother? What are you trying to say?" Maree asked, cautiously.

"You're getting married. And that maid won't be with you after that." Her mother said and the little curve on her lips stretched wider into a smug smile.

"Getting married? To who? I don't want to get married yet! And what are you planning to do with Melva?" Maree all but shouted.

"Yes. You're getting married. It's to the neighbouring kingdom. You're marrying the King, King George. And don't worry about the retard." Queen Regina explained.

"Why should I get married? I don't want to!"

"Because you're my only daughter. This marriage is to join the two kingdoms together and form a stronger one." Her mother said.

"But-"

"Don't even try it. Maree, I had given you enough time. You had all the freedom you want which was a mistake on my part. Not only your behaviour but your dressing has also changed." her mother said eyeing her rather modern dressing.

"But mom-" 

"It's mother to you. And this discussion is over. There is no room for argument. I fulfilled my part of the deal so now it's your turn to fulfill your end too." Queen Regina said as she stood up. She walked to the door of her daughter's bedroom then stopped to say one last thing,

"Your closet will be taken care of later today and your husband to be will visit tomorrow. Do not do anything stupid or else-" then she left the room.

Maree sat on her bed as her blue eyes clouded over with unshed tears. She stood up and walked to her wall and shot her fist into it.

"Why, God, why? Why the hell was I born into fucking royalty?!" She muttered in agony. "My life would have been so much easier without all this drama."

She stayed on the floor for a while, letting the tears fall. A soft knock was heard on her door followed by an even softer voice calling her name.

"Maree?" Melva called out. Maree quickly wiped her tears a ran her hands down her face to wipe away any evidence that she had been crying.

"Yes, I'm coming." She answered as she went to open the door. "What is it?"

"Have you been crying?" Melva inquired as she peered into her best friend's face.

"I have not." Maree countered a bit too defensively.

"Oh, please. Your eyes are a bit red and your blue orbs are lighter than their normal color. That's what happens whenever you cry, Ree. What happened?" Melva pointed out.

"It's nothing, really. Why'd you come here anyway?" Maree asked.

"What. Happened." Melva asked again. This time, her voice sounded more authoritative.

"Mum said-"

"Oh, there you are! Princess Maree, the Queen has ordered for us to go find some new clothes for you." Lena said, frantically. Sweat was dripping down her neck and she looked a bit tattered. Maree creased her eyebrows in question but Lena shook her head

"Where are we going?" Maree asked.

"Into the town. We'll shop for princess worthy clothes and accessories." Lena briefed.

"Okay. Melva, come." Maree said, standing up.

"Uhm- the Queen never-" Lena began

"I am the Princess so if the Queen didn't, then I will." Maree commanded. "Melva, let's go."

The trio walked out of the palace in silence and then hopped into a palace car.

"Take us to town. Shapens shop to be precise." Lena told the driver. He nodded and skillfully began to drive out.

★

"People are staring." Melva whispered.

"I wonder why." Maree whispered back.

"Well, maybe because of your attire and the fact that you're hiding your face." Lena hummed out.

"My attire is alright. And I'm hiding my face because I don't want attention." Maree let out as Lena led them into a shop.

"Great because you're not attracting attention." Melva sarcastically commented. Lena giggled and Maree rolled her eyes slightly.

"Hold on. I want to meet someone." Lena said as she walked to the back of the shop.

"So what did you wanna tell me?" Melva asked as she turned to face Maree.

"I'm getting married."

"You're what?" Melva shouted at the same time a crashing sound was heard.