Everyone thinks being a princess is an easy and lavish life, but they’re wrong. Sure, I live a lavish life—eating good food, wearing extravagant dresses, going to parties—but that's only from the outside perspective. The truth is, I have no say in my future; I must obey my father’s plans. I’ve been trained since childhood on how to sit, walk, speak, eat, and even how to smile—for God’s sake. Sometimes, I don’t even feel human. At parties, I see girls my age laughing, chatting, and enjoying their time together. It makes me jealous because I’m never allowed to have close friends. My mother always warns me never to trust anyone too much, because you never know who could be your enemy. The only person I can truly rely on is my lady-in-waiting. But even then, I know I have to keep my guard up—just in case.

One of the hardest parts of being a princess is the lack of privacy. There are always eyes on me. I can't do anything for myself. I can’t even brush my own hair or walk in the gardens alone. The only time I’m truly alone is when I’m asleep, but even then, by the time I wake up, there will be people waiting to get me ready for the day. And don’t get me started on marriage. I was taught from a young age to obey, please my future husband, and bear children. It feels like I was brought into this world for someone else’s convenience. I won’t even get to choose who I marry because my parents—well, my father—has already chosen him for me, ever since I was a little girl. My father always tells me not to be selfish about my future, that it’s my duty to honor and respect my people. But it’s a bit ironic, if you ask me. I won’t be the princess of this kingdom when I marry. I’ll become a princess in another kingdom, and after my father dies, I won’t have anything to my name. It will all go to my older brother.

So, yeah, I get to live a life that a lot of people don’t get to live, but sometimes I wish I were just a normal girl—one who could live how she wants, be who she wants, and control her own life.