THE NEXT MORNING JUST BEFORE THE SUITORS ARRIVED, Mei came in my room early to get me ready.

I met my parents in the main parlor just moments before our guests arrived. I stood in front of them, wearing a pink dress with a light blush on my face and I decided to let my hair loose instead of putting it in a bun.

Caitlyn soon joined us, she stood beside me and our parents. While Clarkson, Hyacinth and our maids stood to the side and out of the way.

Mei offers me a comforting smile as I duck my head. I'm about to be introduced to a stranger. Worst of all, I have to marry him.

The doors to the palace open and I see at least twenty different people. At the front of the mob are two blond men, one with curls and the other in odd attire. An elderly man announces to them, "Emperor Mikhail Korolyov of Russia," he points to the man in odd clothing, I frown, taking him in. He's handsome but in the troublesome type of way, he looks like the type of man who isn't used to being told no.

"And Fredrik de Monpezat, Prince of Swendway." The curly blond boy looks kind enough. Fredrik offered me and my sister a smile.

I swept my feet forward and lowered myself in a curtsey. "Hello, Your Highness," I murmured quietly. "Can I speak to you in private?"

Fredrik nods, his smile still on his face, "Of course, Your Highness."

Fredrik and I walk outside to the gardens. I had taken a liking to being outside. It's peaceful and it will help me to clear my head while speaking to Prince Fredrik.

"I can't marry you," I turn to him as my hand brushes the flower bushes. He didn't look upset at my words, he still had the same smile. "It's not that you're not a bad guy. It's just that I-I—" I was struggling with words to explain how I feel.

Fredrik looked confused, his hazel eyes waiting patiently for me to tell him.

I don't know if I should trust him well enough with the truth. I stared at the flowers, water fountain and the ground, wondering if I should tell him that I am gay. "I don't feel any connections with men," I said.

Fredrik's eyes widened, his expression confused me, I couldn't tell what was happening in his mind. I bit my nails, nervously waiting for his response, "Oh! You're gay?" His expression softens as he watches me bite my nails. "My sister, Nicola, she's gay, it's okay in Swendway, I know Illéa is different... I'm so sorry your father is forcing you to marry me."

I wasn't expecting this. I feel bad if I had to break his heart, he's a kind guy. "I—um, yeah I'm gay." I brush my hair back out of my face. "I had a girlfriend. An ex-girlfriend actually. Anyway, she and my sister had a beef, which resulted in our arranged betrothal. So now I'm stuck with wedding planning with my mother and pretending it's alright when it's not. I want to get out of this."

I didn't want to get in the full details with Xoie but that is mostly the truth of what happened. Why I was so upset and why I couldn't marry him. It's not that he's a bad guy. No. It's just I don't feel attracted to men, never was.

Fredrik nodded taking in everything I said, he sighed, picking up a rose and picky at the petals. "My father is ill, my grandmother is forcing me to marry before he passes. I don't want to get married but I have to. From what you've told me and what I've heard, you're going to be forced to get married, whether it's me or someone who won't care about your sexuality," he picks the last petal and drops the stick. "If you don't want to marry me, I understand, I won't force you but if you do marry me, you can come to Swendway with me, date women and I'll never force you to do anything. You'll be Queen but you won't be my wife."

I look away. I have no plans to become queen of any country. "I'm sorry about your father," I whispered. "So far my answer is no. I wouldn't like to cheat on you and use you. It wouldn't be fair would it?" Even though his offer was generous, I still didn't want to hurt him despite the circumstances.

"Do you have a plan?" He asked, his voice genuine and concerned.

"My sister does," I confessed. "But I don't know if it will work either. She's determined that we could run away and change identities. I don't know where we could go or if we will get caught? Either way, I think I'll do it. Run away I mean."

"Let me stay, at least until you both create a plan, until you run away."

I blink my eyes. Let him stay? I wasn't so sure but Father would be suspicious if I shooed him away and then he'd find a less friendly suitor for me to marry. "Why would you want to help us? How would I know if I can trust you?" I asked, confused as to why he wanted to help me and Cait.

