Chapter Thirty Two: Tait

Once upon a time...
A good friend of mine, okay actually a boy a dated, had the incredible idea to set me up with one of his best friends. His best friend's name was Tait. Unfortunately, Tait lived in a land far far away from mine and we could not go out. We did however begin to write each other.
Being a princess, I did get distracted often with suitors and didn't really think twice about anything going anywhere with Tait. If that wasn't enough of a problem, I got into a mess with an evil witch who put a curse on me. My curse turned me into something resembling an ogre (but of course prettier.) I grew claws when upset and would begin to gain super strength.
For a bit of time, I was locked in a tower as a form of protection until my royal family and royal medicine men realized that I wasn't a harm to anyone at all. That when I was upset, it was best just to avoid me or calm me down and no danger would occur. This curse was kept a secret of course, for who could ever learn to love a beast?
One day, my dear friend, his family, and his best friend Tait came to my land far far away. We decided to go see historical sights that were decorated lovely for the special holiday season. When Tait walked into my home, I kept my distance. It was one thing to write him, it was another to actually befriend him. Especially now that I was cursed. I talked to my dear friend and my mother, the queen, but my eyes kept wondering to Tait. He was so handsome. He was taller than I and well built. He had a beautiful golden tan, and short brown hair. His eyes were as green as a four leaf clover and I found myself captivated by him.
Rather than letting him know, however, I kept my distance the entire evening. In the carriage ride, I didn't speak to him. As we were walking, I didn't either. My friend wasn't happy with how this was playing out and pretty soon I found myself alone with Tait. Naturally, I then become extremely charming. And goofy. I dared him to lay down next to one of the statues as though he were a plank on a pirates ship. He was confused. I told him "Lay down as stiff as a board. Like a pirate ship plank. Everyone does it now as a form of entertainment." He was about to when I spotted a guard. I panicked and grabbed his arm and began to talk to the guard as though me and Tait were long time lovers.
Once the guard left, we had a good laugh about it and became rather friendly the rest of the evening. The following day he attended the place of worship with me. And the day after he was set to travel back to his land far far away. He asked to take me out before he went. I agreed.
We ate a feast in which we had a long conversation which actually went terribly. When he asked what I thought of him, I told him, "You seem cocky and rather full of yourself. You're overly confident and are handsome so you aren't the kind of guy I would date." Of course Tait did not like that and we parted ways without so much as a hug goodbye.
Until he returned for the celebration of the New Year. He asked to take me out in which I agreed. We attended a party with him and a friend of his. Then we parted ways and Tait and I went to the village for an enormous celebration. The clock struck 12:00 and fireworks began to shoot in the sky. "Princess Brailee," Tait said. "What if I wanted to kiss you?" I turned and looked at him and smiled a little bit. Then I said nothing and looked away. Right before the clock turned to 12:01, I turned to him and kissed him.
After that we became very close. He began to visit me often, despite the hundreds of miles that kept us apart. He wrote me daily. And the day came when he wanted me to be exclusively his. And I turned him down. That didn't end things like I thought it would. Instead he tried harder.
We attended plays and went to the place of worship together as often as we could and participated in different cultural events. Our relationship was perfect. I was not going out with any other men at the time, but I wasn't ready to commit.
I had a conversation with my mother, the queen, and told her about Tait. I told her about how he made me laugh. How he was patient with me. How he was real. How we had the same beliefs. How we had the same goals. How I trusted him. And she told me he seemed like a dream boy and didn't understand why I wouldn't be with him.
I agreed and the next time Tait asked me, I agreed to be exclusive.
Our next step was for me to go to his land far far away and meet his family. I was hesitant to do so. I did not want my heart broken. How would I know if this was my prince? How would I know if he was worth it? I began to ponder it deeply and ask my ladies in waiting and go to the place of worship to consider it. When I finally felt good about it, I took my fastest horse and lovely carriage out to his land.
His family were wonderful people. They were darling and sweet and welcoming. They took me in to their cottage and had my favorite foods there for me. They talked to me as though they had known me since birth. I had never felt like I belonged somewhere so strongly like I did in that visit. I knew though that I was keeping a strong secret from Tait, and decided it was time he knew. So I took him aside and said, "Tait there is something you need to know about me." I could see the worry in his eyes. I began to tell him about my curse. He looked at my and smiled. He took my hand and kissed me. "I love you," he whispered. "What?" I asked in shock. "Brailee, I knew you were keeping something from me. And now that I know, I can honestly say I love you and know it without a doubt." I leaned away from him. "But it's a dealbreaker Tait," I said softly. He kissed me again. "Not for me it isn't."
Our relationship blossomed after that. He knew every secret I had, and loved me for every weakness and strength I had. Any time my curse began to take over, he would sit and hold me and I would instantly calm down. No one was more patient than he was with me. No one had cared for me the way he did or understood me the way he did. We seemed unbreakable.
Then we had our first argument. Concerning his ex girlfriend. Of four years. He kept on talking about her and I began to feel as though he wasn't over her. Once I found out that he dated two of her sisters and still kept in close contact with her family I grew very jealous and upset. Tearfully he begged me to trust him. He promised me he didn't care about her. He told me he felt he had to date her because if he hadn't he wouldn't have been friends with my friend and we never would have met.
And I believed him. I chose to trust him.
More months went by and soon the topic of marriage was brought up. And I panicked. I told him not to talk to me about it until he knew without a doubt he wanted to be with me. He promised he did but promised to respect what I wanted and not bring it up until he was ready.
He was ready however to make the long move out to my land far far away just to be with me.
And again I panicked.
We got into an enormous fight. "I don't think you should move here," I said bluntly. "Well, why not?" Tait asked me confused. "Because I don't. I think we should break up," I replied. "You know you don't want that," he said. "Yes I do. I want to break up. So don't move out here," I said irritated. "Brailee, I'm moving out here whether or not we are together. And you're going to regret ending things with me when I get here, you know that right?" He stated simply. "Whatever. We are done," I said, now angry. "Brailee, you aren't breaking up with me," he responded. "Yes I am. You can't tell me that I am not," I retorted. "Yes I can," he said still calm. "Uh no you cant!" I was fuming. I could feel my curse begin to take over. "Brailee it's a stupid reason. Give me a good reason why you want to break up and we will break up. But that's not good enough," he said and smiled. His childish innocent smile. And I melted. My anger disappeared and I apologized and told him he was right.
We become stronger and closer when he moved here. No amount of time was enough. I constantly wanted more time with him. And he felt the same. Marriage came up again. And we decided to test if we were ready by traveling the long journey to his home land far far away together.
We did so and we passed with flying colors. On the way back we began to plan the wedding.
Within the next month, he asked my parents, the king and queen, for permission to take my hand in marriage. Their concern of course was how he would take care of me and if he was going to be understanding enough of my curse. He told them of the multiple ways he knew that I was the one. He told them how he had handled my curse before and how he would in the future. He promised to love me. To care for me. Always.
One day I became ill and required my arm be bled out. When I started to recover, Tait took me on a date to a gorgeous rooftop where music was being played and a feast was being served. He then had a horse and carriage pick us up where we then rode to the place where Tait and I had our first date. As we were passing by the most beautiful building in all the lands, Tait took my hand. He began to tell me all of the reasons he loved me. Then he reached in his pocket and pulled out the most beautiful ring I'd ever seen. My heart began to beat fast as he kneeled on one knee on the floor of the carriage and took my hand. "Brailee, will you marry me?" he said shakily. I nodded as he slid the ring on my finger. I kissed him and held him as tightly as I could.
The carriage took us to a green field, where Tait and I had been on a previous outing. "Where are we going?" I asked. He took my hand and led me up stone steps to where he had my favorite dessert on a bench, with roses on the ground and candles lighting up the small area. My eyes began to water. "So this is real?" I asked him. He smiled and pulled me close. "Yes it is," he said happily. "You really want to spend forever with me?" I asked. "Nothing would make me happier," he replied as he too began to cry. I was going to have my happily ever after. I had found my prince charming. I was going to have my storybook ending. It didnt seem real.
And I'd soon find out it wasn't.
Our engagement ended up not being the fairytale I thought it was going to be. I began to find that Tait had lied to me about things and he would get angry at me when I'd confront him. It turned out that Tait had royal blood in his line, therefore he was very wealthy and was literally my prince charming. One day he came over and announced to me that he had offered to purchase three different castles. I was taken aback that he hadn't talked to me about it first, but I was getting my own castle, why would I fight about it?
I began to get stressed. I was moving away from my land to go to his land far far away. We decided to build our own castle. I was planning a royal wedding. It began to be too much. I would start crying and wanted space to breathe, which Tait hated. On top of it all I soon found out that my fiance's cousin had been proposed to also, had been given the same ring as mine (much smaller than mine of course), was having her wedding the same week as mine, and was using the same ladies in waiting to help plan hers as were planning mine. Tait of course could not understand why I was upset and was actually angry at me for being upset at his family.
This was too much and I exploded. My curse came out full force and  I told Tait that I couldn't move to his land far far away if he was never going to listen to me and if I was always going to be fed to dragons before his family would. I even offered to give back his ring if that is what he wanted.
He was extremely upset by this and wouldn't speak to me for days. He went to the place of worship to make sure he was making the right decision. I felt ill waiting for his verdict, but I knew my curse would be difficult for my future husband and knew it was right for him to make sure.
I received a knock on my chamber door from a lady in waiting. "Princess Brailee, Tait is here to speak with you," she said. I didn't want to see him. I didn't want him to break my heart. "Ask him what he wants," I replied. I heard the door open and saw Tait step in, dashingly handsome. This was it. I knew it was it. He was going to end it. He stepped forward and scooped me up. "We are meant to be," he said and kissed me strongly. "I know we are meant to be. I'm so sorry for ever doubting it." Relief rushed over me as he explained exactly how he knew. Everything would be ok. Or so I thought.
We proceeded in the planning. We had an artist paint our engagement portrait. His family through a bridal party for me. My wedding dress was finished. Our invitations were about to be sent out. The flowers were picked. The location was ready. The castle was being built. The honeymoon was planned. Everything was going perfect.
Except it wasn't. Tait began to question me constantly about what our future would be like. If I could handle him being a successful king. Would I get married and stay in bed for days. How would I adjust to going to a new land. I kept reassuring him, but I became worn down. This was not what it was supposed to feel like.
Everything seemed alright when we went to purchase furniture for our future castle. We were as happy as could be and he kept apologizing for being nervous and telling me he couldn't wait to marry me and how he couldn't believe he was so happy. I went to sleep that night as happy as could be, not knowing the horror that would await me the following day. If I had known, I would not have let him in. I would not have spoken with him.
Tait showed up at my castle unannounced while I was filling out thank you letters. He instantly picked a fight. He began to cry saying that he couldn't give me what I wanted. He said nothing would ever be enough for me. I didn't understand. I didn't agree.
Then he suggested we postpone our wedding. And I lost it. I through my glass slipper at the stone wall of the castle where it shattered. At my reaction, he left. I ran after him but he wouldn't stop. My father, the king, followed him and my sister and mother stopped me and held me as I sobbed uncontrollably. "He won't come back," I cried. My sister stroked my hair, "Couples fight Brailee. He will come back." I shook my head. "No he won't. I can feel it. We are supposed to be married in less than a month what do I do!?" I fell to the floor. "Breathe Brailee. It's not called off yet."
I ran to my chambers, grabbed a pen, ink, and paper, and began to write my apology. I wrote why I acted the way I did. What I did wrong. What I will do in the future. I wrote everything I could to reassure him that our future would be ok.
When Tait returned with my father, I gave him my apology and stepped outside with him. He smiled as he read it and then tears came to his eyes. "Brailee, I want to believe you. I want to believe we will be ok. But you are too big of a risk to my happiness." His words struck me. I couldn't breathe but I forced myself not to cry. "I need to think about it," he said and turned to go. "Brailee, may I have a hug," he said opening his arms to me. I shook my head no. "You can have one if you return." He nodded and left.
To make matters worse, a dear friend passed away that evening. I laid in bed sobbing. The following day I took my carriage to Tait's home to speak with him. He wasn't there. His friend told me he didn't want to speak with me and I was not to know where Tait went. On my way back to the castle I was a mess. To make matters worse, a soldier didn't recognize me and I ended up arrested. I pleaded with him saying my friend passed away, my fiance was calling off our wedding, and I was princess Brailee and was just trying to get home. It was of no use.
After I was released, I returned home where I waited some more. A knock came at the door. I ran down the steps of the castle and grabbed the letter off of the tray that I knew was being carried to my chambers by the servant. I opened it.
"I can't do it. I'm sorry," was all it said. "I hate you," I whispered aloud and fell to the floor where I laid sobbing for the next few hours.
The following day I put all of Tait's posssessions I owned into a basket, including the beautiful ring, where it was sent by horseback to Tait. I included the thank you letters and a letter to Tait apologizing and asking him to make sure everyone received their letters.
I received a letter the next day which read, "Princess Brailee, You are the sweetest girl I have ever known. You are beautiful and fun and amazing." The letter proceeded to tell me about all of my wonderful qualitites that he didn't truly care about. "...and are 97% what I want in a wife. But the 3% scares me. I believe you we are right, just aren't right right now. Someday maybe we will get back together, but I can't think like that. It won't be fair to the other people we will be dating." I didn't finish reading the letter. He already wanted to date other people. I threw the letter in the fire and watched it burn to ashes.
Later that week I found out Tait returned to his home in a land far far away, never to be heard from again.
And we lived happily never after...

