Hans and Danica

Danica paced back and forth in the sitting room, her mind racing with frustration. Her sister Danielle sat calmly on the couch, watching her with a mixture of understanding and concern. "Very soon, little sis," Danielle had said, but Danica knew that her sister didn't understand. She didn't understand what it was like to be forced into a marriage you didn't want, to be treated like a pawn in a game of power and wealth. Danielle had always been like a mother to Danica, supporting her and guiding her. But their parents were a different story altogether.

They saw Danica as a tool to further their own interests, a way to secure alliances and expand their wealth. Danielle had been lucky to meet the man of her dreams and Danica envied that about her, because she wasn't bothered about being in an arranged marriage. "You have no idea what you're saying, Danielle," Danica exclaimed, her voice shaking with emotion. "I'm not ready to get married! I want to marry the man I love, not some stranger who only wants me for my family's connections." But Danielle knew that their parents wouldn't listen. They had already arranged for Danica to marry the prince of Beaumont, a man she had never met. The city of Beaumont was a small but beautiful place, known for its modern architecture and rich history. But it was also a city where wealth and status were everything, where the poor were barely noticed. And Danica knew that she was just a pawn in a much larger game. As she paced, Danica's mind wandered to the prince of Beaumont. What was he like? Was he kind and gentle, or cold and distant? Did he care about his people, or only about his own power and privilege? She had no answers, but she knew that she would soon find out. Meanwhile, in Beaumont, Prince Johannes Lancelot was preparing for the annual festival, where he would be expected to greet all the maidens of the city as a show of respect for their beauty. But the prince had other plans. He was secretly courting a commoner, Jane Walker, the beautiful daughter of a delivery driver and a janitor. No one knew about their relationship, not even Jane's parents. As the prince made his way to Jane's cabin, he couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. He had to be careful, as his father, the king, would never approve of his relationship with a commoner. But the prince couldn't help himself. He was deeply in love with Jane, and he would do anything to be with her. His personal guard, Raymond, reminded him of his father's strict orders to return to the palace. "Your Grace, His majesty gave strict orders for you to return to the Royal palace after your parade." The prince turned to look at him. "Sorry, Raymond, I would love to be excused. I would return when I'm done." Raymond was shut and never spoke again, as always, he gave way to the prince to do whatever he wanted. He was always going to visit his girlfriend and Raymond knew about it but never said a word. Raymond found out a month ago, when he noticed the prince's visit to the sub Area of Beaumont. And has since steered clear off the Prince's affairs. The prince can be sublime and difficult at the same time. Raymond knew they would be in trouble if the king ever found out of his secret visits to the commoner, the prince would not only be in trouble but Raymond might encounter worse; so Raymond knew better to avoid the Danger of the Royals, even if it means disobeying the king. When he arrived at the cabin, Jane answered the door, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw the prince standing before her. "Missed me, baby?" he asked, flashing his charming smile. Jane blushed and smiled, opening the door wider to let him in. "Always," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. And with that, the prince swept her into his arms, and they shared a passionate kiss, their love for each other burning brighter than ever. As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the prince knew that he had to find a way to be with Jane openly, without fear of his father's disapproval. He knew that it wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to risk everything for the woman he loved. ********************************* Back in the sitting room, Danica finally collapsed onto the couch, exhausted from her pacing. Danielle looked at her with concern, but Danica just shook her head. "I can't do this, Danielle," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't marry a man I don't love, just to further our family's interests." Danielle nodded, understanding in her eyes. "We'll figure something out, little sis," she said. "We always do." And with that, the Danica sat in silence, lost in her own thoughts, as the fate of their lives hung in the balance. Danielle met Shawn at the city's ball and they both felt intrigued by each other and by all they had in common. And the fun part was that Shawn was a Noble without much being said they knew they were meant for each other, and they got married. They were a perfect example of the Norm in Beaumont, where Nobles married Nobles and commoners married commoners, it was a system that had been in place for centuries where people from the same social class married within their own class. This tradition was deeply ingrained in the society, and people rarely married outside of their own class, it was seen as a way to maintain social order and stability. As the sun set over the city of Beaumont, the fate of Danica and Prince Johannes hung in the balance. Would they be bound by duty and tradition, or would they find a way to follow their hearts? The journey ahead would be fraught with challenges and secrets, but one thing was certain: their lives would never be the same again.