Time was far gone. For as long as she could remember, she wasn't the type that woke up late. She was trained to be always up early. But a lot went up the previous day.

It wasn't just any ransom day in the summer break. It was a special day for her — one that marked celebrating her existence

It is her nineteenth birthday, her father the king threw a very big party for her. She didn't want it but she had no choice than to follow what was placed before her. She had a lot of preparations to work on the previous night.

I forgot to mention... Emily was born into a royal family. Their Kingdom Velania was a small island country. Velania was distant from the rest of the world. It sat deep in the middle of the Pacific — no visible neighbors around.
Yet it had diplomatic relations with other countries and was successful in trade that most of it's citizens were stable.

The Kingdom of Velania was celebrating its princess's birthday. Emily clicked seventeen and it was important especially to the royal family. All the nobles in the land were invited. The party was splendid.

Emily herself who had posed a dissenting opinion wasn't doubtful anymore. Her face shined with laughter and joy throughout the day. The well lit and decorated hall, the crowd present, her best friend Joan. Everything was perfect.

She kept walking around in her majestical and beautiful steps, greeting everyone that came with a low, respectful bow. She saw her elder brother prince Callum talking and smiling with one of the palace workers, her own personal maid Mary to be specific together but she shoved it off. It was her day after all and there could be nothing more. Maybe he was just giving orders.

The perfection and the joy soon turned silent in the evening. She was out in the garden enjoying the beautiful scenery with Joan when a royal guard came to tell her the king had called her. She turned back to Joan with a bright smile on her face to tell her she would be right back.

It would be just another surprise like the past ones he had given her. And one thing was sure this time, he won't cease to amaze her.

Just as she approached the hall way, she saw her parents with another royal family she hadn't seen before. She had seen presidents, ministers and even other kings around but she hasn't seen these particular royals before in her entire life. They were two a king, and seemingly, a prince about her age.

"Father, you sent for me". She said in their usual, soft Velanian accent.

"Yes my dear". King William replied.
There was a pause but it wasn't tense.
Emily was still thinking about the gift her father had for her.
"Have you met the Souceks, rulers of Crevsnechi"
She gave a look the said 'I have no idea, dad'

"How silly of me, they were here just the time you want were born" King William finished in the same Velanian accent.

"Oh, what a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty" she said and gave a respectful bow.

"We have decided to extend our trade and further strengthen our alliances with Crevsnechi and that is why you our dear Emily, will be joined in matrimony to Prince Phillip right here two weeks after your next birthday birthday". Her father explained.

Emily's smile dried instantly. She felt like there was a blackout in her world. She was confused. That couldn't be.

"Umm. Father I'm sorry I didn't hear much of that. I was a bit distracted". She asked for a recap politely.

King William gestured to everyone present that he had an announcement to make. Everyone gathered round to hear what what their graceful king was about to say.

"Great people of Velania, I thereby bring great news to you. In a years time, Princess Emily of Velania will be marrying Prince Phillip of Crevsnechi. So eat and drink more" He said, holding his cup up in the air.

Emily stood there, staring blank. Her whole life was flashing away before her. For the first time in her life, she felt defeated. She ran upstairs to her room.

Her birthday didn't go well.

She entered her room and bolted the door angrily. She knew it was coming, but she didn't see it coming that soon. As a princess, she would have to marry another ruler or someone as rich.

Emily was a princess. That she knew. But she didn't always want to be the one living as a princess. She wanted to see more than attending to rulership duties to an island country.

She knew there was more to life than being in a palace. She longed to explore and taste different perspectives. Not that she wasn't happy but she felt that wasn't her dream life and now... It just got worse.

She heard a knock on her door. It was Joan. Apparently she had been knocking for more than fifteen minutes trying to appease her.

Joan was more than just a friend. Although she was the came from a middle class family, she never cared about status and didn't want any of the palace's wealth. She was simply Emily's friend because she cared. They have been inseparable friends since childhood.

Emily opened the door gently. She had a resentful look on her face. Joan knew everything about her dreams.

"I heard the announcement. Are you fine?" She asked, her voice showing that she cared.
"Does it look like I'm fine to you?" Emily asked, turning her face to the wall as if she saw something to read from there.

"You don't have to marry him if you don't want to, you know"

"Yes, but how do I tell father that. He'll kill me"

"I'm sure he can't kill his only daughter. I know you don't really like royalty. Many people would wish to be in your shoes"

"Yes, but I'm not like everyone else Jo. I'm me."

"I'm tired of being treated differently. I need to see how it feels like it live a normal life like you"

Joan puffed and turned back.

"You're the luckiest, Emily. You have it all. Private chefs, a chaffeur to drive you around and you are Velania's princess".

"Not that. I know I'm lucky but I don't want to be with prince Phillip. I've seen a bit of the world and I just want to live my life".

"You know you can't". Joan paused.

"You can't throw your life away just to live like a normal person"

Emily paused...

An idea brewed up into her mind. She turned away from the wall, facing Joan. Her face lit up with a bright smile, revealing the beauty of her perfect teeth

Joan looked confused.

"Maybe that's just what I'll do".

Joan couldn't believe her ears. Even if she wanted, that wouldn't be possible. She knew the hard reality would soon hit her. But instead, she found another way around it.

"I know it's a long shot, but I will know how to pass my way around it.