Her POV - Daughter x Father
This is a short story between parties above the age of 18
I took time to brush out my hair as I stared in the mirror. I'm not sure about other girls, but for me, brushing my hair could be my favorite activity. When I was young my mother used to sit me in her lap for what felt like hours just to tame my long locks. She'd whisper tales into my ear and explain our kingdom's inner workings. She swore I'd be the most beautiful and brave queen this realm has seen in a millennia.
My mother taught me many things before her sudden death. I learned that it was okay to admire yourself, my beauty was a weapon to look highly on. It was a gift from our gods and I should cherish it as such. So I did. Each and every chance I got I'd stand in front of my gold vined mirror and look upon myself.
I like to think of my mother standing behind me, looking over my shoulder and nodding her approval. It makes my heart hurt to imagine her making sure my dress was fitted properly and my hair was done right, knowing that now I'd have to check for myself.
My mother also taught me that my duty was to the kingdom and the land. My eighteenth birthday took place last full moon and I've taken my duty incredibly seriously since. I was the future queen and the people expected me to show I was loyal and reliable. My test as the princess would be tonight. My father has been hinting at this day since my recent birthday, today he would explain what is now expected of me and prove my strength.
I finish brushing my red waves and turn to the corridor outside my room. My emerald gown swishes between my legs as I take the few minute walk to my father's personal sitting area.
Soon enough my fist knocks his door and I hear him yell for me, "Come in, darling!"
Opening the thick wood door reveals my father resting on his blood red, velvet lounge. I've always loved this room with it's coziness compared to the rest of the castle. My mother had decorated it with warm colored tapestries and love. Even after her death three years back, my father hasn't moved a thing.
My heels make a tapping sound as I enter the room and let out a small curtsey, "Father."
"Adelaide, please come take a seat, we have important matters to discuss today."
Gracefully I move to sit across from him and keep my back straight, not allowing myself to relax for this conversation. We sit in silence for a moment, studying each other. He looks as dashing as always. His large frame is covered in expensive cloth, his dark hair perfectly styled.
Breaking the silence, his commanding voice fills the space, "Adelaide, as you know, you are now an adult. This comes with specific duties that are expected of you to uphold the kingdom."
"Yes, Father."
He stares into my eyes, "As the future queen you need to show the people you can produce heirs. You also need to show your diligence in keeping the royal line pure. I had shown disregard for this when I married your mother and we are still seeing the effects at how the courts were displeased 'til this day. We can't make this same mistake twice."
Gently, I mange to ask, "Pure? As in I will have to marry a relative?"
"Yes, that is what your title asks of you. But this is where the problem lies..."
He stays silent for a moment before puffing out a breath, "We have looked and there aren't any available male relatives you can wed. None that share a suitable amount of purity. I have spoken to the courts and we have come to a solution, of sorts."
"What is the solution, Father?"
"The courts wish me to take you as my second wife and we will produce your heirs", he says, letting it hang in the air.
I stare wide eyed, not knowing an appropriate response. Inside I want to scream and refuse. Of course I want to do my duty as this kingdom's future queen, but this... to do something so vulgar with
my own father.
The concept makes me sick to my stomach.
"F-father, I can't. It isn't right."
He raises an unimpressed eyebrow at me, "You swore to your kingdom and the gods you would do
whatever
is necessary. Was that a lie?"
"N-no, of course not."
"Then you will do this for our family legacy, for the kingdom, and for the gods. That is final."
I nod meekly to show him I understand. My gaze holds towards the corner of the wall as I hold back tears of injustice.
"Our engagement will be announced next full moon, which is in two days time. You will put on a brave face and suck it up. This is our job and we will do what is necessary. The wedding will take place in three moons, that should give us enough time to set up a grand wedding and for you to come used to the idea."
I nod an affirmation and push out, "That sounds perfect."
"Please do not hold this against me, darling. We are all just pawns in the gods' plans."
"Of course, Father."