Chapter One: Sweet Birthday

MOROS.

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the flowers are blooming and everyone is happy. You know why, because it's my birthday.

And as the daughter of the councilor of this city, my birthday's kind of a big deal. Not to brag. But on my birthday, everyone does anything for ME.

I can already hear the servants rushing past each other on the corridors and madam Carmen snapping at everyone for doing things imperfectly.

"You can come in!" I reply to my maid servant. She toddles in carrying three trays for breakfast.

"I wasn't sure what you wanted for your birthday breakfast so I brought you everything you like."

"I want all of them." I say and place all three trays in front of me.

She watches me closely as I munch down some bread. And then she smiles.

"What?" I shove her off my bed.

"It's your eighteenth birthday."

"So?"

"So... isn't it time for... you know, the event?"

"What?"

She stands up and folds her arms, scrunching her nose. The look she always gives me when she expects me to understand something about "responsibility".

"Don't act like you’re not aware."

"About what?"

"About Rodrick's proposal. You have to remind your father."

I sigh.

"I'm sure he remembers."

"No he doesn't." she argues, "don't you want him to marry you?"

"Of course I do!" I jump off my bed, "he's so kind and funny and cute and romantic and rich but..."

"But?..."

"But I guess I'm just not ready yet."

The doors open and my mother strides inside in her long silver gown, spreading her arms wide open for a hug.

"The happiest of birthdays my dear Ella."

"Thank you mother." she brushes my hair softly with her arms.

Mother is a tall woman and very graceful. She's the kind of woman who knows everything about me. Apart from Rosette, that is.

"Good morning mistress." Rosette greets my mother.

"Good morning Rosette." mother replies kindly, with her sweet smile that makes everyone feel comfortable.

"Oh my!"

"What?"

"You're not dressed yet, and guess who came to join us for breakfast."

"Rodrick?" I smile.

"No, the king!"

Oh.

"Why?"

"Who knows. We're not allowed at the table now, but invade we're needed, you have to look presentable."

********

Rosette received some major instructions from mother.

Afterwards, I took a long scented bath and she dressed me to perfection.

Then, I was called down for breakfast.

As I arrive, my father stands up and takes my hand.

"Your highness, I want you to meet my daughter, Ella."

The king stands up and I curtsey before him.

"Good morning your highness."

"Good morning." he sits back down.

Father invites me to sit next to him, and mother comes in later and sits beside me.

I can't help but get the feeling that there's something off about us three being here at the same time and my mother holding my hand tightly.

"So, she's the one?" the king says to my father.

"Yes, my lord, she's the only daughter I have."

"Then I guess you should inform her. I'm not leaving this city until I get an answer."

I turn towards father, "Tell me about what?"

"The king...." he starts, "is my old friend. He came here to ask me if I could go back to the capital and be his overseer. And I accepted."

"So?"

The king nods silently. Mother is still squeezing my hand.

"So we're moving to the capital."

"Yes. And you'll be getting married to the prince as soon as you get there."

"The prince!" I turn to mother, "but what about Rodrick?"

"Who's Rodrick?" the king asks with serious concern.

"He's the son of the councilor of Loros." he turns to me, "he proposed to my daughter years ago on her sixteenth birthday. But I'm sure that Ella can make the best decision and chose what's best for her. Am I right, Ella?"

I stare at mother, who has been watching the entire time. I can't believe she did this to me! Now I know why she told Rosette to make sure I look "extra beautiful".

Giving her a glare, I pull my hand from hers and turn to father. His look is terrifying. It's like he's warning me with a voice he thinks I can hear.

"I...... it'll be fine, your highness, I accept the proposal." I stand up from my chair. "Please excuse me." and walk gracefully up the stairs back to my room.

Rosette comes in later on, when I've finished crying and my face is swollen red.

"Don't worry, it'll be fine." she pays my head.

"No it won't." I argue weakly, "I don't want to get married to the prince. I don't want to get married at all."

It's silent. None of us knows what to say. Rosette sits on my bed feeling sad for me. I take my chair and sit at a corner, and continue feeling much sadder for myself.

"You know, no one has ever seen the prince. They say he left the kingdom when he was ten." Rosette says.

"Why?"

"I don't know. His parents never told anyone." she eyes me suspiciously, "Is he starting to sound interesting to you?"

"What? No! In fact... In fact, I know exactly how I'm going to get out of this mess."

Exactly. A girl can't get married twice. I just have to marry Rodrick first. It'll be in secret, and until father figures out I'll already be Mrs....

"I hope you're not planning anything stupid." Rosette interrupts my thoughts.

"No I'm not." I pause, "Why shouldn't I? Don"t you want me out of this? You should be thinking of ideas too!"

"No, it's not like that Ella."

She stands up, listens if anyone is at the door, then comes back to sit on the bed. "It's just that, I overheard your father tell your mother that..."

"That..."

"That we'll be moving to the capital in three days. The whole house, into a new mansion."

The news struck me hard. There's no way I can get married in three days! Not even in secret. Now what am I going to do?

I look at my dress. To think that the birthday of the councilor's daughter was supposed to be a day of grand merriment.

"I would tear up this dress if it weren't too expensive."

I slump back on my chair. Rosette laughs.

"Oh Ella, I wish there was another way. I guess you'll just have to cope with living at the castle."

She stands up, gives me a comforting look, and leaves the room.

I'm tired, lonely and devastated. Today wasn't supposed to be this way. How can I leave my world and enter a new one with someone I've never met. And lately, I've gotten so close to Rodrick since his family is here for a temporary stay. Too close if I may say. I can't break his heart.

"Do you have a choice..." my brain says skeptically.

I don't answer. I don't have a choice. I'll have to see Rodrick tomorrow.