I've seen Adeline in a frantic state many times before, but each time it occurs I find it unnecessary. While today may be an eventful day, it isn't planned back to back. After breakfast, I make my first small debut into the kingdom. I get to see everyday life and what O'Khasis has to offer with both the prince and our first hands by our side.

After this visit, I am to go home. Shortly after my arrival, it will be my eighteenth birthday and a grand ball will be thrown. It will not be soon after that I am married off to the prince.

Without this visit, the prince would be a stranger to me. I would be walking down the aisle to someone whom I have never met before in my life. I have every intent to learn more about the prince while I am here for a blissful marriage.

"I have placed your fan in your handbag, and your parasol is near the door," Adeline says, tucking a braid under the bun she has created. "When I finish with your braids and your flowers, I will grab my handbag and walk us towards the carriage, where the prince and his valet will be waiting."

"Is this necessary?" I say, pursing my lips together into a thin, tight line. "I don't want to look like a fool who is trying too hard."

"Nonsense," she tells me, pushing a pin further into my hair. "It's your first public outing as His Highness's future bride. He'll be properly proposing before you leave. . . Though, do not announce I had let that information slip to you."

"And to think this will all be reported back to a letter to Laurance and my father," I sigh, watching her place white carnations in my hair before standing, disappointed yet again, with another green dress.

I'm well aware that last night I was dressed in the O'Khasis colors. I, frankly, didn't mind. I've worn white dresses with some form of black detail, but it hasn't always been often. I adore lighter colors, but father prefers me in greens during times of public appearance.

With wearing green today, I come from humble intentions. A small kingdom. I don't appear to try to climb on the status of kingdoms, but I don't come across as trying to please too many people. Simply a princess who is wearing her kingdom's colors.

"I can always write in your place. Though, I do not believe you would like me to do that."

I wave off her words with my hand, walking towards my parasol. Adeline isn't far behind me when she slips on her gloves and reaches for her handbag. The two of us share a knowing look before she reaches for her own parasol and opens the door for me.

"Of course, your father knows your handwriting like the back of his hand."

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Both Anthony and Adeline have wandered off in our walk. It was suggested we walk in the garden. And with an area so large, it's hard not to get lost. We haven't left yet. But with Adeline telling me of an engagement only an hour ago, I can only assume this was planned beforehand where we would create an engagement that alerts the kingdom of how quickly the wedding will come.

The prince looks over at me, looking rather anxious. His hands are fidgeting with each other, fingers nearly interlacing. I'm stopped from walking any further, so I look over to the prince to see him kneeling in front of me.

Adeline's voice rings in my head as a reminder that I need to act surprised. I force my eyes to widen to feign innocence. My hand covers my mouth, blocking the gasp that slips back by lips. "Your Highness," I mumble, moving my hand to my chest. "Is this what I believe it to be?"

His eyes lock with mine. When I put my mind to it, they match the blue accents on my dress. "I know we are already engaged after two years from birth," he states, lifting the ring up to me. "But will you do me, and my kingdom, the honor of being my bride?"

I nod. The ring slowly slips onto my finger, and I glance down at the diamond. A two-year-old wouldn't be wearing a ring quite like this one. Having a proposal to an already existing engagement is strange on its own, but it pleases those around us.

"Now, we must show my future bride to the kingdom she'll be a part of."

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

My gloves have come off, but the ring has remained on my finger. It sparkles in the candlelight while I write my letter to my father. My eyes linger over the diamond, stopping there for a moment.

There's a heavy feeling in my stomach. In the last letter my father sent, he asked me if I would be in love. Responding with, "I can learn to love him" feels wrong to write to my father. While I wasn't for this trip when it started, I know he means well. Instead, I write that I will be in love.

My visit is nearly over. I have only three more days before I am to join Adeline in a long carriage ride. Many people have been kind, and they are dear to me now. The queen is kind, and I feel genuinely happy around Garroth and Kandi. I'm trying my hardest to grow close to the prince, but I fear I'm growing closer to his valet instead. I see him more often than the prince.

There's a hand placed on my shoulder. "I think it's time you seal your letter and rest."

I look up to Adeline with a short nod and sign my signature on the piece of paper, wax sealing it shut. I'm already stripped to my chemise, so I am prepared to go to bed when I wish to. "I will. Please, deliver my letter once again. I feel it will be my last for now."

Adeline leaves the room. I run my brush through my hair absentmindedly and begin to head into the direction of my bed. I stop mere feet away before glancing down at my hand, taking off the ring and placing it on my vanity.