3

Hours passed; I met every noble around the kingdom area. It was a lot to handle because most needed to be qualified. My servants saw my tiredness and led me to a cafe to rest my legs. People immediately served me food. I wasn’t hungry for those types of meals. I wanted sweets. “Hamon, are there any more of those prissy people?” I asked as a joke.

“No, my lady, that was the last of them. Is there anyone you will choose now?” He questioned me. No, it is too soon to pick. He began to write down some notes. Mikhal approached us with my order and their orders as well. It doesn’t bother me to give my servants what they want. They have taken care of me since I was born. It’s time to return the favor. Peace rang throughout the cafe until a bunch of people came in. In that bunch of people was Hazel. Sighing, I stared at them with so much hate.

“Do you want to move somewhere else, your highness?” Mikhal said.

“We shouldn’t have to move anywhere because people should keep their voices down!” I raised my tone to get their attention, which worked. They stared at me, then backed away from the noble. Once cleared, I gestured at her to come over and sit. Of course, she didn’t hesitate. In case you didn’t know, Hazel’s family is one of the highest-ranking nobles in the kingdom. Both parents worked as royal guards.

Hazel seemed nervous about something. “Are you okay, Haz?” I sip on my tea, wondering why she looks like something is worrying her.

“I’m fine; you know I was about to have an anxiety attack. Being around people is meh. I hate when they surround me like that.” She tapped the table to ease her mind.

Calming her down, I took her hand into mine. Then I told her it couldn’t be helped as she is popular. She even agreed to the statement. “So, where is your friend, my lady?” I asked.

“He had to go back home before it got dark.”

Understandable. I would not have minded staying the night until this was over because he had a long way to go. Out of nowhere, she asked about my selections and if I would choose. Unfortunately, since I didn’t pick up this time, my parents did that for me. I have no say in this, which is stupid since it will be my future partner. If I had more time, I would have chosen two nobles. Those were my words to Hazel. Suddenly sweat dripped down her face like something scared her. She got up and bowed, then walked away in a rush. What was that about?

After the snack, we walked back to the palace. I noticed my brother in the distance when I stopped and smelled the flowers. Curiosity got to me as I walked his way; my feet froze when I saw that noble from earlier. “Hello again, Sir Anisel.” I bowed. They both flinched at my voice.

“Am I invisible to you, my dear sister?” Jabrel pouted.

“I was going to say hi to you, my dear brother— but you weren’t patient enough. I thought you were heading home?” I raised my eyebrow.

“I got distracted, my lady. I saw the prince, and I couldn’t resist the honor of talking to him. I couldn’t pass this opportunity.” He smiled brightly. Blushing, Mikhal took his hand and moved it in my face. Thanking him, I cleared my throat and asked Anisel if he had anywhere else to stay during this. He shook his head.

I offered him to stay with Hazel in her household since they were close. His eyes lit up like stars. She wouldn’t mind. Just like that, he went off to find her. Jabrel scooted towards me to whisper something in my ear. “Pretty cool person; I hope our parents pick him.” he snickered. Rolling my eyes, I hit him in the arm. Laughing, he took his servants and walked away. I didn’t realize my eyes were glued to the direction that Anisel was going.

“If you are done glazing at nothing. Then we should be on our way, your highness.” Hamon snapped me back into reality. What an exciting day.

~ Anisel ~

After talking to the royal siblings, I hid behind a wall. My brother popped out of nowhere. “How did it go?” he asked cutely. It went well, as they were impressed by my speech, but this fake persona is killing me. Joshua asks about the selections. Shit, I don’t even know as of right now. When we walked back to the trailer, Hazel stopped us. My whole mood switched as she told us that the princess doesn’t pick– the parents do. I need to step up my game if I want to win this. I need to impress the family now—a waste of pure talent.

Joshua and I went back to the trailer. I changed out of these uncomfortable clothes into something comfy. We reheated dinner last night. “Hey, Anisel. What will you do if they find out who you are?” Joshua asked while chewing.

“Don’t worry, little brother, leave everything to me. I will make sure I get that spot.” I grabbed the hot plate and set it on the table. Joshua smiled gently, it was his dream to live an everyday life, and I will make sure that happens. I wish we didn’t screw up back then.