Chapter 1

The Shocking News

Jackilynn's POV

Today was an ordinary day. Wake up, get dressed, sweep the kitchen, feed the animals, then cook breakfast. Doing all of my daily routine.

"We have some big news for you today." mom said at the table during breakfast. "Very big news." dad said nodding.

"What big news?" Jackie said.

"Cécilé, do you think we should tell her?" Dad said.

"No Nicholas, we have to keep our word, and be patient." mom exclaimed. I looked between the two and let the topic go. I got up and grabbed the dishes. I placed them carefully into the sink.

My life has been complicated. My parents argue about money almost every night. My mom, Cécilé had lost her job two days ago. And my dad, Nicholas gets paid less than he's supposed to. At the age of 7 I started taking care of the animals and selling the woven blankets I had made. That gave me about 2 dollars per item. I am currently 16 and my birthday is in a couple months.

And although I live in the beautiful city of Paris and have a wonderful French family. Things really never went my way.

But back to reality, as I finished washing the dishes, I grabbed a basket and headed out to town. We lived far away from the town in a small cottage. but I never mind walking. I like watching the birds sing, and the cool wind blowing my dress to one side.

About 10 minutes later I reached town. lots of the people in the town adore me. Sometimes they give me a free orange or some carrots. Although everyone speaks French and rarely ever speaks English. As I entered the town, I got many greetings and hello's. I walked over to the bakery to pick up some bread, when I got a tap on the shoulder.

A man was standing behind me with a letter. "bonjour vous êtes Jackilynn?" (hello are you Jackilynn?) The man said.

"Oui. est-ce pour moi?" (Yes. is that for me?) I asked back. He just nodded his head yes and handed it to me.

"Merci." He tipped his hat then walked away.

I opened the letter and read the fancy writing.

Cher Jackilynn , je vais visiter votre maison à 7 heures précises. J'ai hâte de vous voir .

sincèrement ,

Prince Pierre Bazil

(Dear Jackilynn, i will be visiting your home at 7 o'clock sharp. I look forward to seeing you.

sincerely, Prince Piérré Bázil)

I put the letter back into the envelope.

The Prince is visiting me?!

I quickly bought the bread then rushed home to see a beautiful stallion tied to the giant tree in the yard. I rushed inside the house and saw him standing by the kitchen. I took in his features. I had never seen him before in person, only in pictures. His black hair was styled nicely, and his clothes just shouted expensive. His form was muscular. But in all, he was really scary. He noticed me enter the cottage and welcomed me.

"Bonjour Jackilynn. I've been waiting for your arrival. It's very nice to finally meet you." He bent down and kissed my hand. When he let go I grabbed the sides of my dress and curtsied for him.

I knew I wasn't supposed to speak in English around him, so I didn't.

"Votre Majesté , je suis désolé, je n'avais fait attendre . S'il vous plaît, pardonnez-moi ." (your majesty, i am sorry i had kept you waiting. please forgive me.)

I stood back up and placed the bread on the table. I turned away from him feeling my cheeks heat up in embarrassment and nervousness.

I felt someone grab me by the waist and whisper in my ear. "It's okay, you may speak to me in English."

He's holding me.... why is he even here?!

"Merci. Why, may I ask, are you here to visit me?" I asked nervously.

He's still holding me..... awkward.....

"Are you nervous?" he whispered again dodging my question. I nodded my head slowly. "don't be." he finished. I nodded my head again.

Then I heard the call of my parents from the living room. He immediately let go of me so I could talk to my parents. I walked away awkwardly to the living room and saw my dad standing and my mom sitting.

"Care to explain mère? Père?" (Mother, Father) I questioned.

"I knew we should have told her sooner, Cécile!" my dad told my mom.

"Just be quiet so I can explain, Nicholas." she sneered.

"Dear, because we're so poor, we can't afford enough food for all of us anymore. We told Piérré about our situation and he agreed on one condition." she stopped. I already knew what she was going to say. And my eyes already started to water.

"He agreed if you would marry him."

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A/N: hello people! Hope you like the first chapter. yes I am doing 2 books at a time. Old cover for multimedia. Don't forget to read elemental eyes and elemental fate. follow me and my co-author: Gbellan220. Bye for now! luv, Kya