Fredrik shrugged, "I don't know how to prove that you can trust me but I know what it's like to be stuck in a helpless situation. I just want to help."

"I'll think about it, I just need time to get to know you to decide if I can trust you with our plan." He had good intentions. I bet he does but how far can I go to trust him with it? Cait wouldn't tell her suitor anything. Heck! Her suitor sucks.

"I hope Cait is okay," I said out loud, thinking of my twin. "I heard her suitor is twice her age and expecting her to have children."

"Mikhail... I've spoken with him shortly, he's 23, I believe, I do not like him," Fredrik looked at his watch, "Perhaps we should return to your father."

I cringed as Fredrik revealed Mikhail's age. "A 23-year-old wants to have children with a girl?" I don't trust him the same way that Fredrik does. I frown at his words. "Yeah, of course," I said, straightening my back. "He's probably wondering what's taking us so long."

✧˖*°࿐

"Okay everyone, take your seats," an Indian lady with long brown hair said. Caitlyn and I go to take our seats but are stopped by our father.

"Girls, a word?"

I gulped as I glanced at my twin. "What is it this time?" As of late our father has been in our hair about our behavior.

My father turns to Caitlyn, grabbing a strand of hair and placing it behind her ear. Caitlyn glances at me, confused, my father sighed, "Do I need to remind you how important this is?"

"No father," I lament.

I follow him backstage, hoping Cait will come along too without risking Father's wrath. Cait rolled her eyes and begrudgingly followed.

When we're backstage, my father's face turns into a stern frown.

I didn't meet his eyes, I had been avoiding my family after the incident with Cait and Xoie. I couldn't bear to face them knowing it was my fault for causing such a scandal.

"Head up Cora," My father scolds.

I sighed, lifting my head up.

He smiled as I did as I was told. "You girls have such pretty faces, but you waste them with your ugly frowns."

I try not to cringe at his words. Was I frowning? Perhaps I was. I plaster a fake smile hoping that will please my father and get off our case about smiling.

Caitlyn scoffs, "What's your excuse then."

"Cait!" I whisper. "Don't anger father? Please?" I didn't want him to get any more angry than he was already. I hate dealing with the aftermath of his temper. And with Cait pushing his buttons, it wasn't helping our odds.

She rolled her eyes and left, leaving me alone with father. She walked back to the stage and taking her seat next to Mikhail.

Father sighs, "She's a lost cause," he muttered, turning his focus back to me. "You must be on your best behavior. Your brother may have fired Xiomara but trust me Cordelia, I can make your friends life a lot harder." He spat the word friend, as if it was poison, a dagger aimed at her heart.

My heart aches at his empty threats. I try not to cry about how unfair this was. "Yes, father, I understand," I bow my head again waiting to be excused.

"Good. You may be excused."

I bolted from the moment he dismissed me. I joined my sister and Fredrik on stage. As I sat down, I stood up taller and straightened my back. I even managed to smile in front of the cameras, hiding away any imperfections and mistakes.

Fredrik gives me a soft smile as he notices me, "Do you mind if I hold your hand?" He whispers.

I look away unsure if I wanted him to touch me. I nodded, not trusting myself to speak until the report started. I can't make it obvious that I had no interest in him. I've to pretend to like this or else my friends lives are in danger.

Fredrik grabs my hand.

The lady from before notices my presence and turns to the camera. "We're live on my 3. 1, 2," the light on the camera turns green.

"Hello Illèa! My name is Angie James, today I'm going to be sharing some exciting news with you all. Princess Cordelia and Caitlyn, say hello to our lovely country!"

I waved to the camera. "Good evening!" I cheerfully replied.

Caitlyn gives the camera a half-arsed smile, "Hello everyone."

Angie clapped her hands, faking excitement, "So onto the exciting news, should I say or would you girls like to do the honors?"

I shook my head. I didn't want to be the one to break the news to the country. But my father shot me a look.

I sighed, turning to Angie, "We are engaged!" I said, fake excitement washing over my voice. "In two weeks according to our parents, we will be wed to the king of Russia and the prince of Swendway."

