For the past two hours, Sera's gaze had been fixated on her reflection as the maids pinned, pulled, and clipped her gown. Creating a mesmerizing lace violet gown. Its golden flower embroidering swept around her shoulders while a belt of its same embellishment wrapped around her waist, snatching it into a perfect look.

She couldn't help but look towards the Queen. Her hair was as ripples of pure earth, woven with strands of gold and auburn lights, softly reflecting the light of the sun; a compliment to her elegance and stillness.

"Mother?" She called.

A slight hmm escaped her mother's lips. For not but a minute had her eyes looked over to her daughter in the past hours. She was too anxious, staring out the window, waiting for that one black carriage with its blood-red banner to pull in.

"Am I really to be betrothed?".

Queen Clera looked over at her only successor. "That boy is the heir to Dellz. A remarkably powerful kingdom we do not wish to go to war with. Your betrothal to that boy secures the safety of our nation. It spares us from needing to create any bloodshed."

"I'm all but 10. I sure don't wish to be married just yet" Sera replied with a melancholy tone to her voice as her eyes fell to her slippers.

With grace, the queen swiftly made her way to her daughter. "You have nothing to worry my darling. you aren't to be wed until your eighteenth birthday."

"Is he even my age? Or some temperamental pot-belly middle age man who loses consciousness with a drink in his hand every couple of hours."

Queen Clera chuckled before cupping her daughter's chin. "He is around your age, I was told."

Queen Clera lightly caressed her daughter's s cheek, tugging small strands of Sera's brown hair away from her frail face. She couldn't help but catch a glimpse of herself in her daughter. By seven she was betrothed and by the age of fifteen, she was wedded. Times were difficult back then, and more so now if this marriage arrangement doesn't transpire. "He will be a good husband and a fine king someday but you will be a strong exceptional queen of two kingdoms bound into one powerful empire."

Sera smiled a bit more confidently. She had a duty and she knew it well. The constant reminder never seemed to diminish as the only heir to Astorah. She knew she was going to be betrothed but not that soon, not at this early age.

The horns blew, making Sera jump back from fear. Her mother rapidly scampered to the window, pulling the curtain aside to view the carriage that made its way inside the gates. Guards in all-black armor marched on foot in perfect synchronization holding the banner to Dellz kingdom. Jet black stallions that pulled the carriage with their powerful hooves trotted against the pavement, rendering it to a sudden halt at the steps of the castle.

Taking a deep breath in Queen Clera turned to face her daughter and maids. 'It's time" she said while extending her hand toward her daughter. Sera hesitated for a second, before placing her small hand on her mother's. The Queen held tightly, hauling her daughter at her side as they exited Sera's chambers. The maids follow close behind, lightly padding the Queen's and princess's skirts.

As they descended the main steps Clera softly spoke to Sera, "remember, to curtsy and introduce yourself. Don't speak more than you are asked to. Smile but don't show your teeth and you shall not be enthusiastic or unhappy- content is a fairer emotion."

Sera didn't answer so her mother briefly stopped and looked at her. "Do you understand?"

Sera lifted her gaze towards her. "Yes, mother."

They descended the final steps and at the bottom of the steps waited King Rainer Zetian.

"My Lord" Queen Clera said followed by a quick curtsey. The King acknowledged his wife with a gracious smile before he took her hand in his and planted a kiss on the back of her hand. "My Queen."

"Hello, father," Sera said, stepping out from behind her mother.

"My heir, are you prepared to join our two houses together as one?"

Sera's eyes shifted from her father towards her mother with uncertainty. The Queen provided her with a slight nod and smile. She then looked up at her father again and grinned.

"Yes, father."

With a proud look on his face, the King took his position next to the Queen and they made their way outside to welcome their most honored guests.

Sera's heart hammered in her chest as they arrived in close view of the black carriage. The coachman made his way toward the carriage door and opened it. Out stepped the king.

The dawning sun had the potential to bring a day as hot as yesterday and the days before but on the horizon the sun-kissed white clouds had taken on silver hues with deep graphite tones. The air was cooler, the colors less vivid, and all without a drop of rain. As if it knew something wicked had stepped into unwelcoming lands, conveying the usual bright sky into an ominous work.

"King Lorcan a pleasant welcome," King Rainer said, extending his hand toward the King of Dellz.

