November 1714

Idina sat on a chair with her well-loved easel in front of her, with a palette of vibrant blues and greens on her hand. As she had done for years, she was painting the ocean in front of her, accurately painting the lovely waves onto her canvas as they hit the rocks in front of the bluff. 

She had pulled the chair from her vanity to her bedroom balcony. Idina had adored painting ever since she first held a paintbrush. She enjoyed going down to the kingdom to paint a scene of the bountiful farmers market, or the water down at the docks, as well as the lovely merchants. She loved going down there so much, she would sneak out just to paint. As she has grown older, she has learned that it is better to remain in the castle. But the warm wind calls to her, and the waves beckon and lead her out to the light.

For as long as she can remember and even now, she has always found that she feels the most alive when she is standing at the edge of the water. She knows it's dangerous, but she always longs to be there. It calls to her. The sound of the ocean soothes her restless soul. She has always found the ocean to be very beautiful, but seeing where the sky meets the sea has always been her favorite. If she goes to explore that great horizon, she may never come back.

Most would think that she is the luckiest girl in the world. She has priceless treasures within her grasp, she wears beautiful gowns draped in jewels and lace every day, and everything she could ever want. She's is a princess, she is who every little girl dreams of being. This is not a life that Idina has wished for herself. She is insecure in her role in the family, and is worried that she is not as loved as the rest of her siblings. All she wants to do is spend a day warm on sandy beaches, and she longs to be part of a world where she is free to wander, and free to explore.

Idina dipped her paintbrush in white and began dabbing on a little cloud, identical to the one that was floating in the sky in front of her, just above the bluff that the castle sits on. The happy blue sky twinkled against the shimmering blue waters below. Happy little birds chirped in the trees and the garden that surround the castle. Lost inside her own mind, she is far away from all that haunts her. Time doesn't exist, and there is always magic waiting for her in her own world.

Idina rubbed the back of her wrist against her forehead, careful not to get any paint on her beautiful creamy pale skin. The sun was lighting up her kingdom in a golden glow, which she had perfectly emulated in her art. The light that shined on the sea was blinding, calling out to her. The Ocean Man was soon to take her by the hand, and lead her on the greatest adventure.

Idina is the Princess of Madya. Madya is a small, yet wealthy kingdom that inhabits a popular island in the North Atlantic Ocean. They have an excellent trading post, giving Madya its spot on the map. It is the mother of two neighboring kingdoms, which create the Parasio Empire that King Victor IV rules.

Idina was considered the rebel child of all the royal children, as well as the most beautiful. Blessed by Aphrodite herself, her beauty was almost mystical. Her teeth were brilliantly white, her neck was slender and fair, and her bust was admirably proportioned to her slender body. She had heavy, long inky black velvet hair that swayed softly at her hips, and angelic amber eyes. Her satin lips were always stained as if she had just eaten strawberries. She was famed for her healthy and amazingly long hair, as well as her short, tragic life.

Since she was a child, Idina has gotten used to the life of a princess. Now at the age of eighteen, she has been educated just as much as her older brothers, and has become a beloved member of the royal family within the kingdom. For her generosity of donating and volunteering at the local hospital and visiting her people as often as she can, the people of Madya have deemed her to be the People's Princess. She was magnetic and radiant. She connected with others and attracted attention with little conscious effort on her part. They loved her, and they regarded her as one of them.

The rest of the family are less than pleased at the knowledge that Idina would venture down there alone. They much preferred that she stay in the castle, but found that she will refuse to listen. She tried to be the perfect daughter, but always seems to gravitate toward excitement. They let her visit the kingdom, only if she has an escort with her to keep her safe.

Idina nearly completed her cloud when she heard her French balcony doors click and silently open behind her. She let out a small sigh, knowing who was behind her and why.

"Pearl, it's time to come inside and get ready for supper."

Queen Narissa stood underneath the door frame, with her hands clasped together in front of her stomach, looking past Idina's shoulder and at her new painting. She still never understood why Idina was so fascinated with painting the ocean, when there is so much more to paint. So many more moments that she can freeze in time.

Idina dipped her paintbrush back into her glob of white and she began to paint another layer over the happy little cloud. She didn't turn to ask, "why must I?"

"Because this event is for you," she snapped in her motherly, polite tone.

"I don't see it that way," she mumbled.

Narissa let out a sigh. Idina continued to paint and she said, "this is the agreement. Frederick is to become Grand Prince of Krozar in two months time. He is coming to the palace tonight, to ask for your hand in marriage."

"I can't marry a man I haven't seen in ten years," Idina stated stubbornly. She had mastered the art of a good jaw clench to express her frustrations in a proper way. She reached over to grab a delicate tea cup made of the finest china to take a sip of her fresh coffee.

"You can, and you will," she replied firmly.

Idina held her tongue and exhaled slowly. She didn't want to rock the boat, so she felt being quiet was the best option. She had been rejecting every suitor who had entered their kingdom. Due to this, Narissa decided upon herself to arrange Idina's marriage. Once Idina received the news that she was due to marry Frederick, all of her hopes and plans for her future came crumbling down.

One reason why Idina had never accepted a suitor was because she didn't want to stay trapped in the walls of a palace. She wanted to smell adventure, she wanted to taste freedom, and she wanted to go to places she could only dream of. She had always dreamed of a life beyond the shore. Another reason was because she had yet to feel a connection with someone. She has always hoped that she would marry for love, rather than for politics. She's waiting—she just doesn't know what she's waiting for.

