It is believed that Midas died a ruined man.

The gold be held could not be eaten nor could it keep his flesh warm. Damned for his greed; he could only sit and watch as fate's irony grasped at his life with the same hunger he had known so well.

This tale has been passed word to mouth and finger to page for generations, each instilling the belief that chasing riches and luxury will leave you as cold as Midas. This interpretation was just as shallow as his desire.

Hunger is what drove Midas to his madness.

That intense lack of satisfaction that leaves a bitter taste on your tongue and a hole in your gut that seeps deeper and deeper into your flesh until it envelopes you whole.

This type of hunger is not rare nor is it unique. In the case of my father, it was predestined from the men that came before him. The liquid gold that warmed his gut and filled his cup was more precious than life itself.

It was clear as he watched the downfall of our kingdom with the only remorse in his body towards his empty glass. Plenty of times our villagers would crawl into our castle, begging for reassurance that their king will change for the betterment of the people but each time they were met with curses and ignorance.

As a child, I still remember torches lighting a path to our castle as the people revolted, screaming of his greed and demanding the family be dethroned. I could only hold onto my mother's robes as my father promised to reverse the damage he's done.

Even with his life on the line, that hunger did not cease.

I never understood his yearnings until now. The noisy sound of scuffling feet and rushed feet added to the chaos around me. The sweet sound of silence was my only wish as I could feel the pounding in my head beginning to grow with every passing second.

My ladies in waiting scrambled around with preparing my wedding ensemble, butlers yelled over each other about the reception, and of course loudest of them all was the king, my father, who did nothing but command and give speeches about the importance of this ceremony.

I clearly wasn't the only one sick of my father's talking as our servants rolled their eyes or made busy in any room he was not in.

"Two worlds will collide into one in just little over an hour and I have yet to see progress! This ceremony must be the epitome of perfection!" My father boasted loudly at anyone who was in his range of sight. I wish I could proudly yell like an idiot and have others forced to listen. It was clearly entertaining to agitate others in my fathers eyes.

My father not only held the title of 'greedy idiot' around the kingdom but he was also known for his pride. Refusing to pay back the Driscoll, my father used the rest of the funding for his pity war. Shallow as he is, he promised payment to any soldier who partook and compensation for any life lost.

The Driscoll kingdom was clearly more stable and powerful as the war my father started only lasted a few months. It only took a group of soldiers to march into our castle and demand that he surrender for my father to fall to his knees and beg for forgiveness.

With all the debt still on the shoulders of my people, my father had to 'sacrifice' his only daughter to the Driscoll kingdom to be wed to the prince.

My mouth curled in disgust at knowing what would soon become of me. I could only watch the floor as I felt my father's eyes land on me. My stomach sunk lower as I listened to his footsteps approach me, "This wedding will save our people, Annmarie." His hand came down to rest on mine in my lap, "You are a blessing to this kingdom." His underlying tone felt like a threat as I quickly pulled my hand back from his.

"Against my will." I spoke lowly, earning a scoff from him, "Would you rather have your people suffer? Do you not see what this kingdom has become?" He snapped as he lowered his face to mine. My face remained stoic as I looked through him, doing my best to ignore his harsh eye contact, "I've guarded you too well in this castle.. It's only right you repay me." His eyes scanned my face, waiting for a reaction as he leaned closer.

I knew his little game too well, "Im sure you have bigger debt to worry about." My thought almost slipped through my lips but I remained still as he stood back up.

"Fix your face." He pinched my chin until I finally cracked and winced. "You will be married today. No amount of pouting will change it." We locked eyes for a moment, nothing but anger reflecting back at each other before he turned to my lady in waiting, "Make sure she wears what I prepared for her. She needs to look like she has value." He emphasized before giving me a side eye.

I rolled my eyes and watched him make his way back out of my room, straight towards the butlers who were preparing dinner decorations.

It seemed like I was the only one capable of feeling pity. The women that surrounded me payed my pain no mind as they prepared my hair. It's not uncommon for a princess to be married and shipped away. In my sake, I should be grateful it wasn't sooner. I've heard of too many young brides and the thought made me sick.

"What is the purpose of Marriage if not for love?" I couldn't stop my wandering mind as I looked back in my mirror. I did my best to stay still in my chair, letting my ladies in waiting finish my hair and makeup. My eyes closed as one commanded them to be.

Is it no different than a old cow being sold to a butcher?
It is a situation reaping benefits that everyone indulges in but her. The farmer gets the coin, the butcher gets the meat, and towns people eat.

And what does the cow get? Nothing.

