[Fiction] Arranged Marriage in Faye Kingdom

[MysticalMadness]

This is my first story, and this is only the first part. I attempted to set up the rest of the story. Let me know what you think.

Azalea-16 years old, fairy princess. Loves Cilian

Cilian-18, Royal Lifestyle Instructor. Loves Azalea

King Gaia-Azalea's Intended husband...she meets him in three days time.



Azalea opened her eyes to a bright blue sky and sunlight. Her window was open, and a soft summer breeze entered her room. She smiled, and her emerald green eyes sparkled. She sat up at the edge of her bed, and fluttered her iridescent pink wings. Being a princess, her wings were slightly larger and more elegant than those of her subjects. They were another way that travelers to her kingdom could distinguish her when she fluttered through the town square. Her elegant, long white dress flowed and sparkled like freshly fallen snow.

Azalea fluttered over to her bureau, where she washed her face with the scented lilac water. When her face was clean, she applied strawberry juice to her lips, powdered pink rose petals to her cheeks, and just a little bit of powdered bark to her eyes as eyeliner. Her waist-length chestnut hair, curly from sleeping on it, was straightened and placed in a loose chignon at the back of her head.

A soft knock from the other side of her door told her that Cilian, her royalty lifestyle instructor, was ready to escort her to breakfast.

“Come in.” Ever so quiet and polite, Azalea turned to face the door, her back straight.

“Your Highness, breakfast will be served momentarily in the dining hall.” His green wings sparkled in the light that came from her window.

“Cilian, when it’s just the two of us, please, call me Azalea.” Her face softened at seeing him. She had romantic feelings for him, but her father didn’t know. If he did, he would send Cilian away. She stood and walked to him.

“Your highness, I can’t. Your father has forbidden it.” Cilian looked down and wouldn’t meet her eyes. Immediately, Azalea knew something was wrong.

“Cilian, what is it? Has something happened?” Her brow furrowed, and the laughter left her eyes that had momentarily been there. “Please, tell me. What is it?”

Cilian sighed. His voice became tense and strained. “I can’t tell you. Your father will tell you soon enough. Come, you mustn’t be late for breakfast.”

Slowly, the two walked down the hall. It was beautifully decorated, and Azalea had seen the décor hundreds of times. Today, she felt like it would be the last time. She couldn’t explain it, but she had this strange feeling in her stomach. She tried to take in all the paintings, the curtains, and the tables with flower petals on them. She was well aware of her heart fluttering in her chest the same way her wings did when she was happy. Without looking, she knew her wings were drooping from worry. And so were Cilian’s.

Dear Cilian, she thought. You are so unhappy. I hope the news isn’t terrible news.

All too soon, they reached the dining hall of the castle. The table was small and round. They had a banquet hall when balls were thrown, where the hundreds of guests were able to sit and eat comfortably.

“Good morning mother. Good morning father. What a lovely day it is.” She tried to feign a smile.

“Yes dear, it is. And it is truly a happy day as well.” Azalea’s parents were beaming, glowing in fact. “You are going to be married in a month’s time. You will go to live with your future husband and get to know him.”

A look of shock crossed her face. “Married? Mother, I’m hardly ready for marriage. Besides, I love-” She was cut off by her father. Kind, but intimidating due to his large size even for a fairy, he stood up and knocked his chair backward. “Azalea, you will marry King Gaia. He is recently widowed, and he will make a fine husband for you. And I don’t want another word from you!” He threatened as she opened her mouth to protest. “Now, eat your breakfast. You will leave Faye Kingdom in three days’ time for Gaia Kingdom.”

Azalea sat down and slowly ate her breakfast past the lump in her throat. Only three days, and she would never see Cilian again.