Idina feels watered down when she was around her family. She loves them dearly, but they are so overbearing that they limit the execution of her personality. She has always felt like a less, diminished version of herself around them. Sometimes, she feels like she's about to ruin things by speaking her mind. She feels like she has been on the same level, and same roles all her life and wants a change. This constant repetition of being discounted whenever her true colors show was naturally taking a toll on her. She naturally thought that something was wrong with her and that she needed to be fixed. Sometimes she thought maybe the devil had control over her, because she found it hard to fight the feeling. 

As soon as the cloud was finished, Idina stood up and turned to face Narissa. Idina inspected Narissa's face that was so beautifully milky, as if she has never spent an afternoon in the golden sun. Idina inherited her long hair from her, which Narissa had twisted and beautifully braided thickly down her back, which contrasted against her emerald green gown.

"What if I don't want to marry Frederick?" Idina asked.

"Who then? You cannot live as a spinster your whole life. This marriage is about duty and the alliance of two nations. That's why the law was implemented."

"What about Riona? Are you willing to sell her to Frederick?" Idina asked. She didn't suggest her eldest sister Charolette because she was already to be married off to the Grand Prince of Lutetia. These grand marriages are to solidify alliances, the law states that princesses must marry princes from other countries, and princes's must marry princesses. Royals cannot marry commoners.

Narissa gasped appallingly. "We are not selling you, my dear. This is to unite our kingdoms and receive proper protection for not only our family, but for our people too. "

Idina clenched her jaw and her nostrils flared in annoyance. Those laws were so outdated. Then, she whipped her head toward her easel and refused to say a word while she gathered her paints, her brushes, the chair, and finally her canvas.

"Please do not get paint on yourself," Narissa said.

"I won't," Idina mumbled.

"A princess shouldn't mumble. Especially if one who is to become a Grand Princess."

"Grand. Right," Idina stated flatly.

This decision of the arranged marriage between Idina and Frederick had been known the moment Idina was born, if she did not find a more proper suitor before her eighteenth birthday. However, Idina was just informed of this agreement and she spent days trying to fight it, but it was too late. All Frederick has to do is ask for her hand in marriage. Idina must accept, then the wedding will take place in a week's time.

Idina had always known that she was never going to be the Queen of Madya. She didn't mind, she always thought that being queen would be an intolerable honor. Her oldest brother, Peter, had just celebrated his twenty-sixth birthday. He is next in line for the throne, and he has been groomed for it his entire life. The eldest might as well have been considered to be the son of Madya. If not him, there are three more of her siblings ahead of her for the throne, until they have children. She was destined to never see the throne.

Peter was Idina's favorite sibling. He often drank herbal tea with her on many golden afternoons, and used to play with her in the massive garden that surrounds the castle. He helped her with her schoolwork. He adored her, and she adored him.

With the eldest brother's birth, the kingdom celebrated and filled the fountains with wine. They rejoiced with their newborn prince, for the future of Madya would continue with a male heir. If anything were to happen to Peter, Charolette was next in line. She was also given the same expectations and lessons on how to be Queen, just in case. She was much more reserved and calm than Peter, so she wasn't as close with Idina as Peter was.

Despite their personality differences, Peter and Charolette are excellent examples of people who would be superb rulers for the monarchy. They are both exceptional people, with hearts of gold and shining personalities. Their ability to be confident and compassionate are qualities that Idina truly envied. Peter was always meant to be King, and he was worked hard for it. He was bright, had a dashing smile, regal good looks, and women from all around the world were sent to Madya for the opportunity to meet him and be his future Queen.

Charolette is an elegant princess, she would make a magnificent queen someday if given the opportunity. Even Theodore and Riona were closer in line to the throne than Idina. Idina felt like she has lived her life in the shadows of her older siblings, but knew this was the way it had to be.

Idina was far from being a paragon. She was considered rebellious compared to her siblings. The Queen wished for Idina to devote herself to the politics of the country to make her a decent role model for the young women of Madya.

While her parents were busy training the new leaders of their empire, Idina's life was revolved around extensive education and this was where she would find time to sneak off and be around her people and fall madly in love with her kingdom. However, she is still a princess and must act as such. She is part of a very prim and proper family, something she's had to fight with her entire life.

Idina and her siblings were all educated at the palace, under the supervision of their mother and their governess. Their lessons concentrated on history, language, and literature. Idina and her sisters joined her brothers in learning mathematics because Narissa believed that women deserved the same education as men. Every member of the Burlyon-Gotha family were well versed on mathematics and languages, religion, philosophy, oratory, astronomy, as well as the art of public speaking. Idina was incredibly gifted with her intelligence. This gave her the knowledge of how to make herself agreeable to every one, which made her loved by all.

Her mother ensured that her and her siblings learned English, French, Italian, German, and geography by a well-educated governess. There was sweetness also in the tones of Idina's voice. Her tongue was like an instrument of many strings, she could readily turn to whatever language she pleased.

Idina shuffled back into her bedroom and set her paints down in the corner, and set the canvas up on the easel so it would dry properly.

"I expect you to be dressed and in the dining hall tout suite." Narissa caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and noted how perfectly positioned her tiara was. She wore the Crown of Princess Blanche. It was made of gold with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, enamel and pearls. Dating from the 1380's, it belonged to the princess of England, gifted to her after her wedding in 1402. It had been passed down from generation to generation, and will one day go to one of her daughters.

"I will."

