AZALEA

Time to search the place and look for some possible cursed objects. . . but I'm not really certain what I am searching for.

My eyes wandered inside the room covered in maroon. It was still gloomy because I didn't make any changes at all. I didn't have the luxury of time to focus on the beautification of this room while I was occupied with the trials. I didn't really pay attention as long as I could sleep.

I walked to the closet and scanned the dresses and sets of glimmering jewelry inside—from the gold, silver to the precious gems that vary from opals, sapphires, rubies and diamonds. I didn't see anything unusual which didn't belong to me.

It seemed this room was already cleared. Well, what did I expect? A century had already passed. But despite that fact, I continued to open the drawers and I even lifted the thick mattress of my bed to ensure I didn't miss anything. I even checked the drawers and cabinets in my bathroom hoping to find something related to Celeste but there was nothing left there.

There was no witchcraft related materials inside the room either. 

I sighed and walked to the balcony to breathe. The woods were totally dark and the sky was a little cloudy tonight. I shivered and instinctively hugged myself from the cold breeze despite the thickness of my nightgown.

My eyes went down to the dead rose garden. Maybe I can also check that place? I walked inside the room and grabbed a thick cream coat and quickly wore it. I walked in the dark hallway and headed straight to the dead rose garden at the back of the palace.

My steps echoed on the cobblestones as I went deeper and inspected the rose garden to see if there were some unusual objects that would lead me to the right answer. But there was nothing in the visible places. Should I try to clear the rose garden and remove the dead shrubs? But I think I was not allowed to do that.

I didn't think I should bring this rose garden back to life to end the curse. Something must die but I didn't find anything useful or anything connected to the curse at all.

I sighed. I sat on a small bench and massaged the back of my already aching feet. I leaned my back on the bench and looked up at the dark cloudy sky. I lifted my one hand because I felt that something cold fell on my face. I realized it was snowing. My thick coat was not enough to suppress the cold.

I should have returned to my room but I fell into a deep contemplation. I was suddenly asking myself if I did the right thing—if I did the right thing to confess my feelings. I confessed and I exposed my true feelings to the Crown Prince—to Dion.

I felt like I could no longer turn my back and run away from this. Because if one of us would break, I was not certain if the other one could withstand it. This love was risky.

I was cowering. I realized I was such a coward and I was somehow afraid—too afraid to break my heart—too afraid of dying. I instinctively hugged myself because I felt like I would disappear anytime soon—that even my both hands suddenly turned cold. Breaking my own heart seemed inevitable now.

I knew from the start that love could be deadly but I still confessed.

I stiffened when a thick coat suddenly covered my head. Warmth suddenly spread to my system. I lifted my head, only to see Prince Dion gazing kindly down at me.

"What are you thinking?" he asked with concern. "I'm afraid to see that look in your face. As if you suddenly want to disappear. And it's snowing. Do you want to freeze in the cold?" He walked in front of me.

I stared at him with conflicted eyes. "Well, I didn't find anything useful. Nothing in the room that is connected to Celeste. And I'm just. . . just contemplating things. What if I can't survive this life? I'm afraid to love. What if we break our hearts? You're the future of this kingdom? What if you die? What if these feelings are wrong? What if we were not meant to be?"

I awkwardly averted my gaze from him. Maybe we should just stop this. Maybe I shouldn't wish for love. Maybe I shouldn't wish to have you."

I was stunned when he lightly cupped my face and tilted my head a little to face him. He looked me straight in the eyes.

"Enough with these ridiculous excuses. If you want to have me, just have me," he said, intently watching me. "I know you're scared because we both don't know what's waiting for us but this shouldn't stop us from trying. What if this is the right answer? What if choosing love despite the curse is the right answer?"

"That sounds cliché," I said.

He lazily grinned. "You're ruining this moment. You're into ruining serious moments, right? I'm trying to be serious here."

I shrugged my shoulders. I didn't intentionally ruin the moment. It was the fault of my uncontrollable mouth.

But I smiled a little. I loved how warm his hands were. I nearly forgot that it was snowing. I nearly forgot I was on the verge of breaking down. His presence and words were reassuring. I never thought he would be this reassuring. It kinda surprised me.

I was a little braver now.

My hands reached for his collar and I pulled him closer without thinking. Our lips met. Our lips lightly touched and I felt how his back suddenly stiffened—definitely taken aback but still cupping my face. I wanted to try if this could fix the curse despite being so cliché.