Mikhail goes to grab Caitlyn's hand but she yanks her hand away from him. I look at my father and see his face turning red, 'oh Cait,' I thought, for sure she is going to be punished for that.

Angie grins, "That's right, our young Princess' are going to be Queens! How exciting?!"

That's not happening in my future. I didn't dare let it show. Instead I nodded to whatever Angie is telling the country tonight.

"The exciting news continues tonight, as I'm interviewing the two lovely new couples."

Wait! What?

I didn't show my panic state, I didn't even realize I was clutching Fredrik's hand. I yank my hand away, staring into the cameras. "So, who's first?!"

I feel sick.

As if Mikhail could read my discomfort he raises his hand, "Caitlyn and I would love to go first, we're just booming with excitement."

I knew without a doubt that Cait is seething. No way is she bursting with excitement. I shook my head, urging Fredrik to follow. "Actually, I would like to go first, Angie. If you don't mind giving us the honor?"

"Oh—" Angie looks at the two of us, I can feel Mikhail staring daggers into the back of my head. "Of course, Princess. After all, I'm sure Illéa is dying to know all about it's country's sweetheart."

That is the nickname that the people had given me. I'm well known for my patience and kindness. I smiled smugly at Mikhail as I rose from my seat. It was worth it to save my sister from enduring that creep!

"Thank you, Angie," I beam as I join her on center stage. I sit on the bar stool, grabbing the microphone.

Fredrik follows my lead. I've been on the Report ever since I took my first breath, Barton Allory and his assistants Angelica James and Gavril Fadaye are the only three people in Illéa who are allowed to interview my family.

My parents are looking rather smug, Clarkson had no care in the world and Cindy was the only one who was kind enough to offer a smile. I look away as I spoke into the microphone. "Thank you for taking the time out of your day to interview us!" I clear my throat. "Whenever you're ready to start."

Angie grinned, "It was no problem at all Your Highness, I'm not sure if you've noticed but this is my first interview," Angie stated, trying to build rapport. "But onto the questions. The first question that is on everyone's mind. How did you two lovebirds meet?"

Fredrik took the lead, "It was arranged by our parents but don't let that fool you, from the moment I saw Cordelia, I knew it was meant to be," he grabbed my hand softly, barely touching me, I can tell he doesn't want to make me uncomfortable.

I coughed but I was relieved that Fredrik spoke to Angie and not me. I nodded at every lie he told her, it's partly true. Except for the part that he is in love with me.

"Aww," Angie and members in the crowd coo, "What was it like? Finding the One?"

I looked at Fredrik and he stared back at me. "It just happened," I spoke way too soon. "We hadn't thought that far ahead into our relationship. Until well... he proposed."

Angie raised her eyebrows, looking at her script and then at us, clearly that wasn't the answer she was looking for. Fredrik grinned, "What Cordelia is trying to say, is that we're both young, we never thought we would find someone for us but it happened suddenly," I nodded, agreeing silently, how is he so good at lying?

"So the rumours that have been popping up lately... Is there anything you would like to address?" Angie eyes as cold and calculating, she puts down her script, clearly this wasn't planned.

My heart stops. I didn't want to discuss this. Especially now and in front of Fredrik. My face heats up as I hesitate to answer the question. "What rumors?" I pretended to be innocent and confused about what she was talking about.

Angie looked at my parents, my father looks like he's about to bite her head off, one wrong word from either of us and she is going to be fired or worse, I don't understand why she's doing this. "Princess... I thought you knew— There have been rumours going around that you dated Princess Caitlyn's lady-in-waiting."

"Those are lies!" I blurted, not thinking too much about it. I just want to disappear and never come back out. "I never dated, Lady Xiomara. It's just pesky rumors to stir up more scandal than there already was."

Angie smiled, she looked back at my parents once more, my father looks... almost proud.  It disgusted me to see him staring at me like that. Like my answer had pleased him. "I thought so but I just had to ask."

"It's just rumors, Angie," I wiped the sweat off my brow. "Is there anything else you want to know?"

"Okay, well, I think that's everything I have for this lovely couple," she said as she turned to the camera.