"Lady Seymour will be in soon to assist. Make sure she laces your corset properly. I don't want to hear you complain without gasping," Narissa demanded. She had been tight lacing her corsets for years, and had her daughters start the moment they were old enough to wear corsets to give them a more refined look with their unrealistic tiny waists.

As soon as Narissa left, Idina grabbed a pillow from her luscious bed and stuck her face in it. Her hair cascaded around her shoulders and flood around her arms. She screamed as loud as she could, muffled by the feather filled pillow.

The extravagant bed had silk sheets with a high thread count, and elaborately ornamental bed curtains made of rich fabrics of gold draped around the bed canopy. Her bed of matching golden damask was specially made for her, with richly embroidered crimson satin.

Idina had to get ready for supper, followed by a ball that was going to take place in their magnificent ballroom. She knew that sometime during the night, Frederick would propose to her. The ball was her engagement party, and she already knew that everyone in high class of the Parasio Empire, as well as those from England, France, and the British subject domicile from nearby Jamaica were all invited.

Lady Anna Seymour entered the bedroom, which prompted Idina to lift her head up and toss the pillow back onto her bed. Once the rest of her ladies-in-waiting filtered into the room, Anna closed the door and turned to face the stubborn princess. All of the women gave their princess a curtsy. When Anna stood up straight, her eyes gazed at the pillow and she asked cheekily, "are we interrupting something?"

Anna is Idina's age, which has made the girls get along rather nicely. With Idina's sheltered life, she would deem Anna to be her closest friend. Anna has been a maid for the royal family ever since she was old enough to work, her focus being waiting on Idina.

"No, you're not," Idina sighed.

Idina glanced around her magnificent bedroom. Her room was decorated with great care, and modified to fit her love of French baroque architecture and Rococo. Her bed is covered with splendid fabrics, and is the focal point of her bedchamber. The furniture is decorated with marquetry technique that is solid, luxurious, and elaborate.

Her beloved paintings were framed with gold, depicted as a heap of helmets, cupids, swords, flags, and shields. Her walls were covered in pearl-grey floral motifs, with water lilies, palm trees, olive and oak trees, and garlands of fruits were used as ornaments to the pattern.

"Are you delighted to meet your husband, your highness?" Anna asked as she walked over to Idina's closet and fetched a gown for her while the other ladies began to prepare Idina's makeup, corset, and pins for her hair.

This dress was already approved by the Queen for Idina to wear. It was a gown of delicate tea green fabric, with brilliant ruffles around the low neck and down the bodice of the dress. White English net lace would flow out from the elbows, as well as around the neckline.

Typically, choosing an outfit for the day is apart of Idina's morning routine. The curtains of her bedchambers are drawn by Anna or one of her other ladies-in-waiting, exposing the room to the bright sunlight. A basin of warm water is delivered to Idina so she can wash her face and her hands. Idina is then presented with a booklet of fabric swatches for her to decide what she wants to dress in for that particular day. On this day, she decided on a creamy floral hand-sewn gown of lightweight linen with gold thread for the morning, and didn't have a choice for her evening wear as it was previously decided on by the Queen. Her bath is then run by Anna, with the water perfumed to her liking. Idina typically leans toward orange, vanilla, or almond scents. After she bathes, Anna shields her with a bath sheet and she returns to bed wrapped in a white linen lounging gown where she calmly reads while her ladies-in-waiting prepare her breakfast. It's served to her in bed on silver dishes, with lace adorning the silver tray. Her meal is covered by a cloche, and typically includes a bowl of fresh fruit from the gardens of the palace, freshly made bread and butter, cheese imported from France, a cup of coffee, and chocolate. Once she's done eating, Anna and her other ladies assist in dressing their princess for the day, lacing her into her corset and help tailor fabric so her dress fits properly. This was a highly intricate process that requires several attendants. Her hair is meticulously styled, and makeup is applied by one of her ladies.

"Delighted is not the word I would use to describe how I am feeling, Lady Anna," Idina stated glumly.

Anna set the gown on Idina's bed while her other ladies were assisting on taking off her dress, leaving her in her chemise of dotted swiss and lace. Lady Edith retightened the drawstrings of Idina's neckline, underbust, and waist to keep the chemise in place under her corset.

"How so?" Anna asked.

Idina had to think while Lady Theodate prepared her corset. Idina finally said, "I haven't met him."

"I thought you have?" Anna asked.

"Well, I have. But it was many years ago and we were merely children. He wasn't that fond of me," Idina confessed.

Theodate wrapped the clean corset around Idina's torso. The peach-colored corset is long and slender, designed to fit Idina perfectly. Anna stood in front of Idina, who was grabbing a hold of her dressing pole for support. Theodate gathered the silk laces in her hands and began to lace the corset with a cross lacing technique. The corset consists of seventy-nine individually hand-sewn eyelets and seams, and reinforced with forty pieces of whale-boning. Anne said, "perhaps he will be much kinder, considering you are to be his wife."

"I would hope so," Idina grunted while Theodate pulled the laces even tighter.

"You still don't seem enthused."

"I am not. I just... I don't wish to be married. Not now, anyway."

"Does your mother know? Your father?"

"I have tried to tell them. I pleaded for them to cancel the wedding, but they won't allow it. My entire life has been preparing me for this event. I should be thrilled it's finally happening, but I guess I'm terrified of being trapped. I have no control over my own destiny. There's so much I want to do, but I know that once I'm married I forfeit all my hopes and dreams that I've been scolded to have. What is wrong with me?"

"There is nothing wrong with you."

