Forbidden love

Looking in the mirror, I put my silky platinum hair up into a bun, making sure it was perfect, before putting on my evening gown. Hopefully, today is the day that I get the news from my parents that I'll officially be queen when they step down. I have trained for this moment my whole life. Hearing a knock on the door, I yelled "enter". Zuria, my handmaid, entered telling me that my parents were ready. Putting on my dress, I headed down to the dining hall where I saw both my mother and father and my brother Pollux. Entering into the room, both my father and brother stood up and bowed as Douglas pulled out my seat for me to be seated. As my parents continued their conversation in quiet whispers, I turned to Pollux. "What did dear ol' mother call this dinner now? I hope it is to announce that I will be queen soon, otherwise it is a waste of time. I hate sitting through dinner with them." Pollux began to laugh and instantly my mother looked across at us with her stern stare. Rolling my eyes, I sat back as my parents wrapped up their conversation. "Can we know now why we were dragged to this dinner, mother?" "Penelope, don't be so crass.. Your father and I called this dinner because there are some matters that need to be discussed." "Am I finally becoming Queen?" "Well, Peneolpe, that is completely up to you. Your father and I were talking and we don't think that you should take on the job without being at least engaged. We would like it if you were to pick a suitor from a list of suitors and let us know so we can move to the next step." I couldn't believe the words that I was hearing. "I will not pick a suitor nor will I marry. The throne is mine and I will not share it with some man that I do not know. How is he entitled to be king when I had to work all my life for this!" "This is not up for debate. You will choose a suitor or you will not take the throne and your brother will!" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Why do I have to marry to be queen? It was completely unfair. "Will Pollux have to marry if he takes the throne?" My father slammed his hand on the table, yelling," that is enough!" "I will not sit here as you and your mother bicker about something that is non-negotiable. Your brother will not have to marry because he is a man and a god! Unfortunately, you were not. You were born a goddess, so you have to marry so that our kingdom will remain strong. If you refuse, the throne will never be yours, so you may want to reconsider your standing point.Now that is that, let's eat!" I couldn't believe it. How dare they? Never once was I told that I would have to marry and I knew that Pollux would never take the throne. He's a solider and he loves it. He was trained to be the best of the best and that is why he was appointed by our uncle to keep our kingdom safe. Not being in the mood for food or to allow my parents to see me cry, I rushed away from the table, heading into my room, where I cried my eyes out. Later that evening, I heard a knock on the door. I didn't say anything and in comes Pollux with a tray of food and suites. Coming over, he climbed into my bed and handed me the tray. "I'm sorry Pen, I didn't know that is what the major dinner was about. I tried to talk some sense into them after you left the table but they weren't hearing me. I don't want the throne. It is yours and we'll find a way to get you on it." "I just cant believe them. All because I am a goddess, that makes me incapable of running a strong kingdom!" "I know its ridiculous. Now I haven't told them yet, but uncle is sending me on a mission to planet 918." "What! When? You know it's not safe for us. So many of our people have been there never to return. I can't lose you." "I'll be okay Pen. Just make sure you do what you need to do to get on that throne and when I get back we will celebrate!" I smiled at Pollux and he gave me a hug before kissing my forehead and giving me one last goodbye. The next morning, I did my best to not be seen by my parents. I needed to work out my frustration. Meeting up with my uncle Zhu, I trained and trained until my body was completely exhausted. I tried asking him about Pollux but he said that he couldn't say why he was sent on the mission, only that it was very important. After spending most of my morning and afternoon with my uncle, it was time for me to head back into the palace to get freshened up. By the time I was done with my shower and dressed, I headed downstairs where I was met by my father. "Penelope, please follow me." Not putting up a fight, I followed my father into the living area where I saw my mother and 8 gentlemen all seated. "Ahh there she is. Penelpole dear, come here and sit down. These lovely gentlemen would love to get to know you!" Looking at my mother, then back at my father, I stopped where I stood. I know that they haven't done what I think they have done. My father placed his hand on my lower back, pushing me forward until I was standing in the middle of the floor. All eight men stood up and bowed before me, introducing themselves before kissing my hand. I took a seat and listened as each man pleaded their case about why they would be a great suitor for me. After sitting through the men talking and then dinner, I was completely done with the theactics. Excusing myself, I headed right up to my room where I slammed and locked my door, getting ready for bed. I wasn't going to continue to play the games that my parents were trying to play.