I pulled away from him and softly spoke. "Nothing happened. This doesn't seem to be the answer. Maybe we should look in some other place? What about on her grave?" I asked, sounding unaffected by what just happened. His face was still close to mine as I stared at him straight in the eyes.

He looked at me with disbelief, eyes a little wide. "You just kissed me and you're suddenly bringing this up? Are you the real player here?"

My face suddenly heated up. My ears were probably burning red too. "I just checked if true love's kiss will work. You said you love me, right? Maybe you don't actually love me," I accusingly said to hide my embarrassment. Well, I made the first move to kiss him.

"Are you blaming me for that? Or maybe you don't love me enough?" He teased me with a little pout. "Should we try it again? Just to make sure it really isn't working?"

I was already as red as a tomato. "Why should we try it again? It already didn't work the first time. You're such a scam."

"Well, you didn't kiss me right."

I swallowed hard, too embarrassed. "It's my first kiss. What do you expect?"

He smiled a little. "I'm happy. Let me teach you." His face closed the gap between us and once again, our lips touched but it was not an ordinary kiss. His lips moved, teasing me to give in and kiss back. There was a tingling sensation spreading to my system. It was electrifying and my hold tightened on his collar. I almost had bitten him because of nervousness but he was very patient. He slowly guided me to properly kiss him and pulled me even closer. It was a tormentingly slow and sweet and hot kiss that I gasped for air when he pulled away.

"So what's our relationship now?" He asked with a small smile.

My face was in flames. "The queen won't be happy. The selection isn't over yet. We're not sure if I will be selected as the Crown Princess," I reminded him.

He sighed and straightened his back. "Alright. I'll be patient. It's already cold outside and it's snowing. You must head inside and rest. I'll walk you back to the palace. It's already past midnight. You shouldn't be out here alone, especially when someone's after your life." He offered a hand so I accepted it. Even the touch of our hands was burning me. This wasn't normal anymore but I was undeniably into him now to back down.

I nodded. "Thank you." His coat was still covering my head and I held it tightly with one hand because he didn't release my other hand and his fingers even slipped into mine until we reached the front door of the palace.

"Good night, my lady," he said with a smile.