Idina squeezed her eyes shut and put her hand on the boning of the corset that tightened around her stomach. "This is too tight."

"As your mother always says, no one wants a waist over nine inches," Anna teased, knowing the impracticality of it.

"I do," Idina grunted.

"This what they're wearing in England," she reminded her.

"Well, women in England must have learned not to breathe," Idina replied sarcastically.

Theodate tied off the laces. Idina took a step back from her dressing pole and adjusted her sheer sleeves that gathered above her elbows. She turned to face her lady and said genuinely, "thank you, Lady Theodate."

Theodate bowed to her Princess, and excused herself to grab Idina a chair to sit on so her stockings and garters can be put on.

"Why won't the king and queen cancel the wedding?"

"The Grand Prince of Krozar has been pushing against my father for years now. They want me to marry his son Frederick to make peace with our two countries once again," Idina answered as she sat in her chair. Stiff from the corset, she gently extended her leg out for Lady Selah. Selah got down on her knees and rolled a stocking of silk up Idina's leg. She secured the stocking by tying a garter below the princess's knee, and repeated to her other leg.

"That doesn't seem very fair," Anna sympathized.

"It is my duty to make this marriage work. Not only for me, but for my family and my people. But I just don't feel ready."

"You can't marry for love?"

Idina chuckled softly. "Father said that only commoners get married for love."

"I guess that's the only good thing about being a commoner then," Anna said softly.

"I'm sorry, Lady Anna. I didn't mean it like that, I'm just upset is all. I have never felt like I belonged here, and other people controlling my life has given me the feeling of a lack of purpose."

"Well, you're an amazing princess. The people down there absolutely adore you, and I haven't heard them say anything good about your siblings. Nothing bad either, but they are just all very fond of you."

Idina smiled softly. "Thank you."

"Of course. And just remember that there are some sacrifices to be made to live in a beautiful palace such as this, with money and an extravagant lifestyle. You are lucky."

"I know. You are right."

Idina hated complaining about anything, especially to Anna. Sometimes she would vent and Anna would be understanding, but always brings her back to a humble reality that her life is practically perfect in comparison to others in the country. She helps open Idina's eyes, which is another reason why Idina is so loved by her people, because she is aware.

Idina thanked Lady Selah once she gently helped guide her feet into shoes adorned with silk and ribbon. Idina stood up, and immediately Lady Colette and Lady Margaret tied a linen pannier on either side of Idina's waist. The pannier is supported by whalebone and is meant to extend the width of her gown. Her ladies gathered the petticoats and draped them over Idina's head, and tied them around her waist.

"Will you need help packing tonight?" Anna asked.

"No, why would I?" Idina asked.

Anna was a little surprised by Idina's question. She grabbed a boar bristle hairbrush and playfully pushed Idina towards her vanity. Idina sat down on her vanity chair with gilded armrests and upholstered in deep red velvet. Anna stood behind her and she began to brush out her long, gorgeous hair.

"For your awaited journey to Krozar, after your engagement party. You will be traveling home with your husband, yes?"

Idina didn't even think about what was going to happen after the party. She realized that she will have to move over to Krozar and begin a new life over there, with the man she is going to spend the rest of her miserable and confined life with. "He won't be my husband tonight."

"Your fiancé then."

"I suppose I will accompany him to Krozar, but no one has discussed this with me."

"I will alert the others and we shall pack for you during the ball. We will be finished before you depart."

"Thank—Anna, no. No, I don't believe I will need any assistance. Thank you for the offer."

"Your highness, it'll be no trouble at all," Anna stated. The golden hairbrush continued to brush through Idina's silky hair. In the mean time, Lady Caterina prepared for Idina's makeup. She dusted finely ground starch onto Idina's face and neck to produce a soft, porcelain-like complexion. Next, Caterina reached for Idina's pot of creamy rouge made from beetroot. She applied the rouge sparingly onto the apples of her cheeks for a natural yet radiant look. For her eyes, Caterina had a small container of powdered kohl that she used to line Idina's lashes lightly, and applied it mixed with a bit of water on her upper lashes to define her eyes.

For Idina's lips, she was gifted pottery from the Princess of Morocco. Made from dried pomegranate rind and poppy petal powder, mixed with water, it becomes a terra-cotta lip and cheek stain. Caterina licked her finger and rubbed it against the pottery and tapped the gorgeous red stain over Idina's lips.

Queen Narissa found at a young age that she was allergic to the lead that was incorporated in makeup products. As a young woman, she started creating her own makeup and skincare including a face wash, orange blossom water, a face mask, powder, lipstick, rouge, and eye kohl. When she became the Queen of Madya, she forbid makeup with the containment of lead to enter the kingdom, including imports from England. She taught her daughters how to create their own lead-free makeup, in case they also suffered a lead allergy. This became popular throughout the kingdom.

Lady Maeve and Lady Leonora took over Idina's hair duties. They spoke gently to one another as they ran their hands through Idina's hair, complimenting it and discussing how they planned to up it up in an elegant style for the event. It is considered to be immodest for the princesses to be seen publicly with their hair down and loose. Idina remained silent while Anna set the hairbrush on the vanity and left to prepare her gown. Maeve piled her hair, loosely pinning the soft curls in place. Leonora used a crimson ribbon to secure Idina's hair, ensuring it would not fall during the event.

