Riveria's POV

I walk back to my room in silence pondering on my birthday ball. I'm not naïve enough to think that is is actually my birthday ball. It royal politics- just away to quickly confirm the worth of my suitor.

I don't know who he is yet but I'm sure I will find out, too soon for my liking.

This part of the palace corridors is empty, most of the staff probably gone home early due to tonight's event.

I enter my room and my eyes widened as I realise I have a guest.

I put down my bags on a chair and sit on the couch. I glance at her as she stares through the window showing the view to the front yard of the palace.

I take a brief look at the view myself. The wide long drive way, beautifully cut lawn, the huge fountain in the middle of the circular smooth tar path connecting with the drive way. The glowing yellowish LED lights placed in the right places while contrasting with the now dark night sky illuminated by stars is just the cherry on top.

I turn away from the magnificent sight that I see everyday and turn towards my mother.

"What are you doing here, I thought you would be preparing for tonight's ball?"

She turned to look at me and reluctantly teared her eyes from the window.

She sighed, "Riveria, I'm so sorry we weren't able to prevent this from occurring. We tried we really did. Please forgive me."

She shifted on the couch to look at me directly in the eye. Sadness, guilt, sorrow and...anger swirled in her eyes.

"I know mama, I know. I'm not mad, I'm just sad that this is the way things are turning out. But I don't blame you or father for any of it."

She got up and hugged me, we stayed in this position for was felt like hours but in reality was only a few brief minutes.

"I love you so much Riv." , she said as she pulled away and squeezed my shoulders.

I smirked and said while performing a small hair flick," I know, I love myself very much too."

She immediately burst into a graceful laughter I joined along with her until she finally stopped and wiped a tear.

"Still the same old Riveria, my Riveria. Don't ever change for anyone my baby."

I nodded and smiled, "I won't."

She smiled in approval and walked towards my door and before she left she said,"Oh I almost forgot to tell you. I wanted to personally deliver your gown for today. It's on your bed. Good luck darling."

I gave her a curt nod and she left the room and my handmaiden, Alisha enters. I suppose my suprise was plastered right onto my face because the first thing Alisha does is to smile and explain that she is much better now and can carry on her duties. 

She had actually been sick for a while and I refused a replacement but I am glad she is here now.

I head to my bathroom and start freshening up, I have a long night ahead of me.

.........

I'm finally done with my preparations. After long hours of hair and makeup and of course a long shower I was ready to go.

The theme for this ball was green, mermaid green to be exact- more to the darker side.

So as the guest of honour, I dressed to impress in my mermaid green long tulle dress with beads with a cape cascading down. The dress fit me perfectly,  hugged my pinched waist and petite figure. I paired the gown with my deep green peep toe platform ankle strap high heels and my emerald green baroque crystal tiara with Rhinestones that shone in the presences of light only emphasising an aura of radiance.

I walked out of the palace with a few maids picking up my cape and gown as I walked outside to the black limousine glowing against the moonlight.

There stood a driver waiting for me to enter the limousine as he opened the door.

"Princess Riveria...Happy birthday.", he greeted as he bowed.

I nodded in acknowledgement, "Thank you." I replied softly.

Soon the limousine was cruising down the streets heading towards the prestigious and prodigious Bellisima Grande Hall.

We soon arrived and the door opened for me. I stepped out of the limo and the moment I did I registered multiple voices shouting my name, Argh the paparazzi, they are such a hassle.

My security detail immediately flanked me and stopped the public from climbing over the metal barricades. They are such a hindrance. Do  not get me wrong. I love the people I serve but this beehaviour is extremely off putting.

I took long strides laced with bravado with my head held high.

Cameras flash and my senses were flooded but I was accustomed to it. The beautifully polished dark Vermillion Blackwood double doors were opened for me by the two security guards standing on either sides of the wide entry.

I noticed that one of them was holding a scanner, the size of a phone. It probably for the authentication of the invitations. This is an extremely private event and available exclusively to Royals, with all the Royals across the globe present in this very building (it's not everyday that an event of this magnitude happens) because of this security- is very tight. All the Royals received personalized invitations which are made with a rare Crystilion material. The invitation also includes a chip which is what the scanner is for.

