AZALEA

It was the day of the banquet. The day I wanted to erase from the calendar. The day I wished I could skip but I was not a sorceress or a mage. I could only accept and face my fate with a hope to survive.

The maids went back and forth as they prepared my jewelries, ballgown and shoes. While I rested my back on the bathtub mixed with rose petals and sweet-scented liquid bath soaps, some maidservants gently scrubbed my delicate and freckled skin and attentively washed my hair.

I was immersed in my own thoughts. I still couldn't figure out Prince Dion's plans. I doubted I could even help him hold everything together. I didn't think I would even last long in the selection. I would only wreck his plans.

I sighed unconsciously. Why me? Why does it have to be me? I still can't understand his intentions.

After my bath, they did my hair and makeup. They braided my red hair as they tied it in a messy side ponytail, letting some loose strands fall on my face. They even decorated my hair with jewelries, beads and blue gemstones. Despite these luxurious things, my mind still flew somewhere–mulling over Prince Dion's odd demands.

The maidservants helped me as I wear every layer of my black ballgown, designed with delicate embroideries in white threads.

My mother, Marchioness Camelia, checked on me with nervous glances when she entered my room. She was already dressed in a simple but elegant cobalt blue ballgown while her long red and ashen hair was tied in a high and elegant bun.

When I was done, my mother asked the maid servants for my jewelries. She helped me put on a string of white elegant pearls on my neck.

"Are you ready?" she asked, almost quietly as if she was in deep thoughts.

I quietly nodded, afraid that we would get too emotional.

Her gray eyes scanned my appearance in the reflection of the mirror as she stood behind me. She smiled kindly. "You're gorgeous, sweetie. Enjoy the night, all right?"

I smiled back. "Thank you, Mom. I will." Though I doubt it.

