Chapter 1: Prologue
"You look expensively beautiful, Crown Princess!" Penny complimented.
I coldly stared at myself at the huge vanity mirror in front of me. My icy, amber eyes was always pointed out by people as it resembled my late mother's so much. My long and wavy hair in the darkest shade of black signifies that I am a child of the strongest dukedom in the empire, the Pavin duchy.
Penny and the other maids dressed me up for tonight's occasion. They did their best on making me look more presentable... and perhaps look more kinder. My usual fringe were braided at the frame of my small face, which was very unusual because I've always kept them down; Penny used to always say how much she want to place it in the side because it made me look even more intimidating.
"With no doubt you will be the most eye-catching person in the ball!" Penny continued.
They put my hair up on a half updo, which accentuated my facial features more. The emerald flower pins and jewelry suited the forest green dress I was wearing, with the sleeves lying gracefully at the sides of my shoulders, revealing my collar bones.
When the maids finally made their way out of the room, I threw Penny a glance. "Bring me my knife."
While waiting, I raised the hem of my skirt and wore a band to keep my knife on place during the ball. In a ball full of enemies, I couldn't let myself enter a predator's cave leisurely. The crown prince warned me yesterday and as much as I don't want to follow that bastard's words, my pride couldn't save me if someone threatens me while I'm alone.
"The carriage is ready, your highness." A knight said.
When I got out of the palace, I was welcomed by an unexpected person standing by the edge of the staircase. I scoffed. His shiny, platinum hair and provoking blue eyes stood out the most. His annoyingly gorgeous face found its way to face me. The image of him all dressed up before me felt different.
"I can almost hear your thoughts about how handsome I look today." he smirked, offering his hand as I drew near him.
I accepted his courtesy. "You might want to tone down your attitude tonight. I will willingly let you play with my dagger if you choose not to halt that cunning tongue of yours."
He whistled, which was followed by a chuckle. "Scary as always, woman."
It wasn't that long when we arrived at the court where the ball was being held.
"Entering his highness the Crown Prince, Prince Cohen Alastair Delacroix and her highness the Crown Princess, Princess Seraquelle Firene Pavine!"
The doors opened. A blinding light welcomed us. Everyone bowed down before our presence. My eyes roamed around the room, observing everyone that caught my eye. And since this ball was specifically held for the two of us, we were required to comply to the stupid thing called first dance.
As a Belfour etiquette, the lady should put her right arm on her chest with her other hand holding her skirt as she position herself for a courtesy. On the other hand, the gentleman should put his left hand on his chest and the other at his back as he lower himself down with his right knee on the floor.
And so, the famous first dance of the crown heirs begins.
Cohen has always annoyed the hell out of me so I should give him my compliment of behaving well during the five-minute dance. I remember how he used to play various tricks when we were practicing. Well, it's not like I wouldn't stop myself from stepping on his foot if he tries anything sketchy.
I was too focused on his chest when he suddenly lowered his face down to reach my ear.
"It's rude to not look at your partner's eyes while dancing," he said. "Didn't the lady who taught us said that?"
"Well, I beg your pardon, your highness. It is not my fault that you are too tall that my neck would ache if I continue looking at that handsome face of yours until we finish the song." I answered.
And before I can even speak more, my jaw almost fell on the floor when he suddenly held my waist and lifted me enough for me to look down at his face.
His lips formed a smirk and his eyes were glistening with hidden malice. "Is this high enough for you to be able to look at me in the eye? I can hold you up like this until we finish the song if that's what you prefer."
"Bring me down. Now." I said as I hide my clenching teeth and urge to hit him under a smile.
He chuckled before putting me down. The crowd's thoughts leaked all through out the room. They probably think that we're a lovey dovey couple who seemed too perfect dancing at the center of the court. I drew my body closer to Cohen enough to hide my mouth on his chest as I speak.
"Someone strange entered our balcony just a moment ago," I whispered.
We kept dancing.
"Is it a guy wearing a suit in a hideous shade of brown?" Cohen asked, making me look up on him.
"I believe we are the only ones who are allowed to enter that balcony. He wasn't stopped by the guards positioned there as well," I continued. "You think it's them?"
"Of course it's them, Princess. Thanks to me, you were able to see them when I lifted you up." He answered, obviously teasing me about my height.
I glared at him. Before I can even mutter a comeback to his teasing, a screeching sound from a scream echoed in the ball. Everyone stopped on their tracks to check the commotion. Cohen positioned himself slightly in front me while clenching on my waist as if I was going to be taken away. I busied myself getting the dagger hidden under my skirt.
"You are leaving. Guards!" Cohen said.
My forehead formed a knot. "What do you mean leaving? We agreed that I am going to take part on this!"
"This is not sight for your eyes to see, Princess," he answered. Two royal guards arrived beside me. "Take her in the palace within the imperial forest. Kill everyone who'll follow you. Protect her even if it costs your lives. I'll meet you later."
"Your highness!" I screamed. "We've done a contractual holy matrimony! In case you have forgotten, we tied knots to protect this kingdom and I have every rights to contribute to whatever is happening right now."
I stepped in, pushing the hands of the guards. I managed to push Cohen at the side and before he can even position himself in front me, I already saw a horrendous scene before me. Just a few meters away from me is my father and older brothers' bodies covered in blood. Silas' eyes were open. His amber orbs bore on me with fear. I stopped on my tracks, trying to dissect if what's in front of me right now was real or not.
My blood went cold. I lost grip of the dagger I was holding. I wanted to cry. Scream. Yell every hatred and pain that was torturing me but I couldn't.
Suddenly, I was welcomed by bright lights and a comforting bed. I saw Penny's face as she open the curtains in my room like her usual morning routine. My fingers suddenly went up to my cheeks, sensing the tears that wouldn't stop running.
It was in fact a dream. Yet it felt too real.