The Princess of the North

Here I am, sitting, waiting for my long-awaited future husband, the Prince of the South. I am restless, swinging my leg awkwardly, a clear sign of my impatience. I carefully observe the hall as I literally wait for my charming prince.

I am a person with a strong personality, my parents know that well. In appearance, I am of medium height, 1.60 m, I have light brown, very curly hair, fair skin, and a pair of blue eyes that enchant those who look at me - at least that's what they say. I got that from my father. He is tall, 1.89 m, and despite his age, he is still strong; you can tell by his muscles. He has short brown hair, broad shoulders, and his face is always serious, but he can't resist when I make a joke for him. I love his smile.

My mother has brown eyes, black curly hair, fair skin, and is quite slim. She has an imposing posture, as a queen should, of course, and as she expected me to have.

***

Before the prince arrives...

"What do you think of this one?" my mother asks.

"Do I really have to do this?" I ask.

"Of course, Kiara! The prince is coming especially to meet you. You must look presentable as a true princess and heir to the kingdom of the North," she says, coming towards me with a beautiful blue dress. I have to admit, it's gorgeous and enhances the color of my eyes.

This whole marriage thing gave me chills. Anyone would want to live with the person before getting married, but not in my case, and that was frustrating.

The Kingdom of the North is beautiful, surrounded by mountains and valleys, with several rivers and forests. It's a land rich in hunting and fishing. Our castle is on a hillside, and I can see the sea in the distance. I know I'm very lucky to have this exuberant nature around me.

"Kiara! Kiara!!" I snap out of my daydreams with my mother calling me. She sits beside me on the bed, and I know a speech is coming.

"I know this isn't what you wanted, my dear. I also know you love your freedom, but it's for the good of the kingdom. We need allies, and when they are also family, the bonds are stronger."

I can't question what she said. I know she's right, but even so, I feel sad about this situation. It would be so good if people thought less about themselves and more about others.

"You might like him," she says, smiling. "I heard he's quite handsome," she adds, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

"Handsome! Sure!"

If he were really handsome, he wouldn't be single at 28. Around here, it's very common to arrange suitors for children when they are still young. Usually, this union happens as soon as both reach adulthood, but, thank God, my father didn't follow that ridiculous custom.

I finish getting dressed and head down to the throne room. I loved this room. It was very spacious, with large windows and golden decorations. The thrones were simple, but somehow conveyed great majesty.

Back to where we started.

"Dear, is everything all right?" my father asks, looking at me.

"Of course, Dad, just... let's say, apprehensive."

He gives me a small smile when he hears me. I'm sure he knows what I mean.

"Be careful, Kiara. You may fall into your own trap," he says with a sideways smile. Dad knew me like no one else. I dare say even more than my mother.

I look at him with a raised eyebrow.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Dad. I'm waiting patiently, as Mom asked," I say, looking into his eyes. He was about to answer, but at that moment, a guard approaches to announce our guests.

"Your Majesty! I now announce the arrival of the heir prince of the South, His Royal Highness, Prince Lien."

As he finishes speaking, a man enters, whose face I can't see from a distance, and my curiosity consumes me. He approaches with smooth, unhurried steps, making my curiosity grow even more. As he gets closer, I can see that he is tall, about 1.90 m, with broad and strong shoulders. When he reaches the throne, he makes a small bow and says:

"Your Majesty, it is a pleasure to meet you," he says, raising his head and looking directly at my father. Then, I can finally see his face, which is breathtaking. He has black, straight hair. His face is masculine, with a well-sculpted jaw, dark brown eyes that seem almost black, thin lips with a certain charm, and his voice is powerful, strong, just like him. During all the time I was analyzing him, he did not take his eyes off my father.

"Imagine, Prince Lien. It is we who have the great pleasure of receiving you. Your presence was much anticipated," says my father.

"Thank you, King Elrick."

"Let me introduce you to my wife, Queen Ismenia," says my father, pointing to my mother, who gives a small bow.

"Your Majesty," says Lien, bowing.

"And this is my daughter, Princess Kiara, heir to the Kingdom of the North."

When my father introduces me, I see his gaze shift toward me, and I give a small bow. When I raise my head, I notice that he's looking at me intensely, until my father catches his attention.

"I believe the prince would like to rest after this tiring journey. My trusted servant will show you to your quarters. I know those accompanying you must be tired as well."

"Indeed, King Elrick, I appreciate your hospitality."

At that moment, Vitor signals for the prince to follow him. He turns and leaves our presence, accompanied by other members of his entourage.

Finally free, I couldn't wait to take off this dress and return to my secret activities. I get up and start leaving until my mother stops me.

"Wait, Kiara," she says, coming towards me. I stop and turn to face her, already imagining the lecture she would give me.

"I've already done what I needed to, Mom. Now I plan to take a walk."

"You should stay here; after all, the prince may ask for your presence," she says, looking at me seriously.

"Sorry, Mom, but I won't stay. The prince has my father to keep him company, and, besides, I bet I wouldn't enjoy their conversation. Isn't that right, Dad?" I say, looking at my father, who is watching our conversation.

"That depends, dear, but we need to have that conversation sooner or later," he says, approaching.

"I'd rather it be later," I say sarcastically.

"All right, just don't go too far, and don't be late. I want you at the table for dinner," says my father, kissing my forehead.

"I'll be here on time. Thanks, Dad," I say, smiling, and head toward my room. It's time for a little action in my life.

I enter my room, go to the wardrobe, take out the small hidden bag, pick a simple dress, and leave in a hurry.

"Where are you going in such a rush, girl?" says the cook. I pass by and kiss her.

"I'm going for freedom, Nana! Freedom!"

I rush out, grabbing an apple from the table. I head to the stable to get Lightning. He's a beautiful black horse, as fast as lightning.

"Hey, boy, did you miss me?" I say, stroking Lightning. "How about a ride?"

He neighs as if approving the idea. Quickly, I put on his saddle, mount up, and we dash off. Along the way, I meet several people working at the castle who greet me. I've always been the type of person who likes to be among the crowd. After all, how can I help them if I don't know their reality? The burden of being royalty has always been on my shoulders, and my father always taught me that the people who live here are my people, and I must do everything I can to give them a dignified life.

I enter the forest, looking for a place to change. For what I'm about to do, I can't be in a dress. I find a secluded spot, quickly change clothes: pants, a blouse, and a vest, swapping my slippers for boots, and finally a hood that only leaves my eyes visible. This has been my journey for years, and I never tire of it. I mount Lightning again and ride a little further, dismounting when I reach my destination: the soldiers' training field. Yes, I did some crazy things sometimes, and training with the soldiers was one of them.

I tie Lightning to a tree a safe distance from the training area and walk briskly toward it.