─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Walking out of my room, I saw Hansol with a shocked expression. His eyes grew twice in size.
I smiled gently and took a deep breath.
"One foot in front of the other, back straight, chin up, shoulders relaxed." I mumbled as I made my way towards Hansol's direction.
"Princess, you look… stunning. I simply cannot find the right words to describe your beauty. Who knew a 6-year-old child could look like a painting created by a god." Hansol nervously explains.
He walked up to me, meeting me halfway by the double staircase. Hansol got on one knee and looked up at me. Then, pulling a red box from his suit jacket, he cleared his throat and extended the red box out in front of me.
"This is for you, Princess. They are emerald earrings. I had them custom-made for you." Hansol explained as he opened the box.
I opened my mouth out of reaction.
"Can I put them on right now?!" I questioned with excitement.
"I will help you. Stay still, Princess." He replied.
"All done. Let's get going. You have a crowd of nobles to please today." Hansol gently grabbed my hand, walking down the stairs.
"I made a few adjustments to the guest list, Princess. I hope you do not mind."
I looked up at Hansol with confusion.
"What changes?"
"You see, Princess. You must be familiar with the names I am about to tell you since you may run into them. While we have many noble families, the most important ones with a strong connection with the emperor are the ones you have to look out for today. Remember these names. Duke and Duchess Celsis have two sons, Mateo and Julian; they are a bit older than you. Perhaps ten or eleven years of age. I would be careful with those two, so remember their names well. The Marquess and Marchioness Petri have Isaiah, whom you are already acquainted with, and older twin daughters - Serena and Selena. The Count and Countess Albanie have two pre-teen daughters by the names of Lia and Kilie and a son your age named Gordon. The Earl and Earless Gallus have two sons, Mason and Jaxson, and a daughter named Andria, much older than you. Lastly, Baron Lazi, who is recently a widower, has a daughter named Elizabeth. She is your age. That is a total of twelve noble children. With much thought and countless requests from the nobles, We decided to extend the guest list. Unfortunately, there will be a large crowd today. Please forgive me, Princess." Hansol stopped and looked at me with a sad expression.
My heart began to pound.
Shit… Not only do I have to deal with entitled brats all day, now I have to deal with adults too?! I am far too young to have this kind of stress. This is not good. Fuck… I cannot have a panic attack right now.
"W..what if I fall during the dance? What… if I say something silly or… eat the wrong way." I questioned nervously. I could feel my tiny body tremble from fear.
"Do not fret, Princess. You are the face of this empire. No one would dare to step out of line." Hansol reassured me as he grabbed my hand once more and continued to walk.
We finally entered a large building. To my surprise, it was quiet and dark.
"We entered through the back. To avoid having you seen. The guests are inside the ballroom. Once the announcement is made, you walk out from those french double doors over there and make your way down to the middle of the ballroom. That is where you will introduce yourself as 'Amara Luz De Giodivonia, the imperial princess.' Just like you have practiced with Lady Mia. Relax, you will be perfect. I will let you know when it is time." He explained as he pointed at the double french doors that led into the ballroom.
"Stay here for a brief moment; I need to speak to the guards outside. Take a seat, Princess." Hansol instructed.
"B...but… oh… okay…." I began to shake like a leaf from the nerves.
I lowered my head down while practicing my breathing exercises.
"You still lack confidence and ego. Are you really my daughter?" A deep, familiar voice stated sarcastically. I quickly looked up to only find daddy, looking down at me, crossing his arms with a smile on his face.