My maidservants came afterward. They were six in total since there was apparently no justification if others discerned I only had a pair when I came all alone.

They split in half. The three were still unpacking while the other half assisted me. My eyes roamed around to observe my surroundings that were reflected in the mirror.

I was sent to the same room I had last time. Only that the sheets were a color of lavenders in the deep night while draperies on the side of the bed were of a lighter shade. A stark contrast to the corridor outside that was void of color.

Time flew fast as the shadows darkened within the chamber. I checked the clock and it was exactly five in the afternoon. It took me almost two hours to prepare for the banquet tonight. I put on a dark red gown, almost like dried blood in color. I could not say it was a conservative one even with its collar almost up to my chin since it exposed the skin in between my neck and chest.

The sleeves were tight-fitting up to my elbows as my skirt was not as puffy, almost like a day dress. It had trimmings on the side that showed the laced black cloth at the center with a similar colored belt that emphasized my waist.

My ginger hair, which became brighter in color due to my gown, was let loose and tamed into big wavy curls. It was parted with the right side tucked behind my ears and accessorized with golds and rubies that complimented the sapphire dropped earrings I had. But what evidently threw me off was my make-up.

They applied deep colors to my eyes making them look rounder and my violet eyes much noticeable. My cheeks were flushed into a natural glow with shimmers on them and it was topped off with a red velvet rogue on my lips. It was even worse since the fierce expression that I had completed the look.

Bloody tarnation. I look like a temptress!

I really didn't pay attention when they were doing my face as I had the talent to drift off my thoughts even when I was wide awake and now here I was regretting not doing so.

I wanted to change. I looked like I was ready to conquer the king when it was the farthest thing I wished for. However, it was already time for the party. I'd rather go in early than became a center of attention coming late again.

Willow was not here and I had no desire to become a spectacle. I eyed my appearance, glaring at it once more before inhaling deeply to compose myself.

One of the maidservants opened the door and Reid was at the opposite end of the hallway. He had his arms crossed as he leaned on the wall. He raised his head and his eyes almost bulged out seeing me. 

I could fully relate as it was my initial reaction too after I saw myself.

He cleared his throat after swallowing several gulps then bowed. "Greetings, Princess. Let me guide the way to the Great Hall."

I nodded and followed him along.

***

Reid was in front of me as we walked. Regular circumstances actually didn't allow them to do so as a knight should always be behind their master to guard them but since I was just a guest in their kingdom, he had the right to be in the lead.

Despite that, he kept looking back at me.

"What is it?" I called him out after I caught him glancing again.

"Nothing, Princess," he replied right away.

"You act like a creep and your neck must've ached from all the turning you did. If you want to say something, say it."

I strode right beside him. I was already in a foul mood due to my appearance and his actions didn't help either.

"In my humblest opinion, your highness. I can't believe you can look so different from this morning. Women undeniably do change with a make-over. You almost took away my breath, Princess. There was no doubt you deserve the title of the Jewel of Ezriel," he answered, still looking ahead.

I grimaced as he mentioned that title, holding back and not to click my tongue.

He turned his head towards me and must have spotted the muddled expression on my face and he mistook it as he tried to explain.

"People had been calling you that after witnessing your beauty and how King Enmir treasures you, Princess. Don't tell me you do not know you're called the Jewel of Ezriel when it was quite renowned." He repeated that despising title that chagrined me so much.

"Just shut up, will you?"

"Why are you being cross, Princess?"

I batted an eyelid as my steps paused. I realized how I poured my frustrations on him. I took a deep breath, calming myself again.

"I apologize for that. I'm just not feeling well," I reasoned out.

He stopped too right after what I said. "This humble one doesn't deserve your apology, Princess. If you're not feeling well, I can take you to the doctor. We have a private doctor that stays here for twenty-four hours. I will call him immediately."

I arched my brow. He looked sincerely concerned when I was just making excuses.

"It is fine. We need to go along already," I reminded him.

"Are you sure, Princess?" By the time he finished, his palm was already on my forehead.