Chapter Thirty One: Tandon

Once upon a time...
I was traveling to a land further away from my land far far away. It was about a days journey and I was traveling with the women in my land. We were attending a festival for the women that would teach them skills deemed unnecessary for men.
As we arrived in the land, I noticed how nearly vacant it was. There were cottages here and there, but hardly any. I didn't understand why they would have a festival in this desserted land, but alas, the decision had already been made and my attitude and thoughts weren't going to effect that.
The first night there we had built a fire and watched an excellent show put on by beautiful actors and actresses. I was thoroughly intrigued and entertained. It was the perfect ending to the long day's journey.
When the sun rose, it was time to awake and start the day. We went to the festivities for a few hours and then returned to our camp. The women all decided to go take a swim in the lake that was in this land far far away. As we were playing in the water a few handsome boys caught my eye. I'm rather boy crazy so that's no surprise. I seemed to have caught their eyes also, for we spent the next few hours talking and laughing. I was especially intrigued by the dark haired, dark eyed, tall boy, who had the cutest dimples when he smiled. His name was Tandon and I was fond of him.
Unfortunately all good things come to an end and we had to part ways. I did not think I would see Tandon again.
I was very wrong.
I did see him. The very next day he showed up at our camp unnanounced asking for me. I was overjoyed! I walked out to talk with him. We chatted for what seemed like only seconds when the women in charge of journey down to the festivities were shouting for me. I bid him goodbye. As I turned to go, he grabbed my arm. He asked if he could call on me. I explained I was Princess Brailee in a land far far away and he would unfortunately not be able to do so. He kissed my hand and told me he would write me.
The carriage ride to the festivities was terribly awkward. There was a heaviness in the air. I could almost feel the density of disapproval choking me in the carriage. When we arrived, I tumbled out of that carriage before a coachman could assist me out.
It was only minutes before my name was called. The women in charge of the journey called a meeting with me and informed me that my behavior was unacceptable. On a journey for women, men were not allowed and I had violated the rules. I exploded. "That's absurd!" I cried. "There was no inappropriate actions that took place!" They did not listen to my argument. They wanted me gone due to my lack of appreciation for their work and the festivies. Therefore, I soon found myself sitting in a carriage, arms folded, scowling out the window as I headed home to my castle.
When I received my first letter from Tandon, it made it all worth it. He was so sweet and kind and charming. Not to mention he was very handsome. We wrote each other for months, until I found myself traveling again to the land his was in on official royalty business.
But what princess can focus on royal business when her prince is nearby!?
So as soon as we arrived in the land, I snuck away to meet up with Tandon at jousting match. All I could think was how much pleasure I would have if he ended up being my prince and I could rub it in the women who sent me home's faces.
When I arrived at the jousting match, I was surprised by Tandon's coldness to me. He was not the same boy I'd been writing. Nor the same boy who I'd got sent to my home early because of. I awkwardly excused myself from the situation temporarily, only to turn around and see a little unattractive blonde girl walk up to him and kiss him.
His coldness all made sense now.
However, no one was to know that I had just been led on my Tandon. Even worse than the sickening feeling I had from what I'd just seen would be the feeling I'd get if the women who sent me home heard about this. They would enjoy that far too much and I'd never hear the end of it.
So there could be only one ending to this story...And we lived happily never after...

Chapter Thirty: Roderick

Once upon a time...
It's incredible how many people you meet at the place of worship.  Roderick was brown haired and handsome, but not exactly my type. He was hilarious however and I didn't give it a second thought when he asked me out.
Our first date was wonderful! We went to an extremely fancy banquet. I was used to this of course, but I was surprised Roderick had been invited. Either way, I didn't object! We had a lovely meal and when dessert was served, Roderick got it to go.
"Why aren't we eating it here?" I asked confused and alarmed. Roderick took my hand. "You'll see," he said. I wasn't normally spontaneous and I hate surprises, but in this case I didn't object. I chose wisely. He took me to an open field. The stars were shining brightly above. He begun to lay a blanket down and sat down. When I didn't follow he looked at me confused. "Brailee? You don't want to have dessert?" he asked. I smiled. "I'm not sure I can sit on the grass in my gown," I responded. He laughed and grabbed my hands pulling me down to the ground. It was a bit uncomfortable but the moment was so perfect that I didn't move. And neither did he.
We went on a few dates after that. I met his family and learned about how much he enjoyed to run and that he was quite a bit older than I. We had fun together. We would take walks and eat sweets. Unfortunately, he seemed to bring out the negativity in me.
Alright lets face it. I'm a bit negative period, but not that bad. Except with him.
Over time we began to grow apart. At first I was confused, but accepted that it was just not meant to be and was for the better. He seemed to sense that I didn't mind, because as soon as I decided I didn't care, he began to care again.
Annoying men.
So I began to date him again, considering there weren't many other prospects I felt worthy of my attention.
One evening Roderick bailed on a date we had planned. I was bummed, but soon made other plans to attend festivities. Those were sadly his plans as well. Only he had another date. When I saw him, I stopped dead in my tracks. My heart stopped beating as he leaned in and kissed another girl.
Rather than stand there looking like I'd just been played (even though I had) I searched out his brother, planted a kiss on him, waited til I knew Roderick saw, then spun on my heels and towards my carriage ready to return to my castle before the tears spilled.
Was it princess like of me? Not really, but I didn't care. My point was made and Roderick's reaction to me kissing his brother was enough to make things not work out with him and the girl he was with. That was satisfying enough for me!
And we lived happily never after...

Chapter Twenty Nine: Jermaine

Once upon a time...
I was invited on a date by a boy that I was not interested in whatsoever. He had a special invite to a festival only select few citizens were invited to. I wanted so badly to attend, however I couldn't use him just to go. So as I felt I should, I politely declined.
Later that week I saw the boy, Jermaine, trying to find someone to attend with him. He wasn't a bad looking fellow, but definitely not a highly attractive one. He had light brown hair and blue eyes. His smile was crooked and his skin was pale. His hair stood out in every direction. It didn't lay down like I envisioned a prince charming's would. Therefore he was struggling to find a date.
After consulting with my mother, the queen, we decided I couldn't let him miss out on the festival simply because no one would go with him. I waltzed up to him on the street. He looked down when he saw me coming, so I smiled reassuringly to him. "I am no longer unavailable tomorrow," I said to him. "I would love to come if the offer is still there." He grinned his goofy crooked grin and nodded excitedly.
The next day we rode horses to the festival. I usually ride a carriage, but Jermaine insisted on horses so I agreed. He should have listened to me. On our way, I managed to hit a tree and fall off of my horse. For a princess I am not very graceful. I played it off as well as I could, but he made the situation even more awkward and embarrassing than the fall itself had been.
We continued the ride to the festival, in which he wanted to leave the horses a good mile away from the festival. Had Jermaine forgotten that I was Princess Brailee!?! I do NOT walk a mile. I hardly am required to walk more than a few feet in order to get to a destination. Therefore I through a fit and used my princess status to get us right near the festival.
Between my princess attitude and my ungraceful horseback riding skills, I knew I was not making a good impression. However, it was more of a pity date so I didn't really care. At the end of the day, I knew he would not be my prince charming and I would still be a princess. I was just helping out the citizens of my land, as was my duty.
We took our seats at the festival and it began. Event after event happened, from jousting to fire throwing to dancers. It was incredible! I was having the time of my life! Performers had caught my attention and the music was so phenomenal I found myself losing myself in it. I was dancing and having a good time, so much so that Jermaine told me I should be part of the festival rather than watching it. I took that as a compliment. Afterall, that makes me an awesome date, right?
Apparently I had been mistaken about him complimenting me, because afterwards I was ready to accept a second date from him. But he never called on me again.
And we lived happily never after...

