Mother followed behind Father down the stairs with concerned expressions. "What is the meaning of this outburst?" he bellowed, reaching the bottom of the stairs. "I spotted an unfamiliar man running along the premise of the vineyard." I explained, keeping my voice from panicking.

Father alerted the guards to search the outskirts of the vineyard. "Of course this would happen as soon as your brother arrives." Father mumbled. The guards communicated with each other through the intercoms throughout the house.

"Sounds like chaos." came a voice from the billiards room. Eric. He emerged from the room, revealing the smirk on his face. He looked older, but that's only because I haven't seen him in seven years. "Eric!" I exclaimed, throwing my arms around him.

"Your late." Father said with a tone, breaking the moment. "Well, I did have some trouble finding the old place again. Everything looks so different now." "Well, it has been seven whole years!" Mother kissed his cheek. "A joy to see you again, Diana." Eric cleared his throat. "And Thalia, how I've missed you dearly." He finished, turning back to me.

"How's Judith?" I asked. "She's well. I-" "As pleasing as the reunion is, Eric, we have matters to attend to." Father interrupted.

"Of course," Eric nodded, "I assume you'll be busy as well, Thalia." I blinked raising an eyebrow. ""With your soon-to-be husband. Have they not told you?"

Mother covered her mouth with her hands. "What on Earth are you talking about? I don't-" I shot a glance at Father, he seemed guilty. "Well, I suppose now would be the time to tell you." 

I crossed my arms. "Since you are now 18 years of age, a marriage has been arranged between you and a prince of a close alliance. I scoffed. "He will be here tomorrow morning to pick you up." he explained.

"When were you planning on telling me?" I questioned, "Is that why Eric is here, to tell me that my life is over and I'm going to live with an absolute stranger?" Father said nothing, his eyes on the ground.

I stormed up the stairs and slammed my door shut. I couldn't believe I was to be married to someone I don't even know. Eric met his wife on his own time, why can't I do the same? I know that Father has made up his mind and this is no chance of me avoiding this. I couldn't run away since we are on the brink of a war. 

I quickly excepted the reality of this all. Looking on the bright side, at least I'll be away from Mother and Father and hopefully see Eric when I can, since we didn't have any time to catch up.

Packing clothes, and the necessities were the easy part, remembering that I had never met this prince, made me far from happy.

Eric knocked on the door before entering. "Hey," he greeted. I looked up at him. "Sorry about all of this. I thought they would have told you by now."

"Yeah, well, since Mum died Dad hasn't really been the same."

"Diana seems nice though."

"Eh, she stays out of my life for the most part, and Father demands I call her mother."

"Well, I don't think your new boyfriend will be too bad." Eric assured me. "Have you met the man?" I questioned. "No but at least you'll have some freedom. Maybe you'll actually like him, like Judith and I."

"But you and Judith met didn't have an arranged partnership!"

"I know but Father needs this alliance to be strong. We might not have a war if this works out." he finished.

Of course this was for Father's benefits. He was making me spend a lifetime with a stranger to secure his kingdom's safety.

Eric and I chatted for a bit longer, catching up on all the years we've been apart. The last time I'd seen him was at his wedding, four years ago.