I thought I'd edit this chapter, since it was really, really bad!

Julianna woke up. The drab, lightless castle's occupants were busy preparing for a new day. And a new suitor, she realized as a servant helped her out of bed.

Her father would be expecting her soon. She knew the drill, after having so many prospective husbands visit. So far, Julianna had done well enough in keeping any from wanting to marry her; she was quite pleased with her work. Her father, the king, was not so happy. He wanted only to make a good alliance, and get his nuiance of a daughter off his hands.

A handmaiden held out the choice of two gowns; Julianna chose the black one. As she laced into it, she could not help but smile at the thought of how angry her father would be if she actually wore the black. She counted to ten in her head, and accurately predicted the knock at her door.

The king entered. "Julianna-you are NOT wearing that! I want you dressed in something cheerful; the prince of Denmark will be here today. This is one of your last chances to get married!"

He departed. She sighed, and the maid, also knowing the routine, carefully shook the wrinkles from a midnight blue dress.

Julianna was finally out of her chambers, and down one of the three main flights of steps to get to the reception hall, when she met...