Yours forever and Always, Peach

I rose early this morning, sleep escaped me most of the night. I slept maybe a couple hours, restless as it was, I guess it counts. I sit in my window seat looking out to my favorite garden, the sun not yet breaking over the horizon, making a beautiful purple glow to the sky. It is quiet in the castle, peaceful, I can appreciate the silence as my anxiety is heightened. I couldn’t handle the noise at the moment, I’m sure it would send me into a panic attack. Today, I am to leave my kingdom to meet my betrothed. King Daemon, who rules the Gljiva Kingdom. It is known for its rugged landscape. They export ore, stone, and building materials of all types. The king himself has a reputation of tyranny, severity and disdain for disobedience. I swallow nervously at my thoughts, completely different from my home Ookpa. We are peaceful, we listen to our people of elven ancestry, we export knowledge, books, art, music and instruments. We revel in the beauty of the world. I feel rather soft compared to my future husband, pampered and unprepared for my future. I have been studying all I can about the kingdom I will call my home. I get up and walk over to my vanity and start to brush my hair. It is golden with silver highlights, my blue eyes are shadowed because of my lack of rest. My lips pink and soft, my ears pointed. I sigh and ring the bell for Taradette, my lady’s maiden, and best friend. She comes in quickly, already dressed and ready for the day “Good morning, Momo,” she says cheerfully, assessing my mood carefully, “You’re up early.” I nod “I find myself in need of a bath Tara, can you have the staff run me one? I’m hoping it will calm my nerves.” She gives me a soft smile, “Of course, Momo, anything for you.” I hear her give the instructions to the other maids and smile, she really is the best friend a girl could ask for. I wait until one of the maids confirm my bath is ready and walk to the bathing room. In the middle sits a large tub filled with water that gives off steam and a scent of honeysuckle. My maids undress me quickly and help me in the bath. I wave them off when they try to wash my hair, “Thank you ladies, but I can handle the rest myself, go get yourself something to break your fast.” They smile and curtesy. I try to be fair and kind but still hold the authority of my position. I think I balance it well. I lay back and rest my head, I wonder what King Daemon looks like. I wonder if the rumors are true. I wonder about my life in the future. It’s all so overwhelming that it makes my eyes tear up. I understand peace, and treaties and bridges between kingdoms. I am only 18, just on the cusp of adulthood. I’ve been 18 for two days. My father told me last night I was to be married, that I was to leave today. I was indignant and slightly disrespectful toward my father earning me a strike across the cheek to set me in “my place”. As peaceful as our kingdom was, my father was actually an abusive, horrible man: to his family anyway. He lived for his kingdom and his family was pawns to play to strengthen his rule and relationships with other kingdoms. I groaned as Tara walked in, knowing she was given orders to summon me to get ready and prepare to leave, she confirmed so and helped me out of my bath, deftly drying me off leaving goosebumps in the wake of her soft touches. If she noticed the sensitivity of my skin she never said as much. I think she knew it would embarrass me thoroughly that her drying me off aroused me slightly. I couldn’t help that my skin was sensitive or that she was very gentle. I quickly dressed in my travel gown and attire. My hair being pinned into a bun. My belongings were already taken down and Tara was ready for the journey as well. “Let’s go, I suppose.” I sighed, annoyed that I couldn’t escape this fate. Tara nodded and walked behind me as we made our way to the throne room for further instruction.