I’ll Be My Princess

My sis had a princess dream. Everyone around her had to be a knight guarding her. My parents couldn't bear to disappoint her, so they told the world I was a boy. They said, "Only a little brother can protect his elder sister." After that, I kept my hair short, stayed by her side, carried her backpack, and fought her battles. On my 20th birthday, she made a wish. "I want your online boyfriend. You won't say no, will you?" The private room went silent for a moment. The next second, my mother pressed a hand on my shoulder. "Anyway, Hugh has never seen you. What's the harm in giving him to your sis?" My father nodded. "Right. A knight must help the princess get what she wants. Besides, you're publicly a boy. Don't break the rules." My sister smiled and winked at me. "You're not going to be reluctant, are you?" I suddenly remembered all the times when we were kids. She wanted my trophy, my dress, even my room. Every time, my parents said my sister was the princess, and all I had to do was make her happy. I slowly lowered my head and looked at the unread message on my phone. Hugh: I'll come find you in 3 days. This time, I'm going to be my own princess. ***** "Quinn, you're not angry with me, are you?" She leaned against Mom, her eyes challenging me. The lights from outside the car window flashed across her face, making my eyes sting. I looked away and checked my phone. "No." Mom visibly relaxed and patted the back of my hand. "I knew Quinn was the most sensible. You're a boy. You've had to give way to your sister since you were little. This time is no different." Dad was driving in the front seat. He glanced at the rearview mirror and chimed in. "Right. Hugh is the heir of the Parker family. He's perfect for a princess like your sister. To the outside world, you're a boy. How can you date Hugh? When the time is right, Dad will restore your identity as a girl. Then I'll introduce you to someone better." I looked at my reflection in the window. "Mm." Isabella giggled and leaned over to link her arm through mine. "I knew Quinn loved me most. I'm going to try on dresses for meeting Hugh tomorrow. Come with me, okay?" I pulled my arm out of her grasp. "I have things to do tomorrow. I can't go." Isabella's smile froze. Her eyes reddened instantly. Mom immediately frowned. "Your sis invited you out of kindness. Why are you making that face? It's just a man. Is it worth being so petty? We raised you all these years. Are we worth less than a man you've never even met?" I looked down at my ill-fitting suit. "I really do have things to do." Dad slammed on the brakes. "Enough. What's the point of a family arguing? Quinn, Isabella is the princess. You are the knight. A knight protecting a princess is only natural." I didn't answer. I just watched the shadows of the trees recede outside the window. I'd heard this for 18 years. Since I was born, my parents said I was a boy and had to protect my sis, the princess. When we were little, Isabella wanted my doll. Mom said, "A knight must give way to the princess. I'll buy you a new one tomorrow." Later, Isabella wanted my guaranteed admission spot to a top middle school. Dad said, "The princess needs care. You're smart. You can get in on your own." Even later, she wanted my room. Now she wants my boyfriend. Each time, I had to give in again and again. Every time, they said, "You're the knight. You have to be sensible." Good children get candy, but I never got that candy. When we got home, the coffee table in the living room was covered with catalogs from luxury brands. Mom pulled Isabella onto the sofa and enthusiastically flipped through them. "This pink one is nice. It suits your skin tone. This haute couture gown is good too. Very grand." I headed straight for the stairs. "Quinn, go to the kitchen and cut some fruit." Mom ordered without looking up. I stopped. "I'm a bit tired. I want to sleep first." Mom's hand paused. She looked up at me, her eyes scrutinizing. "Are you still blaming us for giving your online boyfriend to Isabella? Quinn, you can't be so selfish. Isabella is frail. She's been pampered since childhood. The Parker family is wealthy and powerful. She'll live well if she marries into it. Besides, your public identity isn't a girl." My fingers tightened on the staircase railing. I couldn't get rid of what I'd heard last night outside the study. She said, "Mom, Quinn has been dating online behind our backs. He's the Parker family heir. I want him." Mom looked surprised. "Fine. My daughter, if you want him, I'll find a way to make it happen." They used every trick to give all their favor to Isabella, but made me pay the price alone. "I understand." I turned and went upstairs. The moment I closed the door, Isabella's sugary voice came from downstairs. "Mom, maybe we should give Hugh back to Quinn. I don't want her to be unhappy." Mom coaxed her tenderly. "Silly child. Hugh is yours." I walked to my desk, took out my phone, and replied to Hugh. Quinn: Okay. See you in 3 days.