A knock at the door startled her, making her drop her pencil. She sighed, cleaning up what she had been drawing with. Standing from her chair, she turned around and crossed her arms, before saying "Come in."
Her door opened, revealing one of the palace's maids. The maid curtsied to her, before announcing "Your parents wish to see you in their study."She sighed again, briefly nodding to the the maid. "You're dismissed." The maid nodded, taking her leave and closing the door behind her.
She looked back at her desk full of drawings and paper and other various things. Expression softening for a brief moment, she gathered herself together before walking over to her mirror to analyze herself.
What do they want now... She shook her head, heading over to the door and opening it.
• • •
Entering into her parent's study, she walked over to her parents. "Yes, Mother and Father?"
The two rulers exchanged a look, before looking at her. "Eclipse, we have made the decision that you need to be married. You are already twenty-two, so you must find a partner to rule with. We have sent out an invitation to all kingdoms for a royal ball this weekend. You will pick someone then."
She stared at them with a neutral look, but she was shocked and upset. "W-What? That's too soon! I need to love them, not just marry to rule! You- You can't do this!"
Without leaving the two time to speak, she was out the door and running out the palace. Starting to sob, she took flight and flew as fast as she could.