Genevieve

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I stare into the mirror, but the person I see is not who I used to be. Her eyes hold such sadness and her beauty is marred because of this sadness. I don't know her anymore. Shes the kind of person that allows others to tell her what to do. I never prepared myself to have to marry a stranger...but she has accepted this fact. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be me again. Is it even a possibility?

A knock at my door makes me stumble out of my daydream. My eyes refocus on the image in front of me as I yell, "Come in!" To whomever stands waiting at the door. She is likely my lady in waiting Lily. My intuition is correct as she walks into the room. I smile softy at her, "How has your morning been?" She replies with a simple good and sets to work on my long dark curls. I sit there and endure the discomfort of someone else doing my hair and makeup for me. It makes me feel so useless.

After my makeup is perfect and not a strand on my head is out of place she ushers me into my dressing room. It is here that I am to pick out the dress I will wear in order to meet my betrothed. I could care less, but my father would likely be very angry if I were to not look my best. So I pick my favorite blue gown. It's corset may make me unable to breath, but the dress is beautiful. "I wonder if its too...fancy Lily. It looks more like I'm going to ball then meeting some Prince." She simply assures me that it is simply perfect.

I am then ushered to one final stop: The downstairs meeting room. I descend the stairs to where my father is calmly standing. I curtsy and then turn towards the door. His booming voice fills the room, "This is my Daughter. Princess Genevieve." I smile weakly at the people standing in front of me. I am unsure of what I am supposed to say so I just keep my mouth shut and curtsy once more towards the visitors.

My father and I are sitting in a meeting room, making idle chatter with my future father in-law. I have no desire for this arranged marriage, for a bride I do not know and who surely hates the very idea of me. I feel utterly ridiculous, black trousers and a black and silver doublet; I was far more comfortable in my armor or riding gear.

We are informed by a servant that my betrothed will be down in a moment. I stand and hastily see to it that I look the proper part of Prince and not my usual grisly self. She enters the room, curtsies and politely smiles at my father and I. I return her curtsy with an appropriate bow at the waist before taking a step forward to take her hand and gently kiss it as was required in such a situation.

"Pleased to finally make your acquaintance," I say as my lips leave her hands and my eyes meet hers. "I am Prince James," I add having realized that I had not given her my name yet.

"We shall leave you two alone for a few moments then," my father says. He has gone over my duties with me a hundred times and I steel myself for what I must do next.

I usher Princess Genevieve to where I had just been sitting before taking the seat beside her, facing my torso in her direction as I fumble with the solitaire diamond ring in my pocket. "I am sure that you do not want this marriage and like me are doing it for the good of your people. It is my hope that we may one day be at least friends," I say as I pull the ring out of my pocket. "It was my mother's and she wanted it to go to my bride. I cannot promise you love but I can promise you that I will be a good, true, faithful and devoted husband." I hold the ring out tentatively as though she might say no to the question I never asked. She and I both know that there is no need to ask, this marriage is beyond either of our control.

I was looking forward to not having to say a word, but it seems I must find my voice. I stare at the beautiful ring in his hand. "Its beautiful, Prince James. Thank you." I reach out and take it with shaking hands. I smile at him, "I know that this...situation is not what either of us ever expected. At first I wasn't even the heir...but I'm happy that I'll be married to someone that has a good heart." I put the ring on my finger, surprised that it fits. I glance out at the window noticing the beautiful day outside. Oh how I ache to be riding my horse.

I glance at the Prince. At least he is handsome and kind. It could have been much worse I suppose. I sigh, "Well, I'm guessing you are tired from your long journey. I assure you Lily will help you find your room." I glance over at my lady and she smiles warmly with a nod. "I don't want to keep you for much longer. It was very nice to meet you, Prince James." I curtsy and with a warm smile I walk up to my room.

Finally, I can get out of this god awful dress and change into something more comfortable. I walk into my dressing room and grab my riding dress. The feeling of the material brings me excitement. I slip off the ball gown and then put on my riding gown. I grin as I make my way out to the hallway. Hopefully no one will see me and bother me about the Prince on the way.

Once I'm at the stables I begin to brush my horse, Midnight.

Just like that my betrothed dismissed me. Lily showed me to my room and I quickly thanked her, waiting for her to leave. I was curious as to what it was that my bride had seen that had made her dismiss me so. I was walking briskly through the hallways and came to a sudden yet silent stop, Genevieve had changed into a riding dress and is off towards the stables. I follow silently behind her, a sly smirk on my face as we enter the stables.

"Beautiful horse," I say after I watch her brush the horse for a few minutes. "Would you care to go for a ride with me? I am sure Amethyst would enjoy stretching her legs some."

Amethyst is my own horse, a four year old black mare. I saddle Amethyst and feed her an apple I had left in one of her saddlebags before climbing atop her. I urge Amethyst out with Genevieve and Midnight, matching their pace. "So tell me about yourself your highness," I prompt. "I must confess that I find it disconcerting to be betrothed to a woman that I hardly know anything about other than she was not originally the heir to her father's kingdom. I am deeply sorry for your loss, I am sure your brother was a good man." I pause, realizing I have probably touched on a fresh wound. "Tell me about yourself? What do you like to do aside from dismiss Princes shortly after they propose?" I tease. "I myself happen to also be a fan of riding. I also enjoy reading and spending time among my people. My sisters are most eager to meet you, all four of them."

I jump slightly and turn towards him. "You nearly gave me a heart attack, Prince James." I put a hand over my heart. I look back at Midnight and nod, "I was planning on riding. I suppose company would be appreciated." He seems kind enough, even if he does stalk people when they obviously want to be alone. I glance over at him once more as he puts the saddle on his horse.

At the mention of my brother my heart constricts in my chest. How long will it be until the mere mention of his name doesn't make me want to cry? How many years will have to pass before I can find joy in his memory instead of anguish? I have no idea and I feel lost because of this fact. I feel as if his death will never stop haunting me. I gulp.

I Smile softly, "I did not dismiss you." I mount my horse, "I merely..." I search for an answer, "Tried to allow you to be by yourself." I chuckle softly. I look at him as he tells me about himself. What should I say? I love reading? Wouldn't that sound like I'm repeating what he has said? I gulp again. How can he be making me feel so nervous? Why should I care what he thinks. Its not like it would make a difference. "Your sisters want to meet me? I can't imagine why. I"m really not that interesting." I slowly have my horse walk outside into the fresh air.