Even now as I listened to the muffled celebration echoing from the town below through my window, I couldn't help the twist in my stomach. The people had every reason to celebrate. The kingdoms will merge into a singular mighty force and the suffering will stop. No more sons being drafted, no more hungry children in the streets, and no more widows.

They waited long for their king to do his job. I could only imagine the suffering they endured under my father's ruling. Still, it is a shame in my eyes that instead of righting his wrongs, he has turned to me. His only daughter.

His little cow.

What better way to escape the consequences of his tyranny than to marry his daughter off to another king and connect the lands? The other king will have the responsibility of the people while he gets to lay on his back in his castle and step down to become governor.

My father is filth.

Thinking of the man left a bitter taste in my mouth. I didn't want to think any more as I tried to focus on getting dressed. I said nothing as I watched them lay my dress upon my bedsheets and usher me to stand behind my dressing screen. My nightgown was quickly replaced with an undergarment then my corset. I raised my arms automatically as they placed it around my torso.

I did my best to remain silent but I couldn't help the little winces that left my lips as it grew tighter and tighter with every tug. My hands grasped my two other maids as they held me steady. The pain was unbearable but better than the sharp slaps I would get if I refused to wear it.

I couldn't help my small yell as a metal button dug into my back. One of the ladies slapped my shoulder, "Quiet. It's not it's tightest." I send her a harsh glare, "You would be killed in other kingdoms for that.. be grateful." I snap and she scoffs, "You don't have the conviction to do anything. Let alone send me to death, princess." She mockingly said my title before tightening the corset more, making my back ache and my teeth dig into my lip.

The only good thing about this terrible day was finally getting away from these people.

The ladies finished minutes later and I already felt faint. My eyes closed quickly as my hands moved to my stomach, trying to calm the aches from nervousness and lack circulation. The room felt like it was afloat as I let myself lean against the wall.

"Princess Annmarie.. I need you to focus." My eyes snapped to a maid who was holding my gown up. It was clearly meant to be form fitting and tight, which made me almost release a sob. She laid it open on the floor and ushered me to step in it, which I complied hesitantly. It put up a fight to get on but when it finally buttoned, I knew I was going to be stuck for a while.

The maids covered my eyes before guiding me to my mirror. I could care less about the look but I complied, huffing softly as I felt them stop me.

"And finished." One spoke up and uncovered my eyes. I couldn't help my gut sink as I looked at myself.

I was drowned in white silk like a ghost. the fabric wrapped tightly around my figure and only revealed my shoulders and breasts. I almost gagged at seeing them so raunchily exposed. Of course my father picked this. It clearly showed the type of women he spent his time with.

Then he paired it with bright gold jewelry, which I knew must have been a hand me down from my grandmother. There was no other way my father could have afforded it.

My eyes traveled further to my face. I hated the bright red lipstick he chose and the way my curls were tucked into a tight bun. My appearance reminded me nothing of myself. I felt as if I was watching the life of another woman through her eyes.

My nose scrunched as I looked towards the crowd of maids, "My father chose this dress, correct?" I questioned and a woman nodded, "Yes.. He chose everything, princess." I hummed softly before stepping away from the mirror.

A loud knock on the door made everyone still as we all looked towards it, "Yes?" I call out and watch as my father opens my door once again. He gave me a good look before smiling brightly, "Good. You have been well prepared." He stepped to the side and motioned for me to leave my room but my feet felt rooted to their spot.

We locked eyes for a moment. The air became heavy as the ladies in waiting quickly rushed their way out into the hallway.

"The Prince has already entered the Kingdom.. It is only a matter of time, Annmarie." He walked towards me before grabbing my wrist, "We mustn't make him wait." I knew better than to fight his grasp as I let him lead me out the castle.

"Already? So soon?" I questioned as I nervously looked back at my bedroom. My whole life consisted of nothing but these castle walls and now I'm being dragged out like a street rat. "The wedding is not till noon. He is hours early." I tried to slow my father down but it was useless.

My eyes could only look at my childhood home one last time as I fought tears. Nothing happening to me was fair nor humane and no matter how much I protested it was useless. I learned the hard way when I was first given the news of the agreement.

I had pleaded for weeks. On my hands and knees begging for him to change his mind but he would always brush me away or turn aggressive. It wasn't until he laid hands on me did I finally accept my fate.

I was to be married to the Prince of Driscoll, a man I've never laid eyes on, and save my kingdom.

_________

Hello readers!!

Thanks so much for being patient with me and understanding! I know it's been a bump ride with this book but I hope you all truly enjoy it! 💗

There will be romance, spice, and even a little danger!

- Jawn Cuffiez