The Right Choice

Prologue The Princes Dupont and Grayson had never seen the mountains before. They were transfixed by the majesty of the landscape as their carriage entered the Duchy of Lydisia within the country of Alderei. The boys had been staring out of the carriage windows ever since crossing the border out of Eswen. “Sit back and close your mouths!” their father snapped. “You are princes of Eswen, not fish from the Southern Sea!” The boys sat back and put their heads down. “My dear, they are only admiring the scenery,” the Queen attempted to soothe her husband’s nerves. “We don’t have such mountains in Eswen.” “That doesn’t give them the right to forget their status.” The king snapped back, raising his hand and his voice. The Queen bowed her head, while the boys looked on in fear. The king addressed his family coldly, settling back into his seat. He was the only one on that side of carriage. The queen was stuffed in between the two boys on the other cushioned bench. “We must represent roya

**4 years later** Abigail Alderei Castle had been a buzz for weeks with the expected arrival of the Prince and his family. The staff had gone all out – pruning the already immaculate gardens that surrounded the castle, mending the fences around the orchards, airing out and hanging the best tapestries. There was to be a reception in the entrance chamber upon their arrival, followed by a dinner in the Great Hall. As this would be their first visit to Alderei Castle, the queen wanted the grand estate to look its best. She wanted her daughter to be on her best behavior. She was not happy earlier that day, when said daughter was brought back to the castle, dirty and scratched up, having fallen out of a tree in an attempt to escape the impending wedding. Later that evening, I fixed my dress as I waited for the arrival of Prince Grayson of Eswen, who I had not seen in four years. Queen Sarah was currently running around the richly decorated hall nitpicking everything the servants did. I

Abigail King Hayden’s comments about my father only believing women to be equal because he had no sons bothered me. I knew it wasn’t true – my father had always loved us deeply and treated us well, and women were treated as equals in Alderei. I knew it wasn’t that way everywhere, but I didn’t remember this side of the king. “I wonder what the queen was thinking when she agreed to the betrothal,” Rose muttered, as if reading my mind. “Alliances and security, most likely,” I replied, just loud enough for my sister to hear. “It was 14 years ago. Let’s hope the prince has remained more charming than his father.” Rose poked me in the ribs. “You and the prince seemed to be very taken with each other. He didn’t want to let you go once he hugged you.” I blushed, but poked Rose back, and she giggled. “We’ve always been friends,” I countered, then admitted, “He has grown to be very handsome…” “You can have him then,” Cat said, walking up to us. “Did you hear what his father said to me ab

Abigail “He’s been looking at you all evening,” Rose said to me as dinner was coming to an end. “Are you going to dance with him?” “He asked me to, earlier,” I responded. “I guess it depends on his father.” The confrontation between the two of them had not gone unnoticed by our family. “Ugh, I can’t wait until that man leaves,” Rose responded with disgust. “Now, Rose,” Father reprimanded. “Show some respect to King Hayden.” “I don’t understand how you are friends with him, Father,” Rose replied. “You should have heard the things he said to us earlier. He said the only reason you educated us was because you have no sons.” “I know the King can come off as crass, but their ways in Eswen are different from ours.” He looked at us both in turn. “Once you fight alongside someone and protect each other with your lives, you’ll understand being able to overlook their shortcomings,” Father replied. “You two are my greatest treasures, and you bring me great pride. No son could do better th

Abigail I stared at him in disbelief, but before I could respond he continued. “At least I know you. We get along, and you aren’t painfully in love with someone else.” He paused. “You aren’t, are you?” “No, Grayson. I am not in love with anyone else.” I’m in love with you… He looked relieved. I needed some air. I felt a sudden need to get out of the Hall. I feigned a yawn. “I should go to bed. The princess will need all the help she can get tomorrow.” Just getting her down the aisle will be a struggle. “Oh,” he sounded disappointed. “Okay. I probably should, as well.” He stood up and offered me his arm. “May I escort you to your room?” “Do you know your way around the castle yet?” I asked with concern. “Um… no.” He blushed. “Then why don’t I escort you to your rooms?” He chucked, embarrassed. “That sounds like a much better idea.” I took his arm and led him through the corridors of the castle. I pointed out features of interest – a painting of a past monarch here, an espec