The Plan

Ellie's POV

“Mum, I can't marry him.” I didn't sit. I stood my ground, hands folded, as my eyes fixed on her. “How do you expect me to spend my life with someone I don't know, and I've never met before?” My voice almost gave way.

She looked up. Not even blinking. "You will. You'll marry him, and you'll get to know him.”

She sat up, adjusted herself on the bed she sat on. Her expression changed. Something lighter.

“Don't worry, you're going to love him as you get to know him.” A smile crossed her face. “Remember how I knew your father, the king? I met him just this way. I was a young, naive princess just like you, but I got to know him better after our marriage, and we're still in love till this moment.”

My mum told me the story she has been telling me for decades. I could literally recite every word. I'm sure she wanted me to prepare for this moment.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head.

“But mum, I have dreams, I want to continue my studies, travel round the world, treat sick people. I don't want to end up as a homemaker telling Maid Servants what to do”. I regretted saying that the instant the words blurted out.

“I'm not negotiating with you anymore. This arrangement is final.” My mother stood up slowly. The way she moved when she was dangerous, controlled, deliberate.

That wasn't even a negotiation. I wasn't going to give in easily.

"I'm not in for this arranged marriage." My voice didn't shake this time. "And if you force me down that aisle tomorrow, I will make a scene in front of every guest, every camera and every dignitary you've invited. I will open my mouth at the altar and I will say exactly what I think of this marriage. In front of all of them.”

She stopped when she got to the door, turned and glared at me.

“You wouldn't dare,” she said.

I held her gaze. “Try me.”

Something crossed her face. Not quite angry. Something colder than that.

"You will walk down that aisle, Ellie. You will smile. And you will say your vows." She walked to the door and stopped with her hand on the frame. "Because if you embarrass this family tomorrow, it won't just be you who pays for it. Remember that.”

The door closed.

My hands were shaking. The silence swallowed the bravery I thought I had.

The weights of the words pressing down on me.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I walked to sit on the bed.

What had I just done? Threatening the Queen. My own mother.

This was too much.

Tears kept streaming. No words dropped.

My personal maid, Cleo, slipped in not long after, closing the door softly behind her.

“Princess, please stop crying, it'll be fine.” She sat beside me and rubbed my back.

“How Cleo, how? I don't even know who he is, his lifestyle. The family I'm getting into.”

“But My Princess, I heard he's actually handsome, his family is well-known and, from what I've heard, they might be nice. She handed me something to wipe my tears.

“That's not even the issue,” I wiped my face. “I want to finish my studies. Chase my own dream. What if they don't let me? Being married will ruin everything. And also, I want to marry who I love and who I choose.”

Cleo was quiet for a moment. Then she looked at me carefully, like she was weighing something.

“My princes. You know I'll do anything for you,” she paused. “Do you want me to make an escape plan for you?”

I raised my head, looked at Cleo, who held a convincing expression as she nodded her head.

“You think that would work? My mum is already aware I might be planning something like that, and she has already got the guards to be everywhere. She's watching my every move, I'm sure, my Dad, too."

Although I had already thought about an escape plan, it didn't seem convincing to execute, but hearing it from my personal maid, whom I'm close with, made me think twice because I finally had someone who I'd work with. She knows everyone. Every nook and cranny of this huge Palace.

“Okay, so what's the plan?” I asked as I wiped my tears, sat up properly for a good conversation.

“I already have things sorted out since you never wanted this marriage, and I was afraid of letting you know about an escape, but I brought it now because I believe you want it.”

Cleo had this plan all along.

I sat up straighter, “What's the plan?” I asked. Eager to hear it.

“The plan. You are going to sneak away as a commoner with my aunt.”

“What? You aren't coming?”

“I can't, she's my aunt, my Princess. She's trustworthy, willing to help because she understands your situation. Except you don't mind getting married to your Suitor.”

She looked at me like there was no other option.

“No, no, let's go ahead with the plan,” I bent my head, pressing both hands against my temple.

“Look at me, My Princess,” Cleo tilted my chin up gently. “Do you really want to do this?”

“I do, but I'm scared Cleo. Scared of the outcomes. I confronted my mother, but now I don't know what I've done.

“You don't have to be scared, My Princess, you're a brave lady, and I've known you for that. This is the time to be more brave with whatever decision you intend to take.”

This was hope. That is what I've wanted. Someone who understood me. How relieving it felt.

Ugh!

Who still does arranged marriage? I guess being a princess means you don't get married to anyone you love. Only who you're chosen to. I don't want to be that kind.

I breathed slowly. “So how is she getting inside the palace?”

“She's coming. I sneakily sent her an invitation card. We all know everyone attending this wedding and the banquet after it comes with an invitation sent. Your Highness and the Queen Strictly made this, because they don't trust anyone who they haven't invited."

“Okay, let's begin with the arrangements needed for the plan.” Something lifted in my chest.

“Yes, start with your things first. Everything you'll need.

Cleo stood up and walked towards my closet.

“Do you think I still need those Disney princess dresses?” I raised my eyebrows as I chuckled.

“But you're a princess.” She gave me a look.

“Oh! How I've always wanted to live a normal life without wearing those gowns. I've never gotten comfortable with them before. Now! Here comes the opportunity.”

Cleo's eyebrow shot up.

“Come on Cleo, you should know that now, I just have a few of the convenient ones which my mum never allows me to wear.”

I walked towards where I kept them and brought them out.

“These would be comfortable,” I smiled as I held the dresses.

“My Princess, you know that getting married to your new suitor means you aren't going to be wearing this princess' gown, they aren't royalty, but billionaires. I've always thought you'd get married to a prince. I think there's more to this.”

“He isn't a Prince, good for him.” A smirk crossed my face.

“I don't actually care because I don't want to get married to him.” I paused. Turned my head to Cleo. "But don't you think it's strange?" I asked Cleo.

"Strange? That you're supposed to marry a prince instead of a normal person?" Cleo asked.

"Yes, I mean, my Dad always told me the royalty lineage continues. But this looks strange." Cleo just went on nodding her head.

I hadn't calmed down enough to inquire who I was getting married to. He's not even a Prince. That's even more interesting. But I'm still not getting married to him.

We moved fast after that, sorting clothes, making arrangements, running through every detail until we were sure.

The day came.

A girl dressed like me sat veiled in the bridal room while the palace hummed with preparations around her.