Lorcan looked down at Rainer's hand before accepting it. He shook it firmly. "Indeed... it's a great pleasure to visit my son's future kingdom- it's quite refreshing, to say the least."

Rainer smiled, " I do hope you enjoy your short stay. This is my wife, queen-".

Lorcan's eyes followed Rainer's gesture, "Yes, Queen Clera, a divine beauty."

"The pleasure is all mine, King Lorcan." The queen replied with a curtsey.

King Lorcan noticed a small child who stood next to the queen. Her light blue doll eyes had been following his every move and once he noticed her she had bowed her head with an awkward curtsey.

A sinister almost invisible grin lingered on the king's lips. His dark black eyes glared down at her with little curiosity.

"And you are?" He asked. Knowing right well who she was, he preferred to raise the question. Intimidation was one of his most pleasurable tactics to achieve.

"I am- I am princess Sera, your majesty."

"Such a small thing. How old are you again?" He asked.

"I am ten- my lord."

"I see" King Lorcan moved to the side and down-stepped prince Derek from the carriage. "This is my son, your future king."

Sera was astounded to see the young man who had stepped out of the carriage. He bestowed a sinister smirk. His eyes were a brilliant electric blue that pierced right at Sera making her coward behind her mother. He was impressively tall for his age, almost at height of his father. His raven black hair combed to perfection had loosened a strand that fell over his forehead.

He couldn't help but snicker lightly as he noticed how terrified Sera became of him. "Children", he sneered before rolling his eyes.

"Is this child suppose to be my future wife?" Derek asked, looking at each one of the adults present including the staff who bowed their heads in fear.

Queen Clera and King Rainer looked at each other not sure what would be the proper reassuring words to address the disappointment the prince beared on seeing their daughter.

Rainer eventually spoke up "Yes prince, I can assure you she-" but soon was cut short.

"Tell me princess in what ways can you ever satisfy me?" Derek asked as he leaned towards Sera. His hand rested against his bended knee as he awaited her answer. Her small hands clutched tightly to her mother's gown.

She was too afraid and confused to answer his question.

"What does he mean?"

"Now, Now son", the king said, tightly gripping to Derek's shoulder and yanking him up into a straight position. Derek's jaw tightened as his eyes avoided the stare of the royal family who stood in front of him. A forceful smile, followed by gritted teeth played on the king's face, as these words followed.

"Let's not talk of these matters at this age. She will blossom into a beautiful young women who by then will be deserving of you. Don't you agree Queen Clera?"

As her hand rested on her daughter's cheek, lightly caressing her, Queen Clera answered the Dellz king. "Yes of course. She has a lot to offer, she will not disappoint."

To avoid any further embarrassing mischief Rainer spoke up after his wife. "Why don't we make our way inside? I anticipate the journey was long and tiresome. You both can freshen up before dinner this evening." Rainer said towards Lorcan and Derek.

"We shall" Lorcan replied.

The two kings and prince ascended the steps while queen Clera and princess Sera bowed toward them. Once out of ear sight, Sera faced her mother. "I would of rather prefer to marry a pot-belly old man than that- that wretched snake!" Picking up the bottom of her skirt, Sera hurriedly climbed the steps and into the palace. Her mother was left with the words caught at her lips. She couldn't help but sigh, looking up at the sky, who's dark clouds had now disappeared granting the once again sunny sky to triumph through. She gradually and carefully made her way up the steps.

Sera loudly spoke her frustration as she marched back up to her room. Devising a set of insults she could have told Prince Derek.

"Stupid little twig- evil spoil brat- immature troll-"

Giggles echoed throughout the hall and Sera couldn't help but slow her pace and listen carefully as her voice reached a mumble.

"Undeserving pest."

A burst of loud laughter followed.

Sera halted and turned around while rolling her eyes. "Emmeline I know it's you."

A young girl the same age as Sera stepped out from the corner of the hall. Her brown shoulder-length hair bounced as she skipped and twirled toward the princess. Her pink dress shimmered in the afternoon light as she made a sudden stop in front of the princess.

Sera's shoulders drooped and her head tilted to the side as she stared at her friend annoyingly.

"So-" Emmeline said with anticipation, waiting for Sera to spill what had happened.

