Chapter 007

Eira's POV

I was lying on the bed, scrutinizing the detailed ceiling with a mixture of worry and excitement . This was the night; the one where I was to be presented to the empire officially as its princess. It has been a month since I had arrived in this gilded cage, learning grace in etiquette, dancing and history for thirty days. The idea of standing in front of the imperial court whose members would expectantly stare at me made shivers run down my spine . Yet, I felt a bit thrilled to be in this situation.

“Princess Cleo,” Mona’s voice, soft and kind, pulled me away from my thoughts. “Are you hearing what I am saying?” I blinked at her worried expression. Mona, who was my maid-in-waiting, had become something more than just a servant to me. We grew close nearly instantly, she was sincere and yet not easily swayed. I could tell she genuinely liked me for who I am not my title. In many ways she had become both an advisor and my reference point, you could say we had become close friends.

"Of course, Mona," I replied, sitting up. "I'm just... nervous."

Mona's expression softened. "I understand you, Cleo. It's a big night. But remember, you’re going to be amazing. You've worked so hard, and I know you'll do great!”

I appreciated her understanding.

"I just hope I won’t forget everything," I confessed. "What if I stumble or say something wrong?"

Mona seized hold of my hands. “You won’t.” And even if you did, it doesn’t matter. Everybody makes mistakes; what is important is how you enjoy tonight. After all, tonight is all about you and whoever has a problem with that can wish to be the Crown princess in her next life.” Her words were comforting, though kind of scary but it was comforting nonetheless.

“I hope so,” I said with a little doubt lingering behind me. Pulling me up from where I sat, she insisted.

“Let’s go choose your dress for tonight!”

Several new gowns had arrived earlier in the day, each more extravagant than the last.

My final decision after much thought was to go with a ball gown of bluish-white color, which had delicate silver embroidery on it. The moment Mona saw this she could not hide her approval.

“Your Highness, this is the perfect choice. I think this compliments your appearance very well.”

A thought occurred to me, “And what are you going to wear, Mona?”

“Don’t bother about me, Princess,” was her dismissive reply. “My clothes are nothing special.”

“ How can I not be bothered about what you're going to wear when we're supposed to be friends? What do you take me for?” I shook my head and sighed.

“ I didn't mean that you aren't considerate, Your Highness. I just don't think you need to worry about me,” she was determined to convince me.

“ You know better than anyone else right now that I'm not about to stop, right?” I looked at her.

“ Princess Cleo…” she sighed, unsure of what else to say.

Knowing how persistent we both are, I pressed on.

"Wear the yellow ball gown that just arrived. It's stunning."

Mona's eyes widened in disbelief. "Princess, you can't be serious. I can't possibly bring myself to wear something this expensive.”

I could see the conflict in her eyes. She wanted to accept, but pride, guilt, inferiority complex and self-doubt held her back.

I sighed.

"Mona, I insist. You're my friend and you don't expect me to let you go out in your regular clothes just because you're my maid-in-waiting, do you? Besides, my parents won't mind so I don't think you have to be worried,” I beamed, reassuringly.

“ But still…” she hesitated.

“ I understand you better than you think, trust me. I've lived majority of my life in poverty or mediocrity so I understand how you feel right now. If you still think this dress is too flashy for you, then I have an idea,” I said, walking over to my wardrobe.

“ Your Highness? What are you doing?” Mona seemed very confused.

“ Here. Wear this instead,” I handed her a green velvet dress which matched the color of her eyes. It was a long, loose-fitting gown with a fitted bodice and a low necklace coupled with long loose sleeves. It was perfectly matched with a golden chain belt.

“ This should do. It's pretty, flattering and not too flashy so no more excuses,” I ruled out.

Finally, she gave in with a resigned sigh. " Very well, Your Highness. But don't go around giving me things like this. I might even end up getting targeted by the other maids,”

“ I doubt they would do anything even if they didn't like you because they know fully well what would happen to them so don't think too much about it,” I patted her head.

“ Why are you patting me?” She mumbled.

Before I could say anything else, there was a knock on the door.

"Princess Cleo, we are ready to begin your preparations," a soft voice announced.

>>>>>>>>>>>

Descending from the staircases, my heart beat hard against my chest. I was finally going to be announced officially to the entire empire.

The grand hall resembled an ocean full of glittering gowns and magnificent dresses. As soon as we reached the end, silence descended upon everybody present.

“Announcing the arrival of Her Highness, Princess Cleo; heir to Azurethra’s Throne,” sounded a booming voice throughout the hall. Everyone’s eyes focused on me. Whenever I gazed at the beautiful hall, my eyes met the expectant eyes of the dignitaries in attendance which made my heart race faster than ever. I had a lump in my throat and could barely take a deep breath.

With the white color of my hair, which was snow – white and clear blue eyes shining like sapphires that radiated light, they said I was a little version of my mother. Though, I had more unique features.

I approached the raised platform where my parents were and made a deep curtsy towards them. The glances exchanged between us held a mix of warmth from love and pride that made my heart swell with joy.

My dad, the emperor, stepped forward to make a speech.

“My people,” he began, “ Tonight is special for the Royal family and the kingdom as a whole. Our long lost daughter has finally been found after so long and we're beyond overjoyed to present her before everyone. We hope that you'll join us tonight to celebrate a day as special as this.”

A wave of applause erupted as my mother placed a tiara upon my head. I was officially the Imperial Princess of Azurethra.

A nervous smile crept onto my face as my father handed me a crystal goblet filled with a shimmering liquid.

"Your Highness, would you grace us with a toast?"

I took a deep breath, my heart pounding within my chest. I had rehearsed this more times than I can recount. I raised the goblet, my voice steady despite the trembling within.

" To my family, to my empire, and to a future filled with prosperity and unity."

The applause that followed was deafening. As the initial excitement died down, I found myself standing awkwardly by one of the round tables as my parents were attending to the nobles that had come to congratulate us.

I glanced around, searching for a familiar face. My eyes landed on Mona, who stood nervously among the maids.

"Mona," I mouthed, gesturing for her to join me.

She hesitated, her eyes wide with worry. "Princess, it wouldn't be right-"

I shook my head, my voice barely audible. "Please. It's weird being alone here. Besides, you're not exactly blending in with the maids looking like that."

She glanced around nervously before finally nodding. I knew she was tired of my friendly requests but at the same time, she didn't mind.

She blended easily into the crowd, the gown was really meant for her.

"This is nerve-wracking," I whispered to her as we stood side by side.

Mona offered a sympathetic smile.

"I know, Your Highness. But you're doing amazing."

Just as we were about to delve deeper into our conversation, my parents approached us.

"Cleo, honey," my mother began, her voice soft, "there are some important people we'd like you to meet,” she smiled.

“ Meet the Grand Cross and the Grand Duke, and their sons,” dad introduced. I genuflected.

“ It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace. It's an honor to meet you, Sir,” I paid my respects to them. I knew they were the two most powerful families after the imperial family.

As I raised my head, my eyes settled on their sons. I couldn't take my eyes off the the one with red hair, I felt butterflies in my belly and I could hear my heartbeat increase rapidly. What was this feeling called?