I swore this guy needed someone to admonish his indecency. If someone saw us, many would misunderstand for sure.

"Thank goodness, you feel fine. I heard your kind never get sick but we should not take a chance," he muttered and took away his hand before I could even retreat.

"You should keep your hands to yourself, Reid. I am---"

"Ah!"

I flinched from his abrupt shout. I planned to reprehend him again but he was already holding my hand.

"Now I knew what was strange! I felt like there was something amiss, Princess, and I am right." His voice held so much excitement and he inarguably looked younger on how his brown eyes twinkled.

I tried to draw back my hand but it was held in place. He raised our clasped hands and I was still perplexed by his insolence.

"I can actually hold you since earlier without feeling that strange shocks of electricity," he announced.

My mouth hung open from his words. I was so caught up with his boldness that I found out it just now either.

What the hell? Did I make a mistake making the barrier? The morning was not counted since I initiated the touch but he was the first one who did this time. There was another conclusion but that was just absurd. Caring for someone who he just met weeks ago and didn't even know properly was simply outrageous.

I tried to make out what was happening and my eyes set on our hands that were still joined together. I broke free from his touch as I was growing disconcerted as seconds passed. In the end, I swerved from my feet and sauntered away first as I lost myself in deep thought.

***

As soon as the herald announced my name, the crowd gathered towards me and I was busy dealing with all of them that what eventuated earlier was already in the back of my mind. From our conservation for a short while, I could already see how well-versed the nobles were in inserting subtle insults now and then.

Not before long, the king arrived together with his father. Everyone bowed since the guests today were all of lower ranks than him.

Unlike last time, there were no loud murmurs, as if they were already used to their masked king. I couldn't blame them either since the mask looked better rather than white bandages wrapping his face all over.

I wondered what went through his head to make such a decision, considering it was his first appearance on the public as far as I knew.

"Good evening, everyone..."

His voice resounded in the hall as he began his welcoming address. In truth, he had an ordinary voice since I had heard many with much more beautiful timbres in their tone. The voice was deep when it was spoken with seriousness but became bright when speaking nonsense. Nevertheless, the unmistakable rasp sound was there.

After countless ruminations, I found out that I heard it before, way before I first came across it but I just could not pinpoint where. It was too bad that I only got my skills after I awakened so I had no idea when exactly. On the other hand, maybe I was just overthinking since I never encountered anything like this.

King Freed finished his speech and offered a toast. The party resumed once again and I was surrounded by another group. Ladies I only knew by appearances as I had memorized almost all the nobles in the continent, but actually never met them until now.

They were all the daughters of nobles in Deliora and the highest-ranked among them was a Marquis's child who had been gossiping nonstop.

"Look at her. She had been chasing Lord Kalston since she arrived," she said, pertaining to the blonde woman who was prancing on the dance floor looking for the man.

"Her clothes are hideous by all means."

"I agree. It is a very outdated style. The Viscount of Trille must be so poor he gave his mother's dress to his daughter."

The other ladies chimed in and laughter grated my ears as I dwelt upon the idea if these parties were made just to enhance their hateful personalities. I wanted to exempt myself since they had been backstabbing any women who came in passing since earlier.

I could not rudely leave or I would cause unnecessary issues that I would surely regret. I dared not to say my opinion either as they had not crossed my bottom line. It was just measly insults that they did not even dare say upfront.

I mulled over finding the right moment when Reid arbitrated.

"Your highness, His Majesty wishes to gather all the candidates. He asked you to come with me."

Thank goodness. I had never been so happy about his presence.

I excused myself and we approached the King. Other women were surrounding him as we drew nearer. They were probably bride candidates. I heard there were only five this time, including me.

They were all faces I had recognized. I had seen them at least once in the previous Twilight Party except for the woman this morning. However, we were never formally introduced under that circumstance since I was always under a disguise.

"Greetings, your majesty, princesses." I curtsied.

They returned the greeting and I was wonderstruck seeing his choices of brides. Every single woman in front of me deserved the title of the queen based on beauty alone.

