It was a neighbor's wedding. The first and only wedding I'd been to. It was simple and emotional. The decor was quite elegant. The event took place in their small backyard. I remember the exchanges that were made and how I'd always imagined mine. Mine would be simple too with the man I love. Maybe a little extravagance. Lots of food and laughter. A perfect little ceremony just like my neighbors'.

However, that would not be the case for me. Ever.

I let my eyes dance over my wedding dress dressed on a mannequin. It is of white satin with a deep flounce of honiton lace. The train woven in silver and white brocade is embroidered with roses and thistles, a small lace veil fastened with a diamond rose of York. It is very beautiful. My perfect size.

Tomorrow, I would be married. The thought frightens me. I am not ready. I always thought I would be a great person before thinking of marriage. I've barely finished high school.

I tear my gaze from the dress and look out the window. If only I could fly away from it all. Sighing, I notice the garden of flowers and see a moving figure bent over them. Who is that? The figure raised his head.. err her head. She looked old. Who could that be?

I leave my room and go outside.

"Excuse me?" I call out but she doesn't hear. I move closer and crouch "Hello?"

"Hello dear." She looked at me with unusual blue eyes. She held a trowel and a vase. A watering can was at her side. She looks so familiar. Where have I seen her?

"Do you need help? I garden too."

"Of course the insides need the beauty of these flowers. What's the use of making only the outer parts beautiful if the insides are dull of colours?"

"That's very true. My mother always says you gotta clean inside out. Same goes for beautifying."

"Your mother is a very wise woman"

I aassist her with the flowers pruning and watering them.

"Your dress is stained with mud. I am so sorry."

"Oh don't be. I hate the dress anyway. So stuffy. A little mud doesn't kill. Gardening is fun."

She chuckles and pats my cheek. "You are going to change this palace. My husband chose right."

"What-?"

"Annabelle!" I groan in frustration. Her voice is already so familiar to me. I bet I can hear it over a stampede.

I turn and bow to the Queen. When I raise my head, I see her approaching with the lovely Prince. Mark the sarcasm.

"Where have you been? Why is your dress stained with mud? Aren't you-?" She pause her rant taking notice of the Granny beside me. She bows in courtesy, so did the Prince.

Wait, what-?! Is she bowing to me or granny here?

"Grandmother Penelope," He says.

Wait what-?! That's why she looks so familiar. She is his Grandmother.

"I am disappointed in you, Nolan.  You haven't come to see me in a week."

What-? What is going on? Wait, isn't she the former Queen? As in Queen Penelope? Queen Penelope the dancer?

"Dowager, what are you doing out here?" The queen asks eyeing me.

What did I do? I give a small shrug.

"Just doing a little gardening when our future crown princess showed up. I approve of her. A girl that can get down and dirty is to my taste." To me, "We'll be seeing a lot more of each other soon." Scathing a tune, she takes the vase away.

Did I just pass an unspoken test?

The Queen and Crown Prince exchange a look.

"Come with me," The Queen says going back up to my rooms.

Wish I had magical powers.

Later in my bedroom alone, I sit at the vanity table. It is very quiet and all that could be heard is my own voice.

Memorizing my speech for the wedding, I tie my hair up.
"And-" and I've forgotten.. again. The wedding is going to be a disaster. I can't even remember my lines.

"Ugh." I hold my head in my hands, sigh in frustration and get up. The smirking face of Nolan came into view.

"Ah!" I fell flat on my butt. There he was, still smiling. How long has he been there? What was he doing here? When did he come in?

"What is wrong with you?" I get up from the floor and wipe my butt.

"You should quit what you are trying to do."

"Speak English." I sit back down eyeing him warily.

"Impressing the dowager."

"I didn't even know she was your grandma."

"Of course you didn't." He rolled his eyes.

"What do you want from me?"

"If you want to be a princess, be clean and presentable."

"Your granny didn't complain."

"But I am. You are going to be my wife and you have to do what I say."

"And if I say no? It's just for two years, dude. I'll be out of your hair soon."

"You won't want to say no."

"You ain't my mother. You don't tell me what to do."

"We shall see," He walks to the door.

"Oh, and next time knock."

"You don't tell me what to do." He walks away without closing the door behind him.

Did he just use my words against me? Not cool.

I lift myself from the chair and lock the door.

I go in to the bathroom to brush my teeth spilling profanities. The queen would be enraged if she heard me now but I'm past caring.

Someone knock on my door. What is it this time?

Toothbrush in hand, I open the door scowling.

"Hey, Anna."

Everything else feels a million miles away. I didn't even hear my toothbrush crash to the floor. Everything in me is fixated at him.

"Henry."

Whatever happens next? Find out in the next chapter. Before you scroll or swipe, tap that star please.