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...
