As per royal tradition, I am no longer allowed to stay at my mother’s residence after I was blessed by Kismet so after we got back from the temple, I was brought to my very own residence inside the castle. The place I’m staying at has the largest number of enchantments and magic circles in the whole castle to prevent unwanted guests from entering or spying on me. Twenty knights were stationed in the residence, four of whom are guarding outside of my room right now. Unsurprisingly, my room is also full of spells that prevent unauthorized people from using magic inside the room. The only people who are allowed to go in and out of the residence are Mother, Father, and Sir Arman. Though I’m not sure whether my siblings or stepmothers were also given access to my residence since I haven’t seen them since my celebratory banquet.
Months passed and I’m already a year old. My growth was good, not lacking nor exceptional. I tried to be as normal as possible in fear of being targeted again. What Mariana did was enough to put a red mark on me and I didn’t want to attract more attention than I already had. The most notable thing that I did was getting excited whenever Nanny Fida read me children’s books. I used to snatch the books and hug it to sleep instead of my stuffed toys. Although I still couldn't read, the books have pictures so I just guessed whatever is being told based on the drawings. Every day, I would focus on how Nanny pronounced words and at night, I would familiarize myself with the words as I practice to say the words. I couldn’t do anything more other than clenching my fists and trying to roll on my back in fear of alerting the guards stationed outside.
Today, I am wearing a white bowed dress that is twice longer than me. Unlike my first public appearance, I am now expected to stay at the banquet for a longer time, it was afterall my first birthday. We are in a room next to the door that leads to the Banquet Hall, preparing to enter and walk down the stairs when the herald announces our presence. Father is wearing his blue royal garb while Hara Licentia dons a very beautiful and elegant blue ball gown. Looking at the queen, I could clearly see why she holds the title of such. She’s the exact image that would pop in one’s mind when they imagine the phrase: ‘She’s beauty and she’s grace.’ Her beautiful, sleek, dark purple hair matches those big black orbs that complements her snow-white skin. The way she walks and acts is so regal that even though she isn't doing anything right now, I am intimidated just by her presence. Compared to my mother and the other four consorts who are with us right now, she is definitely on another level.
All seven princes are gathered in one corner- four are playing around while the two eldest princes are talking to each other as the youngest prince sits beside Second Brother Azraq. Prince Lothario and Prince Azraq share the same mother- the Hara, and have a large age gap between us, their younger siblings. The first prince is known for his amazing combat skills and playboy manners while the second is known for his academic achievements and unearthly beauty. Prince Dario and Prince Dion are twins who are born from the first consort. In between the twin’s birth, the second consort gave birth to Prince Clarion. The three earned the nickname of three musketeers for their mischievous behaviors. The sixth prince, Prince Khalil is the son of Consort Alicia. The youngest, Prince Cathan, is the fourth consort’s son who was born frail and weak. This is my first time seeing every member of the Royal Family, minus the concubines. All wives of the king are called Concubine and would only be granted a title of Consort after they bear the king’s child. Concubines do not usually attend official banquets because they are not yet considered to be an official part of the family.
I was being gently swayed by Mother as Father distracts me from all the commotions until sir Arman informed him that we must enter the Banquet Hall already. Father nodded, straightens both my white dress and Mother’s green gown before fixing his own. He then signals the herald to do his job. Everyone in the room stood in position as the king and queen moved to the front of the line, followed by Mother and me in her arms, then the first prince, then the other princes, and finally the other consorts at the end of the tail.
“His Royal Majesty Adrian Benedictus and Her Royal Majesty Licentia Andromeda!” the herald announced.
The two walked side by side when the door to the Banquet Hall opened. Every attendee stilled as they faced the balcony where the two remained standing for a moment. Everyone paid their respects as the two walks down the stairs, no one dared to lift their heads to look at the kingdom’s monarch.
The herald waited until they reached the end of the stairs and sat down on their throne before he announces our arrival. “Her Royal Highness, Princess Iris Cylian and Her Royal Consort Luna Elicid!”
Mother walks on the red carpet leading to the flight of stairs where the king and queen are seated. There are people who deliberately craned their necks just to see a glimpse of me despite the fact that they should be bowing and paying their respects however, Father did not reprimand any of them. When she reached the third step, she handed me to the king who willingly accepts me into his arms before she proceeds to the chair designated for her, one step below the Hara's. Father personally brought me to my seat between him and tHara Licentia, my long dress touching the floor.
After every member of the royal family was announced and everyone was seated, Father gave a long speech about the kingdom’s future and how it is a blessing to finally have a woman born in nobility, ending with telling everyone to continue the celebration and to not mind formalities for the day.
While the party continued and the princes joined the festivity, I was hauled out of my chair and into a private drawing room. Nanny, together with other attendants, fed and washed me before putting me in another white dress, now adorned with a big bow at the back. As soon as I got back to the Banquet Hall, I saw a middle-aged man and a young man walking towards the foot of the dais.
“Good evening, Your Majesty. This humble man’s name is Krisantimo Abothier and beside me is Prince Ashburnham Fergus representing King Kong Fergus of Aryela Kingdom.”
Aryela Kingdom is the third most powerful kingdom next to Agreveda Kingdom. Both kingdoms have pacts with our kingdom and are partners in innovations, the former being on our east and the latter on our southwest. Aryela is known for its crystals and jewelries as they have the largest mine.
“Good evening, Your Majesty,” the prince greeted. “May the benison of Kismet be with you.”
“Good evening to you, too, prince. I hope you enjoy the party tonight.” Father greeted back.
Without being addressed, the older man chimed in: “On behalf of King Kong, I would like to present Princess Iris a gift to commemorate her first birthday.” He presented a rectangular box enclosed by golden laces and colorful gems. He opened the box, a pendant made of emerald crystal as big as a squash ball encased in sterling silver was inside. “This pendant was passed down to our kingdom’s princesses for generations and was once the most treasured jewel of the late Queen Reinery as it was gifted to her by our fourth king, King Grigio on their wedding day.”
A marriage proposal. How bold!
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