Chapter 1

I couldn't help but find myself happy that I was falling for a man I'd never met, most girls in my position dreaded the day they'd meet their husband. Arranged marriages were being fought against by many lately, but I'd grown up with the idea and hadn't ever hated it. I was, of course, very anxious to see how he'd look, how he'd speak, how he'd act, but those things were exciting to daydream about. If I hadn't had that daydream growing up, I might have given up on life.

My father was a prince, younger brother to the king, so I was bound to marry someone of high social class. Even if I didn't love my husband, I'd be taken care of and have an okay life. I wasn't sure there was anything more to life than that, just being okay. I had my daydreams at least, I could always just lock myself in a room and wish things were different.

"Miss Madri," I heard my maid say, interrupting my thoughts, "I've come to help you get ready. I'll start the bath."

"Thank you Rachelle," I replied softly. Now that it was actually happening I didn't know what to do. I'd spent so long wondering if I'd like my husband, that I hadn't dared to think about whether or not he'd like me.

I walked over to the bath and disrobed, letting myself soak in the warm bubbly water while Rachelle washed my hair. Today the bath smelled of rose petals and cotton, my favorite scent.

"You always know how to relax me," I said to Rachelle, smiling.

"It's an important day, miss. And I don't know when I'll get to see you again," she replied.

I frowned slightly, maybe I hadn't thought about the arranged marriage the way I should have. I liked Rachelle, she was a somewhat older woman who's hair had only just begun to turn gray. We didn't talk much, but she was always a comforting presence around me and she knew how to make me smile on days when I had a hard time coping with life. I'd miss her, maybe more than anyone else. I didn't have very many friends, and she was always so kind to me.

"Alright miss Madri, you're all clean. I'll go get your dress ready for you."

I stared at myself in the mirror as Rachelle tightened my dress, it felt unreal wearing this beautiful white gown. It was decorated with small pearls atop fine lace, and I had a matching pearl necklace around my neck.

I suddenly felt sad, I hated when this happened. I'd get sad waves sometimes and not know where they came from. This one felt different though, this one felt sad and scared at the same time. I didn't know who I was going to meet in an hours time, and I just hoped I'd at the very least like him.

I wasn't prepared at all for who I was about to marry.