Royal Announcements

Princess Rayla smoothed her emerald silk gown and gazed out her bedroom window at the castle courtyard below. The morning sun made her blonde hair shimmer as she adjusted the pink bow that held back her waves.

"Rayla!" Queen Isabella's voice echoed through the stone corridors. "Come to the throne room, dear!"

Rayla hurried down the spiral staircase, her enormous skirt rustling with each step. The frills and ruffles bounced as she moved. Her blue eyes sparkled with curiosity.

In the grand throne room, her mother sat regally on the golden throne, wearing her sapphire crown. Prince Marcus, Rayla's older brother, stood beside her with a wide grin.

"My dear daughter," the Queen announced, "now that your brother is engaged, you have reached the proper age. You may begin receiving suitors!"

Rayla's heart skipped. Dating! She had dreamed of this moment.

"Really, Mother?" she gasped.

"Yes, darling. Tomorrow we'll make the announcement throughout the kingdom."

Rayla clapped her hands together, her mind already racing with possibilities.

The Unexpected Crowd

The next morning, Rayla skipped down to the royal gardens to pick flowers for her hair. She hummed softly as she reached for a white rose.

"Princess Rayla!" a voice called out.

She turned to see a young man with messy brown hair rushing toward her. Behind him came another suitor, then another. Soon dozens of eager young men surrounded her, all talking at once.

"Marry me, Princess!"

"I have three castles!"

"I brought you jewels!"

Rayla's blue eyes grew wide with panic. Her heart pounded as the crowd pressed closer. The beautiful morning had turned into her worst nightmare.

"Please, I need space!" she gasped, but her voice was lost in the noise.

A sparrow landed on her shoulder and chirped urgently, as if sensing her distress. The tiny bird's presence gave her a moment of comfort.

"Everyone stop!" she finally shouted.

The crowd fell silent. Rayla's hands shook as she smoothed her pink silk dress. She had never felt so overwhelmed in her entire life.

"I... I need time to think," she whispered, then ran back toward the castle.