She silently nodded.

~~~

I secretly fidgeted in the carriage headed to the palace. I was with my parents and brother. They were all quiet and distant. Everyone was aware of what was waiting for me tonight but everyone chose to be cold. No words of encouragement or comfort. We were all detached.

In spite of trying to be strong, I was still anxious.

When my father, Marquis Frederick, heard the news of my participation, he told me to do whatever I think was best for me. He didn't ask me to withdraw or fight for the position. He was indifferent. I could only secretly glance at his distant amber eyes as we approached the palace. He already had gray strands on his honey blonde hair and he was wearing a cobalt blue formal suit.

While my brother, Forrest, who was already twenty years old, didn't voice out his opinion at all as if he was avoiding to be attached or to show any concern towards me. He was just staring with bored amber eyes outside while his elbow rested on the window and his one palm supported his left cheek. He won't even meet my eyes after hearing the news. He was dressed in a white suit for tonight's banquet.

If it was possible for us to love our family, I would definitely spoil him. With such gorgeous looks, I didn't think I could resist his every request. Unfortunately, he never acted like a child in front of me. Maybe his training was too difficult that he had no choice but to grow up right in an instant. He had the same hair as my father, honey blonde, so sometimes, no one could tell that we were actually related.

On the other hand, I pretended not to notice my mother's worried and discreet glances. My mother was distracted. She couldn't completely hide her emotions. And it was worrisome. I hoped she won't overthink while I was in the palace. Her gloved hands were tightly pressed on her lap–absolutely anxious. She definitely wanted to speak but choose not to.

It was kind of sad that we were family but we couldn't show our attachment or affection to each other.

The huge clock tower's bell resonated all over the kingdom at seven. The palace banquet would start at eight in the evening. Many sophisticated carriages lined up to enter the palace. The Knights meticulously inspected each carriage before letting anyone pass. Despite the joyous celebration, the security was heightened to ensure the royal family's safety.

When we arrived at the palace, some ushers guided my brother and parents to the Great Hall, while I was guided to a luxurious salon with the other candidates. I nearly stopped on my tracks and turned my back to run away but the usher already opened the door for me.

I secretly let out a deep breath. There was no turning back so I entered the room, trying to keep my confident and elegant posture.

I bit my lower lip as the three candidates casted curious and confused stares upon my arrival but maintained their glamourous appearance and aura. Their eyes rested upon the black ballgown I was wearing with the same design as theirs.

Lady Candice was about to open her mouth but an attendant suddenly announced the arrival of Queen Adriana.

"Announcing the arrival of Her Majesty, Queen Adriana, the moon that lights the Kingdom of Glass," the attendant formally announced.

Upon hearing the announcement, we automatically faced the room's entrance to bow our heads and give respect to the arrival of the queen. We curtsied as beautiful as possible despite our voluptuous ballgowns and stiff bodices and corsets. It was hard to breathe but we kept the smiles on our face.

My maid tightly ribboned the back of my dress, revealing an hourglass-shaped body. Our low-cut neckline was just enough to cover the window of our heartglasses. I realized that being part of the royal family was quite tedious and exhausting.

Queen Adrianna scanned every one of us with her cold gaze. We waited in bated breath as we stood straight and returned her gaze.

"I hope you are all doing well. There are some changes and we have to accept another candidate. A lady specifically recommended by the Crown Prince, Prince Dion. We apologize that we didn't inform you beforehand. We didn't want to interrupt your preparations for this banquet," Queen Adriana directly said. It seemed like she purposely mentioned the special recommendation from the prince to add subtle strife between the candidates. They would definitely dislike me from now on. "But you don't have to worry. The selection will still be fair and only the one who can pass the trials has the right to become the Crown Princess."

The ladies were speechless for a second, they looked at me but the first one to regain her composure was Lady Candice as she slightly bowed. "We understand your good intentions, Your Majesty." The two ladies followed her example and did the same. I suddenly felt like an outcast.

The queen nodded. "Sir Luke Aricia will usher you to the entrance balcony before the introduction of the Crown Princess candidates. I will see you all in the banquet later. I will take my leave first."

We all bid her farewell. But I noticed, before she left, she checked my appearance from head to toe which was quite intimidating but indifference was written all over my face. I decided to endure everything from now on. I swore that I won't take any of this rudeness and belittling to heart.

The candidates scanned me but didn't dare to question my participation. Maybe they despised me because I entered through a special recommendation. Eerie silence and tension filled the salon.

After an hour, Steward Luke ushered us to the entrance balcony. The royal family was already introduced and was already inside the Great Hall. Even the Crown Prince was already in the hall, waiting for the introduction of the candidates. I was nervous deep inside but I steeled my face. Tonight, showing any emotions would be the death of me so I decided to act cold and detach as much as possible.

We heard the host as he started to introduce the candidates.

"Let's all welcome, Lady Candice of House Admiral of the Dukedom!" he announced with excitement. The applause covered the whole hall. That was the cue for Lady Candice to enter the Great Hall. I watched from the sidelines as she revealed herself with glamour on the balcony which was connected to the carpeted double staircase of the banquet hall. She let out her sweetest smile and curtsied beautifully on her midnight blue satin layered ballgown. She walked down the stairs where Prince Dion was waiting.

Prince Dion, as a gentleman he was, kissed her gloved hand and led her to one of the cushioned seats prepared for the candidates.

"Let's all welcome, Lady Jaera of House Fredrich of the Marquess!" the host continued after the room quieted down. Another round of applause was heard inside the Great Hall. Lady Jaera entered the hall with confidence and allure. She curtsied beautifully on her emerald green ballgown and headed down the stairs. The prince bowed a little and kissed her gloved hand. He gently escorted Lady Jaera to her respective seat.

"Let's all welcome, Lady Shirdine of House Mendrez of the Marquess!" Another wave of applause was heard. I was so nervous. It was finally my turn. My heartglass beat wildly inside my chest. I could no longer focus on Lady Shirdine as she walked down the stairs.

I felt like they would announce my death sentence soon. Fuck the prince for being so... I sighed. Why does he have to be this difficult? I was afraid of the people's reaction.

"Our three candidates are already here. But wait... there are some unprecedented changes. And because the Crown Prince recommended another candidate on his own accord, another lady is waiting behind the entrance balcony. Are you excited to meet our newest candidate?" the host emphasized.

I tightly shut my eyes. I was certain the queen instructed the host to mention this at the banquet. So I won't be able to escape the criticisms. She was definitely throwing shade that I was the favorite candidate of the Crown Prince. Or maybe to emphasize that I did some underhanded method to catch the Crown Prince's attention. I noticed how everyone whispered to each other after hearing the sudden and shocking announcement.

"Let's all welcome, Lady Azalea from House Shercon of the Marquess!" the host enthusiastically announced.

I breathed in and breathed out before I emerged from the balcony with my black satin ballgown. There was no applause this time but that didn't stop me to curtsy and walk gracefully down the stairs. I noticed how some people were speechless, how some people gossiped about me. I didn't care. I didn't even smile and my cold face remained passive.

Prince Dion smirked when he saw me, as I approached him at the end of the staircase. Deep within me, I just wanted to punch his face–to satisfy my sadistic side and frustration over him.

"Please give her a round of applause everyone," the host encouraged when he noticed how awkward the palace turned into.

Prince Dion slightly bowed to show respect and his lips lightly grazed the back of my black gloved hand.

"You're gorgeous tonight, Lady Azalea. I am quite surprised that you choose black. How bold. Well, it perfectly fits your red hair too. Are you trying to rebel?" he teased.

I didn't react on his remarks but I casually returned his compliments without revealing any emotions. "You too. You look good in your suit, Your Royal Highness."

"Of course. You personally designed this, my lady," he answered with a grin. He escorted me to my seat. I hated how he was not concealing his smile unlike when he formally escorted the other ladies. As if he was boldly declaring that he really favors me. The guests would certainly misinterpret it. I didn't dare to talk back as I silently took the seat prepared for me.

I could feel the hot gazes coming from the other ladies inside the banquet but I didn't react as if I was a rooted statue.

"Now that the candidates and honorable guests are here, let the celebration begin!" the host of the banquet announced.

Lively music reverberated inside the Great Hall. And then, it suddenly changed into a slower and gentler tune.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please don't be shy to dance with your partners in the ballroom and enjoy the night!" the host encouraged.

The king and queen were sitting up above, in a balcony room, silently observing the happenings inside the Great Hall. While the Crown Prince was comfortably sitting on a golden seat–almost equivalent to a throne. But he decided to approach Lady Candice and ask for a dance.

Everyone was having a good time while I secretly wished for this night to be over soon.

***