Hosting an event of this magnitude with such high profile guests is not child's play, especially one with these many Royals.

"Happy birthday, Princess Riveria.", they said in unison as if it was rehearsed (it probably was).

I nodded in acknowledgement and walked into the huge ballroom.

Bellisima Grande Hall huh, not bad, not bad at all. The interior was decorated to perfection while sticking to the theme of deep green, with touches of gold and midnight Black for added elegance.

Utterly breathtaking, was the scene in front of me. I smiled, the event planner real outdid herself this time, she always delivered.

I knew my table number, I picked it myself, glorious table number 8. Eight symbolises completion, a full cycle, that's what I'm praying for right now.

Gently I put down my designer purse on the black spandex covered high table. The golden 8 printed on white board was on the centre of the table elegantly leaning upon a slender golden vase with a fresh roses.

A menu was placed on the table in front of the three tall deep green cushioned chairs.

I slightly struggled to climb onto the chair but eventually got on safely.
I picked up the menu in front of me and gingerly flipped through it, still cautious of my newly manicured nails.

I teared my eyes away from the menu the moment I heard my ringtone, it was my personalised ringtone for Emeliene. Search a nice catchy song about being crazy and you might find the ringtone.

I put down the menu and dig in my purse for my phone. I swiped on the screen to take the call and pressed it softly against my ear.

"Hey, Em. What's wrong?"

"Hiya, where are you? I've been looking for hours.", she whisper-yelled dramatically.

"Don't be silly. You probably just got here.", I said with a small smile and rolled my eyes.

She laughed, "How did you know? I'm actually by the door, I just looked around and decided, you know what- I tried."

I burst into laughter myself, "Typical. I'm at table 8, I'm lonely and it's your table too anyway. Did you even check your invitation?"

"Nope and I'm coming, thank you.", she said without a care in the world as she hung up.

I shook my head, what can I say, I love her though.

.....

By now all the guest have arrived. The chatter was exceptionally louder than when I arrived. Em and I where currently mingling and having small talk with a few other Royals. From the corner of my eye I saw Ashton holding someone's hand and pulling her towards the darkness of the halls. His obviously doing what he is known for. I felt something bubble inside me, the sensation felt hot and strong as if searing my heart. There is no way I am jealous or even furious- he is nothing to me. In conclusion- it must be heart burn.

We ended up finding Kwazi, Brooklynn and Mika'eel.

We headed towards the bar. I ordered a cranberry daiquiri.

"So, Riveria, do you know who you're going to...you know...marry soon?" Kwazi asked me.

They all looked at me expectantly.

Took in a breath and shook my head, "No not yet anyway but I will most probably find out soon."

Too soon.

Silence fell upon us, each one indulged deep in thought.

Ours silence was suddenly shattered by the one and only...

"Hey, Riv.", he said coming closer with his arms outstretched for a hug.

I turned around and placed my glass on the counter and went towards him.

"Xav, oh it's been so long, I thought you forgot about me.", I said as we hugged. I pulled away and pouted.

"How can I forget you, Riv, you are just unforgettably... what's the word I'm looking for?", Xavier said as he slightly squinted and patted his index finger on his clean shaven chin.

"Beautiful?", I continued with a tiny smirk.

"Nah, the word I was looking for is actually, annoying but that works too I guess."

He folded his arms and had a large arrogant smirk plastered on his face.

"Ouch." I said as I feigned hurt and placed my hand across my chest.

"Nah, I'm joking love. You look stunning by the way."

"Aw thank you, not too shabby yourself.", I said as I observed his shiny green tux with his Rolex watch and perfectly polished shoes. He had his hair held back by hair gel.

He put a hand on my back and we went towards my friends.

I turned around to look around the room, I felt as though someone was watching me, weird.

The night continued smoothly, I was having fun with my friends but time came for the agenda the program to begin and we all retreated to our respective tables.

Father then walked to the stage and took the microphone and the soft music that was playing in the background halted.

"Thank you everyone for making time to attend this wonderful event, the birthday of my eldest daughter, Riveria. She had finally come of age, but her suitor will not yet be publicly announced. With that said I would like to call upon the guest of honour, Princess Riveria of Crystillion."

