"I'm coming!" Sheesh!

You practically run down the spiral stairs, sporadically reassuring your father that you will be soon arriving to the breakfast table.

You almost trip over your dress as your burst open the towering doors.

"Yes, Father?" You say between hitched breaths. With those stairs, it was enough exercise for a year.

"You disgrace for a daughter! Do you have any idea how long I've been looking for you? Even your dear mother, who went out of her way-which, I remind you, didn't need to-to help me find you!"

"Oh, well I'm so sorry for disappointing you and that-...I mean...mother." You glare at the woman walking through the doorway, who returns the same deadly stare as she passes by.

"Ah, Marianne! My precious wife!" You cringe internally as the two of kiss in front of you. 

"Thank you for finding our daughter. I'm sorry she was such a bother."

Our daughter? Marianne sneers at you. "Why, It wasn't a problem at all, James! Although, searching high and low has taken a toll. My feet are sore, and my back aches! I could really use a spa day-"

You cough, cutting her short intentionally. She glares at you fiercely.

"Oh, right." Your father began. "We have some things to address with you, [Name]."

"So I've heard."

"Come, we'll converse over tea and cakes." You follow him to the table, while servants frantically hurry between the kitchen and the dining room, filling the table with food. You see Seraphina in the distance, and she winks at you. You smile faintly, and turn your direction back to your father.

"You should know, [Name], that your birthday falls on Coming of Age Day and our 20th Annual Ball here at the palace. You should also know that you're turning 20 this year, so of course, we must recognize this Coming of Age Day."

"I've noticed." You take a sip of your Peppermint tea.

"And so, because of this, I must soon retire from my position in our monarch government."

You spit out your tea, which lands on Marianne. She screams, and Seraphina tries to hold back a snicker. Marianne snaps her head backwards to insult her, but Seraphina has already exited the room.

"Retire? What do you mean by 'retire'?"

Marianne turns her attention back to the table. "Does this mean I won't be Queen anymore?" 

Not changing the direction of your head, you shift your eyes to study Marianne's face. Her face features a mix of anger and shock. Is ruling over other people all she really cares about?

"Yes, [Name]. I'm stepping down as King, after I've seen you married."

You snap your eyes back to your father. "What? Married?"

He nodded. "I've already arraigned for you to be married to a noble's son."

"You did what?"

"You heard what I said, [Name]. I can't rule this place forever, and you're the right age for marriage, I'm sure of it."

"You can't do that!" This time, you completely turn to face Marianne. For once in your life, you agreed with her.

"Daddy, why?" 

"Because, [Name], this man promises you a prosperous future."

"I've never even met this man! How can you just send me off-"

"I won't hear any arguments about this from you, [Name]. The two of you will meet at the ball that will be held here in two weeks. I've already met with the young man and his parents-"

"Without telling me?"

"-...And you will marry the week after your birthday."

"Father!" You jumped out of your chair, scaring a few of the nearby servants as your chair fell over. "I can't believe you, Father!"

"You can't just strip me of my position!" Marianne finally spoke up.

"It had to be done."

"Mother would never do this to me!"

"[Name]!"

"You're the worst, Father! Now I know how Mother felt when she had to marry you!"

"[Name]!"

You stormed out of the room, slamming the doors behind you. You ran up the stairs back to your room, ignoring the screams from your father. A million thoughts echoed throughout your mind.