Instead, Sera questioned, "so?"

Emmeline gripped Sera's hands tightly and leaned in close, her eyes glistened with excitement. "Did you meet the prince?"

"Yes-".

"Is he handsome?"

"Yes-"

"Is he tall?"

"Yes-"

"Was he gentleman? Did he portray any promising king-like characteristics? Is he smart-"

"I- ugh-"

Emmeline had finally come to notice her less enthusiastic friend's expression. "Was he nice to you? I was told Dellzian people can be a little harsh- I mean" she chortled before continuing, " to be honest they are brutal, awfully insane people. I've heard that they-".

"Emmeline! Just stop okay?" Sera let out, darting at her directly to make certain she understood she wanted her to speak no more.

Emmeline was taken aback and pressed her lips together and nodded.

With a sigh, Sera turned her back towards Emmeline, and Emmeline swiftly made her way toward her side. They both paced their way back to Sera's chambers in silence.

As soon as they entered the chamber, Sera spoke. "My maids should be here any minute to help me remove this gown and into one of my afternoon tea dresses."

Emmeline nodded with a smile. "it is a marvelous day today, perfect for our weekly tea get-together."

Sera crinkled her lips concurrently. " It is exceedingly hot today. I hope it cools down by the time we make it to the gardens."

"It is scarcely past twelve, I can assure you it will merely become hotter," Emmeline replied.

The doors stretched out and the maids rushed in, carrying a handful of gowns for the princess. "Which one would you like to wear this afternoon your grace?" one asked.

Sera shrugged, "it doesn't matter."

Emmeline pointed towards a pastel blue gown. "That one matches your eyes."

Sera provided the gown a quick scan over and nodded in approval.

The maids quickly got to work, carefully removing the princess's violet gown and clothing her in the afternoon blue gown.

Emmeline continued to flap her folding fan as she wiped the sweat off her forehead. "Sera" she whined, "you are right. It is extremely hot out today. Do you mind if we go inside now?" She asked as she pouted her pink lips.

Sera couldn't help but shake her head and smile, her eyes focused on a book she had been reading for the past hour, reciting each word in their ancient language.

Emmeline sighed heavily, setting her fan on the mantle that was laid out for them on the field grass. She fluffed her dress's skirt and pursued to play with its lace and embroidering.

It wasn't long before they both heard laughter, followed by an overly sweet angelic voice, "Oh your highness you are witty. How can I ever depart from your side? You make my days less gloomy."

Sera set her book down, lifting her gaze to view the girl who had spoken with such a flirtatious tone in her voice. Emmeline quickly followed her gaze.

A few yards from them, arm in arm were prince Maxen, the king's younger brother, and a lady of which Sera and Emmeline had no recollection.

They catch a glimpse of Maxen leaning into the young lady's ear, whispering something probably inappropriate if they knew him any better. The girl pretended to be mortified before she inclined closer, placing her hand against his chest, her cheeks flushing bright red. "Oh Maxen-"

"It's Maxen!" Emmeline squealed in excitement, clasping her hands together as she stared at him in adoration.

Sera couldn't help but feel disgusted as she looked over at her best friend drooling over her uncle.

"Emmeline, how many times am I going to tell you? Maxen is practically an adult, you are merely but a child- you haven't even-", Sera leaned in as if someone could be in hearing and whispered, "you haven't even bled yet."

"I don't care! I love him." Emmeline replied as she continued to stare at Maxen.

Sera knew Emmeline loved Maxen since the age a child could hold unto memories. As a toddler, all she did was cry for him every time he had to leave and everyone thought it was cute until they got older and she couldn't help but confess to Sera her feelings.

"Yuck!" Sera thought.

"He doesn't see you more than a baby sister or his little niece's best friend," Sera said, trying to put some sense into Emmeline.

Emmeline completely ignored Sera's reasonable explanation and she stood up. "I'm going to greet him."

Sera grabbed Emmeline's skirt. "Oh God, please don't. You dare embarrass yourself?"

Emmeline shook off Sera's hand, "have I ever?" and proceeded to skip onto the road.

Biting her lip Sera placed her book over her face, trying to hide the second-hand embarrassment she felt for her friend.