I was so happy to get away. I got off the stool and walked back over to my seat. I avoided looking at my family. Not even Fredrik holding my hand brought me no comfort. It just made me frustrated at my situation.

✧˖*°࿐

After Caitlyn's interview, Angie wrapped up the report and I was free.

I got up from my seat to head back to my room. I turned to see Angie walk up to me, "I know that last question was hard, I'm sorry, I just— I know what it's like."

"What do you mean?" I asked, blinking my eyes at her.

Angie shook her head, "My husband was an elderly man, I never loved him but don't worry, you will grow to like him."

"Oh!" I rubbed the back of my neck. "Um thanks I guess. The prince is kind enough to propose to me despite..." I fought the tears. It's getting more difficult to hold myself together. Every time someone brings up Xoie, I just end up sad and want to avoid the subject altogether.

She nodded, I looked in her eyes and oddly enough I saw that she understood, I went to ask when— "Angelica! Why are you upsetting my sister?" My brother's voice asked.

I went pale when I saw Clarkson standing there, frowning at us. "I'm okay!" I assured him with a smile. "Angie was just telling me congratulations for my engagement."

Angie looks terrified like a deer caught in headlights, whatever she was going to tell me, I know isn't for his ears.

"I should go. Again, congratulations on the engagement."

I frowned, wanting to know more about what she was going to say. Once she left, I turned abruptly to my brother. I was planning to avoid him until the wedding. "Yes?" I demanded.

Clarkson frowned, "Why were you talking to the reporter?! You know what they're like, always trying to find out the next scoop."

I rolled my eyes. "It was nothing, Clarkson!" I just wanted him to leave me alone.

"It was not nothing! What if she found out that you're gay," he whispered the word gay, as if saying it was a bad omen.

"I'm not gay!" I hate lying but I don't want him to know either. I can't bear to see him so disgusted.

He scoffed, "Yeah, right. Why else would father be marrying you off, I'm not stupid, not like you and Caitlyn."

"Clarkson! Go away!" I yelled. How dare he call us stupid!?

Clarkson rolled up his sleeves, rolling his eyes, "Whatever. Do you know where Mei is? I need her help with something."

I spat as he mentioned my maid, "What is your business with my maid?" I glared at him. "And she isn't interested in you, you annoying piece of shit." I muttered under my breath.

"It's her job to help, I need her help, where is she?" He asked, annoyed.

"I don't know!? Actually you're going to fuck her? Aren't you?" I know at this point, Clarkson will sleep with anyone including the maids. He never care about anyone except for himself. He is just like father!

"How dare you?! I'm a gentleman, I would never deflower a maid like that."

"That's a lie! We all know it." I should stop talking before Clarkson decides to punish me. "Ask all the girls you slept with and used? I bet they'll say what a jackass you are!?"

He clenched his jaw, his hands curling into a ball, he got my mother's temper. I prepared myself for his attack but it never came, "You're a bitch!" Clarkson cursed.

"I am not!" I made sure my voice was loud enough so everyone could hear how disgusting Clarkson really is. "I think you're talking about yourself."

Clarkson's fist comes flying towards me but at the last second he redirects to the wall behind me, red hot blood spills from his knuckles, "Fuck," he hissed.

"Clark—"

Clarkson walked off, cradling his bleeding hand.

I turned to see my father, he walked up to me and grabbed my arm, "Stop making a scene!"

"But—" I protest. "He started it!"

"I don't care, I heard you, not him."

"Father!"

He always blames it on me and my sisters, he never takes it out on Clarkson. He fails to see any imperfections with his perfect heir. And I'm sick of it.

"I have work to do, go to your room for the night, I don't want to hear from you again!"

"Why can't you just listen to us for a change? Clarkson is a bully. And he is sleeping with my maid!" I was so mad that I didn't know when to stop.

Clarkson makes me sick. Him and Mikhail will be great friends.

"Don't make me get your mother," he threatened, he knows how she treats us.

My back stiffened at his threat, I sighed stepping back to head to my room. "Yes, Father."

✧˖*°࿐
3444 words
written by cat && storiez0