I stare at the carriage from my bedroom window as they pack my suitcases into it. I don’t want to leave. I really really do not want to leave. But if it’ll save our kingdom, if it’ll save my little sister, then so be it. I will leave. I will marry Prince Eiran.

I turn away from the window and walk over to my dresser. I pick up my diamond necklace and wear it around my neck. I look at myself in the mirror and run my hands over the jewel that glimmers under the sunlight. I pick up my blue satin gloves and pull them over my hands.

I hear a knock at my door.

"Come in," I call out.

My maid, Maria, walks into my room with a sapphire blue fabric in her hand. "You’re cloak, Your Highness," she hands the cloak to me and I take it off of her. The two satin causes a whispering friction.

Maria has always called me by my title for as long as I can remember. You would think someone that has practically raised me would just call me by my name now—especially since I told her basically everyday to do so. She insists all calling me by my title though. I will not fight it if it makes her more comfortable.

"Are you ready to go?"

I stay silent for a moment. Should I tell her how I feel or should I tell her what she may want to hear? I decide. "No," I shake my head. "I don’t want to marry him, Maria," my voice cracks.

"Oh Anastasia.." she pulls me close and I bury my head in her shoulder as I cry. Her calling me by name on my last day here is not helping.

A few moments later, she pulls away. My face is probably blotchy from crying and my eyes are definitely puffy.

"I know you do not want to marry Prince Eiran," she cups my face. "But you must if you want to save your sister. Your family and kingdom are counting on you."

I nod and wipe away my tears. I take a deep, shaky breath and nod again, "Okay."

(Based off of my WOF series. Should I put this seen in my book?? With better writing of course.)