Chapter Twenty Eight: Ivan

Once upon a time...
I've heard it said time and again that the best relationships start out as friendships. Based on my relationship with Ivan, I'd say that's debatable.
Ivan and I had been somewhat friends for close to a year before I actually decided I was attracted to him. He was tall, blonde haired, blue eyed. A bit scrawny for my taste, but I've also been told "date the herd, marry the nerd." Our group of friends grew really close in the summertime and we attended activities such as shows, play games, attend banquets, have fires in the mountains, etc.
One day Ivan and I were being silly and decided to have a stick pulling contest. He did not let me win, unfortunately. In that moment, when our hands were side by side on the stick, eyes challenging each other, and sitting closer than we ever had, I felt a spark of electricity inside of me. Rather than saying something to him, I of course said something to my best friend. Before I knew it, he and I were cuddling and soon he asked me out on a first date.
For our first date, he picked me up in his carriage and we went to play croquet. "So, let's make this interesting," he bargained. "If I win, you sing for me." I smiled at him. "And if you lose?" I asked. "If I lose, then I will play either the piano for you," he said. I shook his hand. "Done."
Whether or not it was a fair game, I did indeed win and he had to play the piano for me. I watched as his hands flew up and down the keys skillfully. It was the most amazing performance I'd ever heard from a normal person. Let's just say every man should learn how to play the piano, because with that level of attractiveness, even being a princess I knew I was done for.
We went out a few more times after that. We would take romantic walks along the river, we played silly games, ran and danced in the rain, and had picnics. One day he took me to his thinking spot. It was a long ride up the mountain and I was terrified the entire time, clinging to his hand and the carriage for dear life. We made it to the top and he led me to the edge of the mountain where we sat on a giant rock, staring at the stairs and looking at the amazing landscape. It was breathtakingly beautiful.
At his thinking spot, we told each other our secrets and about our pasts. It was so nice to just be able to be me around him. I didn't have to worry about my crown being perfect or my dress getting dirty. I just relaxed and enjoyed my time. We finished talking and he looked at him, leaning in. I knew he was going to kiss me and I got butterflies. Except he didn't. He just sat there for a good five minutes. Finally I rolled my eyes. "Are you going to kiss me or not?" I asked. He grinned and took my head in his hands, kissing me.
Ivan and I saw each other every day after that. We'd sit by the fireplace and talk, holding each other as if we had all the time in the world. We began to work on a puzzle together and that became our tradition. And after time, he told me he loved me.
"What if I more than just care about you?" Ivan had said. Puzzled, I looked at him. "What does that mean?" I asked. He looked nervous so I gently touched his face to reassure him he could tell me anything. "What if I love you?" he whispered. I grinned. "You love me?" I asked happily. He nodded. "Princess Brailee, I'm in love with you," he said softly. I kissed him. "Say it again," I whispered. "I love you," he said and kissed me. I made him repeat it about seventeen times before I finally said, "I love you too."
My family approved of Ivan. They didn't care for him much however. They said he was "stale and boring." I liked that he was safer. My heart felt safer with someone who wasn't better than I. His family unfortunately did not feel the same about me. They loathed me. His mother would make snooty remarks about how I needed to be certain ways and how I wasn't this way or that way. It was no way to talk to a princess and I was extremely upset about it. A few times she'd even tell him it was time for me to go home or would lecture us for being out after the clock struck twelve, as though it was my fault.
I soon felt insecure. I was insecure about his family and I was threatened by how smart he was, how good he was at playing instruments, how quickly he put puzzle pieces together. He felt the same way and one day in his carriage he brought it up.
My heart sank as he told me he wasn't ready to be what I wanted, how he didn't know what he wanted, how he had too many things to work on that he didn't think he could handle a relationship. He told me how I deserved better, etc. "So you're breaking up with me?" I asked angrily. He didn't respond. However, he did stop the carriage to allow me the dignity of walking back to the castle.
When I say that, I say it in all sarcasm. It was close to midnight, dark out, my castle was miles away, and it had begun to rain. Being the stubborn princess I am, I climbed out of the carriage and began to walk.
It was cold and my dress was not long sleeved and I did not have a cloak. The rain was falling lightly. I refused to turn around and look back to see if Ivan's carriage was still there. I prayed it was. I prayed that he didn't really not want me. I prayed that he wouldn't put me in danger this way. And I prayed he'd chase me.
After walking a while, I finally turned around. The carriage was no where in sight. I leaned against a tree that was placed along the pathway and stiffled a sob. I couldn't cry. He couldn't win. He couldn't break me. I was stronger than that. I was a princess. I straightened my posture and adjusted my dress and began to walk towards my castle when I heard a rustling noise.
My heart began to race. Someone was nearby and I couldn't see them. There was no one around to help me if the person meant harm. I began to walk faster. I heard the noise again. Why was Cinderella the only one with a godmother? Could no fairy appear out of nowhere and help me? Seriously.
I heard footsteps and glanced behind me. A man was there dressed in black and carrying a bow and arrow. That was not a good sign. I began to run. So did he. The rain was raining harder now. Perfect timing. He was gaining distance. I tried to run faster, but fell. Rather than being brave and fighting to get up, I had a last minute pity party. My heart was broken, I was soaking wet, and was about to die. There was no Prince Charming for me. No fairy tale ending.
Until Ivan's carriage appeared. It reached me and Ivan leaped out of the carriage, scaring the man away. He held his hand out to me to help me up. I shook my head. "Go away," I said. "Brailee, get in the carriage," he demanded very unlike himself. "I don't want to be near you," I groaned. "It's not safe for you to be out here," he said. I folded my arms, rain falling steadily, sitting on the ground. "Yeah, well you should have thought of that when you let me walk home!" I replied angrily. "I was watching you from a distance to make sure you would be alright," he explained. That made me even more angry. I stood up. "You were watching me walk!? You didn't bother coming after me?! You just watched???" I excalimed. He pulled me into a hug and I began to cry. I tried to push him away, but he wouldn't let me. "I shouldn't have let you walk," he apologized. "No you shouldn't have," I scolded.
After bickering for a few more minutes, I agreed to get in to his carriage and he drove me to the castle. I sobbed the whole way home. When we reached the castle grounds he spoke to me again. "Brailee I didn't break up with you. Why are you so upset?" he asked taking my hand. "Oh really? Cause I've had plenty of break ups and that sounded like one to me," I argued. He consoled me to the point that I finally accepted that we were still together.
I should have just let him go. But I couldn't. I wanted a happily ever after so badly that I was blinded.
We attended the place of worship weekly together, we went out with friends, I finally sang for him, we went to jousting matches, banquets, and everything seemed back to normal.
Ivan's birthday was coming up in a week and I began to frantically plan a party for him. I was so excited to spoil him. Oddly, about that time he began to pull away. It made me nervous, but I didn't worry about it. Men always did that. When he went days without talking to me, however, I knew something was wrong.
He showed up at my castle and asked if we could take a ride in his carriage. I knew he was going to end it and I almost told him I was busy, but I agreed. We got in his carriage and rode off. He wouldn't look at me or touch me. My stomach was turning in knots.
"Brailee, I've been having problems," he began. "What kind of problems?" I asked. Silence. "I gamble and am far in debt. I keep borrowing money from my parents," he said. Well, I was a princess and if he ended up being my prince that didn't seem like a problem to me! I had plenty of money. "Ok. Well are you going to pay it off?" I said in response. He nodded. "Yes, but it will be a while," he said slowly. I shrugged. "Alright, that's fine," I simply said. Stupid of me, I know. "Brailee, there's something else," he said softly. What else could there be? "I have a big problem with going to saloons," he explained. Scantily clad women and whiskey were definitely not a royal trait. I didn't reply. "And I have an obsession with drawing nude women," he finished.
I could practically feel my heart dissolve in my chest. "What?" I asked softly. He ignored my question. "It fogs my mind and makes me not know what I want. When I started dating you, no other woman mattered, but now..." he trailed off. Anger filled me. "What does that mean?" I asked upset. "I just don't see you being long term," he said bluntly. That caught me off guard. "And Brailee, I don't think I have the answers you want me to have," he added. I didn't need answers. "Fine. So that means we are done," I stated emotionless. He replied with a simple, "Yeah."
Even though he started the break up, I felt somewhat dignified in finishing it. As much dignity as a woman could feel after a man tells them he prefers his disgusting obsessions and addictions over them.
And we lived happily never after...

Chapter Twenty Seven: Conan

Once upon a time...
If multiple people you know told you a guy was super sweet and super good looking, you would probably go out with him right? That was the case with Conan.
He was a professional sword fighter, extremely tall, strongly built, blue eyes, blonde hair, and tan. Everyone who had seen and met him all thought he was a catch. Therefore, I agreed to go out with him.
We went to multiple banquets before we found the right one. What was wrong with the other ones, I'm not so sure. However, I didn't argue with Conan about why he didn't know where we were going. While we were at the banquet, he began to tell me his life story. One of how his sword fighting career ending when his ex wife cheated on him and left him. I almost choked on my drink when I found out he was married. It was a gruesome two hours as I listened painfully to his heartbreaking story.
Afterwards we went and looked at some animals that were caged, where he began to ask about my kissing experiences. I was bewildered, because unlike him, I didn't get personal on the first date.
Conan and I rode back the castle in almost silence and he bid me goodnight. I wasn't planning on a second date. However, I'm a sucker for chocolates and flowers and when they surprisingly ended up on my doorstep later that week along with another date offer from Conan, I agreed to go.
We dated for about a month.  It was a good month of him spoiling me, us running away from creepy men who wait outside the castle hoping to see me or talk to me, and no kissing or affection. Then he accidently got invited over for my mother's day of birth celebration. My family was chatting with him and brought up the great banquet we were having for her. It's royally rude to tell someone without inviting them, so Conan got himself an invite.
Was it horrible having Conan over for the celebration? Not at all. Was it moving too fast for myself, Princess Brailee? Absolutely.
My parents were attending a show one evening when Conan and I had a date planned. They invited us to attend, and who says no to the king or queen? No body. Therefore, Conan got himself yet another date with the royal highnesses themselves. Thanks to my introducing him to the family and parents, not once, but TWICE, he got the wrong idea. And after that, he wanted to be exclusive.
I was absolutely not ready to be exclusive so I politely declined. "I am just really busy with all of my duties right now," I explained truthfully. "I don't have the time to put in to a relationship." That did not go over well with Conan. "That is the most selfish thing I've ever heard from you," he said angrily to me. "It's not selfish. It'd be selfish to be exclusive with you and then not spend time with you," I replied calmly. "No, you need to put others before yourself," he snapped. "As a Princess, that's what I'm doing." After that I tried to end the conversation and things entirely with Conan, but the guy was not having it.
"You're still in love with your ex boyfriend aren't you?" he shouted at me. "My ex boyfriend? Really, Conan?" I said irritated that he'd even go there. "Yeah you are. I knew you were. I should have never dated you," he replied. "Just because your wife chose another man over you, does not mean I was. I tried to be upfront with you, but think what you want. I'm done here," I retorted and walked into my house.
For the next few months he sent me letter after letter. One would be angry and the next one he would be trying to take me out again. The next he'd be saying he just wanted to be friends and then he'd say how he can't get over me. Unfortunately for him, I do not like being called selfish. And I hate every ex boyfriend I have. Including my 'almost-potentially-could-have-been-an-ex' Conan.
And we lived happily never after...

