Rachael Ritchey - The Beauty Thief

To my daughters, Kass and Onna

Your beauty lies not in

how you look or what you wear.

It is in the depths of your heart

where character and courage reside.

Map

Chapter 1

Betrothed

H ow could she be expected to endure an assault on her freedom? Her future? Her happiness?

Caityn wanted to stomp her feet or throw something. Still, she had enough composure left to realize only a toddler would behave so. By sheer force of will alone, she held herself in check, but she couldnt keep the growing monster of dread from tainting her voice.

I hate being a princess! Im weary of always being told what I can and cannot do. Caityn grabbed the pillow from her window seat and squeezed it against her chest. I want to make my own choices, and I should be allowed to make this one myself.

Caityn

Im thirteen now. Why cant I choose for myself, Mama?

She couldnt mask her agitation any longer as she turned away and threw the pillow down on the seat. Caityn stared out the window and wished the weather would be as gloomy as her mood. Her mother hadnt spoken for quite a while, and when Ismenes voice broke the silence from just behind her, Caityn cringed.

Daughter, as much as you think being a princess is difficult and drudgery, you have no idea how the world around you works. Her mother placed a gentle hand on Caityns arm and turned her around. I know you are capable of making your own decisions, but my point is plain, dearest. Every person must take orders of some kind or another. Even your father has rules to live by.

We all have roles in life which we must fulfill. But, whatever your role, it is not who you are as a person. It is merely what you do. Now stop this fussing and listen, Caityn. Princess is not who you are; it is your job. Who you choose to be in the midst, my love, is entirely up to you.

Ismene paused to let her words sink in, but Caityn didnt want to hear any of it.

Now, Caityn. I can read the look on your face. This does not release you from your responsibility. You still must marry the man your father chose for you. Pick up your protruding lip and come sit by me on the bed.

Caityn glowered at the back of her mothers head as she watched the always graceful queen glide across the room. Her feet, though, refused to budge. She was unsettled over the whole conversation and couldnt bring herself to comply.

When the queen sat, their eyes met, and as if willed to move only by her mothers mind, Caityn approached the edge of the bed. But she refused to sit, crossing her arms over her chest.

I still dont see why I have to marry some stranger, some... some old stuffed-shirt!

Caityn, her mother said, reproachful, I will not have you insulting the high prince with such childish name-calling. Besides, hes only five years your senior. Be glad your father didnt wait for a prince of the realms to choose you. Do sit. Id like to tell you a story.

She finally gave in, sitting almost a foot away from her mother. Caityn wanted to make it clear she sat of her own accord. She startled when Ismene wrapped an arm around her waist and scooted close.

Without wasting any time, Ismene began her impromptu tale. Once upon a time there was a little princess who loved horses. She was all of three years old but begged her papa to let her ride his stallions. Many times she implored and many times the king refused. She was persistent, and one day his nay changed to yea.

The princess was thrilled, and her father was pleased to fulfill her wish. He took her to the stables to meet her new equestrian friend.

One day during her riding lessons, her dear papa had a meeting to attend and couldnt watch her as she mastered her new skill. But on this day, she had a new audience: a quiet young boy who stood on the fence.

Now, she was a brave one, if not a little headstrong, and she tried to make her sweet horse go faster than was prudent. She did not listen to her training master. She did not listen to her nursery maid who loved her so dearly, and, sadly, the little princess took quite a tumble.

My oh my, there was such a ruckus! But, quiet and calm, the boy from the fence carried you home.

No one stood in his way as he trudged up the hillhe was a prince, you see. And it was quite a sight, a ragtag group from the stables. They huddled protectively around you and the high prince.

Caityn leaned away and shifted to face her mother. This story is about me?

Yes, sweetheart. Youve always had a mind of your own, and you can see, it is not always in your best interest.

I still dont see why I must marry somebody Ive never met.

Dont you see? Ismene said and folded her hands in her lap. You have met. The boy at the stableshe is your betrothed. That was the day we made the betrothal agreement. I was worried at first, but the high prince proved to your father and me that even at a young age he had a good head on his shoulders, not to mention a chivalrous heart.

Caityn flopped back on the bed and grunted, covering her eyes with her arm. Some prince, who carried a three-year-old, is the ball to which I am doomed to be chained to for the rest of my life!

She felt the bed move when Ismene stood, but she didnt bother to lift her arm from her eyes. In truth, it was the only thing holding her tears at bay.

Really, Caityn, dont you think thats a little dramatic, even for you?

Not in the least. Caityns distress caused a poisonous anger to lace her voice. It didnt matter that he might have done something nice when she was a toddler. Neither did she know him nor want to get to know him. Not ever.

She wiped her arm across her face and thrust up from the bed to stand rigid. Can you even imagine what it is like to be told you have no choice of who you will marry?

Sweetheart, have you forgotten? Your father and I were betrothed. I never met him until our wedding day.

Mama! The endearment was drawn out in exasperation. I mean, I dont even like boys. Well, not really. Well, I dont know what I think of boys, but marriage? I dont even want to think about it! I dont want to marry anybody!

Even when youre fuming mad, I love you. Still, Caity, this attitude must change. Hmmm... think of it this way. You need never worry about whom you will marry. Instead, you can focus on all the other wonderful parts of being a young woman with a bright future ahead.

Besides, thinking seriously about marriage right now is unnecessary. Your father and I only wanted to tell you of this to give you time to prepare for the future. We didnt want to leave it until the last moment.

Caityn couldnt keep the hurt out of her voice. I dont think it would matter when you told me. I would still hate it.

She stood stiff as Ismene reached out. Her mothers embrace and gentle strokes upon Caityns head worked their magic. Reluctant though she was to accept the inevitable dreariness of her future, Caityn felt her resolve softening.

Ismene whispered, Caity, you will always be you, even though you are the princess of Taisce with a very important role to play. No one and nothing can change who you are. This will always be your choice.

Chapter 2

Five Years Later