A Princess in Disguise by Michelle April Davis

Author:Michelle April Davis [ Davis, April Michelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-77180-163-8
Publisher: Iguana Books
Published: 2016-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

“I understand y’ want t’ marry for love, but yer sister Eleanor ’ad a point,” Huntley said.

Startled, I turned and looked at him from where we were sitting on the deck.

“When royalty from different kingdoms ’re married, we’ve less t’ worry about with invasions. That may only be words t’ y’, but t’ us commoners, it’s a matter of life or death. We’ve t’ worry if invaders will come an’ burn down our villages. Tis our women an’ our children that die. Men like my da fight an’ die.”

I was getting mad at Huntley. He made me sound selfish. “You are all the same! Men marry whom they want. They see a woman who looks pretty and will bear them nice children, and they demand a marriage. Women have no choice in the matter. Do you think we have no feelings? Do you think we have no aspirations of our own? Do you think we do not have certain desires for a marriage?”

“Whoa, Princess Margaret. Was only mentionin’ some benefits of yer bein’ married. Tis the reason yer father is marryin’ y’ all off. Y’ know that. That doesn’t mean I believe all marriages should be that way or that I think it’s fair for y’—’specially since it’s not what y’ want.”

I suddenly felt embarrassed by the way I had reacted. I was not prone to such outbursts. “I am sorry. I guess I am still angry about the situation and at my father.” I paused and looked at Huntley. He was right that my being married off would save a lot of people’s lives, but that did not mean I wanted to be forced against my will. “By my leaving, I hope Father will learn that we have feelings. Noblemen do that with their children, too. They marry them off to ensure power and growth. Most female children are not educated as much as my sisters and I because they will not control the country. We are sometimes the figureheads, but women do not actually make the decisions. I want to control my country alongside my husband and voice my opinions to serve my people.”

“Sounds t’ me like ’e’s a merchant an’ uses y’ an’ yer sisters t’ get the best deal. But yer strong, so when y’ marry y’ll be a good queen.”

It was late. We had watched the sun set a few hours ago. The moon was full tonight, though not always visible. Nor could many stars be seen in the cloudy sky. The fog lay on the ocean. It was hard to see in the distance. I could taste the wetness and feel it on my face and clothing. It began to rain. I was accustomed to the changing weather and went below to prepare for bed.

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