We were formally introduced by King Freed himself but he did not stay for long and left after handing each of us an envelope.

"Is this a letter?" asked Princess Charlotte out loud.

She was from Caious, a small kingdom in the East. She was an Amica like me with her vibrant violet eyes. Her black hair was tied in a bun and her skin was white as snow. She exuded elegance worthy of her title as the most beautiful woman on the continent.

Although, I did prefer Willow's exotic beauty. No one could pull off the bronze skin like her.

"Asking the obvious. You're the epitome of 'only appearance with no substance'," Princess Ivy Helia quibbled as she glared at us with her gray eyes. Her long blonde hair swayed as she left brusquely, leaving all of us surprised by her sharp words.

She was the only one I hadn't met at the Twilight Party and thank goodness for that seeing how her face never relaxed and was in a perpetual glare.

"Goodness, such a rude woman! No wonder she's already in her mid-twenties and not married," Princess Priscilla commented while she flicked her fan.

The royals of Carrion were indisputably a spitting image of each other as my eyes set on her. She was the girl version of Prince Asher since she had the same combination of dark brown hair and blue eyes. Only that the hardened facial characteristics of a male became softer on her.

"Don't worry, Charlotte. You know a lot of people resents the Amica," Princess Norinne consoled the sullen princess.

Seeing that the Princess of Solaris addressed the Princess of Caious with her given name must mean they were close. From what I remembered, they were cousins but they did not resemble each other aside from their black hair.

That didn't mean anything since it was the most common color, even so, Princess Norinne's pure black eyes were a very unique trait only found in all of the descendants of Solaris.

"You must be glad you were born from royalty, Princess Carline," said Princess Priscilla as she stared at me.

"Pardon?"

"You are an Amica born in a kingdom where no Amica could survive. Helia's hostility is nowhere compared to Ezriel," she spoke matter-of-factly. "It's not surprising you are hailed the Jewel of Ezriel. Aside from your beauty, you are greatly treasured by the king."

As I'd expected, she was one of the people fooled by Father...

"So you are that famous princess. I totally forgot about your name but you became quite the topic in the gossip circles," Princess Charlotte cut in.

"Oh, yes. I heard you made the renowned most elusive knight in Deliora act out of character," Princess Norinne added.

"What?" I was very bewildered by their words since I had no idea what they were saying.

Elusive knight? I pondered as I knew no one like that. The only knights I had a chance to fully engage in a conversation were the stern one and a brazen kind.

"It is such a waste that he seemed fully enamored to you. To be honest, I am truly fascinated with his face. His whole appearance was like carved by a god or maybe he was a god himself!"

"That's blasphemy, Charlotte."

"Charlotte, your manners."

The other two women reprimanded her while I was still puzzled. If we're talking about appearances, then, Reichen came to mind. I hated to admit it but he has the best countenance that I had seen. Still, I was not aware Reichen was also a knight. He was irrefutably the most mysterious among the three by far.

"No woman should explicitly vocalize their thoughts among opposite gender, you know that," Princess Priscilla continued.

"But it is the truth. Knight Reid had such superior visage."

Knight Reid? Do they mean that Reid?

"Pardon me but are we talking about that man?" I interrupted and pointed at Reid who was near the staircase.

I was, by all means, stuck on the word elusive since it was the last thing that came to mind when thinking about him.

"Yes. He's very handsome right?"

"Um... Really?"

I did admit he was good looking but I could not fawn over his features especially as his attitude was something that put me off.

"I heard he was your escort," said Princess Priscilla.

"Yes."

"The ladies must be envious of you once they know it. Knight Reid is quite distant and cold but he is a perfect gentleman than any other nobleman if I may say," stated Princess Charlotte.

"Truly... I had no idea he was so popular," I muttered as I became more baffled.

"No one can deny Knight Reid's popularity among the ladies, be it local or foreign kingdoms," informed Princess Norinne.

I peeked at him again but this time our eyes met. I could see his lips lifting on the side. Distant and cold, my ass!

