Chapter III: How to deal with idiots

She stood by the rose bushes, staring at the red roses. Martha chased the butterflies, making her wonder if she was sixteen years old, or a toddler. There was a time she behaved like that, she thought. But then, that was a long time ago. She picked a rose out of the bush, careful to avoid the thorns.

"They're beautiful, aren't they?"

Startled, she looked over her shoulder to see who was speaking. Behind her was Prince Alexander's smiling face. There was a time she would swoon when she saw his blond locks and gentle grey eyes. But then, that was a long time ago.

"What are you doing here?"

"I came to look at the flowers."

"You've seen them, now you can go. Besides, don't you have a tournament to prepare for? Or do you wish to trouble me?"

He let out a hearty laugh. She noticed the laugh freckles scattered around his nose. It gave him a boyish look, but she was too mad to care.

"I never intended to cause you any trouble, princess."

"Then off with you, leave me alone."

"You don't wish to get married, do you?"

She arched her brows in amusement. "What does it look like?"

"Believe me Charissa, I don't wish to cause you any pain but it's in our best interest we get married."

"Our best interest? Or just yours?"

"Well, it's..."

"Spare me the drama, you're not..."

The tap on the prince's shoulder ended the conversation. Behind him was the arrogant Prince Silvanus. She stared at them as they conversed. He whispered into Alexander's wars and soon, he left the garden. She turned her attention back to the roses, trying to ignore Silvanus 's burning gaze on her back.

"You're a spoilt little princess, aren't you?"

His voice made her shiver. Pulling herself together, she faced him, her amber eyes meeting his. She let the rose fall to the ground as she stared at his cold, emotionless email. "Do tell what gives you the audacity to speak to me in that manner," she chirped, wishing her voice was more intimidating. He chuckled lowly. She quivered once more, her legs becoming shaky. Why was his chuckle having this effect on me, she thought. Summoning courage, she kept her chin up. "Excuse me, but I do not believe I was joking. Tell me, what makes you laugh?"

"We'll need to work on your attitude. You may be little, but you have a sharp tongue."

"I don't like men who dictate what and what not I should do! You're not my husband, so forget about it."

She knew she should stop yapping, but she didn't. She met his gaze, refusing to back down. Her legs may be shaky, her knees wobbly...wait, WHAT WAS SHE THINKING? He was going to squash her. Her heart beated faster, her palms became sweaty and her knees were well... wobbly.

"I would try as much as possible to ignore that comment. I however won't ignore it when we get married."

"You haven't won yet, stop thinking about marriage."

She covered her mouth with her palms after she made that statement. What was she saying? He chuckled again.

"I have no competition and..."

"Your majesty, look what I made!"

She thanked her stars that Martha showed up. She ran to Charissa with a bracelet in her hands. She however, met the gaze of the stern Prince who looked at her quizzically. She stared at his face, lost in his gaze. Charissa nudged her, bringing her back to her senses.

"Come Martha, let's go."

"But..."

"It's not a request, come now!"

She dragged the lovesick Martha out of the garden and didn't stop pulling her until they were behind closed doors. "What happened back there?"

Martha covered her mouth, trying to suppress her giggles. Charissa felt her brows twitch, she was infuriated. "It's nothing your majesty, it's just that..."

"Just that what? You were drooling Martha! I didn't expect that from you! You're young, you shouldn't let your emotions get the best of your judgement."

"Can you blame me your majesty? I mean, look at him! He's so handsome, and strong, and handsome..."

"Enough Martha!" She shouted. Martha gulped, there was no sweetness in Charissa 's voice. "He may be all those things but still, he isn't right for you. He'll break your fragile heart. Like I said, you're young. One day, you'll understand."

"But I do understand..."

"Finally!" She lifet her hands in the air in thanks.

"Yes indeed, you like Prince Silvanus. It's quite fine my lady, I will stop thinking about him."

Her face palmed in disbelief. "Did you bump your head? Why are you saying this? I do not like him! He's a bully who needs to be dealt-"

"You're blushing Princess," Martha giggled. She quickly covered her face with her napkin in embarrassment. "Be gone Martha. I don't need you here."

"If you say so," she smirked, before leaving the princess alone. She sighed when she heard the door close. Charissa didn't want to leave the room. For all she knew, those prince's could be waiting outside her door. She decided she wouldn't take her chances. She would wait until Martha came to her senses or when the tournament began. Whatever came first. She walked to the wardrobe that held her dresses. She rummaged through them, trying to pick a dress for the tournament. She stopped searching, deciding that she wouldn't dress up for it. They would all know she didn't want to go through with it. The box in the wardrobe caught her eye. She held it in her hands as though it was an egg. She dusted it and took it to her table. She carefully opened the box. She smiled when she saw the toys in the box. It reminded her of a happier time. She held the paper plane in her hands, remembering what prompted her to make it in the first place. She grasped the locket in the box, the one her father gave her before the wars. The name 'Laurel' was engraved on it. It reminded her of a happier time, the days she didn't have to worry. That still was well, a long time ago.