I pursed my lips. "Good night, Your Royal Highness."

~~~

The chirping of birds woke me up from sleep and Yumi already opened the draped curtains and the mild sunlight seeped into the room and touched my face.

Yumi turned to me with a smile. "Good morning, Lady Azalea. I hope you had a good night's sleep. By the way, my lady should prepare. The queen summoned all the ladies for breakfast. I heard she has something important to say," she politely said.

Cherry and Sabrina entered the room and greeted me with a bow.

"We will now prepare your bath, my lady," Sabrina said softly.

I nodded. I rose from my bed while wearing a white lace nightgown. My red curls were sticking on my face and forehead so my both hands combed it to clear my still sleepy face. Yumi, Cherry and Sabrina helped me with my morning preparations and I dressed in a dark blue winter dress and blue sandals shoes. She tied my red curls into a half ponytail.

We walked downstairs and we met Lady Jaera and Lady Candice who were also heading to the queen's palace. We were guided by the servants to an enormous and extravagant dining hall.

The queen also arrived at the same time with us. We curtsied and she just nodded and dismissed us silently. She sat on the end of the table and gestured for us to be seated. She was so intimidating with her silver long dress laced with gold. We silently took our seats and the servants immediately served the food for breakfast.

"I know this is so sudden—to summon you for breakfast—but please enjoy the food," she coldly said and gestured for us to eat. We waited for the queen to take her first bite and watch her chew slowly and elegantly. We quietly followed her and ate our fill despite the invisible tension and awkwardness between everyone. I almost couldn't chew and digest the food I was taking because I felt like the summon had something to do with me. I actually already had an idea.

After breakfast, Queen Adriana lightly wiped her mouth with a clean white cloth while we anticipated her next words. She casted a glance at each one of us when she put down the table napkin.

"I hope everyone enjoyed the breakfast. I summoned you for a short announcement. We will be changing the rules of the selection," she directly said, her face remained calm but icy. "Since the Crown Prince already admitted his feelings for Lady Azalea—and I bet Lady Azalea is already aware that the Crown Prince wants to end the selection for her—we decided to deviate from the traditions of the selection."

"It seems Lady Azalea is also in love with my son but we cannot let love ruin this kingdom," she continued after a short pause.

I swallowed hard and the heat rushed to my face. I was kind of embarrassed because what she was stating was no longer a bluff—the love she was referring to was a fact now. I was definitely in love and I was guilty for that.

I bit my bottom lip. She didn't even hold back to say that the Crown Prince had already fallen for me. As if she was testing everyone of us. As if she was waiting for a thrilling outcome. As if she intentionally wanted me to be disappointed—to shatter—or maybe if not me then one of the ladies to suffer. She was kind of cruel despite the fact that Lady Shirdine just died out of heartbreak.

I also noticed how Lady Candice and Lady Jaera stiffened on their position. They looked at me with little disbelief. And Lady Jaera's stare turned into a subtle hostile gaze but I could feel how burning it was. I knew she was already judging me for the things I couldn't even control.

Queen Adriana continued after a short while. "Everyone shouldn't worry. We didn't agree with the Crown Prince's request. We will be the one choosing the Crown Princess at the final selection. We won't tolerate any unfairness in the selection. The one who is the most suitable and capable will become the Crown Princess and the next queen." There was firmness in her voice. I knew at that moment, Prince Dion failed to change the way of the selection and he even lost his power over it.

I secretly sighed. This would be tough. If I want to become the Crown Princess, I must give my all to every trial while ensuring that my heart won't break in the process. I had to endure it all and this would be challenging. How long could my heart endure? Was this fight worth it? This must be worth it, right? I had to believe because love was something I had chosen to feel too. I already accepted that this love was real. I must not cower now. I will just face everything that comes my way.

"The Crown Prince must spend more time with Lady Candice and Lady Jaera. I hope you understand, Lady Azalea," Queen Adriana continued with a straight face. Her eyes even narrowed at me as if she was probing me.

But her subtle provocation didn't faze me. Instead, I let out a small smile. "I have no objection, Your Majesty."

Queen Adriana's gaze remained on me as if she was not happy with my answer and reaction. As if she was waiting for a backlash from me but I remained unbothered. I was actually more concerned about ending this curse now—about freeing us from our fragile glass hearts. Because that was the only time I could be genuinely happy. That was the only way for this love to work.

"Great that you understand," Queen Adriana said while her blue eyes subtly pierced through me. "Everyone, you may now return to your rooms to prepare for today's class. I will summon you again when I find some free time."

We all nodded. Queen Adriana already stood up and walked out the dining hall. I also rose from my seat and walked out of the queen's palace and the two ladies followed.

"It seems His Royal Highness is head over heels for you. To think he would even request to unfairly end this selection—just to make you the Crown Princess," Lady Candice sarcastically said as we walked on the cobblestones, heading to the Ruby Palace.

"So what trick did you use?" Lady Jaera maliciously said. "Witchcraft?"

Lady Candice chuckled. "Don't be mean, Lady Jaera. She might have the same red hair like the witch but I don't think Lady Azalea is capable of that. Don't be hasty with your words."

Lady Candice was so tricky. I see. She was someone who won't let herself directly do the dirty work but she knew how to fuel the fire.

"That's so cheap—attacking me for my appearance. It's not my fault if you didn't win the Crown Prince's love," I sarcastically said. My gaze was focused on the path and I didn't even glance at them.

Lady Candice let out a mocking low laugh. "Don't be too confident about it. Especially now that you're at a risk of breaking your heart."

"It will be tragic if you will have the same fate as Lady Shirdine," Lady Jaera fueled.

"I won't die. I trust that I can survive this. I'm not alone anymore. And it's a nice and reassuring feeling that I have someone by my side," I answered to shut them up.

When I watched them in the corner of my eyes, their smug smirk slowly faded away while Lady Jaera turned beet red. I secretly smiled when we reached the entrance of the Ruby Palace.

"If you'll excuse me, ladies. I will head first to my room," I said with a triumphant smirk. I went ahead of them and walked upstairs.

~~~

It was our afternoon break and Prince Dion couldn't meet me because of the task he had to do outside the palace. I decided to visit the Ruby Palace's garden which was now in full bloom and Cherry walked with me today. She suggested this so I could unwind and relax. The snow was already melting beneath my feet and winter was about to end. It had been almost two months since I moved here in the palace for the selection.

The fourth trial was yet to be announced. It seemed the third trial was still on going. And yes, Prince Dion was spending more time with Lady Jaera and Lady Candice these past days. Although sometimes, he's making work as an excuse to not see them.

We couldn't find any significant objects that we could link with Celeste so he contacted Duke Ross to investigate her grave.

