Princess of Thorns Short Story
Page 3
I turned away from her, hands on my hips as I tried to look lost in thought. I concealed a smile at how much I delighted in weaving my web of lies. “We must make my prospects prove their love to me before they are allowed to court me.”
“How do you propose we do that?”
I faced her and let excitement fill my eyes. “A contest.”
“A contest? What do you mean?”
“A poetry contest where each man declares his love for me through words. We will invite every eligible prince from near and far to compete. He who loves me most will surely craft the best poem.”
“Mareleau, this is sounding an awful lot like a fairytale.”
I cocked my head to the side. “Don’t I deserve a fairytale romance? You always said I was special, that I deserve the best.”
“You do, my dear. But royals don’t always marry for love. In fact, few ever do.”
My face fell, and my hands trembled at my sides. “Are you saying I have to endure more of what I already have? Please, Mother! Don’t make me!”
Her jaw shifted. “Fine. I will speak to your father and see if he’s willing to try this silly contest of yours.”
“You must convince him. I truly believe only love can bring me the right match.”
She sighed. “When would you like to hold this contest?”
“At the Spring Festival.”
Mother’s eyes widened. “But that’s a public celebration. The entire court will be present, in addition to your prospects. Are you sure you want to do that? You haven’t entertained a public audience in two years.”
“Thank you for your consideration, Mother. You know how much I usually dread such events. However, this is a sacrifice I’m willing to make in the name of true love.” My words made me want to gag, and I couldn’t believe my mother was falling for them.
“Very well.” She reached a hand to my cheek. “I’m so proud of you, Mareleau. I always knew you’d come around to the idea of marriage.”
I forced my lips into the sweetest of smiles. “How right you were.”
She turned to leave, but anxiety tickled my chest. My poetry contest would quickly thin the herd, but what then? I certainly wasn’t going to marry the winner. “Wait, one more thing.”
Mother paused and faced me. “Yes?”
“We must take one more step to prove which man is worthy of my hand.” She raised an eyebrow, and I knew I’d have to tread carefully. I could only stretch Mother’s patience so thin before I felt her wrath. “We will select three finalists from the contest. Those three will then be sent on a quest. He who returns as champion will be allowed to court me.”
Her cheeks blazed red. “You’ve got to be kidding. A quest? Do you have any idea how ridiculous that sounds?”
I maintained my countenance. “It may sound ridiculous, but any man willing to do such a thing for my hand must be worthy. You see, any man can say he loves me, but his actions will prove it.”
“I don’t know, Mareleau. What kind of quest are you thinking about?”
“Just something small,” I said with an innocent shrug.
She let out a heavy breath, and the redness in her face began to cool. “Fine. Don’t you dare push this further!”
I bounced on the balls of my feet. “Oh, thank you, Mother. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
When she left my room, my chest rippled with wicked laughter. My plan was working perfectly. In a few weeks, I’d be dismissing dozens of prospects, freeing myself from the incessant courtships that had plagued my life. My heart may never be filled with love again, but at least it would have its vengeance.
Let the Quest begin.
SHADOWS OF LELA
Mareleau’s Quest was only the beginning…
A forgotten princess.
A deadly quest.
A threat that hides in shadow.
Mareleau’s story continues as four young royals are drawn together in an epic fantasy tale of magic, romance, and unicorns. Click here to start the adventure today: http://tessonjaodette.com/book/shadows-of-lela/
About Tessonja Odette
Tessonja Odette is a young mother living in Seattle. Young, meaning 30-something. It’s the new 20, right? Tessonja has always loved to write. Her wild imagination and fascination with the great unknown led her writing into the realm of fantasy. She writes books that inspire and expand the imaginations of others. When she isn’t writing, she’s watching dog videos, having dance parties with her daughter, or pursuing her many creative hobbies. Find out more about Tessonja by visiting her website at www.tessonjaodette.com
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