***

The Princesses continued to shower Reid praises, specifically Princess Charlotte until we decided to separate at some point.

I placed myself in the corner as I read the envelope that was given earlier. It contained what the contest was all about.

PEACE: A lady must be refined in perfection. A noble must be everyone's person. A princess is never without a knight. A person is not better without a companion. A queen is a reflection of all.

It is an opportune moment to gather with an arbiter in the depths of the crowd. The Great Hall of Deliora is in your favor.

It was a simple riddle compared to Cindra's tricks. There were obviously judges surrounding us and observing our etiquette and social skills. I surmised that I only needed to stay where I am in order to avoid them.

I had nothing much to do so I skipped out of the event and decided to be an onlooker.

Before long, King Freed reappeared with Reid on his side and several other knights. I saw King Freed asking Princess Norinne to dance as Reid remained on the sidelines.

Each candidate had danced with him every time a song was finished. Not a second later after he led Princess Priscilla away from the dance floor, he was advancing toward me.

I did not even know how he knew I was here when I was standing in the shade. No one noticed me here since it was the farthest from where the people were swarming.

"Princess Carline, may you give me the honor to dance with you?" he stated as soon as he was close.

I wanted to deny him. It was no doubt he could not withstand touching me for long.

But Reid did. My mind reminded me.

Seconds ticked and he was looking at me with those citrine eyes that glowed like the gemstone itself. It was even more prominent now than they were in the darker part of the room.

I could not refuse and had no way to go out of this situation since all eyes were already on us. I should have not stayed here if I knew.

"Princess?"

"Um... Yes, of course, your majesty," I assented, putting my inhibitions aside.

Well, if he hurts himself, the sooner it would be over.

We stopped at the center and just like the time he danced with the other princesses, we were given enough space to move. He placed his hand on my waist as looked forward to a change of expression. I waited for his reaction but there was nothing. The music cued and he swayed me on my feet.

He was outrageously tall and I looked like a child beside him. Even his clothes could not hide his paper-thin stature that could fall down by just a gust of wind. 

"You look beautiful, Princess. It is an honor to be graced by such beauty," he finally spoke.

Words that he must've spouted to the other candidates as well. Our eyes met and one edge of his lip lifted, his beautiful eyes were much yellow in tint with how bright the room was.

"Thank you, your majesty," I responded.

He twirled me and asked, "Are you enjoying your time here, Princess?"

"Of course, your majesty."

"I heard you have a fondness for flowers. I would like to tour you in the gardens if you want."

"There is no need, your majesty. You must be busy and I don't want to take upon your precious time."

His response was a smile. "I don't mind wasting my time if it's you."

I managed to stop myself from wincing at his flirtations. I was not dense not to notice his moves which I decided to ignore.

Something is definitely wrong. I had been boring holes on his face as we talk but I did not see a single subtle change of expression from King Freed when he took my hand and he had been holding it for a while now.

From what I discovered about my magic of barrier, it is fine if I was the one touching them or a graze of skins but if the other person touched me with their own hands they would feel the recoil, even with clothes on.

"... with me, Princess."

"I apologize, your majesty. Can you please repeat what you said?"

"It is my pleasure that you will go together with me." A smile eased on his lips again.

I already tried to reject him without hurting his pride but he seemed like a person that needed straightforward answers.

"But, your majesty, as I---"

"The music has ended already. Let me take you back, Princess."

"Your majesty. There is really no need for you to accompany m---"

He abruptly knelt and reached out to my hand.

"As I had stated, being with you is a pleasure. See you tomorrow morning, Princess Carline."

We were skin to skin now but my barrier was still not reacting. He kissed the back of my hand and I was left alone in a daze, thinking what the hell had gone wrong with my magic.

***

Note: If you haven't checked it out, I posted a 'gallery' and there is a map of this world and a list of important characters. I'm thinking of adding Prince Asher and bride candidates but I'm still not sure since they only appeared in a few chapters. Anyway, hope you like this chapter, cutiefries! (◕‿◕)♡