2 Chapter 2 - I Will Never Leave Your Side

She was sitting on an expensive pinkish chair adorned with royal heads and a sparkling white coral. The arm of the chair is beaded with the finest diamond. She looks sad.

The owner of the chair was clearly a young girl of about eighteen years of age. She is tall and slim. Her face is long with long lashes, and wide eyes. Her hair, which is of alburn colour has been straightened and sits lushfully down to her back. She is wearing a long blue gown with a tiara on her head. Everything about her screams royalty. Except, she does not look happy.

"My Princess, are you ok? I am sorry to ask, but you do not look happy." Her maid and practically her best friend, Zhima asked.

"Don't be Zhima. I just feel weak and sad. I think it's because of the Prince that is arriving soon." The princess said with her head cast down.

"I understand my princess. But you know that it is nearly impossible what you seek for. The Prince is the best for you. Everyone will say so." Zhima assured her.

"Well let them. Let them!" The Princess stood up and put her hands in the air, "I'm tired of living like this, of being treated like this. I want to be free. I want to do things on my own. Go out freely with you and Edina, go to the markets and..." She stumped on her chair and droplets of tears fell from her eyes.

"Your Highness, I'm sorry. I can't imagine how you feel. But you must be strong..." Zhima was cut short by a knock on the door. The door was swayed open and a tall, slim, elegant lady walked in. She is wearing a long purple floral dress, embroidered with golden beads that hung on the dress perfectly well. She walked with the grace and poise of someone that owned everything. Zhima bowed immediately and moved aside.

"Your Majesty, what brings you here at this time?" The Princess asked after bowing to the lady.

"Have you been crying? Oh my dear daughter. What's wrong? Victoria tell me."

"Mama, I'm just so overwhelmed that the Prince is arriving so soon." Princess Victoria lied to her mother.

"Oh. I understand. But now is not the time for that. Zhima, touch up her make-up once more, if you please." The Queen sat on the edge of the bed watching keenfully every little detail.

Princess Victoria managed to keep herself together while her mother was watching attentively. Every little detail was of utmost importance to the Queen. After touching her make-up, the Queen walked with the Princess to the dining room. It was a large room filled with various ornaments. Food was scattered around the long dining table, where the King already sat.

"My Princess, you look elegant. The Prince is also here." His Majesty, the King said smiling.

Victoria's heart skipped a beat. The fork she was eating with fell from her hand, but she tactfully took it pretending to be surprised. "Yes, Father." She said stiffling a smile.

They ate for a while, before the butler Sir George announced the arrival of the Prince, Prince Henry.

"Hurry, my dear. Let's go." Queen Anne stood from the table, carefully wiped her mouth and walked to the door. Princess Victoria's eyes turned red. This is it, she thought. Her life was carefully planned out as usual. She felt the urge to run to her room, lock the door and cry her heart out. But this is not the time. I need to be strong and face everything with courage, she said aloud. Slowly, she rose. Picking the hem of her dress up, she walked graciously to the door.