Idina knew her time at the vanity was over when Caterina applied rose perfume to her neck and wrists, roses from the palace garden. Leonora secured the final pin in Idina's hair, and stepped away from Idina so she had room to stand and approach Anna with her gown. Standing in only her underpinnings, her ladies-in-waiting assisted one another in dressing her in her gown for the event.

The skirt was cinched around her waist, swaying at her feet. The bodice was tailored to fit over her corset, resulting in a tight fit around her chest and waist. The ladies approached their princess with a necklace and matching earrings.

When Idina was thoroughly prepared for her event for the night, she turned to her ladies and said, "thank you all. You are excused."

Her ladies bowed to their princess, and filtered out of her bedchambers. Everyone but Anna.

"Lady Anna, if it is all right. I would like some time to myself tonight. Before the ball," Idina stated softly.

Anna nodded. "Of course, your highness. But if you need me, you know how to get me."

Idina smiled up at Anna. She was going to miss her terribly. She hoped there could be a way that she could take her along to Krozar just so she wouldn't be alone.

"Thank you. You are my dearest friend."

"And you are mine. And a true friend wouldn't let a friend be late to her own engagement. Frederick and his family will be here any minute now, and the cooks are working feverishly to get supper ready, as well as for the ball." Anna walked over to Idina's wardrobe and opened the door in order to open a drawer. She grabbed a bundle of fabric and revealed it to be Princess Idina's Tiara.

Idina smiled gently at her through her golden vanity mirror. She sat down at her vanity and said, "thank you."

Anna walked over to the princess and placed the tiara on her head. Idina sat up a little straighter as Anna twirled and fixed her hair around the exquisite tiara, made of graduated arches of priceless briolette diamonds resting on a diamond band.

"You really must keep this in the vault, princess. Someone could steal it," Anna suggested.

"I'm afraid laziness is my greatest weakness," Idina chuckled softly. She cleared her throat then said, "that will be all. Thank you, Lady Anna. You are excused. I will be down soon."

Anna gave Idina a slight curtsy and headed out of her bedchamber. Idina faced forward and gazed into the mirror where she was able to evaluate her exquisite features on her brilliant gown. She gently picked through though her hair, messing it up a little bit to give a bit more of her personality in her appearance. She put on some makeup to make herself look more presentable in her mother's eyes. Even though the gown was lovely, Idina didn't feel beautiful in it. Her anxiety and nerves were taking over her mind, and she felt a knot in her stomach that was making its way to her throat just at the thought of having to marry a man she only knows the name of.

Idina opened one of her vanity drawers and pulled out a sheet of rag paper, a quill and ink, and her stamp. She dipped her quill into the black ink and began writing a letter. She dated it, and addressed it to herself. She wrote of her fears and worries, and how she prayed that all will be well with her marriage with Frederick. As a sort of comfort that her future self will be watching over her for guidance to ensure that her life will not be miserable. She put the letter in an envelope and she stamped it with red wax with her personal seal. She slipped the letter into her bedside table to grab later.

Idina gathered her courage and checked herself in the mirror one last time before deciding it was time for her to go. She grabbed her folding fan that was resting on her vanity before she slipped out of her bedroom, closing the door behind her. The magnificent hallway was large, with many white doors with pastel blue detailing that led to the bedrooms and washrooms of her siblings. The walls were lined with gilded wooden paneling with elaborate detail and decorations of scrolls and flowers. Gilded glamor was added through formal portraits that are hung along the walls of every king and queen consort of Madya. The ceiling had beautiful painted art from Michalangelo two hundred years earlier, and the floors were white marble. Idina could hear her shoes clicking against the marble as she walked, holding up her gown to avoid tripping on it.

Idina's fan was a part of her uniform. The sticks of the folding fan were made of mother of pearl, inlaid with gold, little sequins, and a delicate lace trim. The priceless ornate fan was fragile, but it was hand painted on the folding silk, adorned with regal portraits of the royal family on silver medallions. The delicate craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the gouache on the double silk leaf to the intricate use of metallic thread, ivory, gilding, and gems. She held it closed in her left hand, twisting it around in her palm anxiously.

At the staircase, she put her right hand on the hand carved railing and the other held her dress along with the fan. She kicked as she walked, making her way down stairs to the banqueting hall.

The style of this extravagant hall is light and elegant. The walls and the tall ceiling are embellished with rosettes, vines, and palmettes with several beautiful centerpieces. This hall was decorated in the Pompeian style to keep it rich with expression, without being overwhelmed by decor. The light colors, decorations and the wooden flooring were all original to when the hall was first built.

These walls also feature a number of Greek gods and goddesses, upon request of Narissa when she first became Queen consort. Lots of the faces are recognized as those within high society amongst the Atlantic, and it was a lively topic of discussion for every gathering. Every guest was draped in their finest voluminous ball gowns, and tailcoats.

This banqueting hall is lit by eight glass chandeliers, all hand-crafted with exquisite details. This hall can seat over two hundred people. The heavy deep red velvet curtains were drawn at every window, trimmed with their original fringes and decorated with braiding in rich gold silk.

The long table and chairs were all designed in the Pompeian style to keep with the elegant theme. The silverware was made of silver and gold, and it was engraved with the coat of arms of Madya. The table linen was made of a gorgeous Irish damask and it was woven in the pattern that is based on the decorations on the walls.

The table was dominated by tall silver-gilt candelabra, each bearing four candles. These were gifts from Norway to King Victor II in 1622, and have been used for every banquet ever since. It gave a touch of gothic style to the room.

