My eyes darted nervously around the vast, yet empty chamber, while my heart thundered like the wild stallions my father tamed. Hundreds of thoughts raced through my mind. Who is this "Viking Prince" my parents so quickly engaged me to? Were my poor mother and father bribed with a great deal of gold to send me here? Why was I not allowed to see my reflection? Why couldn't I see my gown? I stared down at my unflattering, drab brown working dress, complete with mud stains and my worn-out leather boots I had been given as a birthday present. My arms still had dirt and grim splattered across them, and although I couldn't see it, I was sure my hair was a frizzy, coiled knot resting atop my head. Why was a peasant going to be presented to a Prince in such a horrendous presentation?

The grand oak doors ahead opened, sending a rushing wind winding through the chamber. A mountain of a man with fiery red hair strolled out of the entrance and halted before me. Then, he did something unexpected. Folding his gigantic frame, the man knelt on one knee and bowed his head.

" Enchantress Kamaria, my name is Rhen, Second Soldier to the throne. It is my duty to my King-Prince to escort you to the Meeting Chamber. Please, do not struggle or fight. It will be pointless and only cause a scene". Rhen's thunderous voice boomed through the chamber.

I slowly gave Rhen my hand, and he whisked me away to the grand doors. Passing by, I noticed a mirror frosted with snow and ice that I knew wasn't there before.

Slowly, I approached the mirror, suspicious of how it came about. As I neared, the frost retreated and I gasped at my reflection. I was dazzling, a princess born from winter.

My long, golden hair hung in loose tendrils past my fingertips. My eyes were a sparkling emerald, framed by long, black lashes with frosty tips. My usual cracked and pale lips were a full pale pink, and my skin was the color of sunlight on snow. The dress I wore completed the fairytale image perfectly.

The sleeveless heart-shaped top flowed to a corset, which was studded with silver beads and petals. The silken material then flowed like water past my feet and trailed onto the ground.The ivory garment seemed to be woven from snow and starlight. The sight of something so grand took my breath away.

I turned to Rhen, giving him my hand. Revived with new courage, I walked to the oak doors, ready to meet my Prince.

We passed several dark corridors until we had reached another set of huge doors, except these were black and had silver-studded handles. I felt my heart hammer against my breastbone. This was when I'd meet my new husband, and I felt my breathing pick up.

Rhen squeezed my hand. " Don't worry, Kamaria. I'm sure you'll be more than happy to see the Prince." With that, Rhen pushed the giant doors open, and I braced myself for the worst.