Chapter one ( The announcement)

Nicholina was occupied with so many thoughts of her forthcoming marriage to God knows who? She had hoped to marry a man of her choice, a man she would love.she had hoped despite her being a princess that she would at least find a man of her own but now all her Hope's came crushing to the ground. She was going to marry a man she knew nothing about except rumors, rumors that frightened her to her very core. What will be left of her if the rumors turned out to be true?. A knock on the door brought her out of her thoughts, steadying herself and wiping the tears from her face Nicholina rushed to check who the knocker was." His highness has asked for the princess's presence in the high chambers "the servant said with a bow before leaving.

Being called to the high chambers only meant one thing, her coming marriage with king Rheaphel was going to be announced to the entire township and neighboring kingdoms. As if knowing when needed Esmeralda walked into Nicholina's room to help prepare her. Nicholina slipped into a crystal blue gown. Her silky black hair pinned on one side and the rest was left to cascade. Her neck was adorned with a beautiful emerald necklace that perfectly matched her forest green eyes. Her crystal blue gown fit perfectly to her pale skin and her curves was perfectly displayed. Some blush was applied to her cheeks and her love shaped lips were painted with red.Her beauty was that of her goddess. Esmeralda looked at her daughter with satisfaction. She fought the tears that threatened to escape her eyes.she wasn't going to cry in front of her daughter, now wasn't the time to cry and be all sorrowful now was the time to be strong for her daughter she owe that to her as her mother.she planted a kiss on her cheeks and led her through the halls to the gathering.

Everyone gasp at the sight of their princess, they marvelled at her beauty. Men were stunned and wish within them that she was theirs, and whispers of envy was heard among the maidens yet Nicholina held her head high and walked elegantly towards the throne, with a bow she walked to her designated sit on the left side of her father's throne. "We have gathered here today for a brief announcement, our princess Nicholina had finally found her much and is now going to get marriage to king Rheaphel of the east empire "King Richard announced. Everyone gathered gasped in shock,of course the rumors were heard in the entire kingdom and so everyone was fearful of King Rheaphel. The people couldn't help but feel sorry for their princess, the coming war was the reason for this marriage,the felt sorry for their princess yet their admiration for her grew wider for her.

"Hail king Richard the great and fearless king, hail queen Esmeralda the beauty that bore for us a beautiful and kind hearted princess,hail Princess Nicholina the beauty who stands for her kingdom "a man shouted from the back ."Hail king Richard may you live long,hail queen Esmeralda may you live long,hail princess Nicholina may you live long"the people hailed. With a wave of his hand King Richard silent the crowd."The union between our princess and King Rheaphel would be held on the appearance of the first full moon" Richard concluded. Hearing this Nicholina gasped "first full moon?" That was two days away.