The banquet hall was buzzing with small conversations from the hundreds of people that were in there. Idina managed to sneak in by walking alongside a few of the butlers who were delivering the traditional first course of white soup; veal stock with cream and almonds. The food was all covered by cloches, and revealed once they were set on the table.

Idina snuck onto the only empty chair at the table. Beside her, was Frederick. They didn't need an introduction, she recognized him immediately. She delicately placed her fan on her lap and covered it with a napkin.

Idina inspected him for a moment. He had certainly grown. His thick black hair had grown down to his strong chin, and his piercing blue eyes almost made her uneasy. He did smile at her, and it made her feel like he wasn't as intimidating as he appeared. He is just a young man after all.

"Princess Idina?" Frederick asked.

Idina smiled softly. "Yes. I apologize, I didn't see the time."

"You haven't missed anything." He smiled back at her. He recalled his first interaction with her, and now he saw her grown into this lovely young woman who he wouldn't mind spending the rest of his life with. He first noticed her cheekbones that look like they could cut glass, but was drawn to her dancing amber eyes. Her features were soft, yet defined. Since she reached marital age, he knew that suitors would be coming from all across the world for her hand.

The soup was then replaced with lunar pastries and turkey pie for the main course. Lunar pastries are savory pastries made of potatoes, with various vegetables baked inside. Turkey pies are a meat pie made of turkey, a variety of vegetables such as carrots, peas, potatoes, onions, mushrooms, paired with a rich luscious gravy cream sauce, and a flaky top crust.

Hot meat is for company, so the chefs also provided an abundance of sirloin of roasted beef, venison, lamb, rabbit, ham, leg of veal glazed in its own juice, roasted goose, roast beef, and steak. Cheddar and Cheshire cheese were offered, paired with toasted brioche bread and coffee with nutmeg. Caviar is a delicacy and was served in crystal bowls.

Frederick grabbed the violet wine and poured himself a glass, as well as one for Idina. Violet wine is a traditional Madyan drink, made of fermented violets that's tempered with sweet honey. It's a dark brilliant purple color, sweet from the honey, and tastes like flowers. There was also fresh lemonade, and orange blossom water made from the oranges that grow in the palace garden. Idina took a dainty sip of the drink, and set her goblet down by her golden plate.

"I'm sorry. It's just that you have grown up before my very eyes," Frederick said after Idina noticed that his gaze was fixated on her.

"That's what little girls do. They grow up." Her pink cheeks naturally looked like they've just been pinched, so she hoped he didn't assume her blushing was due to his compliment.

Frederick kept his charms, and cracked appropriate jokes to make the royal family laugh. He smiled brightly, blending in with everyone seamlessly. He desperately wanted them to like him. To accept him as one of their own.

The last course was dessert, long awaited. This included mulberry cobbler, delicate lavender and earl grey cookies, a variety of exotic and expensive fruit, pudding, moist lemon and blackberry petit fours, custard, rice pudding with poached rhubarb, pound cake, raspberry tart, chocolate cream, ratafia cake, bon bons, and blue macaroons with black tea and honey flavors that were imported from France in celebration for the awaited engagement. Servants brought all this out in dishes of gold, silver or silver-gilt cloches. The best goldsmiths worked to produce these new forms that would keep the food warm for longer.

Idina ate her pie with a silver spoon, and in an attempt to make Frederick laugh, she stuck the clean spoon to her nose while no one else noticed. Frederick noticed, and his pleasant smile quickly dropped and he glared at Idina's childishness. Her older brother, Theodore, sat across from them and he cracked a smile. Small ripples in the skin of his cheeks were the remnants of scars he obtained when he was contagious with smallpox as a child. He had since been cured, but his scars remain.

Idina quickly let the spoon drop in her lap, and acted as if it never happened. Her eyes remained focused on her plate for the rest of the meal, out of fear of getting ridiculed for letting her intrusive thoughts win. She immediately regretted it, because she fully knows that princesses should not act with such foolery. She must be the good girl she has always had to be. She just hoped Frederick would have some sort of humor, and was proven wrong.

Idina's gaze drifted towards the massive windows that looked out to the luscious garden. She wished to be out there, admiring the flora instead of sitting at this rather awkward meal.

Members of the staff began to clear off the table, taking away dirty dishes and refilling drinks while music began in the nearby ballroom. Idina's eyebrows twitched when she heard the orchestra for just a moment, hoping that it would be a good distraction to retreat back into her bedchamber. If Frederick can't propose, she can't get married. Simple.

Her plan was foiled when Frederick offered her his hand. She disguised her side-eye with a smile as she gently placed her nimble hand on his. She swiftly stood up while catching her fan and he escorted her out of the banquet hall to a balcony that overlooked the ballroom.

The music got louder, covering the thud of her heartbeat. Idina took her free hand and lifted up the skirt of her dress so she wouldn't trip on it while gracefully walking down the stairs. Frederick noticed her grip on him tightened, so he gallantly held her a little tighter.

Together they stood upon the first landing of the grand imperial staircase, standing upon the rich red carpet with gold embellishments. They were gently gazing down at the rest of the ballroom where it was filled with men and women who were dancing.

The grand Baroque style gallery was one of the most emblematic rooms in the royal palace. It's composed of seventeen large windows that open in direction to the garden. On the opposite wall there are seventeen mirrors, equal to the windows. The mirrors reflected the garden, or at night they reflected candlelight from the chandeliers. Built in 1684, the mirrors were used for aesthetics as well as conveying the family's wealth because in the seventeenth century, mirrors were one of the most expensive items to possess. The lavish mirrors, glass doors, marble walls, chandeliers and ceiling paintings, this room is a sight breathtaking in its majesty.

