AZALEA

I observed the luxurious hall. My eyes looked for my parents and brother, worried that they would be discriminated. But thankfully, they managed to hold themselves together, despite the silent tension and pressure building around them. The nobles won't openly show insolence in front of them. Everyone preferred to attack behind someone's back. In this kingdom, people preferred the silent wars.

My parents and brothers acted and conversed like professional con men. As if they weren't bothered at all by my sudden participation in the selection, acting like everything was just normal.

My eyes wandered in the middle of the ballroom. No one dared to dance along with the Crown Prince and Lady Candice so they were the center of all attention. Lady Candice's black hair shimmered under the vintage lights of the chandelier. Even her midnight blue satin layered gown glinted under the lights – the embroideries and the small gemstones. I was kind of proud that I designed her ballgown. A small smile was plastered on her face while talking to Prince Dion who was wearing a dark blue suit, adorned by gold badges and gold strings. They were an exquisite combination. They suit each other well while dancing in the sound of slow waltz.

The guests were all lively, conversing with the other guests. Introducing their sons and daughters, looking for possible marriage partners. They were all here not to enjoy the night but for business.

Prince Dion also danced with the other two ladies as he maintained his formal face. They were engaging in a few conversations but his flirty smile didn't resurface at all. I wondered if his feet were already swollen. Well, I actually wished that he would trip while dancing and hurt his ankle so he could no longer dance with me.

But unfortunately, it didn't happen.

I wished to evaporate when Prince Dion finally asked me to dance. Suddenly, the whole banquet was covered in awkward silence. Every eye was now trained on me–scrutinizing.

I already had an idea of what everyone was thinking. That I would be Prince Dion's downfall. I would be his demise if he was secretly developing some special affection towards me. That the Crown Prince must not fall in love at all costs and I was a threat to the royal family. They all treat me as an abomination. I was in a tight, complicated position but Prince Dion seemed to enjoy it.

Prince Dion smiled down at me and offered his hand for a dance. Because I didn't want to catch more heated gaze from the crowd, I accepted it without a fuss. He ushered me into the middle part of the ballroom. All the noble ladies and men stood at the corner, surrounding us. Watching us with intent hostile gazes which was probably only directed at me–at my back.

I didn't mind them. I only focused on Prince Dion who stood in front of me. He slightly bowed while I curtsied as a signal to start our dance.

"So... how are you faring, Lady Azalea?" he whispered as he moved closer and lightly held my waist while I carefully rested my left hand on his broad back. His left hand gently clasped my right hand–his fingers rested between the gaps of my hand–as we danced on the slow waltz. An arrogant smirk was visible on his gorgeous face as his eyes intently stared on my face. I stopped myself from frowning. I persisted on my passive and emotionless face as I stared back at him.

"You know I'm not enjoying this, asshole," I boldly whispered.

He chuckled heartily. And the guests, who were intently watching us, probably noticed it. Now they would definitely think that I was special to him. He was treating me differently than the other ladies. I had the urge to kick or stamp his feet but I controlled myself. I also didn't want to humiliate myself while dancing.

"Please mind your choice of words. Especially when there are other people around. You know your disrespectful speech is punishable by law. You might die for that, my lady." He casually reminded me of his status.

"I'm already at death's door when I become an official candidate," I whispered back, uninterested with such threat.

His smile slightly faltered but his intent stare didn't leave me.

"I'm sorry. You're tangled in this mess," he said in a low tone.

"It's already late for apologies. And that's so unlike you. I mean... to apologize," I quietly answered. He twirled me around as we broke from our clasped hands and started waltzing from opposite sides. When we met in the middle part of the ballroom, he once again lightly held my waist using his right hand. My left hand rested on his back while our free hands were clasped.

"I will make it up to you once this selection is over. How about jewelries or silks or dresses? A gigantic dress shop?" he asked.

"That won't make up for anything. But wait. Once the selection is over? When I fail? Or when I succeed?" I asked him with stern eyes.

"Both. Whether you succeed or not."

I finally frowned. "I didn't want to see your face when I failed."

"Don't frown. The nobles are watching. Then how about when you succeed? Will you finally want to see me?" With a small smile, he twirled me around. When our face met again, it seemed he was expecting a positive answer.

My eyebrows scrunched. "I have no choice when I succeed, right?"

He grinned. "Well, of course. You have to endure seeing my handsome face even if you don't want to see me."

I rolled my eyes. "Don't act like this. The nobles watching us will misunderstand your behavior towards me. Even the queen is suspicious of our relationship. You're really giving me a hard time."

"I'm sorry. Please get used to this. When you become a part of this family, everyone will still give you a hard time," he said as a matter of fact.

I sighed. The song was ending soon and I could finally breathe from this tight dress and corset. We didn't talk anymore until the song ended. Before I returned to my seat, something caught my ears.

"Maybe she bewitched him. She has the same red hair as the witch who cursed this kingdom," someone voiced out. I almost stopped on my tracks. I almost forgot that the witch who cursed this kingdom was also red-haired. Another reason why I hated my red hair.

Now they are calling me names, associating me to the witch. But I couldn't do anything to defend myself. I sighed inwardly to release the pressure before sitting. I realized I was in a helpless state.

But that statement made me think. Prince Dion doesn't think the same, right? That I'm connected to the witch? Well, that's absurd. A hundred years already passed. We're definitely not connected.

Prince Dion returned to his throne after guiding me back to my seat. He even left with a small smile. I wondered if he heard their accusation too. Well, he didn't react from it so I couldn't tell.

After a few more dances, King Arthur finally stood from his seat. He walked down the Great Hall with Queen Adriana walking beside him. An attendant stood on the stage as he held a gold crown resting on a fluffy red cushion.

Prince Dion kneeled in one knee in front of the King to accept the official title of an heir.

"Thank you for gathering here to witness the coronation of Prince Dion Harrison as the official Crown Prince. Prince Dion will be the next in line to the throne. Prince Dion will inherit the royal family's legacies and work for the prosperity and safety of the Glass Kingdom. May the gods bless his reign."

The King carefully held the gold crown and put it on Prince Dion's head. King Arthur pulled the sword sheathed in his gold holster with the crest of the royal family. He rested his sword on the Crown Prince's shoulder and declared the rites.

"I accept the responsibilities of this crown," Prince Dion answered.

It was a long night. The orchestra played a congratulatory melody. Everyone cheered for the Crown Prince when he faced and slightly waved to the crowd.

"For further announcements, the Crown Princess candidates will live in the palace, starting next week within three months, for formal education as a Crown Princess and to undergo four different trials. The crowned candidate will receive a formal education as the next Queen. Let's all wish them the best. May the odds favor them," Queen Adriana formally announced. Her voice was as cold as her blank face.

All the guests applauded the queen although some doubts seeped in their eyes. I noticed how everyone was wary of my participation. I realized that closing my business was a wise decision because I would absolutely lose my customers from now on.

When the ball dance continued, I decided to walk out of the balcony to breathe some fresh air. The three ladies decided to socialize with other noble ladies but I couldn't do that because no one would definitely talk to me. And I no longer had the energy for some fake niceties.

It was a tiring day. The night breeze was cold on my exposed skin. I was in deep thoughts when I suddenly heard some people chatting near the balcony.

"A woman personally chosen by the Crown Prince? And a red-haired at that? That is the prelude of a disaster. She will become his downfall. Why did the King and Queen allow this to happen?"

I smiled bitterly. I didn't think Prince Dion had the time to fall–to fall in love.

Unfortunately, I have all the time on my hands now.

***