“Clara, I still don’t like this guy. He’s a wimp, he’s mean, and he only wants to marry me for dad’s money!”

“I’m getting strange vibes from him too, Court. But your father seems to like him. A lot.”

Courtney sat in her chair and stared at her untouched food on her plate. After Julius had been taken away by her stepmother to fix up his wounds, Courtney’s father had the bright idea to invite Julius over for dinner. She grimaced at the thought. Courtney glanced over in his direction. He still had some bruises on his lips and arms. Man, he was a total marshmallow. Her thoughts drifted to Duncan.

He is kind of cute...

Stop it! You don’t like that rebellious dish-cleaner!

But he is really charming...

No! He just wants you to think that!

Well, it’s working...

Be quiet! You need to find a suitable suitor!

She snapped back into reality. She must have zoned out longer than she had thought. Clara and Charles had already finished their dinner and excused themselves. Julius was waving his hand in front of Courtney’s face while Duncan walked in to collect plates.

“Wow, nice shiner buddy.” he said mockingly.

“Be quiet, peasant.”

“Just who exactly do you think you are? Nobody says ‘peasant’.” he said with an eye roll.

“Guys! Oh my God, be quiet already!” Courtney groaned.

Both Duncan and Julius stopped their arguing and stared at her. Courtney stood up, straightened her back, and stared down at them.

“If you two won’t stop your pathetic little arguments,” she said sweetly, “then I will kick both of your asses out of the palace. Capiche?”

Julius nodded his head nervously. He looked very impressed for some strange reason. Maybe he has a thing for really mean girls... It makes sense. Courtney thought. He rose from his seat, glared at Duncan, and then faced Courtney.

“You really will make an excellent queen with that attitude,” he said as he kissed her hand, “now I must go find your father and ask him a question.”

Courtney was shocked that he had kissed her hand. His lips felt dry, tasteless. She wondered what question he would go and ask her dad, but she let that thought fade away. She sat down in her seat and finally began to eat her now-cold food. Duncan leaned his mouth down near her ear.

“What a shame, what a shame. I could have been so much better for you.” he seductively growled.

“What are you talking about?” she questioned while she chewed her food.

“Oh, come ON, Princess!” he said while he slapped his forehead, “Doncha know what he’s gonna ask your father?”

“Tips on what stocks to invest in?” she asked innocently.

“Psh. I wish. But he’s gonna ask your father if he can ma—”

“Courtney! Come in here! I need to tell you something!” called her father.

“I’ll see you later, Duncan.”

Courtney ran down the hall while Duncan continued to collect the dishes.

Stupid, stupid, STUPID!

I am NOT stupid.

You’re falling for her!

What? No I’m not.

Yeah you are. You’re jealous of Julius.

Am not!

Are too!

Duncan groaned and picked up more dishes. Maybe he WAS falling for her. Jealous of Julius? No way. He just deserved a good sock in the face for insulting servants.

*******

“Wha-what?” Courtney whispered, astonished at what her father had just said.

“Courtney, I know you are surprised, but you must be married by your birthday. That’s only two days away! Julius is a very kind, strong, and—”

“Pathetic wimp?” she growled.

Courtney was confused when she walked in earlier to find Julius shaking her father’s hand. He had run over, kissed her cheek, and then left to tell Clara the ‘good news.’ Courtney was wondering what the good news was, but she soon found out.

“Courtney,” Charles sighed, “you need to find a husband. I’m not going to be around much longer, and you MUST take the throne. And Julius will make a fine husband.”

“He’s only been here for a day!” Courtney shouted, “How can you expect me to marry him so soon? I don’t even know what his favorite color is, for God’s sakes!”

“Well, there’s nobody else left in the kingdom. I’m sorry Courtney, but it must be done.”

Charles took his daughter’s cheek and kissed her forehead. He then slowly walked upstairs to go to bed. Courtney was left in the hallway, upset and confused. She slowly let out a huge yawn. How late is it? Courtney thought. The clock read 11:16 p.m. Great.

She dragged herself up to the top of her tower to find Clara standing by the doorway. Her face was sympathetic. She took her daughter’s face and whispered ‘I’m sorry,’ and then left to go to bed. Courtney changed into her nightgown and slipped herself into bed, pillow soaked with tears. Today, she was a young and enthusiastic girl ready for anything, and in two days she would be chained down to a chair with an egotistical husband.

*******

At around twelve o'clock in the morning, Courtney woke up, aroused by a dream she was having. She turned on her bedside lamp, glancing around the room. Duncan was by her door swinging a key between his fingers, smirking.

“I thought you’d never wake up, Princess.” he mocked. Courtney covered up her mouth with both of her hands to prevent her from screaming. She’d been screaming a lot lately.

“What are you doing here? How’d you get in here?” she whispered frantically.

“Well, darling, I have my ways of knowing how to pick locks around the palace. And Clara made an announcement downstairs before she went to bed that Julius had asked your dad if he could marry you. He said that you ‘quote un-quote had the attitude of a queen.’” he said while he indicated air quotes.

“So what?” she said angrily.

“Well, do you want to marry that pathetic wimp or what?” he asked.

“Well...no...”

Duncan ran over to her bedside with some rope in his hands. His teal eyes met hers.

“Then come on. I’m breaking you out of here.”