Massive priceless paintings covered the walls above the mirrors to allow the natural light in. Behind the couple was a clock that was gifted to Idina's grandfather shortly after he became the king. It was placed in the ballroom, and hadn't been moved since.

The ballroom was alive with music and joy. People were dancing, drinking, eating, and having a wonderful time under the chandeliers. Everyone in attendance wore lavish clothes made of exquisite trappings, gold, and extravagant fabrics that were encrusted with pearls and diamonds. Some had jewels, rubies, and gold practically dripping off their bodies to display their wealth. Even Idina was adorned with jewels. Everyone looked stunning. She saw her mothers Ladies in Waiting dancing with other noblemen of the kingdom, they're the glittering adornments of royal courts. Some members of the court stopped when they saw the young princess at the arm of an eligible prince, marking this as their night of commitment to each other.

Idina noted that dancing at balls doesn't compare to the dancing she sees the townspeople do. Their dancing was fun and lively, but in the castle it's slow and tedious. She didn't really care for it.

Idina and Frederick walked down the rest of the steps to the grand staircase without saying a world. She always stands apart from the crowd, despite her attempts to blend in. Idina's hand was clammy, so she bunched the fabric of her dress up in her palm to help soak up the perspiration.

Frederick walked Idina down to the middle of the ballroom, where he let his hand slip from hers. He bowed to her, and she responded with a slight curtsy. He held out his hand to her once again, which she accepted. He stepped up to her and put his hand on her waist, and she put hers on his shoulder. The crowed gathered around the young couple as they began to dance.

"It is heavenly to be able to dine with you and dance with you," he stated.

"You are a rather fine dancer," Idina said to him softly as they stepped together. As a princess, her breathing must be gentle and she must step lightly.

"I've been practicing to impress you," he stated with a charming smile. One look and she was almost hypnotized.

Idina laughed faintly. "It worked."

"Darling, you look perfect tonight."

Her movements were stiff, but her years of dancing took over with muscle memory. She didn't feel like she belonged in his arms, no matter how much she tried. She felt like she was dancing either as a statue, or with a statue.

Other couples began to dance around them, helping ease Idina's nerves about being the center of attention. She hoped for the song to be over so they could part ways, or at least take a break. She yearned to go upstairs and sneak any leftover macaroons or pastries and wash it down with a river of sparkling champagne.

"Have you had many suitors come for your hand?" He asked her.

Idina chuckled softly and said, "none worth my heart."

Frederick smirked and said, "a man not willing to provide for his queen is not a man. My queen would never have to lift a finger."

"Maybe I want to lift a finger."

Frederick laughed. "Leave that to me. All I would ask of you is to be by my side, adorn me, look breathtakingly beautiful, and birth my heir. That would be your duty. Sometimes it is better to be seen and not heard. Don't you agree?"

Idina hid the snarl that was trying to twitch her lip. She did not wish to be married to such a misogynistic man, let alone be near him in a dance. She could not fathom a life where she is once again restricted. She hid her disgust well, because Frederick was beaming with the thought that Idina was swooning over his offer.

The song ended, which made Idina and Frederick break apart with the other men and women of the court clapping around them.

"Princess." Frederick stepped up to Idina.

"Yes?" Idina looked up at him softly.

"Would you mind joining me on the balcony?"

His expression of judgement was forgotten and replaced with a more serious tone, and when Idina agreed he let his lips curl in a small, pleasant smile. He excused himself from the ball and left the room, leaving Idina to play catch up.

She quietly made her way to the balcony just as another song commenced. It was supported by beautifully carved columns with vines that crawled up the structure, and it was brightened by candlelight. Her view was of the kingdom that laid just beyond the trees that were planted for every monarch that has ever reigned. Behind her were glorious paintings on the walls. Idina placed her nimble hands upon the railing. She hoped to someday paint something so magnificent, it gets placed in the ballroom for future generations to adore. Idina had always called it the Romeo and Juliet Balcony, because it reminded her of her favorite play. She had always found this spot in the castle to be ethereal.

Most little girls dream of a handsome prince to fall in love with. Idina had always wanted her Romeo to sweep her off her feet so they can run away together. She wanted to be saved from feeling alone. She keeps waiting for him, but he has never come.

"Princess."

Idina gracefully turned her head to see Frederick approaching her. She politely smiled at him, and he stood beside her. She instinctively grabbed her skirt and dipped her head as she curtseyed at him, and he bowed to her. She stood up straight, exhibiting body language that was stiff and tense. This was a lady who was tired of speaking and had given up. She no longer wished to speak up for injustice of herself. It's her duty to be apart of this relationship.

Frederick's eyes gazed at her gentle hands, and made his way up to her face. Innocent, and longing. He followed her gaze out just beyond the kingdom, where even in the darkness you can see the ocean. Standing there together in the afterglow of day, they kept their rendezvous underneath the deepening blue sky. They could just barely see the fog coming in on the horizon.

"May I take your hand?" He asked.

Idina's amber eyes drifted down to her hand, which she hesitated to lift off the railing and give to Frederick. Breathing lightly, her floral scent was drawing him in. He held her cold hand between his palms, which forced Idina to face him. Her left hand held her fan, which she had closed and tapped it against her left cheek.

