My family is growing concerned, and to be honest, I kind of am too. I'm used to men constantly asking me out on dates, even proposing to me, but it's been almost a week since I had that strange dream, and since then no man has as much as complimented me! 

I know I sound really full of myself right now, but it's not like I enjoy being asked out! It's just something I'm used to, and now that it's gone it feels like a part of my life is missing. 

No one knows why this is happening; I still look and act the same as I always have, but something has changed somehow. My parents are worried because they want me to move out, settle down, and get married soon, but now that seems out of the question. 

I sigh, slumped onto my bed, when I hear a knock at my bedroom door. "Who is it?" I call. "Sweetie, it's your parents, we have news." I walk to the other side of the room and open the door. My parents walk in uncertainly, brows furrowed. 

"What's the news?" I ask. My parents glance at each other warily before my mom starts talking hesitantly. "Um, well, you see Psyche, we were concerned that you might never get married, so we went to an oracle that told us your future." I don't say anything. 

My dad then begins to talk. "And son, we were told that no man would marry you. However, there's a creature on top of the mountain who wants you as his husband." I stare, struggling to find the right words. "So now what?" I finally manage to ask. 

"Well," my mother starts "I'm sorry, but you're an adult now. You shouldn't still be living with us. Besides, this is what the oracle said is destined to happen. Nothing we do can change that, so we might as well be willing." She shrugs, as if none of this is a big deal. 

"Are you kidding me!?!" I yell. "You're willing to give your son up to some random unknown creature who lives on top of a mountain?!? Are you expecting me to willingly comply to this arrangement?!?" I pace back and forth, frustrated beyond belief. 

"Look, Psyche," Dad says "At least try. Go find the creature and try to fall in love. It's no good denying your fate." I huff in annoyance. "Alright fine, whatever. I'll give it a shot. But I still think this whole thing is crazy," I say, crossing my arms. "We know it's a lot to ask, but thank you for being willing to try," Mom smiles at me. "And good luck."

                                                                 ...

I head towards the mountain. As soon as I can see it, I'm suddenly lifted into the air by a soft breeze. The breeze carries me up to the top of the mountain. It gently puts me down, and I gasp in awe. This is a palace! 

There are stone fountains, towering magnolia trees, and colorful pebbles lining the path towards the mansion. I walk in and spin around, marveling in the luxuriousness of it all. 

"Hello, Psyche," a deep voice whispers in my ear. I hastily turn towards the noise, but see nothing. I hear a soft rumbling laugh. "I've turned myself invisible because I'd rather you not see me. I know this is a little unfair for you since I get to look at how gorgeous you are, but you have no idea what I look like." 

"Who the hell are you?!?" I scream, untrusting of this invisible creature. "You're really feisty. I like that. Here, sit down." A warm invisible hand ushers me to a white leather couch, where I sit cautiously. There are shuffling noises that I assume to be my companion sitting down beside me. 

Once he's settled, he says "I'm sorry Psyche, but I can't tell you who I am. I'm really sorry, but I just can't. But I will try to make your stay here as comfortable as possible, alright?" I nod, partially disbelieving. He's being awfully nice for a monster. 

He takes my hand in his. "Look, I know all of this is very hasty, but I would really like to get to know you better. Right now I only know that you're extremely good looking and very feisty. 

We don't have to do it all at once, but maybe we can go on dates around the palace where we learn more about each other. Only if you want to, though." He squeezes my hand gently. 

I smile, saying "No, that sounds like a fair arrangement. I've never dated anyone before, let alone married them, so I think it will be nice trying to fall in love with you. 

Though I'm just warning you, plenty of men have confessed their feelings for me in the past, but I have never reciprocated any of their feelings, so I don't know how easy it will be to fall in love with someone I can't even see. But you seem like a decent enough fellow so I'll give it my best shot." 

He grips my hand tightly and says "You can't see it right now, but I'm smiling. You don't know how happy I am to hear you say that." I chuckle softly, then awkwardly stumble around while trying to find his cheek. Once I do, I give it a peck and stand up. 

"This was a great conversation, but I'm really tired. Would you mind escorting me to my room?" He shows me where to go and I flop onto my new bed. So I guess this is my life now.