Auphine's P.O.V

    Two charming young men are approaching me and I have no idea which one I am to marry. They both seem like a dream, but I have no intention to marry either one of them. Me escaping was not entirely a joke.

"Auphine, Gennet, meet my sons. This is Kynn, the eldest. This is Kian, the youngest and the one you'll be marrying."

My eyes drift and land on Kian's cold eyes. I almost mistake his eyes for an ice fortress. I feel like I am shivering just by staring into them. He smiles and bows at me, along with his brother.

"It's a pleasure to meet my future wife and queen. I know my mother introduced me, but I like to introduce myself," he looks at his mother with great disdain. "My name is Kian, the youngest of the Verath family." He takes my hand and brings it to his soft, pink lips.

I admit, I feel chills slither down my spine. In my village I am used to seeing children or old men. The young men that are close to my age are either disgusting or perverted. Kian seems well mannered and beautiful. He is beautiful.

I take my hand back and avert my eyes. I can feel my cheeks burning with embarrassment . . . or is it passion?

"Enough of this," the queen says with a boring tone. "Gennet, you and I have lots to discuss. Kynn, I need you to fetch the girl you're suppose to marry. Let her meet Auphine," The queen looks at me with a sinister smile.

She touches my shoulder and says, "You and Kian can take a walk around the castle. Get to know one another. We will all meet up soon."

"Yes mother, I'll go get her now," Kynn's voice is deep, yet soft.

He certainly is taller than Kian and his face appears more bold while Kian's face is a bit younger. Kynn already looks like a ruling king, but Kian looks like a young, beautiful, prince, who has lots to learn.

"Shall we?" Kian leans out his elbow. I wish to say no and run far from this place, but I mustn't, not yet anyways.

I nod and place my hands around his shoulder. We walk outside the castle and the sun hits my face. I flinch a bit and I can hear a soft chuckle coming from Kian. Before I know it, I'm smiling. I quickly stop and again, I feel my face getting hot.

We begin to walk to the castle's town side. It's quite beautiful here. The air is fresher and the sky shows more emotion. Back home, the sky always seems to be gloomy.

"So–"

"Nothing," he sighs as he stares into the sky.

"Excuse me?" I ask with a puzzled expression.

He removes my hand from around his arm and says, "So . . . nothing. I'm being forced to marry some town peasant, end of story. Let's just keep up appearances and try to make it through this life."

"Of course," I scoff, "you're all the same, you . . . royal people. I didn't ask to come here, I don't want to be here. We won't marry," I look away from from him and try to focus my attention on the beautiful shimmering ocean.

"What?" I can feel his cold eyes staring at my neck.

"I won't marry you. I wasn't planning on it. I'll leave soon and be out of your way."

"You can't," he grabs my hand, but I shove it away. When our eyes meet, it feels like I'm burning his ice.

"I can . . . and I will!"

"Look," he sighs, "my mother seems to really like you. She hates everyone, but you're different. There is something about you that my mother won't tell anyone. If we don't marry, I get my mother's wrath and you get your mother locked away."

"So must we live a life of hate and misery?!" I stare at him with melancholic eyes.

"Doesn't everyone?" He scoffs and averts his attention.

"I don't want to be everyone," I pout.

"Well suck it up. We should head back."

"Come on, you head back and I'll run. I like that plan better."

"You'd leave your mother behind?" A line forms between his brows.

"Of course not. As much as I want to run, I can't do that to her. Let's go," I sigh while walking in front of him.

* * * *

Kian and I arrive at the castle and Kynn and his betrothed awaits us. My mother must still be conversing with the queen.

"Auphine, this is my betrothed, Firefly."

"What a weird name," I accidentally say aloud. My eyes widen and I place my hand by my mouth.

"It's fine, many people find my name to be . . . interesting."

"Sorry. I think it's unique. I was born without a name. It took my mom a while to name me."

"Sorry," Firefly's lips move to the side and the atmosphere grows awkward.

"Kynn, maybe you and your brother should let your mother know that we have all met. It will give me time to speak with Auphine. Bonding is a must."

"Very well. Come on little brother," Kynn sighs.

Kian looks at me with a look of scorn and walks away. I can't believe that he will soon be my husband. I have to stop this somehow.

"Do you like it here?" Firefly asks.

"Huh?" I come out of my thoughts and try to focus.

"This place," she looks around and back at me, "do you like it?"

"Of course, it's beautiful," my smile fades to a flat line.

"You don't have to lie to me Auphine. I hate it here too. You and I are . . . special. The queen, she wants to use us. More importantly, she wants to use you."

"Use me? What are you–"

"I'm glad to see that you two are getting along," Queen Mara manages to make her voice echo throughout the castle's walls. She walks from out of the throne room along with my mother and her sons.

"Sorry your grace," Firefly backs away from me.

That was strange. Firefly seems terrified of the queen and I'm starting to feel like I should be too. Firefly's words are starting to dwell on me. I know that my mother is keeping something from me and that girl may have all the answers. I need to find a time to talk to her when we're alone. She could be my only ally in this entire castle.

"Your mother and I have finished discussing. It's final. You will live here from now on and wed my son. Your mother will see you again on your wedding day. After that, it will be a while before you two meet again."

"That's cruel!" I yell. I can feel a slight tingle on the side of my head.

"Calm down my sweet. All will be okay."

"Yes, this is a small sacrifice we must make for the greater good."

"Greater good?" I scoff. "To me you seem like a fearsome demon."

"Auphine!" My mother yells.

"Do not speak to me that way child. After today, if you address me informally again, I will have to punish you."

I look at my mother and can see the regret in her eyes. I hope she regrets this for the rest of her life. She might as well be throwing me into the depths of hell. Perhaps the secret is that she truly despises me and all the misfortune I bring to her life. Without me, the villagers will accept her now. She can go back to her old life. She doesn't need me anymore.

"Mother," I sigh, "you do not need to stay the night. Leave. It makes no difference."

"Auphine–"

"Enough Gennet. Guards!" Two guards leave their post and approach the queen. "Please escort this young lady out of my kingdom."

They nod and look at my mother. She gives me one last look of sadness and follows the guard out of the castle.

"I'm glad that you're cooperating. Firefly, I need to speak to you," the queen shows her a look of hate, only for a brief moment, then her fake smile returns. "Kian, show Auphine to your room."

"Excuse me! I thought that I would get my own room until our marriage," I cross my arms.

"No my dear. You need to get better acquainted with my son. Also, I can't afford to leave you alone until I can fully recognize you as a member of this family. Kian, go."

Kian nods and begins up the stairs. I look at Firefly and she holds her head down like she's ashamed of who she is. I sigh and follow Kian up the stairs. Something strange is going on in this kingdom and something is also telling that I'll soon find out what.

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