Chapter Twenty Six: Tiegan

Once upon a time...
I was out and about, doing princess errands, when Tiegan cornered me. "Hi!" he said. "Hello," I replied slowly. "I just have to say, that you are one of the most gorgeous girls I have ever seen!" he continued. I smiled. I liked compliments. "Thank you," I replied and began to walk away from him. He was persistant and caught up to me. "So, I know this a little upfront, but are you single?" he asked me.
I stopped walking and looked at him. He wasn't a bad looking guy. Perhaps could even be a prince charming. He had dark hair, tan skin, dark grey eyes, and was tall and built. I smiled, "Technically yes." He grinned enormously. "Well, could I take you out sometime?" he asked. I began to walk again. He stayed right by my side. "I don't know anything about you," I stated simply.
In response to my statement, he began to tell me ALL about himself. Tiegan told me about how he used to joust. He told me how he studied at this elite school and how he now is extremely wealthy. I learned of how at the ripe age of 25 he had built his own mansion and bought an extremely fancy carriage. Tiegan also told me about all the fights he won against dragons and beasts and how he loves all these extremely masculine activities.
Pretty much, all he was telling me was superficial. That doesn't impress me.
My mind could not think of something to say, so I didn't reply. "Did you hear me?" he asked. I nodded. "Well is there anything else you would like to know?" he pushed.
I stopped walking and faced him. "Look, the truth is, I am just not really interested. Actually I am interested in someone else. You sound really great, but I feel like I should be upfront with you and not waste your time," I explained. When I finished, I smiled as sweetly and politely as I could and continued to walk away from him.
It took only a minute before he was at my side. The guy was persistant. "I really appreciate you being upfront with me," Tiegan began. "But I'd still like to take you out! Could I call upon you sometime?"
This time, I didn't bother responding. I walked as briskly as I could, straight to my carriage. What kind of prince charming would want to date a princess who was already into someone else? I wasn't sure, but I didn't care to find out.
And we lived happily never after...

Chapter Twenty Five: Malcolm

Once upon a time...
If you asked the mirror, "Mirror Mirror on the wall who is the fairest male of all?" it would probably answer with, "Malcolm is."
For some strange reason, unknown to myself, princess Brailee, Malcolm had all of the girls in the land far far awaywrapped around his little finger. They swooned when he walked by, they all just wanted one chance to be Malcolm's girl, and when he would break up with them, it would take years for them to recoop.
I, however, was not impressed with him. Everything in Malcolm's life came easy to him. He was blessed with a good build, he was tall, had dazzling features, brown hair, blue eyes, a very successful job, riches, and as I said, all the women a man could want. Even my sisters drooled at the sight of him.
It's always what they can't have, that they want. And so, after years and years of his dating games and love affairs, Malcolm set his sights on me. I was no stranger to his reputation. Therefore, I turned him down. Malcolm was no quitter and after three years of me saying no, I finally accepted an evening out.
When he picked me up, he did not open my door for me. As I opened my carriage door myself and struggled to climb in, I was engulfed in a smell of pine needles. I love fresh scents, but I don't love being drowned in it. He sensed my disapproval and explained he'd been hunting.
We headed to a banquet. When we arrived and were seated, he began to ask me questions. "When was your last relationship?" "What do you do for your duties?" "Where do you stand on the dragon control issue?" "Team Aladdin or Team Jafar?" Each time I hardly got a word in, before he cut me off.
The final question was when I lost it. "What do you like to do in your spare time?" he asked. I began to open my mouth and he'd cut me off. "And don't say you don't have a lot of spare time. Everyone has spare time." I was bewildered. "No that's not what I was going to say," I replied. "Oh well then answer the question," he said. I was taken aback at his rudeness and before I could reply, he again would speak up. "C'mon you need to be confident and know what you like to do." I did know what I liked to do, he just never gave me a chance to comment. I bit my tongue for a moment until I composed myself enough to reply, "I do know what I like to do. Goodness if I don't reply within two seconds you interrupt. What is this? An interview?"
My comment amused Malcolm, which was not my intention. So I tried to revert the conversation back to him, which was quite easy. For the rest of the banquet, he talked about himself and I pretended to listen.
After the banquet we attended a show. When we arrived at the theatre, he needed to change clothes. For what purpose, I wasn't quite sure. He left to change and I waited. And waited. And waited.
He took literally fifteen minutes to change. FIFTEEN MINUTES. I don't even take that long and I'm a princess. I was about to leave, assuming he'd left me stranded there, when I saw him walking towards me. He told me then that he had to put his clothes in his carriage and left me waiting there again. Luckily I wasn't waiting fifteen minutes this time.
When he returned, we went and took our seats. The show began and not even three minutes into it, Malcolm decided he wanted refreshments, however did not ask if I wanted anything. He got up from his seat and crawled over an entire row of chairs with people seated in them in order to get out. He was gone for about twenty minutes. When he returned with refreshments, he again crawled over the whole row again, took his seat, and then did not ask if I wanted any.
After the show, we shared a shallow conversation about our thoughts on the production. Thankfully the ride to my castle wasn't long. He walked me to my door, I thanked him, and we said goodbye.
I walked inside bewildered. A man who doesn't open doors, is extremely rude, doesn't offer refreshments, only likes himself, acts like he's better than you, and has close to no personality was the fairest male of all? I understood he had looks, money, and success, but I was seriously at a loss as to how on earth women cried for years over him. I, princess Brialee, didn't even care to give him another thought.
And we lived happily never after...

Chapter Twenty Four: Maddox

Once upon a time... I met this insanely cute boy. His name was Maddox. He was tan, blonde haired, blue eyed, and had the most adorable smile in the world. The only thing he was lacking was height, but he made up for it in personality.
One day, my friend told me she had a brother in law she wanted to set me up with. I didn't really want to be set up, but she said she really thought we would hit it off. Reluctantly I agreed. When she finally pointed out who it was, I was overjoyed that I had agreed. Her brother in law happened to be Maddox.
A date was set up and I anxiously awaited the day we were going to go out. I stayed in my chambers waiting, until a servant came and told me he was there. Excitedly, I stood to go greet him. I tried to keep calm when I saw him standing at the door holding a dozen roses. "These are for you," Maddox said handing them to me. No guy had ever brought me roses on the first date before. "Thank you," I said taking them from him and handing them to a servant to put in a vase.
I followed him out to his carriage and we headed on our way to a banquet for dinner. On our way, he pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. I raised an eyebrow as he handed it to me. I began to read it aloud, "Rules of the first date: 1. No awkward silences. 2. If there is an awkward silence, one person may ask the other any question they'd like and that person is obligated to answer." I began to laugh. "You have rules for the first date? You go on that many?" He grinned. "No, but I figured if it was written in print then my date would be obligated to follow the rules." I shook my head. "I sure hope there won't be a reason to use rule number two," I said. He nodded in agreement.
After the banquet he planned on taking me to the show, however we got there quite a bit early. "Lets play a game," he said. "What game?" I asked. Maddox took a piece of paper and began to rip it and roll the pieces into little balls. "What are you doing?" I whispered embarrassed by his actions. "It's alright princess," he said continuing to roll paper. "Alright the game goes as follows. You throw these little paper balls into that bucket over there. If you make it, you ask me anything you want to know and I have to answer. If I make it, the same rules apply but for you answering." I laughed. "Maddox, I'm a princess, you'll be far better at this than I." He smiled and threw the paper. He smiled at me when it went in and asked his question. I learned about his past relationships, what he wanted out of life, what he likes in girls, his favorite memories, etc. We played this game until the show started.
After the date he bid me goodnight. I wasn't sure if I'd see him again, but I had a good time so it didn't matter. A week went by and then I heard from him. It was longer than it took most guys to ask me out a second time, but I didn't think anything of it.
Date number two consisted of him attending a meeting with me, ice cream, and a walk. We were outside watching the stars and talking. He told me about a trip he was leaving for in two days to a land far far away. He also informed me of his grandmother passing. We talked for a while before he looked at his pocket watch. When he saw the time, he informed me that it was 11:11. "Make a wish," he said. I looked at the watch. "It's 11:12, I'm too late," I said making a pouty face. "I can fix that," he said and turned the hands on the watch back to 11:11. I laughed and closed my eyes. I opened them. "What'd you wish for?" I asked him. "I can't tell you or it won't come true. I rolled my eyes. "I'm a princess. I have fairy godmothers. I can make your wish come true." He leaned in close to me and smiled. "I sure hope so," he whispered and kissed me. It was a good sweet kiss. When he pulled away, he smiled. "I guess you can make wishes come true."
He bid me goodnight and told me he would talk to me in a couple weeks when he returned from his journey. The kiss was a good memory to leave on, but kind of an irritating one too. He kissed me and left the land, who does that? I decided to just not think about him until he talked to me when he returned. About five days letter, I received a letter from him. "Princess Brailee, this land far far away is incredible. I love everything about it. However, no matter what I see or do, I can't stop thinking about you. I just wanted to send you a letter so you knew you were on my mind even though I'm not there. Sincerely, Maddox."
When he returned, we went out to more shows and more banquets. We had lazy nights of just hanging out or sitting by the fireplace. He had more creative rules for different activities we did. I had him meet my family, who sadly weren't as impressed with him as I was.
A few months later, he decided it was time for me to meet his family. I got as dolled up as I could. I put on my best dress and did my hair as pretty as I could. Meeting a guy's family was a huge deal for me and I was as nervous as a knight about to go head to a head with a dragon would be.
Maddox picked me up and our night began. His family was strange. They practically interrogated me, as if they didn't already know anything about the princess of their land. Then they kept asking me to sing for them as if I was some kind of show horse there for their entertainment. By the time I'd met all 7 of his siblings I was exhausted from keeping up a happy face. Thankfully after that he just wanted to cuddle me at his house, which was awkward considering it was just he, I, and his parents in the room as his sister played piano in another room.
It wasn't the worst meet the parents moment I'd had so I wasn't super concerned about not hearing from him, especially since we'd been dating for a while. When he dropped me off I thanked him for a lovely evening. He kissed me good night and was on his way.
That week I contacted Maddox, because my friend's cousin somehow was really good friends with him. I was excited to tell him about the connection. He didn't seem to think it was as special as I did, however, and kind of blew me off. After that, I told myself I would not be calling upon him first. And for some reason it seemed he told himself he would not call upon me either.
And we almost lived happily never after...until six months later when I received a letter. I turned it over, stunned at who the sender was. I opened the letter and began to read it. "Dear Princess Brailee, I owe you an explanation. I shouldn't have just stopped talking to you. The truth is, I knew from our first date that you weren't the one for me. You were so amazing that I couldn't stop myself from dating you, but I finally realized it needed to end. I wish you the best and just wanted to explain what happened. Sincerely, Maddox."
I was livid. I crumpled it in my hands as my eyes filled with tears. Six months ago, this letter would have been nice. How disrespectful of him to send it now. I was extremely upset that he knew from the first date that I wasn't what he wanted, yet he lead me on anyways. Lead me on so far that I even met his family. Anger swelled inside me. I chucked the letter in the fireplace, straightened my dress and held my head up high. I was a princess. I deserved better than that anyways. No more tears would be wasted on low lives such as Maddox.
And we lived happily never after...

