Allyria looked at her reflection in the mirror.
She took her gem-embossed comb and brushed her coal black hair that cascaded down her back in curly rivulets. Her chocolate brown eyes shone naturally with the sunshine.
Her mother always told them that among the siblings, she was the person who precisely resembled her, except she doesn't.
She placed her comb back on the dresser and grabbed a silver-colored full moon pendant with intricate details from her jewelry box, admiring its beauty.
Before, Allyria had always been a constant visitor in the King and Queen's chambers. When her father was away for business travels, she would make their room as her own amusement park since it was larger. Her mother would also prefer it since the boys didn't much like the thought of playing dolls and games with her.
One time, when her mother left for a while for some palace meeting, Allyria decided to pry on her mother's jewelries as she always had an interest in it.
Allyria didn't have much accessories and trinkets at that time, so she wore her mother's instead, of course, with her discretion.
After trying almost every single thing, a necklace caught her attention that looked unfitting inside her mother's box, and she loved it immediately. Out of her mother's extravagant jewelries, this one was simple and apt for her no matter what age – An epitome of timelessness.
She wore it and tried to show it to her mother when she arrived in the chamber, but instead; she was greeted by a dull face.
"Your grandfather is dying," she just said and requested for the majordomos to bring Allyria back to her own room.
She never had the chance to give it back to her again. Her mother also didn't realize she's lost one of her jewels. Allyria doubted she would. Besides, losing a single, worthless jewelry wouldn't hurt her.
But she never thought after that, her mother wouldn't treat her the same way she did to her before anymore. Ever since her grandfather, King Faramond died, her mother became silent and suddenly stopped asking for her to visit their chambers.
She didn't have any clue about it, even she was confused why their bond faded as time passed, but she didn't question about it further.
Her father was different though, while her mother has been distant in the past few years, her father was the opposite. Although the King hated the fact of Allyria wanting to join the army, he has always been supportive with Allyria's enthusiasm for hunting.
There were times when he would bring her with him, along with his two sons and acquaintances to hunt for falcons and hawks. It became hers and her brother's favorite quality time with their father.
A faint knock brought her back to her senses.
She quickly hid the necklace in the secret compartment of her jewelry box and turned to her majordomo.
"Come in," she ordered.
She took a gentle bow before speaking, "Princess Allyria, the King and Queen have called you in the Banquet Hall. Dinner is also ready."
Allyria nodded her head and dismissed her.
'What are their concerns now that they have summoned for me again?'
'Will they finally cancel the engagement?'
It had been a month ever since her parents told her about the royal engagement. Until now, no one had uttered a word about it. She was happy nonetheless. Talking about something she wasn't prepared for just wasn't in one of her plans. But now, she couldn't help but be nervous about what they're going to surprise her next.
Deep down, she's hoping they would listen to her reasons. But it was impossible. She knew nothing could change her parents' mind. It was already planned. Also, debating them out of the deal would just do more harm to her than good. She wouldn't want a reckoning to happen in the palace because of it.
When she arrived inside the Banquet Hall, she went to her mother and kissed her cheek, then her father who was sitting on the opposite end of the table.
The other three were already cushioned on their seats, watching Allyria as she sat beside Vysela with Markolin at her front and Nikolai alongside him.
The table was short; enough for the royal family, so it wasn't difficult to hear each other. Though there was also a long table used for parties, they preferred to use the former during intimate dinners.
Allyria smiled when she was finally propped in her seat. Her siblings were unusually quiet. On normal occasions, they would have already teased each other, but tonight was different.
Her mother motioned for the butlers to place the food on the table. What was once an empty steel, gold-colored table suddenly became a veritable feast for the eyes and taste buds.
Different serving dishes were filled with food of all sorts – A plateful of mushrooms cooked with a dash of Marmite, duck in a fruit Cumberland sauce, and roasted lamb with dessert courses of savory custards, tarts and chocolate profiteroles. Lastly, a bottle of wine was served to complete the feast.
After dinner was served, the Queen said her thanks and they all started eating quietly.
No one tried to utter a word and just focused on devouring their heavenly meal. Time seemed to drift slowly for Allyria who was downright curious of what her parents wanted to say to her.
She counted the seconds until someone could break the silence.
Markolin cleared his throat and looked at Vysela first before turning to his parents, "Vysela will turn 15 two weeks from now. Are there any plans on the celebration?"
Right. We still had her birthday to worry before the engagement. At least I could get my mind off of it for a while.
"Your father and I had already planned it. Guests will arrive starting next week and there will be an entire day of festivity for your younger sibling on the 20th," mother said.
Vysela's eyes sparkled as she beamed widely, "Thank you mother and father!"
As always, the birthdays of the royal children were grand. It was their mother's personal preference since they also had to keep a pleasant image with the other nobles. Occasions such as that would also be a good time to talk about strengthening ties with their allies.
"Another thing," the King cleared his throat and looked at Allyria, "We decided it would be best if we invited the King of Cesparia and his son. It would be an excellent opportunity for the both of you to meet."
Allyria was dumbstruck. Her father's statement washed away the excitement of her face from Vysela's celebration.
"Of course," she just said and forced a smile.
How could they decide about everything without consulting her?
Her siblings just looked at her apologetically. They knew how she felt about it and she certainly wasn't pleased.
The rest of the dinner went peacefully. When the four siblings were about to leave the dining table, the King suddenly called for Allyria,
She stopped at her pace and faced him.
"We have something important to discuss with you," he looked at Vysela and the boys, "In private."
The young royals, acknowledging their father's declaration, took a respectful bow before leaving the Hall.
Allyria strode back silently to the table and sat next to his father who was still on his seat. Her mother, on the other hand, went to stand behind the King, her palm resting on his shoulder.
"I know you are outraged with what's happening," her mother started. "But as a princess, this is your responsibility, dear."
She remained still. They won't listen to her reasons anyway so what's the use?
She barely has a voice inside the castle. She couldn't even decide for herself in little things, how much more in events such as these?
"The engagement will happen on the same day as your birthday," his father informed.
Next month.
"Also, the King requested that they will hold your marriage on Cesparia immediately after your engagement," he added.
The color drained out of her face. She couldn't believe things would escalate this quickly.
"I'm sorry, hija. We will try to go out of country for your wedding ceremony," her father tried to hold her hand but she was fast enough to put it on her lap.
She smiled dryly in approval, "Okay, father."
She stood before they could utter another word.