When I turned to the gazebo, I saw Lady Jaera and Lady Candice as they leisurely drank tea in the middle of the garden. The gazebo's pillars were covered with green vines with blue bell flowers. It was the best spot of this garden. Unfortunately, I couldn't even see it from my room.

When Lady Jaera and Lady Candice turned their heads to me, they meaningfully smiled at me.

"You didn't meet the Crown Prince?" Lady Candice asked.

"His Royal Highness has something to do outside the palace," I answered with a shrug.

"Why don't you join us for some tea? Lady Jaera's red tea is really refreshing," she added.

"My family sent some tea leaves for me. It's my favorite," Lady Jaera agreed. She leisurely sipped from her teacup.

It was rude to reject their offer so I smiled and accepted their invitation. I sat on one of the empty metal seats coated in white.

"How are you lately, Lady Azalea?" Lady Candice asked, intently watching me with her deep black eyes. Her long silky black hair was tied into a bun. And she was wearing a peach dress.

"I'm doing great. Thank you for asking," I answered with a small smile.

"Of course. You already owned His Royal Highness' love. You must be happy," Lady Jaera sarcastically said. "Please serve Lady Azalea some tea." Lady Jaera gestured to her maid.

I smirked. "Well, the queen is against our relationship though."

"That's sad. Glad, your heart isn't affected by that yet," Lady Candice said. She somehow sounded a little sarcastic.

"Don't worry. It's nothing new. I'm not that weak-hearted. I already knew that the queen would be against our relationship. It's understandable that she wants the best for her son. And any threats to his son's heart is unacceptable. She definitely sees me as a threat," I answered.

Lady Jaera's maid quietly served the tea and I thanked her. It was a newly-brewed set of tea.

"That must be hard. If only we have normal hearts, you don't have to get through this. Have some tea. It's a little refreshing. The winter will be ending soon," Lady Jaera said with a small smile.

"Yeah it will be ending soon. The next trial is definitely just around the corner," I said with a shrug.

I lifted the teacup and smelled the tea. The scent was a little sweet. It was red and it reflected my eyes. I took a sip and it had a nice and refreshing taste in my tongue. But then my grasp on the teacup suddenly loosened. I suddenly couldn't feel my hands. My eyes turned blurry and my head started to spin.

The teacup fell on the floor and the ladies gasped from surprise. I rested my elbow on the table as I touched my head. But then my head fell on the table with a loud thud but I was already numb to even feel the pain. Lady Jaera and Lady Candice's scream rang in my ears before I totally lost consciousness. I even tasted the metallic blood on my mouth as I fell into a very deep abyss of darkness.

Celeste was terrified when she saw blood on her mouth after drinking the tea served by her maid. It was the tea gifted to her by the queen because she was already pregnant with the king's child. And she was told that it was a safe drink for her pregnancy.

Celeste also felt the blood dripping from her legs. She screamed and the maid cried in horror as she ran to call for the knights guarding outside her chambers.

Celeste cried while gritting her teeth. She was sure she was poisoned.

The guards immediately came to her rescue before she lost her consciousness from the shock and pain in her abdomen.

When Celeste woke up, she was already lying on her bed. Her eyes focused on the people surrounding her. Her eyes automatically noticed King Steve with a worried look upon his face. He was at a lost and he looked like he was grieving.

Fear engulfed Celeste. Tears formed in the corner of her eyes. "My child? How's my child?" Her hands directly touched and caressed her belly, wishing that the child in her womb was safe and sound.

King Steve just shook his head. His eyes were a little red—maybe from the crying. The doctor beside her stood up and looked at her with sad eyes. "I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do. You lost your child. You had a miscarriage."

Celeste's eyes welled and tears flowed to her cheeks. Her gaze turned to King Steve, her eyes pleading. She was wishing that he would say that the doctor was wrong—that she didn't lose her child.

King Steve just shook his head. "I'm sorry."

"It was poison. I was poisoned!" Celeste shouted in a hysterical voice.

King Steve immediately tended to her and hugged her.

"Shhh. . . Don't cry. You must rest. We will investigate this matter."

"But my child. . . I lost my child. . . I lost him. . ." Her tears seemed endless. There was something blocking her burning throat as if it was prohibiting her from properly breathing. Her heart was clenching because of the grief that was eating her system. She wanted justice but she felt so powerless at the moment.

She wasn't sure if the king could really punish the one who caused her miscarriage—the queen.

Suddenly, she felt so alone.

***