It's my duty

       Helena woke up feeling a throbbing pain in her head. Her eyes were red and swollen. She remembered the encounter that happened last night with her parents and she wanted to burst out crying when her maid made way into her chamber.

      She noticed the princess's red and swollen eyes and worry etched her face.

       Amara had been Helena's maid when she was a child, she took care of her and the princess looked at her as a friend and not a maid.

     "Oh no! What's wrong your highness?" She asked.

       Helena forced a  smile and shook her head but Amara could see that she was not alright.

     "You can tell me your highness." She urged her and Helena hugged her tightly.

     "Amara,is it wrong for me to rejecty suitor?" She asked her.

      "N-n-no your highness..." Amara knew what happened and she felt bad for the princess.... "But in your case you need to marry him to save the throne." She added

     "I know it's my duty as a princess to get married but why did my father choose the prince of Lucrain despite the rumors. I don't understand his reason, he would have chosen one of the prince of his many allies... Why did he have to choose him?" She said.

        "His Majesty has his reasons, I just want you to stop crying and stay strong. You never know, the rumors might not be true after all and who knows whether you might fall in love with him.... I'll go prepare your bath." She smiled and headed towards the bathroom.

      She's right, the rumors might not be true, she shouldn't believe all of this and she should focus on her wedding. She wasn't going to love him. Their marriage is going to be an arranged marriage. She would never give herself to him. He can have as many mistresses he wants, she wouldn't care less.

      Few minutes later, Amara came out of the bathroom. "Your bath is ready your highness." She said and bowed.

       Helena stepped out of her bed and went into the bathroom. She had instructed Amara to tell her other maids that she would take her bath herself today, she just wanted to be left alone for some time. Amara was hesitant a bit but seeing that the princess was insisting she left.

     Helena slid into the bath tub. The water was warm just as she liked it, it made her cool her mind. While in the bath tub, Helena realized that she hadn't been productive throughout the week, she didn't go out for her usual training. She would train as soon as she eats her breakfast. 

     Her wedding was in two days time, she was scared again. She couldn't believe her father had to do this to her but then she remembered,she's a princess and it's her duty. That is one of the many reasons she hates being a princess. As a princess,she couldn't go out freely, she would always be escorted by three or four guards, she hated those things. 

       If her father had allowed her to go out freely, she would have met someone she loves out there but no.... Her father is always going on about protecting her.

      "Father can't I go out alone without guards?" She would say.

       "It's too dangerous out there for you, your highness." He would tease her.

     "But father..."

      "No buts, the world out there is too dangerous."

      She would only sigh and leave him.

       Helena scrubbed her body and in what almost felt like eternity, she was done. 

      'this is harder than I thought'. She thought to herself.

    She wrapped a towel round her body and went back into her room.

      She cleaned herself up and wore her training outfit, she was about to leave when her mom stepped inside.

      "Good morning Your Majesty." She plainly said, she always used her title as the queen when she's angry with her mom.

    Her mom heaved a sigh." What's wrong, your highness." Her mom said teasing her.

     She puffed her cheeks and gave her mom a hug.

     "I love you mother." 

      "I love you too." 

      "I realized that it's my duty as a princess to get married and I can't reject the choice father had chosen for me... So I'll get married to the prince of Lucrain."

     "Ohh Helena... You've grown so well. I know this is hard for you but trust me you won't regret it later. Who knows, you might just fall in love with him." Her mother said.

      Okay now this is not alright. Why is everyone telling her she'll fall in love with him. For heavens sake! She's not going to fall in love with him.

      "Mom, I'm not going to fall in love with him." She told her mom.

       "Circumstance can change people and feelings and you don't know what the future holds for you both." Her mom said.

     Helena almost rolled her eyes.

     "Mom, you said I'm getting married to the prince to secure our throne right? Does that mean I'll stay here in this Palace? Helena asked. In her own thought, since the prince was getting married to her, he would become the next king after her father dies, that means she'll stay in this castle.

      "No dear,it doesn't work like that anymore,you're going to live with your future husband in his palace. Your dad only did this to secure his throne because he can't let his brothers have the throne. Their only power hungry and if either of them gets the throne, they won't care for the citizens. And when your dad dies, whiçh is gõîñg to be a few years from now, your husband will become the next ruler and he'll  come here to rule this kingdom." Her mom explained.

      Helena nodded her head and she hugged her mom one more time.

      "You should eat properly now,your wedding is in two days time and you need to regain your strength." Her mother pointed.

     "I'll do that mother."

       "Let's go eat breakfast in the dining hall."

      "Okay mother." 

     "I think you should change into a more appropriate outfit." Her mother pointed 

      Oh, she almost forgot, she wanted to go out to train but now her mother was inviting her for breakfast she needs to dress like a princess.

      "Alright mother."

      "I'll be expecting you soon." Her mother said and she left.

       ***********