My name is Annika Barclay. I'm the Duchess of Brassmore, the daughter to the Queen of Ironhelm and brother to the prince.

   My father passed on long ago during the Great Wars. He was a brave, loving man and he will be missed by all of his people and, most importantly, his family. My mother, Queen Helena, took over his rule. However, her time as queen is beginning to pass, she wishes to live out the rest of her days in peace.

   My older brother, Prince Aiden, is to take her place. He was the first born. It is his birthright. However, he is not married, which presents quite the problem.

   That's why I was headed to Castle Ironhelm. My mother has selected three suitors, one of which will be wed to my brother and he can take his rightful place as king. They will be staying in the castle for two months while my brother deliberates.

   He never seemed interested in arranged weddings. He believed in true love. That, when he least expected it, he would find the one.

   But, my mother's age has become to big a factor. She's ready to retire her crown. And, weather he's ready or not, my brother is to be wed at the end of those two months...

   "Your Grace, we are approaching Castle Ironhelm." I heard. It was the voice of my royal bodyguard, Sir Arthur Conrad. He was a lieutenant in my fathers army. My mother assigned him as my personal bodyguard when I was appointed Duchess of Brassmore.

I nodded to him. "Fantastic, sir, I can not wait to see my brother again. It has been far to long."

He gave me a little smile. "Indeed it has, your grace."

Sir Arthur pulled our carriage towards the entrance to Castle Ironhelm. The guards out front lowered a large, wooden drawbridge, nodding to us as we rode past.

I looked up in awe at the castle. My castle back home was well enough, but Castle Ironhelm would always be my home.

Sir Arthur departed our carriage before helping me down. "Why don't you head inside, your grace? I'll get the horses in their stables."

"Thank you, sir, I shall meet you inside." I replied, giving him a wave before heading into the castle.

The Royal Gaurd all stood at attention as I passed, heading down the familiar halls to the throne room.

The door man gave me a curtesy, opening the door for me afterwards. "Now entering, Duchess Annika Barclay of Brassmore." He announced.

My mother looked up, a big smile spreading on her lips.

I returned it, picking up my stride, meeting her for a warm embrace.

"Oh, my daughter, how I've missed you." She greeted.

I pulled back, still holding her at arms length. "I missed you as well, mother. I heard the news of Aiden's courtship and got down here as soon as I could."

My mother rested a hand on my shoulder. "A fine gesture, I am quite sure your brother will be pleased to see you."

I turned to the throne room doors. "Where is Aiden?"

My mother stepped next to me. "He's getting ready. His suitors are already here."

I let out a small breath. "How does he feel about all of this?"

My mother looked down. "He will get used to it. He has to, it is his duty... I wish I could've waited a little longer, but Ironhelm needs a king. Besides, I'm far to old to rule on my own anymore."

I let out a laugh. "Do not fool yourself, mother, you could still pass for our sister."

My mother gave a polite laugh in return. "Thank you, Annika."

I gave her arm a light squeeze, just as the doors opened once again. "Now entering, Princess Morgan Rye of Woodhold, Princess Darcie Easton of Coalburn and Princess Caroline Beckett of Steelcove." The door man announced.

My mother and I looked on as three beautiful, young princesses entered the throne room. One by one they dropped into a graceful curtesy for my mother and I.

My mother appraised them with a smile. "Welcome to Castle Ironhelm, I hope your stay has been pleasant so far."

The princesses each nodded to my mother.

"You are all here to court my son, Prince Aiden, and whoever he so chooses will become the new queen of Ironhelm..." She started.

As she continued, my eyes wandered over the three women. Each more beautiful than the last. My brother was a lucky man, that was for sure.

Then, my eyes landed on Princess Caroline and, to my surprise, she was already looking at me. Her gaze fell, though, when I saw her. A light pink flowed through her cheeks. A blush For me?

I fought back a smile as my eyes remained on the princess.

"Now entering, Prince Aiden Barclay of Ironhelm." The door man announced.

We all turned to the doors, seeing my brother entering. He was in formal wear, sword hanging from his hip, his boots echoing through the large room. He was definitely a royal, through and through.

His facade faltered when he saw me, a hint of a smile forming on his lips.

He pulled me into a tight hug. "I've missed you so, Annie." Then, he pulled back. "We shall catch up later."

I gave him a nod. "I look forward to it."

He pressed a kiss to my mothers cheek afterwards before turning to the three princesses. Darcie and Morgan seemed smitten almost immediately. Caroline, on the other hand, let her gaze fall back onto me.

I felt my face flush this time, meeting her eyes. She didn't pull away this time, instead allowing a polite smile to spread across her lips. It was beautiful. Flirtatious... How could you think such a thing? This woman might end up being your sister-in-law and the queen of your homeland.

I finally pulled my gaze from hers, but I could feel her eyes still locked onto me.

After the introductions were out of the way, each princess provided my brother a gift. He thanked them and they gave us one more curtesy before exiting the room, Caroline giving me one last look over her shoulder as she left...