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"you may walk!" a loud man yelled. As if on Que, the girls bowed and walked up the stairs. I couldn't help but hold my breath again.
'wasn't the fun part over?!? Why are her Majesty and the princess still watching?' I said. I sighed heavily but began walking up the stairs. About five seconds in, I started to realize what was so challenging about this.
Wearing long dresses, in the heat, walking up at least three flights of stairs. I looked to my side to see Bella already becoming tired. Thankfully, in my world, stairs were something I was almost forced to take every morning. The elevator in my apartment complex was always either broken or making strange sounds. But regardless, this was my time to shine!
I continued taking steps up to the palace, trying to go at the same speed as the others, I noticed some of them slowing down. I then remembered.
'I already stand out enough because of my skin, I should try my best to blend in more.' I thought to myself. I quickly started to slow down my pace. Staying within the middle group of girls.
Finally, we made it to the top of the stairs. My legs were slightly sore but overall, I felt fine. I could see that the other ladies weren't doing as well. As I was scanning the crowd, I saw a familiar face. My eyes widened.
"Kneel to the king!" The loud man yelled once again. I quickly kneeled as I saw the other girls do, but the face I had just seen...
'Could it be… the old female lead?!?!??'
My head was completely numb but as I saw the other girls stand, I quickly stood as well. I could barely process anything. Bella suddenly tapped my shoulder.
"Miss, you must focus! The queen takes first impressions very seriously!" She whispered in my ear. I straightened my back and nodded slightly.
'Bella was right.. this is no place to think about these things.' I thought to myself. Focusing back on the reason we were here, I followed the other girl's motions perfectly as we walked into the palace.
The princes and concubines were sitting next to each other based on family and ranking, the Queen was sitting at the head of the hall with his majesty. We quickly kneeled in unison apron seeing him.
"We greet his highness." We all echoed.
"Alright alright, stand." He said.
"Thank you, your highness." We chimed. Standing up, I kept my gaze on the floor. I could sense everyone's eyes on me, and if I wasn't wrong-
"You. Girl in yellow with dark skin. Come forward." The king ordered. I bowed deeply.
"Yes, your majesty," I said. My heartbeat sped up as I quickly moved forward. I kneeled before bowing deeply.
"Which family are you from?" The kind asked. I bowed again as I answered.
"Your majesty, your humble servant comes from the family of Adedora, just outside of the kingdom," I answered loudly yet elegantly. I didn't hear anything so I wasn't sure what to do. After a moment or two. The king finally let out a laugh. Turning to the queen
"My queen, you have picked very exotic ladies for the princes! Alright. I will allow you to pick first. Who shall you like to be your handmaids?" He said. I couldn't help but freeze.
In the story, the queen was recognized as the forgotten queen as the king barely paid attention to her. The king ignored her so much that towards the end of the story queen is replaced by the first concubine. This wasn't a big part of the story but...
'Who knew my arrival would change so much!' I thought to myself. The queen cleared her throat before responding, waking me up from my daze.
"Alright. I shall pick the two girls from the Derby Family and the girl from the Varine Family." She said rather quickly. I sighed.
'There goes my luck..'
Becoming the queen's maid was not easy, but it was much better than having the role of a prince's wife! I could only hope that I would be picked for one of the lesser-known princes. An idea popped into my head. If I could just get picked by the-
"1st and 4th Princes, is there anyone here you would like?" The king asked. I closed my eyes tightly and crossed my fingers.
'Please please please…'
I was still bowing so I could not see their expressions. The room went quiet. I heard the 1st Prince sigh.
"Mother, my first wife is expecting soon, I would rather remain by her side during such an important time." The 1st Prince said. My heart rate sped up.
'Yes yes yes!'
"4th prince, is there anyone you would like?" The queen asked. I peeked out of the corner of my arm. To my suprise, the 4th prince was looking at me! I quickly looked away. Suddenly, my chest started burning. I winced but remained bowing.
"I will take the Adedora girl." He said. I could feel the joy in my heart but the pain in my chest quickly overwhelmed it. I tried to ignore it again. Standing up, I turned towards the 4th prince and bowed.
"Thank you, my prince," I said. This was the best way things could have possibly turned out!
In the story, the 4th prince remains neutral and acts as a side character throughout the entire show! Now, I could have a happy ending and remain alive! As I was smiling to myself, I noticed the thick atmosphere in the room. I turned to look and was shocked to find horror in Bella's eyes. The other girls were standing there, their hands shaking ever so slightly.
I couldn't help but become curious. But before I could think of it anymore. I winced. I placed my hand over my collar bone. I noticed everyone's eyes turn towards me. Quickly, I was about to now and apologize when the pain shot up to my head. I groaned and quickly grabbed it. Bella rushed up to me.
"M-Miss? Are you Okay-" when I looked to face her, she covered her mouth shocked.
"M-Miss! Your noes!!" she screamed. Carefully, covered my face with my hands. The king quickly stood.
"quick! Somebody call a doctor!" he yelled. I started to shake, what was happening??? I grabbed Bella's arm.
"Bella! What is going on?" I asked her. The feeling that started in my chest soon made its way across my entire body. I groaned again before falling to the ground. I couldn't move!!!
"Miss!" Bella screamed. I closed my eyes and rested my hand on my forehead.
My brain felt like it was on fire! I could barely process the things around me. Suddenly, I felt two sturdy arms pick me up. I wanted to run away, who was this person??
Before I could find out. My consciousness faded into nothing.
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(Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed)