Princess Claire

Chapter 1

We had been on my father's trip for half an hour, in a big carriage and for half an hour I couldn't breathe in my dress. The corset I was wearing was too tight under my chestnut (maroon) dress. I've wanted to complain before but I can't do that. Dad said it was a waste of time to complain, so I just tried to cope and sit up properly so that my stomach wouldn't get too tight.

"By the time we arrive, you know what to do first," he reminded.

I just nodded and didn't answer. I can’t count how many times he reminded me of what I should do. Dad trained me in these things for almost a year because he said I was suited to it. We are going to the kingdom of my Atohollo where he is the right hand of the king who rules there. This is the first time I will leave my birth place, leaving my mother to be able to and to introduce me to the world I must know.

"Avery Claire Montellion."

He called my full name so I caught a glimpse of him.

"Are you listening?"

"Yes, I understand everything," I said and secretly clenched my fists.

"I'm fine like that," he smiled and he told me again about things I didn't care about.

I honestly did not grow up with my father and I only grown with my mother without him, I met him for the first time in a province far from the beautiful town of Atohollo. I was surprised that I had a father because my mother said when I was young he never came back to us because of work, in a distant place.

Last year he suddenly showed up and introduced himself as my father. I don’t feel anything and especially the love of a father. For a year he taught me how to act as a woman who would suit the state of the wealthy. There I learned that he was the right-hand man of the king and his teacher. This means that he has a high position in the kingdom of Atohollo.

I had to go with her and I had to study as a princess. I had to follow him and he said I was born to be the wife of the next king of Atohollo, prince Aero.

"We're close," he exclaimed.

I glanced out the window of the carriage and saw from outside the people swarming around. The town is colorful and very noisy. Everyone was busy selling their wares and there were aristocrats touring the town. Shopping for new fabrics for their wearable clothing. Carriages also pass and turn left and right in the town. It is very far from the province where I grew up.

FIVE minutes later we arrived right in front of the palace. Someone opened the door for us and Dad came down first. I followed as I grabbed the skirt of my dress and carefully descended from there. I glanced at the soldiers waiting for us and some servants from the palace. Father walked closer to the group in the middle and front of the palace. The royal family and I just followed father.

The kingdom is surrounded by tall trees and there is a grove behind it. There are a variety of flowers scattered on the lawn that will grow. There is a small creek on the side. Very tall and very spacious the size of the palace with four towers.

The king smiled at us aged and his queen husband. Even in her old age the queen is still very beautiful. As far as I know this second wife and the whole prince is its mother. I caught a glimpse of the familiar face I had seen several times because of my father. He had no emotion and was staring at us seriously. While alive the smiles youngest prince Edward.

I automatically caught a glimpse of the two twin soldiers behind prince Aero. You can tell the difference between the two even though I don’t know them yet. One was very serious, while the other was slightly smiling.

We stayed close to them and I still couldn't lose sight of the young soldier who was so serious. He stood up straight with his twin. He is very athletic in his black uniform and has silver designs on the dress. Her hair is perfectly combed, white and you can't see any dirt on her face. Her eyebrows are thick and her eyelashes are even longer than a woman like me. His lips were thin and his nose was pointed.

"Miss Claire."

I went back to reality when dad called me and there was mixed annoyance in his voice. The family just stared at me and waited for me.

"I'm sorry," then I bowed and paid my respects. I stood up straight. “I'm Avery Claire Montallion,” I introduced myself to them. “Nice to meet you,” and I smiled a little at them. I have to be perfect in their sight.

"Very beautiful young lady, we are also glad to meet you," said the queen.

"Thank you very much," I said to the queen.

"This is my son Aero and Edward," the king introduced his two sons.

Aero nodded without saying a word about his position and had no interest in me. Actually I have no interest in him either. I had no interest in any man but a soldier caught my attention. I don’t know, it seems like I don’t want to lose my eyes on him. I turned my attention back to them when Edward nodded.

“Welcome to the kingdom of Atohollo,” he said. The difference between these two siblings is huge.

"Thank you very much," I said again.

One of the things that taught me was not to talk too much, especially when I don't care.

"Let's go in, we know it's a long trip and you're still from far away. Even before the food cools down,” the king advised us.

We continued to go inside, father stood beside the king to talk about the territories and politicians of each kingdom nearby. As I followed, I still couldn't help but stare at the young soldier behind me and he followed his boss Aero.

I want to know his name.

"How was the trip?" Edward asked me a happy question so I lost my attention to the soldier but from time to time I glanced at him.

"Good."