I'm here again in this place. Same day, the sunshine is dull. Same smell, traces of charcoal everywhere. Same dress, a white lacy gown. Same coffin, made out of black steel. I looked at the woman from the glass cover wearing the same dress as mine. She looks like in a deep slumber.
I'm alone in this cold place. It started raining. The burned smell of blood shed war is fading. I placed my hand above the glass cover. The glass is so thin that moment I laid my hand it breaks into little pieces my hand fall straight to the dagger striked on her chest. My hand hold it tight and as I'm about to pull it out someone stopped my hand. I grasp.
I open my eyes and drag the sheets down as I sit to catch some air. I can't breath. I'm panting. I'm sweating. I immediately drink all the water on the table beside me. What was that? I keep dreaming that girl from earlier. It keeps on repeating over and over again. What's the meaning of this dreams? I don't even know her.
I glanced at my watch. It's eight! Oh my I'll be late. I ran and go to the shower then get ready for the party. I put on my dress and my shoes. Make my hair like a bun and put some make up. There I'm good to go. Oh! I almost forgot my necklace. It is a black choker with red rose attach on it's left side. I think it compliments my off shoulder cocktail. Okay! I get my purse and glance at the clock before I go and lock the door. Usually princes and princesses have servants to take care of them wherever they are whatever they do but for me I personally request not to have any other servant aside from Antoneth the only person I can trust on the day I was proclaimed as the crown princess.
It's just the right time. I go down and proceed to the ball room where the party is being held. The servants who are actually twins with ebony hair open the door for me with a smile. The only difference between them is that the one standing at the right side wears an eye glasses that hides his dark brown eyes.
"Thank you." I said. They both wearing a black tuxedo that suit their features. Tall, dark and handsome. Most of the servants here are physically trained with proper character that is observed at all times. It is written in their contract.
"Your welcome, your majesty." They both answered in unity. It's a little weird I guess. I go inside and look for my father. I glance left and right and I saw a familiar face. No one tell me that prince Jacob would be here. He's wearing a silver suit and black cape. Looks like he just arrived. I don't like people like him. He's a maniac and with him tonight. I don't think I'll have a peaceful evening. Wait a sec. The meeting today is with the eastern king. Shit! I didn't see this coming.
"Don't worry." He said. I was startled. He hold my waist. "I'm here with you." Oh yeah I forgot that there is still someone I know that is an eyesore. I step on his foot and he remove his hand. "Ouch." He screamed. Serves him right.
"I'm sorry lieutenant Ellior. Are you hurt?" I said sarcastically. Well you should be because I did it on purpose. How I wish Antoneth is here with me. I don't know if I'll survive this party or the meeting.
"No." He lied smiling. "Shall I introduce you the eastern king?" He asked as he show me the way. He's wearing a dark gray suit with black collar line and a tie. Perfect for an event like this. A party is held as a welcoming gesture for royal guests and the meeting should take after but this is a little different.
"No thanks. The king should be the one to do that." I said. Who is he to do that? He's not even part of the family yet He's already putting some air
"Few years from now and I'll be on that place. Why not familiar myself?" He said mischievously. Is he thinking that my father would die few years from now? Yeah we're engaged but I would never give the power entrusted to me on someone like you. I have to warn the king. This could be an act of treason. I won't tolerate something like this even if he's kidding.
"That's your true color as always." I said and move away. I saw the king approaching and fix my posture then look at him. I rarely saw him for the past months. He'd been out doing some errands as always and when we meet we often discuss business related matters.
"Good evening your majesty." I said towards the king as lieutenant Ellior move closer. He nod and look at me coldly. He can't even look at me in my eyes. I can't blame him for seeing my mother on me. I don't remember much about her but others told me that I very much resembles her.
"Now that your here, come with me." He said. I follow him and we stop at the center table. "The king arrived and he'll be here any minute from now so stay put." He ordered.
"No one told me that prince Jacob would be here, your majesty." I said. If I was informed that he's here I wouldn't bother going.
"I told Antoneth to tell you." Oops! "Your being too light with your servants. She's not being responsible. She's not even here to assist you. You should be strict or else she'll do this again. A part of being a leather is being strict, you should learn that." Here we go again. He didn't even bother looking at me when he said that. Just like the old days. It's not the right time to think about it I have to defend Antoneth. He misunderstood something.
"If you'll excuse me your majesty but I am the one to blame. I'm not paying attention on her instructions earlier." I didn't bother reading her booklet carefully. I'm at fault. "It's clearly my fault." I admit.
"You should be more responsible. Your actions reflect your image. You're the crown princess." He said in a cold manner. I think this is better than not talking to him at all.
