A thin, intricate gold frame twisted around gleaming stones, so simple, so delicate, yet so heavy. It was more than just a metal, it was a responsibility: something she hadn't expected to inherit.

The kingdom was reeling under the loss of their King, Queen and heir. They needed a vestige of royal blood, an icon to look to. She understood the need for stability, the desire for some authoritative figure.

She just couldn't bear being that authority.

"Your Majesty?" A soft voice broke through her thoughts.

She twirled around in surprise, only to see her chambermaid. A young girl, pretty and fair, she blushed under the scrutiny of her mistress, eyes respectfully lowered.

"Are you here to prepare me for the Royal Court?"

The reply was a nervous nod.

Sighing, the princess shook her head.

"If I am expected to rule a kingdom, I think I can manage my wardrobe. You won't be needed today." Gesturing her away, the princess got on with her work.

"Your majesty..."

"Was there something else?" The balance between dismissive and concerned. Something her father had taught her years ago, when she had been his only child.

"The ministers wish to have a word with you. They are right outside." She curtsied quickly.

She sighed.

"Send them in. Let me deal with it, no point putting it off." She nodded, the tiara going back on.

Six ministers. They were smart men, no doubt. Their wisdom had kept them alive in times of war, saved them from loss and death. But they didn't respect her. As far as they were concerned, the kingdom would have been better off if her baby brother had been the last living royal blood.

"Your highness." They bowed in unison, eerily similar.

"Ministers. How may I be of assistance?" A firm smile, that reproached without accusing. Her mother had taught her that one, to help her when she felt underestimated.

"We understand it might be too soon, your highness, after all, we have all lost our best leader. But we have come to a conclusion: you must marry." The oldest one spoke without preamble, the spokesperson of the committee.

She blinked, stunned. Marry? Marry?

A wave of hysteria hit her. Of course. Instead of seeking comfort in the presence of a heir, they would rather barter her away to another man.

"I am sorry, but I am not betrothed any more. My intended was in the carriage when it went off the cliff, as you well know." She bit out, furious.

The men had the decency to look at abashed, but they were undeterred.

" We understand, Princess, but a kingdom needs a man on the throne. We have already selected a suitable prince for you to marry. You must understand, it is for the people." The minister persisted.

Eyes burning with fury, she turned away, looking from out of the high windows. She barely registered the men leaving the room, mumbling about a woman's temperament.

Queen. She was not just a princess, not any more. But the world would never see that, because nobody wants to. They would gladly marry her off to some second-in-line, self-entitled heir, if it meant having a man on the throne. They did not care if their princess was still grieving over her loss.

She screamed, grabbing a vase off the table and smashing it against the wall.

"There will be none of that when we are married. Those shards could hurt you. One would think you were smart enough to know that." A confident voice came from behind her.

She turned around abruptly, still panting from her outburst. She took in the young man clad in riding clothes. Windswept hair danced gently in the breeze, while his brown eyes twinkled underneath like two gems. His hands were at the hilt of his sword, where his insignia declared itself in pride.

She didn't need to know which kingdom he was from to recognise him.

"You shouldn't just walk into the royal chambers, especially when you aren't expected. One would think you were well-bred enough to know that, prince. I have heard of you. How did you get in here?" She reached for her dagger, eyes narrowed at the smirking prince.

"Haven't you heard? We are to be married, oh dearly beloved!" He barked out a humourless laugh.

She paled.

"No. They would never... they chose you?" She stammered, weak in her knees.

"You turned me down in favor of that oaf you were betrothed to, but your ministers saw in me what you could never see. So get used to it, my Queen, because once you become mine, I will be walking in, especially when I am not expected." He smiled, tight-lipped, before turning away.

"You wanted to marry me for a chance at my kingdom! He loved me! Of course I chose him!" She screamed at his back, tears streaming.

He turned, eyes storming.

"Love? That is a poor man's fantasy, you fool! The only thing that really matters is winning, and with me, you will be on the winning side." He laughed at her, before leaving her.

In the ruins of her life, she smiled grimly. She might not be allowed to rule. She might be underestimated, pushed down, forgotten. But she knew one thing for sure.

She could change what history made of them.

She sat down at her table with a parchment and a quill, and began waging her battle.

A/N:
Yes, it is true. Three updates in a day. I have been putting off updating them, looking for images and media, editing them... but it is finally here!
It has been a long time coming, but I am still alive. Love you loads, you adorable souls.
Toodles!