ZARA

I watched in discomfort as Daphne and Sophia suddenly transformed into giggling, simpering versions of themselves. They batted their eyelashes and made silly small talk, trying to get Prince Henry's attention.

It was like they had forgotten how to eat like normal people. They picked at their food daintily, making sure to chew with their mouths closed and their napkins delicately placed on their laps.

I, on the other hand, just wanted to roll my eyes. This was exactly what I had been trying to avoid. I didn't want to be a part of this silly game of courtship, where women had to pretend to be something they're not just to impress a man.

I glanced over at Prince Henry, who was smiling politely at Daphne and Sophia's antics. I couldn't help but wonder if he was buying into their act, or if he could see right through it.

I decided to take a different approach. I picked up my fork and began to eat my dinner, savoring the flavors and textures of the food. I didn't bother trying to make small talk or flirt with Prince Henry. I just focused on enjoying my meal, and ignoring the awkwardness that was unfolding around me.

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, trying to alleviate the soreness in my butt. The fall from the horse earlier had left a nasty bruise, and sitting down was not helping.

I glanced around the table, feeling a sense of restlessness. This dinner was dragging on forever, and I just wanted it to be over. I didn't care about impressing Prince Henry or making small talk with my sisters. I just wanted to go back to my room, take a warm bath, and forget about this whole ordeal.

I let out a silent sigh and continued to eat my dinner, trying to focus on the taste of the food rather than the awkwardness of the situation. But my mind kept wandering back to the horse, and the freedom of riding through the forest. That's where I felt most alive, not stuck in this stuffy dining room with a bunch of formalities and expectations.

"Prince Henry has come to our kingdom with a proposal,' my father announced, his voice booming through the dining hall. 'He is seeking to form an alliance with our kingdom through marriage.'

I felt my heart sink, and my appetite disappeared. This was exactly what I had been dreading.

'One of my daughters will be chosen to marry Prince Henry,' my father continued, his eyes scanning the table. 'The prince has requested to get to know each of you better, and then he will make his decision.'

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. This was a nightmare come true. I glanced over at Daphne and Sophia, who were both looking at me with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

I, on the other hand, felt like I was going to be sick. I didn't want to marry some prince I had just met. I didn't want to be a part of this ridiculous game of royal marriage. But it seemed like I had no choice.

I tried to push the doubts out of my mind, but they lingered. What if Prince Henry chose me? What if I was the one he wanted to marry? I felt a shiver run down my spine at the thought.

I looked over at Daphne and Sophia, who were both smiling and chatting with Prince Henry. They seemed so confident, so sure of themselves. I, on the other hand, felt like I was going to throw up.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. I was not going to let this happen. I was not going to marry some prince I didn't even know. I would find a way to get out of this, no matter what it took.

But as I looked over at Prince Henry, I saw him glance in my direction. Our eyes met, and for a moment, I felt like he could see right through me. Like he knew exactly what I was thinking.

I quickly looked away, my heart racing. What was going on? Why did I feel like Prince Henry was getting under my skin?

"I shouldn't think too much about it," I told myself, trying to shake off the feeling of unease. He was obviously having a nice chat with my step-sisters, Daphne and Sophia, and I was minding my own business well. They were all laughing and smiling together, and I could sense the tension in the air as they vied for Prince Henry's attention.

But my peaceful reverie was short-lived. "You haven't said a word, Princess Zara," my father's voice boomed, bringing me back from my thoughts. I felt a surge of panic as all eyes turned to me, expecting me to say something witty or charming.

I forced a sleepy, slight smile onto my face, trying to appear nonchalant. "I just feel a little sick today, Father," I said, hoping to deflect attention. I caught my mother's eyes from the side, and she gave me a warning stare. I knew she was trying to tell me to be more engaging, to make an effort to impress Prince Henry.

But I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I didn't want to play this game, didn't want to pretend to be someone I'm not. I just wanted to be left alone, to enjoy my meal and my own company without all the drama and expectation.

I know my mother wanted me to win the Prince over as soon as she shot me her first glance. And I can't promise I can do that .

Unlike my father, my mother has always been hellbent on making my life look like a competition against my step sisters and I didn't like it.

I didn't want what my mother wanted. I just wanted to be a free living creature and wait till I find the right person that will take my breath away and maybe, just maybe considering marrying him but marrying this prince isn't happening.

"You can retire early for tonight if you feel unwell, princess" oh, that is exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to run from here but knowing what my mother would say after words make me hold back my desire of running to my room and shutting the door.

"I am fine, father" I assured with a smile and I was sure my mother looked as pleased as ever.

I could only sigh silently.

I stole a glance at the prince and I can see he was getting bored chatting with the two ladies in front of him. I couldn't hold back the smirk that threatened to form on my lips.

I wasn't paying attention to anything happening and didn't even notice that grandma had been staring at me for so long along with my step mother who was looking disgusted at me but I couldn't care less. We all never like each other.

I waited patiently for the dinner to be over but it looks like the others wanted the opposite.

"So, what are the things you want in a wife?" That Daphne's question almost choked me. What in the world was she asking in front if everyone?

"Are you alright, princess?" He handed me a glass of water and I accepted it.

"I'm fine, thank you" I downed the entire thing in the glass and put it back on the table. He was still looking at me but I fought the urge to not look at those tempting blue eyes that could make me shrink.

Okay, I won't lie; I like his eyes. Blue and beautiful. I only looked at his eyes a few times but what happens to me whenever I did was unexplainable.