Chapter Twenty Three: Thayer (and a little bit of Kelton)

Once upon a time...
"You should go out with him," my friend said. I shook my head, "I dont't know." In my mind I thought the muscular albino looking boy wasn't that attractive to me. "I promise he's a sweetheart! When he dated my best friend, he'd do anything to make her happy," she continued. I stared at him in the distance pondering. I did date a lot of losers and he wasn't all that bad looking. He had almost white hair and white eyebrows, bright blue eyes, tan skin, and muscles that rivaled Hercules. "Fine," I said. "Yay! I'll go tell him to ask you out!" she said and walked towards him, as I walked away.
It took about a month, but eventually Thayer called on me and we went out. We went to watch a showcase of horses. People wore silly costumes and rode the horses around in a pen for show. I loved horses, so I was nervous for the date, but excited to attend at the same time.
Thayer was as sweet as my friend said. His friend and his friend's date came as well. They were all very nice to me. The beginning of the date we had hardly anything to say, but by the end of the date, we were carrying on conversations like we were good friends.
When he walked me up the steps to my castle and asked if he could call on me again, I of course agreed. And so we went out a couple more times and then he disappeared.
Thayer could have been eaten by a dragon for all I knew. He could have been captured by an ogre. He could have gone to Neverland. The possibilities were endless. All I knew was he wasn't calling upon me like he said he would. Luckily for me, I had learned my happily never afters occurred almost without a doubt and was disattached so it didn't bother me much.
And then the fateful day came when he called upon me. About eight months later than he said he would. I almost said no, but my mother and friends all insisted I go. I reluctantly agreed and he picked me up for our group date.
On our group date we went to visit a religious historical sight that had beautiful buildings and amazing architecture and symbolism. We had a good time. When I say we, I mean me and another one of the guys there's dates.
Thayer almost didn't talk to me the whole time. And the little he did say, he spoke about a girl named Dinah, whom he'd recently been dating and had recently stopped dating.
I realized that for this date, he didn't ask because he wanted to take me. I was just the quickest option. At first I was disappointed that his disappearance meant he hadn't been having amazing adventures. I was looking forward to hearing about his battles or his escapades with Peter Pan. Then I became offended that I was not a priority and he didn't really want to be with me on this outing. He wanted to be with someone else.
I didn't give Thayer the time of day after that night. I had been polite and thanked him and let it be. Until one day he came up to me at the place of worship and said, "So my ex and your ex are dating each other." I looked at him confused. "Um, what are you talking about?" I responded. "The girl I told you about, Dinah, is dating Kelton." Not surprising, Kelton got around these days. "Wait, how'd you know I dated Kelton?" I asked. "Dinah told me," he responded. Why was Kelton telling girls he was dating that he dated me? I preferred to pretend I didn't even know of his existence, let alone the regretful fact that I actually dated him.
"Well, maybe they're the perfect match," I said trying to stay positive and not portray my bitterness about Kelton. "Maybe they'll be each other's happily ever afters." I wanted to leave at that moment, but Thayer wasn't done talking. "He doesn't really care about her. He'll just play her," he said bitterly. "You don't know that," I said. "You know him though, he gets around," Thayer responded. I sighed. "Yes, Kelton likes his women but that doesn't mean she's not the one he's been looking for." Thayer looked down, unresponsive.
Then it hit me. Thayer still liked Dinah. And Kelton liked Dinah. And Dinah liked them both. An evil plan brewed in my head. Kelton had messed with numerous guys I dated, it was my turn to mess with him back.
"Thayer, you have feelings for her still don't you?" I asked. He nodded. "Then just get her back. You dated her first, she's liked you longer." He shook his head. "I hurt her," he said. "How?" I asked. "She wanted to committ, but I didn't want to." I laughed. "Then all you have to do is show her you'll committ." He looked at me. "It's not that easy." I smiled. "Thayer, it is that easy. You have the help of a princess. And if any guy were going to win me back, it'd be a lot harder than it would be to win over a peasant. Lucky for you, I am going to tell you the secret that will make you win her over." A look of hope spread acrossed his countenance. "She did say that her heart was with me every time she was out with him." That line was the gold sealing to the execution of my plan. "Then no worries, she'll be yours in no time," I said reassuringly.
And just like I had promised, within a few days, Dinah and Thayer were living happily ever after. And Kelton was absolutely livid, which gave me my own taste of a happily ever after.
Until Kelton decided to take his anger out on me. He showed up at my castle. I was shocked. "What are you doing here?" I said closing the front door and leading him down the steps. He was not welcome here.
"Dinah told me everything you said to Thayer about me," he said spitefully. "Um I didn't say anything to Thayer about you," I responded truthfully. "Don't be fake with me. I know all the lies you said about how I was playing her and didn't like her and was using her," he said. What he said sounded a lot like what Thayer had said to me about his opinion of Kelton. "Look Kelton, I don't care about your love situation ok? I didn't say anything. I like to keep things cool with you. The only thing I said is that you like women, which unless you've decided to like the opposite gender I presume is truth?" I said.
Kelton wasn't buying it. "Look, you seem like a nice girl," he began. That struck me. I dated him over a year from start to stop, and he was speaking as though he didn't know me. "And you seem like someone who I could have been friends with," he continued. Again, my heart strings were tugged. "But I am not cool with someone involved with crowds like Thayer. Especially when that person goes running their mouth like that. So I'm done here." He turned and walked away. He was more drama than Cinderella's step family.
I watched as he walked away and then I climbed into my carriage. I didn't deserve that. I was going to have a word with Thayer.
I reached Thayer's cottage and he was surprised to see me. "What did you tell Dinah that I supposedly said about Kelton?" I said angrily. "Nothing," Thayer responded. "Really? Because I just got a visit from a very angry Kelton who said you told her I said some really rude things about him. I don't believe I did that," I said my voice raising. "You didn't," Thayer said. "Then why did Dinah tell him I did? And that you told her I did?" I retorted. "Brailee I don't know. I'm sorry. Maybe she thought that my opinion of him was based off of something you said," he responded. I was about to explode. "Alright well I thought we were friends, but clearly we aren't for you to throw me under the carriage like that," I continued. "Princess, we are friends. I will talk to Dinah," he responded. "Don't bother. She's too busy talking to Kelton about all the things you said about him."
I turned to walk away but wasn't finished. I spun back around. "It's so messed up that I get used on a date by a guy who is in love with someone else and then get dragged into this big drama because of someone I used to date and could care less for. I pity whichever one of you end up with her. She doesn't care about either of you, she just wants whoever will have her." With that I was done and walked back to the carriage and climbed in.
When I reached the castle I took a walk around the gardens, trying to calm down the flame that had built inside me. After playing with the fairies and listening to the sirens sing, I finally decided I was calm enough to go inside.
A few hours later, a knock came at the door. A servant answered it and then came in to the living room, where my mother and I were sitting talking by the fireplace. "A message for you, Princess Brailee," he said bringing me a letter. I opened the letter. "There you go blabbing again. This is why we'll never be friends. -Kelton" it read. I crumbled it in my hands and threw it in the fireplace, watching as the fire ate it up, first scorching the sides and slowly shriveling the paper until it dissolved into ashes.
I envisioned whatever form of relationship I had with Thayer and Kelton turning into ashes, just as the letter did.
And we lived happily never after.