Frederick got down on his knee, and still held her hand. His touch was foreign to her. Idina's breath halted in her throat, and her eyes grew as wide as saucers. She knew this was going to happen, but thought they would exchange some playful banter first. Her arm dropped, nearly dropping the priceless fan to the ground.

"I have received word of the charitable actions you've presented throughout your career as a princess, and a beautiful one at that. I can recall our first meeting, not the most romantic moment."

Idina chuckled softly. "I can recall too."

"Now that you've traded your childish shenanigans for silk and lace, you've grown up. I admire that immensely. From now until forever, you are going to be mine. You've turned into the prettiest princess I've ever seen."

"Oh."

"Will you marry me, Princess Idina Maria Odette Burlyon-Gotha?"

Idina's chest heaved from the anticipation. Her free hand came up to her heart, where she could feel it thumping uncontrollably. Her head instinctively looked toward the ocean, as if it was going to give her advice for this monumental decision. She tried to imagine her life with Frederick. Would it give her the same thrill the ocean does? Does Frederick give her the same excitement looking at the horizon does? The same feeling of hope? When she saw a thick haze glide over the water, rendering the horizon invisible, Idina knew what she had to do.

Idina sighed softly, and turned back to Frederick. She slipped her hand out of his hold and shook her head.

"No, Frederick. I will not marry you."

His thick eyebrows came together while his expression dropped in both shock and confusion. As a handsome man with royalty in his blood, he had never been rejected before. He certainly wasn't expecting no to even be an option.

She felt nothing when she danced with Frederick. She had always hoped that whoever she was to marry, it would be for love. Or at least tolerance. She imagined that she would feel her heart skip a beat when he touched her or blush permanently staining her face in his presence. With Frederick, she felt nothing.

"This plan is already in motion. This proposal was just a formality," he announced as he stood up.

"You asked for my hand, but my answer is no," Idina declared strongly. She didn't care if this marriage was arranged, she wasn't going to have any part of it. This is her life, she was not going to let it get taken from her. There was nothing that could silence that quiet voice inside her that told her that her life wasn't over yet.

Idina is a sultry seductive woman with enticing feminine energy. Like a siren. She moves and talks slowly with poise and pauses. She takes her time. She makes eye contact. This is confident and captivating behavior. This was the confidence that made Frederick fearful of her. He wanted a loving and devoted wife to produce heirs, not someone who could undermine him. 

"You don't trust me?" Frederick asked.

Idina's voice caught in her throat. It wasn't the questioned that bothered her, it was the very nature of the question itself. Did she have a reason to not trust him? It seemed like she had a reason now.

"I know our families are estranged, but an arrangement has been made that you must honor. Madya needs Krozar, more than you know," Frederick asserted.

"In disappointment we are perfectly matched," Idina retorted.

She turned to leave but Frederick grabbed her wrist and pulled her in closer. She gasped as she nearly fell into his chest, and he hissed at her, "you will soon remember that you belong to me."

"Unhand me." She glared at him.

"If you do not agree to the terms of our arrangement, you will force my hand to send a fully armed battalion to remind you."

Idina snapped her wrist out of his grasp and ran away from the balcony. Her fists gripped the fabric of her dress so she wouldn't trip on it and she ran away. Her dress was flowing behind her like a waterfall.

Idina slowed to a stop when she ran up to her parents, who were still tending to the guests for the engagement party.

Narissa smiled and asked, "where's your fiancé?"

"I couldn't do it," Idina breathed out.

Victor looked to Narissa while her jaw tightened at the devastating news. Now that her daughter stands eye-to-eye with her, Idina is not intimidated by her mother's tall stature. She looked at Idina and sharply asked, "what?"

"I'm sorry. I know how important it is, but I just couldn't do it. I'm sorry."

Idina, too ashamed to be standing before her parents anymore, ran down the hall until she reached her bedroom. She threw the door open and spun around to close it. The sounds of the orchestra playing became muffled, and her room was still barely aglow by the twilight sky and the full moon.

Idina had been taught to always show grace, no matter the reason. She knew this reaction was less than graceful, but she didn't know what to do. She knew she had to act out, or the rest of her life would be ruined.

Idina sulked as she leaned her back against the door and slid down to the floor, where she now sat in the glowing moonlight that danced on her skin. Her forehead rested against her knees as she contemplated the pain of her decision. Her treasured tiara slipped from her head and clattered to the ground by her feet. She just hoped that she wouldn't have to face her parents again for the rest of the night.

Meanwhile, the king and queen looked at one another as their daughter raced down the upper floor of the palace. Without speaking, they both continued their walk down the empty hall until they reached the balcony, where they found Frederick. He was still stunned by the ordeal, because he had come in with the confidence and the knowledge that there was a plan to be executed. Idina did not exceed the expectation, and therefore ruined any sort of plan.

"Frederick—" Narissa began.

"She refused my proposal," Frederick enlightened. He turned to face them and without commencing in a respectful bow, he continued, "this was not what I was informed would happen."

"She was thoroughly prepared for this conversation, and she agreed to it. I do not know why she would do this. There is no excuse," Narissa said.

"We will talk to her, and she will change her mind," Victor promised. He planned to talk with his daughter in the morning after she had a chance to calm down. He had a strong relationship with her and assumed he could talk some sense into her.

Frederick said, "we will return home."

"We deeply apologize for Idina's behavior," Narissa said.

Fredrick smiled politely at the monarch's and bowed to them before he left. As soon as he was out of their vision, his face dropped and sagged into a snarl. His brain began turning and twisting with ways on how he can make Idina regret her rejection and dismissal.