This is the second chapter to my romance novel, "The Greatest Matchmaking Challenge Ever". Please let me know your thoughts!
CHAPTER TWO
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The carriage careened across the bumpy road in a fashion that would have terrified the bravest of knights. Normally, the view from inside the carriage would be quite nice, but Princess Anita of Corin was too busy bracing herself for the next large bump to notice. Anita dug her finger nails into the soft cushion of her seat and closed her eyes. She had to admit it: long carriage trips made her uneasy. She cocked her head and murmured, "Are we there yet?"
A young man in the seat across from her chuckled. He pulled a watch from his pocket and looked at it.
“Judging by my calculations, dear sister, we have a few hours yet to go,” he said.
Anita let out a small whimper and sunk into her seat. A few hours! She released her grip from her chair and used her free hand to finger the soft fabric of her dress, which was a better activity than looking out the window. Motionsickness ran in her family and unfortunately she was not immune to it. She was only upset that her brother did not seemed to be so effected as she.
“Why couldn’t we have ridden horses to Maritha, Robert? I would have much preferred to ride horses.” Anita said.
“Horses are uncomfortable and not suitable to ride far distances.” Robert said.
“At least horses obey the physics of the known world and not fly through air dramatically whenever they reach a bump, darn it!” Anita said sharply.
“Anita! Watch your language! If you act like that in front of the king, who knows if you’ll ever get married off.”
“I’m sorry. Forgive my manners.”
Anita would have liked to say a good deal more than just darn it, but it would not do to have the “princess of an ailing kingdom behaving in such a matter in which she would not look presentable in front of her peers”. At least that’s what her father had said. (He was a wordy man.) It was what everyone said, after the incident.
The kingdom from which Anita came was suffering, that was for sure. It was named Corin, after the king that had founded it. It was doing well enough for a few centuries. The occasional riot and insane jesters didn’t do much to upset the balance. However, when King Stefan made the simple mistake of being drunk in the king of Maritha’s presence, things took a turn for the worse. King Stefan had challenged King Rodrick of Maritha’s ruling style in a drunken stupor. (Poor Stefan loved to drink.) After that, Maritha spitefully cut off its trade routes to Corin, leaving its economy to dwindle. After that, king Stefan shortly died, leaving Anita’s father to be king. Anita dwelled on that old story. It was amazing to her the things a few careless words could do. But then it occurred to her:
Why would a kingdom send for a princess from a rival kingdom to suit its prince?
“Robert,” Anita began, “why is it that Maritha, the ultimate rival of our kingdom, sent for us? Surely there are more princesses out there for a wealthy prince than just me.”
Robert grinned slightly and adjusted his sitting position so that he was facing her.
“Well, I have a few theories. One, is that Maritha is fearing war from us and they need to make peace-Or two, you’re the only suitable princess left.” Robert said.
Anita raised an eyebrow.
“What do you mean?” Anita asked.
“Rumor has it that Prince Alex of that kingdom has scared off any girl that has come to be a match for him. Twenty six, sister. Twenty six scared away in some way or another. I heard that the latest girl that was sent over was soaked to the bone with a bucket of ice water. Poor thing.” he said.
“Gosh, he must be terrible to do that. I hope I do not get on his bad side.” Anita said, but her eyes showed no worry.
Robert leaned forward and grabbed his sister’s hand. He looked her in the eyes.
“Listen, Anita. No matter how matter how beastly he is, you must do your best to suit him. Our kingdom needs this match, sister. Without it, we might not get on our feet again. Please act on your best behavior.” Robert said.
Anita pulled her hand from him in mock shock. She batted her eyes innocently and smiled sweetly.
“You mean I should act like this?”
“Well, perhaps not so dramatically. We don’t want him to think you’re a dolt.”
Anita smiled and looked at her brother. The both shared the large blue eyes, but Robert got his fretting disposition from their mother. Anita didn’t want him to worry, but Anita thought herself perfectly able to handle a stubborn prince. After all, tenacity ran in the family almost as commonly as motionsickness.
“Don’t worry about it. I shall do my best to humor him. I shall greet him sweetly, ask him many questions about how great he is, and maybe giggle like a fool every time he winks at me.”
Robert frowned.
“I don’t know if you’re planning anything Anita, but don’t push it.”
Anita stretched her limbs out and then winked at her brother.
“What,” she said, “and ruin the perfect match?”
I still don't quite understand Anita's character yet from her actions. At first she seemed a little spoiled, then I changed my mind. Well, I guess I'll see soon. 
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