Chapter Twenty Two: Cedric Part Three

Once upon a time...
I'm a firm believer in second chances. However, why this wanna be prince charming has a part three is definitely beyond my better judgement. (refer to chapter one and chapter eight for part one and two.)
Loneliness is a killer disease and Cedric had ALWAYS been there for me. One particular day I was feeling very lonely and down. Believe it or not, even with all of my gorgeous dresses, my amazing castle, as many servants as I could ask for, and the nonstop attention I get for being a princess, I still felt alone sometimes. My mother, the queen, was trying to do her best to help but was of no use. After failed efforts, she told me if I needed a friend, I should call upon Cedric. I hadn't even thought of it since we hadn't spoken in months, but she was right. He had always been there for me. And so I did what my mother said.
Cedric and I caught up as if time had never passed, just as we had in part two. We went on a ride on his horse to our usual spot on the bridge. We talked and talked and talked. I told him of my heartbreak. He told me of his happily never afters with Amita. I couldn't help but be pleased about that, however I offered him my condolences. He told me how she and him had ended things over twelve times. With all of my experience and wisdom, I told him that was ridiculous and if there's a reason to end things with someone, it's usually a good enough reason not to get back together with them.
It was kind of a hypocritical statement considering the fact I was standing there with an ex, but I shrugged it off. I was a princess. I could do what I want. Cedric and I decided that clearly love was not for either of us and that we should be best friends forever and never let love hurt us or come between us again.
When do things ever turn out how you say they're going to?
We began to hang out as friends. And slowly it turned to dates. We were seeing each other multiple times a week. We would laugh and tell each other everything. It was so relieving to yet again have him back in my life.
We were playing chess one day, a game we were both TERRIBLE at. Cedric's friend had bailed halfway through our double date to have some alone time with his lady, so there weren't many options of what Cedric and I could do. Thus, the game of chess. I kept making jokes out of it and trying to keep the competition level not very high in order to make it more fun. He noticed.
"You're really fun you know that Brails?" he said during the game.
It caught me offguard. "I like to think so!" I said. "Why do you say that though?" I asked. He paused, it was his turn to play, and looked at me. "Every time I'm with Amita, she gets mad at me. Either I say something, or do something, or wear something she doesn't approve of. She can't just have a good time. We always have to fight," he said. "Well that makes me feel even worse for all the times you've stopped talking to me because of her," I teased, half seriously. "It's your turn by the way." He didn't play still. "I'm really sorry about that. She just gets so mad. She feels like you're a threat," he explained. "A threat to your relationship?" I asked. He nodded. "Then why are you here Cedric? If she's going to get mad at you, why are you here?" He looked me in the eyes and smiled. "There's just something about you that keeps bringing me back." I laughed flirtatiously. "Oh really?" He nodded and took his turn.
"Checkmate," I said. "What!? I thought you said you were bad at this game!?" Cedric complained. "I usually am! I got lucky." We smiled at each other. "So, Cedric, if you were a piece of the game, what piece would you be?" He thought for a second. "Well you'd be queen of course, since you're already a princess," he started. I smiled and shrugged as if saying of course. "So I'd be the knight."
The knight? "Why wouldn't you want to be king?" I asked. "Not in a romantic way, but if you were king of another land, we could just run away to all the far away lands whenever we wished and could have all the money in the world to do whatever we want with!?" I asked enthusiastically. Knights were highly ranked, but everyone would rather be royalty. Even lions can't wait to be kings. "I'd be the knight so I could always protect you, to save you, to be there for you," he said touching my hand.
My stomach knotted. We were just friends. "Yup, you'd be a great knight! Until Amita decided to come around," I said winking at him and standing up. "I guess I deserve that," he said pulling me into a hug. "You bet Merlin's beard you do!"
We went out and talked every day for the next several months. I realized quickly that my Cedric from the previous chapters was not this Cedric. This Cedric was much more self absorbed, had a smaller attention span, and was not quite as genuine as he used to be. However I didn't look at him romantically this time, so I decided it was ok. Not ok for a prince charming, but it was ok for a friend.
Cedric was preparing to leave the land far far away for thirty days, and so we decided to spend his last day there together. We were cuddled up on my couch by the fire and he kept kissing my cheek and forehead. But then, the moment came and he kissed me on the lips. And then he pulled back. And then leaned in and kissed me on the lips again. He repeated this a few times. It was bizarre. Our very very first kiss when he didn't know how to kiss was FAR better than this one. He was kissing me like a woodpecker pecks a tree.
Finally Cedric stopped. "You kiss different than you used to," he said to me. I looked at him in surprise. "Yeah so do you," I said looking away trying to bite my tongue. He had cheated on me twice with Amita who was gorgeous, but clearly sucked at kissing. That made me happy.
We didn't kiss after that. Instead we talked about all the adventures we wanted to have when he got back. I also teased him more about how there would doubtfully be any more times we'd see each other since he always stopped talking to me because of Amita. He kept reassuring me that he was done with her.
We said good night about an hour later, only for me to realize he forgot his feathered hat. I ran outside and shouted at him. "You forgot your hat!" I yelled. He waved his hand in dismissal. "Keep it until I return, that way you know for a fact you'll be seeing me again!" I couldn't help it, I smiled and believed him.
I didn't hear from Cedric until about three weeks after he was due back in the land far far away. I was disappointed when I didn't hear from him right away, but I refused to contact him first. He was the one who promised I'd see him.
He didn't keep his promise. I didn't see him. I sent him a happy birthday letter and gift, with no response. I sent him another letter, with no response. Finally, I showed up at his house in tears. I had had a terrible week and was distraught. He was my knight and the only person I knew I could turn to, despite his silence towards me.
When he opened his door, he looked surprised to see me. "Princess Brailee," he said. "What are you doing here?" My eyes teared up a little. "I'm sorry, I just needed a friend desperately and you have always been there for me." He took a step towards me and placed his hand on my shoulder. "I've always had a soft spot for you." I am not sure why, but it hit me in the heart as if I was being stabbed with a sword. Rather than hugging me like he would have done before he left, he was treating me like an acquaintance.
I looked up at him and hardened my emotions. "Nevermind," I said. "Brailee, what's up?" So informal. I shook my head at him and turned around. I don't know why I thought he'd change. I don't know why I thought he'd care. But all I knew, was from that moment on, I no longer cared. Without a doubt there would be no part four.
And we lived happily never after.

Chapter Twenty One: Caldwell

Once upon a time...
In my land far far away, it was uncommon to be my age and not married, especially for a princess in a land. Without marriage there can be no heir to the throne. Due to my status, stories got around about my failed attempts at finding a prince. One day, a stranger graciously presented me with a painting of a prince charming while at the place of worship and told me I'd find him one day. I thanked them for the kind gift.
I looked at the painting in my hands. It was remarkable work. The prince was muscular, had black hair, dark eyes, and tan skin. He seemed like someone who would be so sweet, but had the look in his eyes of danger, as though he could turn into a werewolf when set off. I grinned. I would not mind if that were my prince.
I didn't realize someone was watching me until he spoke up. "Is that your boyfriend?" he said. I turned and looked at the boy next to me. He was not very appealing to the eye, but I've been taught to always be kind and not be shallow. I glanced back down at the picture of the beautiful prince charming. I knew if I said no then he would be likely to ask me out. I also was quite flattered that he'd think I'd be dating someone as beautiful as the boy in the painting. "Um..." I hesitated not wanting to lie, but quickly changed my mind after weighing the pros and cons. "Yeah he is!" I said enthusiastically. "I see," the boy said. "I'm Caldwell." He held out his hand. I shook it, "Princess Brailee." I then decided to make my escape and made up and excuse to leave.
I felt like a dodged a cannon ball, until I saw him again at the place of worship. He came and sat by me. "I don't really know many people, can I sit here?" he asked. I agreed, quickly regretting it. What was said at the place of worship, I couldn't tell you. Caldwell distracted me the whole time, talking nonstop about himself. He talked about his heritage, his family life, any little detail that I didn't really need to know. Then he showed me his religious book. I was trying to be polite and asked what his favorite passage was.
Excitedly, he opened the book to show me, only for me to realize he had colored in every single passage on every single page. The next hour was quite long as he recited page after page after page that he claimed to be his "favorite." I was grateful when he finally finished, until I found out the reason he stopped talking. "Would you mind massaging my back?" Caldwell asked leaning forward. I stared at him in disbelief. "What?" I asked. "Will you massage my back for me?" he said pointing over his shoulder. "Um no," I stammered. "Well why not?" he asked puzzled. My brain began to race rapidly. "I just really want to pay attention to what's being taught," I managed to say. He accepted that answer and didn't talk to the rest of the time.
As soon as I could, I stood up and practically sprinted out of the place of worship. I could see the carriage awaiting me. I'd be safe soon enough. Then I heard his voice. "Well someone's in a hurry," Caldwell shouted behind me. "Yeah I have duties to attend," I called back picking up my pace. Unfortunately he caught up to me. "We should go out sometime," he said. This guy was persistant. "I am kind of seeing someone, remember?" I said to him, not slowing down. "I get the hint. It's just an excuse. You're not interested." Had he forgotten asking about the painting earlier? "No I'm just interested in someone else," I said and climbed into my carriage shutting the door.
Was it rude? Maybe a little. But it's cruel to torture someone. Sometimes, you just gotta get to the point.
Next time I saw him, my point clearly hadn't been made. Caldwell sat by me again at the place of worship. "Does your boyfriend mind if I sit here?" I took a deep breath, not making eye contact. "Well since he's not here, I suppose not." He took a seat next to me and out of the corner of my eye I could see his big grin.
Our silence only lasted maybe ten more minutes when Caldwell spoke up. "You have the most amazing lips," he said staring at my mouth. My stomach lurched. I laughed awkwardly. "Well thank you," I said politely. "I bet your boyfriend can't ever stop kissing you," he continued. I looked up at the ceiling reminding myself that I was a princess and had to act as such. "Well he likes me for more than my lips, so yes he can." My comment was a bit rude, but not as rude as what I was thinking. "If I was your boyfriend I wouldn't be able to stop kissing you," he said still staring at my mouth.
I couldn't take it anymore. I stood up. "Excuse me," I said to him so that he'd move so I could get to the aisle. "Did I say something wrong? I meant it as a compliment," Caldwell said. "I appreciate the compliment, however you crossed a line. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go," I said and pushed past him.
There was never really a true once upon a time with Caldwell, but the ending is as true as the others.
And we lived happily never after.