As soon as he was done everyone started to clap and looked towards me.

I walked up to the stage and took the microphone from his hands. He walked of the stage back to his table.

I turned my whole body and adjusted my gown. Bright lights shone down on the stage making me entirely visible to the whole room.

"I would also like to extend my gratitude to each person in this room for showing up and honouring the invitation. You all look spectacular in green if I do say myself."

I looked around the room and maintained eye contact with Emeliene for a few seconds before resuming. The nerves are always there even though I speak to the mass almost as often as one might blink.

I spoke more about my life and how I would soon be a married woman. Honestly what does one say on the day of their auction.

"I wanted to keep this short and sweet so I would like to end by saying, please enjoy the rest of the night.   There are menus on each table and waiters will arrive shortly to each table and your orders. There is a bar at the back while you wait for your orders. Once again thank you everyone."

They clapped and I put the microphone back on its stand and climbed down the stairs of the stage. The music has resumed playing and everyone is now indulged in their own affairs again as if long forgotten about my speech. 

I get back to my table and the waiters arrive, mmh I wonder where has Emeliene wandered off to. I ordered Oxtail and mash potatoes with a side of cream spinach and roasted butternut.

I sipped on the non-alcoholic champagne I had taken earlier and glanced around the room carelessly.

I took out my phone from my purse and started to scroll through my phone doing nothing really, trying to find something that will pique my interest.

I sigh, where is Emeliene when you need her?

I look up suddenly as I hear the chair in front of me glide on the marble floor. I raise my brow in confusion as I register the familiar face... Ashton Vermillion.

I roll my eyes, "What are you doing here?"

"As far as know I was invited.", he answered smugly and I noticed his slightly disheveled hair and loose tie.

I puff out a breath, "You know what I mean. What are you doing sitting here?" I inquired while not trying hard to hide my irritation.

"Relax, princess, I just wanted to personally wish you happy birthday and give you this.", he dug in his pocket in search for something.

What would he possibly want to give me? It's not like we are exactly fond of each and I see him sometime when he occasionally comes over to visit Victor. I just hate his guts for some reason. It wasn't unusual for us to hurl insults at each other every chance we got when we would cross paths when he was still in high school. I guess as he was my brother's friend it was natural for us to act that way but I don't usually just dislike someone.

He finally pulled out a beautiful golden pendant out of his pocket and put on the table, I gasped.

"Where did you get this?", I asked still in shock.

I reached out to take and inspect it. It was Nakia's heart shaped locket, the one Victor gave her. My thumb traced the swirling inscription on the heart, Nakia.

"Did you open it?", I interrogated.

"No!", he said a little offended while lifting his hands.

"Oh, okay... Thank you Ashton.", I said sincerely grateful.

"No problem, princess, anything for you." he said as he winked with his signature smirk plastered on his face.

I rolled my eyes, cocky Ashton is back. Yay! (please note the intense amount of deadly sarcasm.)

"Where did you find it?", I asked curiously as I put it gently into my purse.

"At your house.", he shrugged and answered nonchalantly.

I raised a brow in confusion. Nakia lost her locket this morning and...but.

"Why were you there? Was it this morning? Why didn't I see you then?", I bombarded him with questions.

He jumped off the high chair and shoved his hands into the pants of his perfectly ironed pants.

I got off my chair as well and went towards him waiting expectantly for the answers to my questions.

He didn't answer.

"So, why were you there?", I asked firmly.

He came closer, our noses mere millimetres apart. My breath hitched and my started to heart beat erratically and loudly.

My eyes traveled around his face soaking in his sharp features. His chiseled jaw with a slight stubble and those mesmerizing grey  eyes. They look fogged and closed off, I was always good at reading a person's emotions especially through their eyes but he has put up walls and I can't help but want to know why.

He looked devilishly handsome- no this proximity is making it difficult for me to think straight.

He smirked, "You will find out soon enough, princess."

His breath, cool and fresh, fanned on my neck making me shiver.

He stepped back and left me there all flustered as I looked around to see if anyone saw us.

What just happened?

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