Falling Like Snow

Chapter One

Today is my coming-of-age party, meaning I am finally an adult at the age of eighteen. Although that doesn't change much in my life yet. I am the crown princess of Winterhelm and my father, the king, has many years left of his life. I am not due to take on any extra responsibilities now that I am an adult. I live a pretty normal life. Some would say it is a boring life, but I don't mind one bit. The Kingdom of Winterhelm has been at peace for many years with the neighboring kingdoms so not much goes on around the palace. My mom passed away when I was five years old, and my father never remarried. It's always been just my father and I, and I liked it that way.

My maids woke me up the morning like the normally do. They help me wash up, get dressed, then do my hair. My head maid Delaney is my best friend. We are the same age and get along very well. "My lady." Delaney says as I snap out of my thoughts. "His majesty is waiting for you in the dining hall." she says. I nod. "I am on my way." I say and flash her a smile. She smiles back then we head out the door together. Father and I always have breakfast together. He is usually too busy with his duties to spend lunch or dinner with me, but I am grateful to spend the morning with him. Delaney and I walk through down the long hallway that leads to the main staircase. We descend the stairs to the first floor. Down the hallway to the right is the dining hall.

We enter the dining hall to find my father sat at the head of the table. I take my place at the side of him. "Good morning, Amalie." he says with a smile on his face. I smile back at him. "Good morning father." I said. Delaney stands behind me in the case that I need her at any point. The servants began to serve us. "This morning we have egg soufflés, fresh berries, and sausage patties." the head chef explains as the servants fill our plates. "It all looks delicious." My father says to the chef. "Thank you, your majesty, it is always a pleasure to cook for you." the head chef says with a bow then exiting the room.

My father lifts his glass in the air, so I mimic him. "Happy birthday to my greatest accomplishment. My beautiful daughter, Amalie." my father says grinning from ear to ear. My father cherishes me, not only because I am his daughter, but also because I remind him so much of my mother. We both have stunning crystal blue eyes and long curly blonde hair. I am pretty much a mirror of her. "Your mother would be so proud of the woman that you are today." I try my best not to hold back the tears, but a few escape. I quickly wipe my cheek. "Thank you, father." We clink our glasses together then take a sip.

"Are you ready for your party tonight, Amalie?" he asks. I nod my head. "It's been a while since we've held something here at the palace. I'm very excited to celebrate." I take a bite of my food. We truly have the best chef working for us because the food is always delicious. "Good. Good." my father says slowly. I look up at him, he looks kind of sad. He looks up at me and forces a smile. "Amalie there's something I need to tell you." he says. My heart sinks. Why does he sound so sad? "What is it father?" I ask.

Father takes a deep breath before he speaks. "Amalie, I have arranged a marriage for you." he said. It takes me a second to process what he just said. An arranged marriage? Not once has he ever said anything like this to me before. "What?" I ask confused. "Why do I have to get married?" I say. "I know this is out of the blue, but the king of Solace offered me something I just couldn't refuse." he said. Offered something he couldn't refuse? What am I a bargaining chip? I shouldn't be all that surprised because that's usually how it goes in royal families. Arranging marriages for status and money. But we are the wealthiest and highest form of nobility out of all the lands, so why do I have to get married? "What couldn't you refuse father? Is it so important that I must be forced into something I don't want?" I ask, my voice slightly raised. I am getting a little angry. I don't want to get married, I just became eighteen.

"Your protection." Father said simply. This makes my mind clear. My protection? "What do I need protection from father, our land is at peace?" I ask. We have been at peace in the kingdom for the past three years. Does he think that this is going to end sometime soon? "For now yes, but in the future maybe not. I want to protect you and I think Solace might be the right place for you." he says. "You will become queen either way. I have set you up with the crown prince, Ian Solace. I think you will grow to love him. He is a very kind young man." He says that like it is just so easy to fall in love with someone. I am shaken up by this whole thing. I'm being forced out of my easy life to become the wife of some crown prince.

"Father. What if I don't want to?" I ask. I am afraid of what the answer might be. I have never once disobeyed my father. I don't wish to disobey him, but I really don't want to marry a stranger. My father sighs then smiles. "I know you don't want to Amalie, but I'm sorry you must marry him. Trust me, this is all for your sake." I know there's no fighting with him, he is the king after all. I nod. "I understand father. I just wish things were different." I said.

We finish eating in silence. "May I be excused?" I ask. My father nods and I stand. "See you tonight at the party." I said. "Prince Ian will be here tonight along with King Solace." my father says. I nod. "I will make sure I look my best." I said then smile. I exit the room with Delaney following behind me. We walk silently back upstairs to my bedroom, not allowing myself to say anything until we get behind closed doors.

"Why me?!" I yell in frustration once the door closes to my room. "I'm sorry my lady." Delaney offers an apologetic look. "I like my quiet peacefully normal life. Now I have to be the wife of the crown prince and one day become the queen of Solace? I'm supposed to be the queen of Winterhelm. What happens father is gone? What happens to the kingdom?" I start spitting my thoughts out at Delaney. I know she won't have any answers for me. I just don't understand why I have to leave my home and my right as queen here.

"Maybe he knows something that he is trying to protect you from?" Delaney says. "Why wouldn't he tell me? I'm not a little girl anymore." I say. I can protect myself. I've been taking self-defense classes ever since I was old enough to hold a knife. Normally a princess wouldn't have to learn such things, but considering I was the sole heir to the kingdom they thought self-defense classes would be good. "I know, but to his majesty you are more important to him than anything else." Delaney says. I know she is right. My father would do anything to protect me.

I sigh and walk over to my closet and open the door. "Well guess I have to find the perfect dress to meet my future husband in." I say rummaging through all the dresses I have hanging in the closet. Delaney walks over to me at the closet. "No matter what you wear he is bound to fall in love, you are beautiful my lady." she said. I look at her and smile. "Thank you, Delaney." We shuffle through the many dresses hanging there. I pick out a beautiful long sleeve off shoulder shimmering royal blue dress. The dress is fitting and flattering to my body. I think it's the perfect dress to meet my future husband in.