*Kiss and Tell

Intro:I like reading about strong women, but there are times I fear femininity is sacrificed for strength. I wanted to write a story that shoes princesses aren't always prissy, useless, or unhappy with their lot in life.

The princess Heather was the only child of the King of Jepher. It was a small kingdom situated at the apex of three other countries. King Fredrickson doted on his daughter, as any good father should. She probably ate a little too much cake, and there were times when she stayed up too late, but most of the time she was a good daughter and he was a good father. The Queen Margaret loved her daughter and spent the majority of her time educating Heather. Her lessons included dancing and embroidery, not to mention diplomacy and elocution.

Heather found some of the lessons boring, including the lesson on mending. Heather liked to sew, when she could chose what and how she did. Mending torn stockings were such a bother. She had servants for that kind of work, but Margaret insisted that she at least knew how to mend a stocking. The trip to the farm was fun, until she realized not everything she was walking was mud. Even that wouldn't have bothered her, if she had worn the sturdy shoes her father had told her too. And, fixed her stockings the right way.

Other lessons included riding, and even a few lessons with the sword master,because no princess should be completely defenseless. The lessons were fun, it gave her the opportunity to thwack the master who liked to tease her. She was better than anyone anticipated, but even at a young age, she was sure that wasn't really a compliment.

At sixteen the three nations surrounding Jepher declared war with each other. Jepher was to become the battleground.

"Your birthday is in a couple of months," Fredrickson said over a dinner of venison. The dogs scrambled around the table as he threw scraps to them.

"Yes, Father." Heather enjoyed eating, but her father's tone of voice churned her stomach, but she still managed to finished the rest of her plate. Though she had a healthy appetite, she was always busy running around the castle that she probably could have eaten twice what she did and still fit into the same gowns.

"You are old enough to get married."

Heather grimaced. "Yes, Father."

"Is that all you're going to say?"

Heather sighed. "What else is there to say? I have been raised to be a wife. Please excuse me." She stood and retired to her room.

The epistles were sent and all three kingdoms responded. Heather's lessons switched from learning about trade, to learning about war strategies. Her afternoon was filled with more dancing. With the heirs coming, there would be dancing, and more dancing, and with the men sometimes hitting the mead a little heavy, she had to be extra good to make her partners look good or at least to save her feet.

A week before her seventeenth birthday the first heir arrived. He was from the second largest country. He was twenty, and brought her flowers. A day later the second heir arrived. He was from the smallest country. He brought her a necklace and looked younger than his nineteen years. Three days later, the day before the event was to start, the third prince arrived. He was the oldest, at twenty four, and only had a cocky grin.

The next day brought the first round of events. Heather made sure to clap for all of them. That night she listened to them praise her beauty and explain everything they could offer her. She kept her back straight and a fairly neutral expression. They promised peace, land, and wealth.

The next day were more events and this time Heather had a chance to spend time with each of them. The youngest Lord commented on her beauty and wisdom. He promised that once they were married there would be peace.

The prince of second country spoke more about how his army would protect her.

The third, eldest prince, talked of himself. He tried to kiss her.

The day of her birthday was dreary and heavy with rain. After Heather danced with each heir she stood on the dais next to Fredrickson.

"Thank you for joining us. We are here to establish peace amongst our lands. The treaty is such that the land of Jepher is to act as a peace offering. My daughter is to act as the bridge. Her choice will stand."

Heather moved forward and looked at the three men.

"I choose the Prince Kalin."

The eldest prince smiled and stepped forward. He took her hand and kissed it.

That night, after their wedding, Kalin watched his wife.

"And why did you chose me?"

"Because you tried to kiss me," Heather replied as she brushed out her hair. "And you talked only of yourself."

"And that is a good thing?"

Heather cocked her head to the side. "I spent my whole life training for this moment. I wouldn't settled for someone weak. And trust me, you may be able to run a country, but I can keep you in line, as any good queen can."

"Careful, Heather, or I may fall in love with you."

Heather shook her hair out. "You don't even stand a chance. My mother taught me well."