Chapter Twenty: Cornelius

Once upon a time...
I'd run in to him a few times on different occasions while out and about. Cornelius was a stalky, light brown haired, green/blue eyed, tan boy. He was one of the most cocky self absorbed boys I'd ever met. After turning him down multiple times for a date, I finally said yes purely out of exhaustion.
He decided we would go eat at a banquet that I'd never attended before. I love trying new things so I was quite thrilled. When I climbed out of the carriage, we had to walk just a little ways to get to the banquet. On our way, a man was on the street playing an instrument called a bagpipe. Only one specific land far far away was known for playing the bagpipes, as it was a relatively new instrument. I had visited that land only once and I distinctly remembered the citizens' funny accents.
I was very excited and intrigued by this man and began talking to Cornelius in the accent I presumed this bagpipe player would speak in. "I'm from a land far far away and I play the bagpipe," I said giggling in the best accent impersonation I could manage. I then looked at Cornelius with a big grin on my face. He was not smiling back. In fact, he was staring at me with a blank expression on his face. My grin immediately fell and I stared straight ahead or focused on keeping my dress from dragging on the ground.
When we got into the banquet, Cornelius helped me decide what food I would like to eat. We ordedered, after I had a good ten minute conversation with the servant who was to bring our food. This servant had a far greater personality than Cornelius and I was sad to see him go. Cornelius and I sat in an awkward silence for a few minutes. Finally, he began to tell me almost his entire life story. He spoke in monotone. I was trying not to drift to sleep. If I happened to drift asleep, there'd be no hope for me. Sleeping Beauty was awaken by prince charming's kiss. Cornelius was not prince charming. I'd be doomed to sleep forever, eternally cast under his monotone vocal spell.
Cornelius began to talk about a woman he'd only recently broken up with about a month ago. He told me all about how he wanted to marry her and how she just didn't feel like it was right. When he said how she wasted two years of his life, it was the first time his voice changed pitch. I opted to keep talking about her, since it was the only remotely entertaining thing he'd talked about all evening.
Our food arrived, and we ate in silence. After we finished I said I needed to use the ladies room. I walked into the room and sat on a lovely couch positioned against the wall and across from a mirror. I stared at myself thinking, "Do I stay in here for fifteen minutes and then tell him I don't feel well and need to go home? Or do I do the right thing and just pretend to have a good time and go play croquet?" I stared at my reflection in deep thought. Maybe I could find an apple around here that would solve my problem. I shook my head and stood up. Be a princess. Keep your dignity.
We then rode in the carriage to a place to play croquet. When we arrived, Cornelius made sure to brag about how extremely skilled and talented he was in the sport of croquet. He said he had the option to play it in competitions against the other top croquet players in all the far away lands. As I've said in previous chapters, I was not so blessed with that talent. I should have eaten a poisonous apple, I said to myself.
We began to play and he was definitely unimpressed with my skills. Any time he remotely messed up when hitting the ball, he became very upset with himself. I, on the other hand, was kicking the ball with my feet and making funny noises every time I'd hit it. Any time I did something well I'd make sound effects that mimicked sound that played when fairies sprinkled fairy dust.
I realize that my actions were very unprincess-like, but it was a terrible date. I had to do anything I could to entertain myself. And accents, servants, and sound effects were the only options I had.
Not very surprisinlgy, Cornelius outscored me big time on croquet. He was so pleased with himself, it was almost disturbing. His cocky walk got even mightier. And his self absorption practically radiated a mile off of him and killed any living thing in its tracks. I congratulated him on his win and we began our ride home to my castle.
On the way, we were again silent until Cornelius spoke up. "Princess Brailee, I saw you perform in a musical." I smiled, "Did you? What did you think?" Still in monotone, he replied, "You were fantastic. Something you probably don't know about me, is that I too am very gifted in music." I was surprised. "Are you now?" I asked. "Yes, I used to perform with other musicians. We'd make music together. I was the singer. If only you could have seen us, we were truly amazing. Like song birds." I bet they were. "So sing something for me Cornelius," I said. He nodded, "I will indeed." He thought for a moment of what song he wanted to sing. Then he began. I had to hold back my laughter. His voice resembled more of a pigeon who'd just been shot for food by a hunter than a songbird.
When he finished, I complimented him politely, as I presumed I should. Unfortuantely, that may have been the wrong decisions, because the rest of the ride, he continued to sing for me. I practically leaped out of the carriage when we arrived at my castle. He managed to catch up to me halfway to the door. I was not fast enough, I sighed.
When we reached the door, he bowed and said, "I'd like to take you out again, Princess." I smiled, "I will have to let you know when I'm available next." He then kissed my hand and walked away, singing to himself. I shook my head knowing that I would never be available again for a date with Cornelius.
And we lived happily never after.

Chapter Nineteen: Alden

Once upon a time...
I'd seen him before. He was so funny and charismatic and sweet that I wasn't the only person who took note of him. Everyone who knew him adored him. Not because he was good looking, but because he had one of the best personalities of anyone I'd ever met.
Alden had dark hair, brown eyes, he was only a few inches taller than I, and had crooked teeth. Sometimes he wore glasses, sometimes he didn't. He had this dark grey and black jacket that he had on almost every time I'd seen him.
I'd always taken note of him, but never really pursued anything. One day he caught me looking at him and approached me. He asked if I'd be interested in going on a date. I agreed and he picked me up later that week for a banquet that the shop he worked for was having.
We accompanied his best friend and his best friends beautiful date. It was a bit awkward at first, but he was absolutely hilarious so the mood lightened up quickly. He made funny jokes and even sang for me. I was quite impressed with his vocal skills. I always wanted a prince charming who was musically inclined. I pictured we'd begin to dance and they'd sing "I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream." Then animals would dance with us we'd be merry and live happily ever after. This situation with Alden wasn't remotely close to what I envisioned, but he could sing, so it was close enough.
After the banquet he asked if we could go out again. I accepted and we went to another far away land to look at decorations and amazing architectural buildings they had lit up. It was very chilly and a couple times he put his arms around me to warm me up. It gave me butterflies.
While we were admiring some of the work inside one of the buildings, a worker saw us and got angry. "We closed twenty minutes ago! You shouldn't be here," they screeched at us. "I'm so sorry, we didn't know," Alden said politely. I was baffled by the worker's rudeness as they hurried us out of the building. When we got outside Alden and I looked at each other and burst out laughing.
When he took me home that night, he came inside and met my family. The servants were struggling to put together a contraption for my little sister. Without hesitating, Alden jumped right in and assisted them. He put it together in less time than they'd spent trying to figure it out. He was so kind and selfless. I couldn't help but admire him.
We went out again to another banquet and afterwards he had to pick up a few things for an activity going on the following morning. Some friends of his were going to be playing a game outside that involved getting a ball from one end of a field to the other without losing a cloth that you would tuck into your pockets. I thought the game sounded insane. After we picked up what he needed, I went to his cottage and helped him tear cloth for each person that would be playing. The whole time I was there, we laughed and told each other stories about our life.
While we were talking, I asked him, "Alden what's the meanest thing you've ever done to someone?" He stopped and thought for a minute. "I don't know if I should tell you, Brailee." My heart skipped a beat. He had a secret. Oh no. "Tell me," I said, pushing him for details. "Well, my brother was dating a girl. And I found out that she had dated his friend as well. She didn't tell my brother. So I told him." He paused, a guilty expression written all over his face.
When he didn't continue, I asked, "Wait, that's the meanest thing you've ever done??" He nodded his head. He continued, "I shouldn't have told my brother. It wasn't my business. It was her business to tell him. They ended up fighting a ton. It was so sad and all my fault." He began to shake his head. I couldn't help it, I laughed. "Wow Alden, if protecting your brother from a girl who was lying is the meanest thing you have done, then I'll say you're a pretty good person." In my head I was thinking that there was no way we would work out. I was a princess, but I wasn't all about rainbows and butterflies. I'd done some mean things to people before and unlike his story, they weren't done for a good reason.
This boy, Alden, had the heart of a prince charming. He had the loudest laugh I'd ever heard and in public it embarrassed me. He also would talk in a strange girly voice when he got nervous or felt awkward. And he sometimes didn't know how to be serious. But he had a heart of gold. I looked up to him and admired him. He was exactly the kind of guy every girl, whether a princess or not, should want in a guy. For some reason however, despite these thoughts, I still didn't want to kiss him.
The next morning I, princess Brailee, did the unexpected. I accompanied Alden to the bizarre sporting event that we had been preparing for. Besides croquet, I never participated in sports. I was not athletic whatsoever. However, for some reason he made me want to go. It had snowed and we were playing in snow that went to my knees. I could hardly run in the snow and I fell, both forwards and backwards, a few times. I didn't score any points for my team, but Alden was thrilled that I was there. The happiness displayed on his countenance was worth the embarrassment for me.
We became best friends after that. We would go on walks together. He would come over to my house and hang out. We would go to dinners. He attended my royal banquet as my date. We would go to the gazebo together. I'd sit with him at the place of worship. Almost every day I saw him. Almost every day we'd speak. But only once did anything physical happen between us. Only once did we cuddle, because I fell asleep on his shoulder. Never did we kiss.
Alden proved to me again that his kindness was unmatchable. My carriage was broken and rather than hiring someone to come fix it, Alden volunteered. We took it to his little cottage, where for the next three hours Alden and I talked and sat in the cold while he worked. His father would come out occasionally and see how it was going and to talk to me. He brought me blankets and hot drinks. After chatting and joking around for a bit, Alden's father said he liked me and said I was a funny lady. This made me smile and caused Alden to wink at me. I liked Alden's family, except for his evil sister in law.
When the clock showed that the time was close to midnight, Alden finally finished. He had done a better job than anyone we would have hired. The carriage was as good as new. He told my father not to pay him, but he did anyways of course. Alden kept saying it was too much, but we insisted he take it and finally he did if I agreed to let him take me to dinner.
The night we went to dinner would change our entire relationship. After we ate, I had him take me home. I wasn't feeling bubbly, and Alden knew nothing but happiness and sunshine. I didn't want to bring him down and I made it a point to only let my personality be seen when I was acting the way a princess should. In this situation, I was acting far more like Grumpy the dwarf than Snow White.
My mother had a chat with me earlier that day about how I felt about Alden. She told me she could tell he liked me and if I didn't feel the same then I needed to tell him.
For some reason, (I blame my grumpy mood) I decided this was the best time to tell him. "Alden there's something I need to tell you," I began. "Yes?" he asked. "I don't think right now is the best time for me to have a relationship. I adore you and I want to keep being best friends. I'm just really busy with duties. I don't have the time for a relationship," I said. He nodded and said, "I understand." I felt relief that he wasn't mad. "So we're still friends? Nothing will change?" I asked hoping for reassurance. "Of course Brailee," he said and smiled. I breathed a sigh of relief and I climbed out of the carriage not realizing what the consequences of my actions would be
Alden did not speak to me after that. He stopped returning my letters. And within two weeks had a girlfriend. Me and my friend bet that they wouldn't last a month. Three months later I was proven wrong when I saw him at the place of worship and he informed me that he had bought a ring and was going to propose.
My heart dropped into my stomach. I thought they would break up and then things would go back to normal. I hadn't wanted to lose Alden. And now the damage was going to be permanent. I had always known I cared a lot about this boy, but I didn't realize how much until that moment. I made him promise to send me an invitation. He promised. I told him how excited I was for him, although it was a lie.
That night I cried myself to sleep. I didn't understand why exactly. I was the one who told him I didn't want a relationship. He hadn't done anything wrong. Other guys had broken my heart and not given it a second thought. The roles were now reversed. I broke his, and yet I was still the one in tears.
Two months later, my invitation still had not come. It didn't take a genius to help me understand that I had purposefully not been invited. I decided not to be spiteful and I sent Alden a letter just days before his wedding. "Dear Alden, I just wanted to congratulate you, yet again, on your engagement. Good luck at your wedding! You're fiancee is one lucky girl! I wish you two the best. Sincerely, Princess Brailee," it read.
I don't know what I was expecting to come from it, but I never got a response. In fact, he never acknowledged my existence after the day he told me he was getting married.
And we lived happily never after.

