1

_Dream_

"Princess Clara, it's time to get up," called a voice from outside my room. "His highness, your father, wishes to speak to you. Today is an important day." I opened my eyes to the sun's blinding rays of gold shining down through my massive window. I pulled myself up, shielding my eyes from the sunlight. "I'm up," I called from my bed. I rolled out of my covers and placed my feet onto the cold, wooden floor.

I entered my personal bathroom, stripping down and turning towards the mirror. I let out a sigh of discontent at my own body. The curves were abnormal in my eyes, my breasts felt heavy and uncomfortable. I shook my head, trying to dispel the negative thoughts as I turned on the water and showered.

The little fiery droplets of water splashed on my skin, clearing away my frustrations. For once I felt safe. For once I was able to relax.

When I finished my little ritual of cleansing, I shut off the water and dried my body. I tried to avoid looking down at the cage that had me locked away in this god-forsaken form, barely succeeding. I stepped into a dress; as a princess, I didn't really have much of a choice. No matter how uncomfortable I felt, I never got to choose whether or not I could wear a dress.

I carefully made my way down the stairs, trying not to trip on my skirt. Of course, today was the day where I'd be introduced to some princes who want to marry me. How stupid. I absolutely loathe the outdated traditions of this old-fashioned kingdom.

"I'm here, Father," I called out as I came to the overexaggerated main room. "Ah, Clara, you look beautiful," my father exclaimed as I winced at the name. "The first prince will be here in about twenty minutes. Please relax; we want to make a good first impression."

"Yes, father," I muttered, trying my hardest to hide the discontent in my voice. I settled down on the oversized sofa, sitting straight up as I was taught. I can't wait to see this guy.

-='~'=-

"Clara, he's here!" Exclaimed my father. I sighed as the servants opened the door to the ugliest man I'd ever seen. His face was squarer than a slice of bread, unshaved, and his skin looked dry and uncared for, covered in acne. The worst part about him, though, was the aura he gave off. He seemed so proud of himself, acting all high and mighty. He may be a prince but he clearly doesn't seem worthy.

The boy strutted towards me and sat on the sofa, uncomfortably close. I moved away from him but he just moved closer. "Hello, M'Lady. I am Prince Gilbert. It is.... very nice to meet you," He said in what I think was an attempt at a seductive tone. I grimaced and looked away from the hideous prince.

"Oh, uh, it's nice to meet you too," I replied, trying not to sound rude. Gilbert started getting a little touchy after a while, dragging his disgustingly dry hand along my thigh. I picked up his hand and moved it, trying to signal how uncomfortable I was, but he didn't seem to get it.

"Father, I think we're done here," I spoke. My father entered the room, his face showing disappointment. Gilbert's family was clearly very rich. "I don't want to marry him."

Father sighed. "Oh, what a shame. We could have formed the most magnificent alliance!" I rolled my eyes, making sure no one had been looking. Gilbert was escorted out of the palace, an unreadable expression on his face.

"Anyways, the next prince will be here tomorrow at eleven." I held in a groan of annoyance. Why must I marry someone? All these men seem unfavourable, and I'm not even a girl. Well, everyone tells me I am, but I know I'm not. I'm a boy.

-='~'=-

The next morning when I woke up, the sun hadn't even risen yet. I rubbed my eyes tiredly. Oh well, may as well get a headstart to the day. I pulled the covers off of my body and approached my bathroom. I began taking off my silk pyjamas, but saw my reflection in the mirror. I turned away, my eyes watering up a bit, as I continued to undress.

When I was done with my shower, I stepped into my dress for today. Suddenly, I had an idea. I would put on the most low-grade cloak I could find, and buy some clothes meant for men. Maybe it would make me feel better. Maybe I could hide my chest. Maybe I could be myself, albeit for a short time.

I grabbed an old cloak of mine that I had, worn and torn up after years of use. I clipped it around my neck, threw the hood up, and I was on my way to the village.

I seemed to glide across the old wooden floors, silent as a mouse. I knew where all the creaky spots were and avoided them. When I reached the first floor, I found the nearest window and opened it, hopping out into the garden.

The garden was beautiful. Sunflowers, lilies, lavender, and roses thrived in the grand greenhouse; it looked almost like a forest, trees of every kind sprouting wherever they could. Rosemary bushes exploded in pink, blue and white, while grape vines crept up the walls, their saturated olive-coloured tendrils snaking their way around anything they could find.

Unfortunately, I had no time to stop and look. I needed to get to the village and back before Father woke up. He always wakes exactly two hours after sunrise, and the sun was already peeking its little yellow head over the horizon. I had to be quick.

I climbed over the fence, struggling a little with my skirt. Once I was on the other side, I picked up my speed and briskly made my way to the small town.

-='~'=-

Word count: 1008