Natasha

Numbly you wait for yet another noble to approach and offer condolences. First to your brother and then to you. On either side is an open coffin. One holds the husband you spent so little time with. For the last four years you waited to see his face again, and now it was cold with ****. The other held your father, who seemed so much older than you remembered. Sighing you thank the old woman who was next in line, and then turned to your brother.

He was dressed somberly in black, and seemed to stare off into space. You couldn’t help but wonder what was going on in his head. Your father, Mace, had never been kind to him... never speaking kindly to him... Did he feel sorrow? Or was it hidden joy? Suddenly he glanced over at you, sending a chill down your spine.

What happened if he was crowned Milor’s next king? What kind of treatment would you receive? All of the scenarios that played through your head weren’t very pleasant. There was always the off chance that he might not take his **** on you... But the risk was great.

“Princess... Princess Natasha?”A voice prodded you from your thoughts. “Princess the viewing is over... it’s time to meet with the council.” Turning you find your lady in waiting, Jenna, tugging on your sleeve. The dress of the day was made of several thin layers of a lacy black material. It hugged your shapely body, and pressing up against your ample chest in a silk corset. Jenna was dressed in a simple dress of dark gray, her brown hair pulled up in a bun. “A carriage is waiting for you outside Princess.”

You nod and look around at the empty room. Even your brother is gone. And with a last glance at your late husband and father, you exit and climb into carriage. The council awaits. A group of advisors who’ve been studying the laws. It was time for you to decide what path in life you wanted to take.