Chapter Eighteen: Byron

Once upon a time...
Who doesn't love a man with a title? I sure am guilty of it. Doctor, King, professional athlete, Knight...any of the above turn my heart and brain to mush. And the oh so eligible King Byron was no exception.
I first saw him at the place of worship. I took interest in him and found out he was a King, was from a different land, was ten years older than I, and single. He was tall, tan, dark eyed, and dark haired. He was already a king, so he was on the right path to being my prince charming! And he, King Byron, wanted to take me out. I agreed of course.
Byron showed up to my castle in the nicest carriage I'd ever seen, apart from my own. I was absolutely thrilled. Why hadn't I thought of going out with a king before!? We attended a banquet, in which we had a lovely chat. During dinner he said a few strange things that I should have been offended by, such as he "didn't think the night was going to go so well so he didn't plan anything afterwards." I was just too in awe over his age, looks, and title that I didn't really care.
We decided to go to the mansion he was staying at and figure out what to do there. When we arrived, we thought it'd be a fun experiment to make cookies, since neither of us ever needed to cook. It ended up being a blast. We got into a cookie dough fight, and then a water fight, there in the kitchen in the mansion. It was so unroyal like. It felt amazing! While the cookies were baking, he began to sing and danced with me in the kitchen. It was so cute. When the cookies finished, we ate a few and cuddled by the fireplace.
Byron leaned in, obviously to kiss me. I hesitated, because I usually have a three date rule. He was king, older than I, and I wasn't sure if I'd get another chance, so I threw all rules out the window and kissed him.
When he dropped me off at the castle later that night, he kissed my hand, and said he hoped to see me again. I said nothing, but hoped I'd see him too.
We planned a second date and I was super excited for it. I spent hours getting dolled up and put on my nicest dress. And then I waited in a room down the hall from the entry for him to arrive. And I waited. And waited. I was getting sick of waiting when two hours had passed. I told the servants I was leaving and if he arrived to tell him I was sorry, but I made other plans due to his tardiness. I grabbed my cloak and headed to the door. When I opened it, I saw Byron standing there, his arm raised about to knock.
"We have a date right?" Byron said acknowledging the fact that he knew it looked like I was about to leave. "That's what I thought two hours ago," I said. "I'm sorry. Can we still go?" he asked. I wasn't sure what to do, but I agreed we could still go.
The night was a little bit awkward, because I was not happy. However, it still went well. And we went out a few more times after that. There were also a few dates that he flat out didn't show up to. He always sent me a letter and flowers days later to apologize for not showing up. I believed he was sorry the first time, but I quickly realized he wasn't. And I quickly realized that there was a reason he was ten years older than me, was good looking, had a title, and yet was still single.
We grew apart and ended up not speaking for a while. One day when I was out and about doing my princess duties, I saw him out and about as well. Strangely enough, he pretended to not know me. A few people recognized the friendliness in my greeting to him and asked if I knew him. They also recognized the rudeness in the way he treated me and asked me why he blew me off. I told them we had dated and that I wasn't really sure why he treated me rudely. Maybe he didn't recognize me? I was confused about how we could have gone out so many times, and yet he still forgot who I was.
Byron didn't really forget who I was. Or at least he didn't forget who I was when he wanted something from me. He spoked to me a couple months after that incident, because he wanted me to set him up with someone. He was growing desperate in his old age, because he needed an heir to his throne. He'd dated girls everywhere else, but couldn't find what he was looking for. In our talk, he also wanted to inform me that I was an extremely emotional girl and that's why we didn't work out. I told him he was a jerk and that in a million years I'd never set him up with anyone I knew. And then he said that I was a witch and he understood why my ex's didn't want to date me anymore.
I ordered the king and queen have him be taken away from my land and to never be allowed to speak to me again.
And we lived happily never after.

Chapter Seventeen: Marsden

Once upon a time...
Looking at this boy, I never would have thought I'd ever have been rude to him. Marsden had dark brown hair, perfectly styled. His eyes were a piercing bright green. He had a beautiful smile and tan skin. I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that I had once blown him off back when I was in school.
We were talking, being goofy. He was quite funny and that is something I want my prince charming to be. He was talking in different dialects for me. He was also being sarcastic, which if I wasn't the future queen of the land far far away, I'd be the queen of sarcasm. He was very thoughtful, much more than most guys. And he loved to write. He wrote poetry, which is kind of sexy. My mother thought we were a match made in heaven. My best friend also approved and they both said I needed to go out with him.
So when the fateful day came when he asked me out, I of course said yes.
Marsden wanted to take me to a show and then to a land a bit out of the way. I agreed under one condition: he had to get specific seats to the show. I described the seats and told him that I couldn't sit anywhere else. I had to sit there or I wouldn't go. I even drew him a picture and circled the section I had to sit in. Everyone I knew either thought I was being a bit rude or that it was funny. My mother asked if I was trying to create a fairytale about how long it took to lose a guy.
Everyone wanted to date a knight in shining armor. Well, I princess Brailee, dated a lot of losers in aluminum foil. Therefore, I didn't really want to date anymore. I decided if I went out, then I was going to get what I want. And if a guy couldn't handle me knowing exactly where I wanted to sit, then he wasn't worth dating.
Luckily, it didn't bother Marsden and I was quite thrilled that I got the seats I wanted. I wasn't thrilled however when he picked me up and didn't open my door to the carriage. Or to the theatre. Or any other doors we encountered. And I wasn't thrilled with how self centered he was. I would ask him simple questions, such as where are you working? Then he would go on for at least fifteen minutes about all the places he's worked, all the places he wanted to work, where he wanted to be working right now, where he almost got hired to work, and what he wanted to do in ten years as far as work goes. I'd have to repeat the question and ask, so you work where? So your favorite color is? So you like to read what exactly? It was bizarre.
Thank goodness we chose to see a show, because by the time we reached the theatre, I thought my brains were going to explode. And thank goodness the show was awesome. Because after that, the date got worse.
We were headed a different land because there were special decorations up on on of the streets in that land. It was actually a really cool place and I was looking forward to going. What should have been at most a twenty minute carriage ride, turned into an hour and a half. He could not find the street. He was getting frustrated. And I was getting bored. Finally, I just suggested he return me to the castle. He agreed and we headed back.
The castle came in to view and I breathed a huge sigh of relief. I was almost home. Thank goodness. Except, the carriage kept going, right past the castle. "Um Marsden, my home was that way," I said puzzled. "Oh I know, I want to stop at the store in town and get some snacks," he said. "Snacks? For what?" I asked. I was going home, he could get snacks after. "I don't know, some things just sound really good right now. You don't mind do you?" He said. I took a deep breath and told him I didn't. He took me to the show so I needed to be polite.
We reached the store and he got his snacks, not offering to get anything for me, the princess. On our way to pay for them, we walked by a few overweight citizens. "I have no compassion for overweight people," Marsden began. I almost choked on my breath. I stared at him stunned. "Why not?" I asked. "I used to be overweight. After I changed my diet and worked out a bit I lost all the weight," he explained. "Shouldn't that make you more compassionate on those poeple since you know what they're going through?" We had exited the store at this point and were climbing in to the carriage. Again, he didn't open my door. "No, I know that the only reason they're overweight is because they aren't trying hard enough to be healthy."
I was speechless. All manners went out the door after that comment. "So you're kind of shallow then?" I asked bluntly. He paused for a second. "Some say I'm shallow, but at least I'm getting my feet wet." I just stared at him. He continued, "Wow that line was good right? I'm going to have to write that one down to incorporate in to a poem." I stopped looking at him and stared out the window, wanting to be safe in my castle doors where the soldiers could beat him up if he came close to me.
We finally reached the castle and he caught me offguard when he walked me to the door. I thought he didn't have a single bone of a gentleman in his body. Apparently he did. It had to be the smallest bone in his body, but it was still there. When we said goodnight, he leaned in to kiss me. I turned my head and hugged him instead, thanked him for the date, and hurried inside. I had been mistaken. There definitely wasn't a bone of a gentleman in his body. He had alterior motives when walking me to the door rather than doing it to be polite.
When the door shut behind me, I started to cry. My parents and little sister heard me and walked to the door to see how the night went. They were a little stunned when they saw me in tears. "What happened!?" they all exclaimed. I just walked by them and said, "I'm never going on another date again."
This is where the story should have ended.
However, shallow poet Marsden didn't think the date went remotely wrong. He thought it was fantastic and that I was the kind of person he wanted to spend more time around, because I made him feel good. "When are you free this week to go out again?" he asked me when he saw me a few days later. "This week is actually really busy," I responded truthfully. He shook his head, "Oh I didn't mean this week, I meant next week." Right he did. "Ask me the beginning of next week. We are supposed to have some guests visiting from out of town so I may not be able to, but I'm not totally positive that they're coming."
He forgot that I said to ask the next week, because I received a letter from him two days later asking when he could see me. I wanted to beat my head on a door and take back the first date. I didn't respond to his letter, which deeply upset him.
When I was in town, he saw me and ran up to me to confront me. "Don't worry about getting back to me, I've gotten the hint," he said rudely. "Gotten back to you about what?" I asked. "About when you're free to go out," he replied. "I told you already that I wasn't." He paused and thought. "Sorry for bringing it up then," he said, unapologetically. "It's not a problem to bring it up, it's how you brought it up," I lectured. "I agree it wasn't the best way. I just have had this stuff happen before and I don't like having my time wasted." Oh my, I thought to myself. I took a deep breath. "We went on one date Marsden. How am I wasting your time? You're thinking way too much into it," I then began to walk away.
He stopped me. "Well I'm not going to waste my time asking anyone to go out if they don't want to," he said. "I am a princess. I have a lot of responsibilities and duties. I'm busy. If that bothers you then don't ask," I said. "It's good for one to remain busy. It doesn't bother me. I will see you around," then he bowed and walked away. Did he say it's good for ONE to remain busy?? Weird.
I thought I'd gotten rid of the strange shallow poet when he approached me yet again, a couple weeks later. This time he wanted to take me to a jousting match. With his dad. I was bewildered. I had only gone out with him once, I was not ready to meet his family. Let alone to play third wheel to him and his father, or have his father play third wheel to me and him. I politely declined. Not just for this date, but for all future ones as well.
And we lived happily never after.