"Max! Maxen!" Emmeline hollered as she waved her hand in the air while sprinting towards him and the girl he was nearly about to kiss. As soon as he noticed Emmeline his smirk faded and an awkward smile surfaced.

"Emme-" he had said before her arms wrapped around his abdomen, squeezing him tightly. "oof! Hey there jitterbug," he said while trying to discreetly pull her away.

The Lady he was with couldn't help but smile in amusement. " And who's this sweet darling?"

"I'm-" Emmeline was about to speak but Maxen quickly cut her off.

"This is Emmeline a high noble wealthy lady of the court. She's best friends with the future queen of Astorah. Her household is very close to the King, and Queen, which more- or less makes her family."

"Impressive," said the girl. Emmeline could quite see a form of jealousy in her tone and facial expressions and that gave her satisfaction.

"Her jealous of me? Teehee."

Emmeline placed her hands behind her back, getting on her tippy toes and fluttering her eyelashes. "And you are?"

"I'm lady Norah."

"I haven't heard from you. What family do you come from? Are you wealthy? Is your family of the court?" Emmeline plundered her with many questions to purposely make her feel uncomfortable and it was working.

"I- well my family are merchants. They sell goods and make lots of money," Norah responded.

"Hmm in that case why hasn't the king ever invited your family to any events or banquets- I'm sure a family who's in the trading and goods services and makes lots of money as you claim- would be invited by the king to dine."

Norah nervously laughed and looked at Maxen whose face had become white as a ghost. "Well I honestly don't know- I'm sure word will reach the king's ear soon enough."

"I doubt it" Emmeline mumbled.

Norah's blood boiled into madness at this moment. Her hand clenched tightly to the side of her gown as she glared down at young Emmeline. How could a child's words bring her to this brink? All she considered was how much she wanted to hurt Emmeline.

"Listen here you-" Norah pondered for a second, contemplating her next words. Maxen's eyebrow raised as his eyes narrowed down on her, waiting to see her reaction towards a child, especially one nobility. Her voiced lower to a near-cry tone. "You- you are disrespectful for a tiny thing. I can't believe they allow these aristocratic kids to insult others in this matter. It pains me to hear how YOU insult me and my family. Do you think of us as fraudsters? As nobodies?"

Emmeline couldn't help but squint her eyes and scrunch her lips in irritation. Resembling a crushed-up pumpkin.

Norah placed her hand against her chest, trying her best to bring out her theatrical skills. Tears formed in her eyes as she looked up at the sky. "I am completely uttermost ashamed. I should not even be in your presence, my prince."

Maxen couldn't help but pity her in no way he had ever done before. "Norah don't-"

"Yeah! You should go back to where you came from," Emmeline quickly added, gesturing her away with a flick of her hand.

"That's enough!" Maxen commanded.

Emmeline frowned as she was taken aback by Maxen's tone of voice. She couldn't comprehend how he could defend this deceitful woman.

"Lady Norah and I will take our leave if you'll excuse us, Lady Emmeline," Maxen said before making way for Norah to pass. With a smirk and her head held high, Norah walked down the path.

"Max!" Emmeline called out, clinging to his arm as her frown turned into a sad apologetic glance. "Please stay and play with me. You always do every time you come to visit."

Slowly removing her grip from his arm, he looked down at her pitifully and lightly smiled. "Some other time okay kiddo," he said before disheveling her hair and walking away.

Sighing deeply Emmeline marched her way back to Sera, who waited patiently for her friend's return from her failed attempt.

"So how did it go?" Sera asked with a faint grin.

Glowering Emmeline looked away, picking up a scone from a plate, "don't even ask" she said as she nibbled on the scone.

Sera shook her head with a brief giggle.

A shadow figure swiftly made its way across them and Sera couldn't help but know who it was.

"That little dirt slime is sneaking around my palace. I don't think so."

"Hey, Emmeline. I'll be back okay?"

Emmeline looked up at Sera who had already risen to her feet. "Where are you going?"

"I have to take care of something."

"Are you leaving me here in this scorching heat?"

Sera brushed her friend off with very little importance. She was on a mission and she wasn't going to be stopped. "You don't have to stay out here if you don't want to. Go wait for me in the study hall or something."

Emmeline rolled her eyes. "Ugh fine."

With a smile, Sera scurried away in pursuit of her betrothal.