Forbidden Lovers

Chosen

It was another day in the kingdom of  Chastain, and as always the town was full of people. Merchants from all over America were visiting for the Festival of Royalty.  This festival was no ordinary festival, it was a time when the future princess would be chosen. The princess chosen has three weeks after the festival to chose a suitor. I was never a fan of this time of year, but everyone around me was. My name is Colleen Morgan. I am a tutor that teaches children in the comfort of their homes the things they cannot learn, and just like any other day, I walked to my favorite book store. This is where it all began. 

"Good evening Colleen. You're looking beautiful as always!"

Mrs. Linda was the book store owner, and was always so kind to me. She always provided me with the books I needed. As a tutor, it is my job to teach the children of the town the things they cannot learn or understand properly. I love to teach what I can, and always look for a way to make things happen without giving up.

"Thank you Mrs.Linda. May I say you look equally beautiful." I stated boldly.

"Oh no child I'm way to old to be as beautiful as you! You could pass for royalty!"

She always said these things to me, just like everyone else who saw me. I don't think to much of what other people say, although it is rather flattering. People have found me beautiful since I was a young girl, and I always just accepted the way things were and how people felt. She hands me the books I asked for and I walk out the door smiling. People were crowded around the large stage in the middle of town, making it difficult to walk through. I spotted my student and handed her the books. She smiled and curiously looked over to the stage. I looked in her direction and grew curious.

"Stay right here, I'm going to go see what's going on.". I looked at her with assuring eyes and she nodded.

I walked past the crowds of people trying to get to the front. I overheard some women talking about me from behind once I reached the front. "Who does she think she is? Colleen may be pretty, but she isn't princess material."  "I know right! She's not even all that pretty!!". I didn't really care what they said or thought about me, I was just trying to see what all the commotion was about. 

"We will now be choosing the next princess of Chastain on behalf of the King!" Everyone grew nervous and leaned forward to hear the next princess. Even I was interested.

"The next princess of Chastain is Colleen Morgan!" Everyone knew who I was because I taught so many children in town, so my name and position spread around like wildfire.  Everyone looked towards me and began to clap and cheer.  I slowly walked up to the stage, trying to process if I heard them correctly. After they took my hand, they let an applause go on for a few seconds. The man who stated my name shouted across the town even louder, "Your new princess!!". Cheering and applause roared through the streets and before I knew it, I was in a carriage on my way to the palace. Once we reached the palace, I was astonished by the building before me.

"Welcome to your new home princess.". 

A man with bright blonde hair walked towards me and took my hand in his. He is awfully handsome and short. His slender figure fit him just right, but he also looked very well built up.

"I am Nico, your loyal servant".

He kissed the back of  my hand and urged me to follow him.  As I walk through the place halls, an overwhelming feeling overcomes me, and I am unable to continue walking.

"Princess Colleen, are you okay? I'll take you to your quarters right away. All the excitement must have you exhausted."

I follow Nico to my room. Once we arrive, I am yet again astonished by the size of the room. It is a huge room with a large bed to the side.  Dressers and walk in closets crowd the walls, and a master bathroom half the size of the room is beside a large mirror. Nico tells me very carefully the rules of the castle, and makes sure I listen. 

"You are not to leave out of this room after 10:30. That is the curfew of the princess. You may stay awake after this time, but not to late. Stay away from the dungeon at all times unless I or another servant of the castle says it's okay for you to go, but you must have someone accompany you. Horses are to the left of the garden and are not to be fed after they run.  Am I understood?" I shake my head yes and thank him. 

"Thank you Nico, I'll remember each rule. Goodnight."

"Goodnight princess. I'll wake you in the morning for breakfast." He smiles and turns to leave.

"Oh there will be no need or that, I am an early riser.  Can you make sure I am awake though?" I shyly ask. 

"Yes, My Lady. Goodnight." 

Nico walks out the door without another word and I am left alone. I flop down on the soft bed and sigh. I continue to wonder how my life changed so much in a matter of seconds, from tutor to princess.  I guess all I can do is give it my all and follow the rules. I fall asleep thinking this over and mentally preparing for tomorrow.