"I'll take note of that. Your majesty." I can feel the distance between us. Its been like this for years. I don't know until when I can cope up with this kind of relationship. I don't know why he wants me to succeed the throne. He could've just give it to my aunt and that would make my life easier.
The eastern king arrived and we greet him. When we're settled on the table for dinner. My father and the king talk about business while I do my fake smile with prince Jacob who intentionally flirt me. I hate him. He's a maniac. A womanizer. If only his father isn't here he's definitely crushed into pieces by now. He looked at me with those lewd eyes. It's suffocating. If I could just leave.
"So I'll be expecting princess Odella to help us on the event." Said the eastern king. I didn't realize that they're almost done on their conversation. Thankfully I brought my recorder. It's a great help.
"Absolutely, king Roswell of the east." Said my father to the Eastern king.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet your daughter king Elijah." King Roswell said and looked at me. "You raised a beautiful daughter." He smiled and turn to face my father.
"I know." My father said.
"How about we engage princess Odella to my son?" He suggest.
"My sincere apologies king Roswell but my daughter is already engaged to first lieutenant Ellior."
"I guess my proposal is too late." He looks disappointed. "They would look good together." Is he having a problem with his eye sight. That maniac and me look good together? Oh please.
The night have been great. All of them looked pleased and it's time for the king and prince of east country to leave. I have been in the east city before but no one knows except for Antoneth. I've had a great time because the people are very warm and approachable but prince Jacob ruined my stay. He's a monster. It still gives me goosebumps whenever I think about it. He followed me everywhere I go and keeps on asking me out in lewd expressions but I always turn him down. He's a pervert and I don't want to get involve with him in any ways.
"It's really great that I visit here for a moment." He look at my father. "Good thing I didn't ignored your invitation. I found something interesting." He grin.
"I'm very glad to hear that." He give a small smile. It's rare to see him smile specially when he see me. He's expressionless that's what I call it.
"I hope there's a next time." The east king reachout his hand to shake with my father as a sign of gratitude.
"There will be." They shake hands as a mean of alliance.
When everything is settled. I immediately proceed to my room because I don't want to see Ellior. He'll just brag about what my father said earlier. I don't even know if my father is really okay with it. It was arranged by the elders. I use the shortcut and open my secret door. The engineer of this castle really knows what I want. I throw my purse on the bed, remove my shoes and accessories then unzip my dress. I fish my recorder from my purse and go to the bathroom. Fill the bathtub with warm water and mint oil. Place my recorder on the table nearby and click the play bottom as I go in the tub to enjoy myself while listening to the recording of their conversation I record earlier. I can't focus on what they're talking about because of that Jacob. He nearly ruined my night.
"We are planning to invite you on our annual festival on the fourth." king Roswell said.
"I'm sorry but I don't think I could." replied king Elijah.
"How about princess Odella? I think it's time for her to see the neighboring country."
"Sure, but before anything else let's proceed to the real reason why I invited you here."
"Fine, if that's what you want. I'll be straight to the point. Here is the pen and the agreement. All the things we've agreed from our previous meetings is already written here. The only thing you'll do is to sign. I've settled it all. Read it first if you want."
"I'm done." Silence. "Here."
"Both of us have the original agreement. Thank you for your cooperation."
"It wouldn't be done without your consent on our demands."
"So I'll expect princess Odella to help us on the event.. " I pressed the stop button. That's the part I already know.
I wore my robe and go to my closet. I still haven't got the invitation card. I still don't have an idea on the theme of the festival. I head to the vanity table as soon as I'm dressed. I sit and remove my bun then comb my hair. Someone knock on the window. I open it and saw a white dove.
"Hi there." I look around and saw Antoneth standing at the branch of tree.
"Sorry to disturb you princess Odella. I was asked by the king to deliver the invitation." He could've just give it to me earlier. Anyway it's good to see her.
"It's okay. Where's the invitation?" I don't see anything on her hand.
"It's there underneath the flower pot." I get the card and look at her. Being a werewolf sure has its benefits.
"Thank you. You may go now." I open the invitation and read it. She's not yet leaving.
"May I accompany you in the event?" She asked.
"I'm sorry Antoneth." I said. "The invitation accommodates only one person. I'll just discuss the details when I get back and one more thing I think you need a day off tomorrow." Though I can request to have servants to accompany me. I don't want to see her before I go. I might change my mind. I also want to observe the people just like before I don't want to cause so much attention.
"I understand." She looks sad but she needs it especially this time. "I guess I have to go." She said. I'm sorry Antoneth. This is the least I can do.
"Sure." I replied and wave before closing the window. She seems okay now but I'm still worried. I'll be gone for a while and I don't know if she'll be okay until I get back. I just hope everything will be okay.
TO BE CONTINUED