I sit at my father’s desk. He was talking about the marriage deal, and I was listening…at least I was at the start. My parents have been talking on and on about everything that was to happen and what to expect from this marriage. In that list was one of the reasons I was doing this. For my Kingdom, for my people and the lives that can be saved if I do this.

I take a deep breath. They were talking about why we had to do this. I was confused because if the kingdom's kings and queens agree to this and are like oh this war is stupid let’s stop why don’t they? Apparently, it's more complicated than that. they made peace with each other so why can’t they just tell their people that? if their people don't agree just say Frick ya I'm the King I decide what happens. It's not that hard.

That just leads to more questions. That’s all I have a million questions and some answers. Not enough answers by the sound of it. I stare at my father’s face and see his mouth moving but don’t hear any words. I’m stuck in my own head.

What if he hates me? What if I hate him? Why am I doing this again? For my kingdom and parents, that’s right. I still can’t help but wonder what he will look like. I’m pretty tall and have short blonde hair with brown eyes. I also have a decent body, not like model-worthy drool over God sculpted body but I worked hard for it, and I am proud of myself. Countless hours of training and pushing myself to the limit. I look pretty good if I do say so myself.

I honestly don’t know if I want someone bigger to hold me and protect me or someone smaller to protect and hold on my lap. Okay, I’m thinking way too far into this. Not like I get a choice anyway. Well, at least my expectations aren’t too high.  

“Son?” I hear my father’s stern voice. I blink a couple of times completely forgetting where I was. Oops.

“Yes, father? I ask him trying to sound innocent.

“Where you even listening to anything I just said?” I look at the floor ashamed, this is an important ‘meeting’ and I have zoned out the whole time. I shake my head. “Okay well, Queen Martha thought of a great plan.”

I sigh. Of course, she has, she is the reason I’m in this mess anyway, but I can’t really blame her she is actually really good with her ideas and plans and she is just trying to protect her kingdom, something I respect.

“You are trying to go into a forest to an abandoned training centre meet Edison for the first time and maybe spar with him. But in saying that you also have to make sure you get caught ‘mysteriously’ leaving the kingdom, so the word spreads and people talk. Understood?”

Huh? That was a lot of information to remember and a lot to do. And on top of that all, I have to meet him today. I don’t know if I’m ready.  

My father raises an eyebrow and I realize I haven’t answered him yet. “Yes, father” I blurt out maybe if I meet him then all my doubts will vanish. I can dream.

“Great, here is a map. Your teacher for the map reading class…what is it called?” he turns to my mother. She laughs at him before responding.

“Geography!” she said before placing a kiss on his forehead.

“Thanks love” I tense. What if I can’t get out of this marriage and never get to experience this, never get to feel loved and wanted. I feel sadness wash over me.

My father clears his throat. “Sorry son” I look up from the floor just in time to see my parents share a look. I sigh. Even they know I’m love doomed.

“Its fine” I say honestly, jealousy isn’t going to get me anywhere.

“But honey” my mother walks over to me and grabs my hand. She runs the back of her finger along my face. “Remember the story your father told you. We were an arranged marriage so there is still hope. Maybe you and Edison can work out. He could be everything you ever wanted.”

“Or he can be terrible and he can hate me, and we fight all the time, or he can be a narcissistic jerk and ruin my life” I whine. My parents look taken aback. I normally wouldn’t talk back but I am in no mood. I see a sad look in my mother’s eyes and instantly regret what I just said.

“Sorry mother I’m just scared”

“It’s okay honey. I know” she says patting my head.

“Here,” my father says. “You’re going to be late so hurry along.” I stand up and walk up to my parents and grab the map. With some goodbyes and lots of hugs and kisses from my mother I make my way out of the office and head off, to meet my fiancé.