Princess Yara Amiel's birthday was always the biggest celebration that the Avaria Kingdom held in a year. The reason was simple; she was the treasure of Avaria.
She was the beloved sibling of the King. Not to mention that the people admired her for the kindness that she always shown to them. Besides, her angelic beauty was the one that women of other kingdoms envied.
Due to her famous beauty, painters and artists from many kingdoms often came to Avaria, hoping to draw the picture of the Princess. However, only a few get such a chance.
Avaria was one of the richest and vast kingdoms located in the east. Bordered by the Welahan Kingdom in the west, the Zimen Kingdom in the south and the Cartic Ocean in the north; it was a powerful and magnificent kingdom.
Mostly invested in farming, mining and fisheries; the people lead a happy and peaceful life. This was all possible due to the ruling family, the Amiel's.
Ever since this kingdom was founded more than 500 years ago, they only had just one incapable ruler ever recorded in the history of their kingdom. The capable and intelligent past kings built the powerful Avaria Kingdom that was visible today.
The celebration of Princess Yara's 18th birthday had finally started. Hundreds of sky lanterns were released in the air to honour their beloved Princess. The air that covered the capital was filled with firecrackers that were such a sight to behold.
In the capital, everyone glanced up at the sky to enjoy the breathtaking view that took place in the air. Just like in the past years, delicious foods and wines will be served to all the people of the kingdom after a while.
Though the commoners couldn't enter the palace to celebrate the Princess birthday like the nobles, the former King and even the current King always make sure to feed every citizen with luxurious foods on this special occasion.
The atmosphere in the palace was light and lively. The enchanting royal palace of Avaria was decorated beautifully just for the Princess birthday. There were lights and laughter everywhere.
In the main hall, nobles and special guests from many kingdoms gathered to celebrate Princess Yara's birthday. Women dressed in fancy gowns and men in mostly white long sleeves base layer, colourful vests, frock coats, cravats and breeches; everything about the party was fancy.
However, everyone was still looking forward to the most awaited person of the night, the Princess.
Chatter and laughter stopped when they heard the sound of the trumpet. The door was opened and all eyes were on it.
"His Majesty King Malon Amiel and Her Royal Highness Princess Yara Amiel!" announced one middle-aged man.
With all attention on them, King Malon and Princess Yara made their entrance into the main hall. Holding hands in an elegant manner, people bowed wherever their feet reached.
In other events, the King and Queen would always enter together but this time, it's the Princess birthday. As per the custom, she had to make an entrance with her father or her brother.
Everyone in the main room was in awe of the Princess beautiful looks tonight. Of course, she was always pretty but she was extra beautiful as it was her birthday's party.
Her beautiful white gown exuded her purity and elegance, the people present at the party said. If only they knew the truth!
When they reached the platform where the Queen was already seated, King Malon helped his sister took a seat on his right first. He then turned to his beautiful wife, Queen Helen Amiel and flashed a smile. The Queen smiled back at him with a nod. Finally, he turned to the guests.
"Ladies and gentlemen, all our esteemed delegates from other kingdoms; I, King Malon Amiel, welcomed you all to the 18th birthday party of my beloved sister, Princess Yara Amiel." He greeted the guests and turned to his sister with a genuine smile. Yara nodded at the guests who all shifted their gaze to her.
"As you might already guess, this year's party will be more exciting and grand compared to other years." The King said and the guests smiled. They knew what was coming. Then King Malon continued.
"As per our custom, Princess Yara can officially receive marriage proposals starting tonight. So, I'm sure that many of our guests come here for that purpose." The King let out a light chuckle and the laughter of the guests filled the vast hall.
It was the custom in Avaria for every girl to be qualified to receive marriage proposals when they turned 18. Doing before that was against the law. To be more precise, the main theme of the 18th birthday party was always marriage proposals.
However, it didn't mean that a girl should marry at the age of 18. Her parents or guardian could reject the proposals if they weren't satisfied with them.
"However... " King Malon spoke up again and the room fell silent. "Princess Yara is not only the treasure of mine but Avaria. Keep this in mind. To be qualified to marry her won't be easy."
"If I'm to state my opinion frankly, then I doubt that there is any man who is worthy of my sister." There was a playful yet calm smile on the King's face and laughter erupted in the hall again.
"Alright. Let's get started." King Malon said and gestured to the officiant. Then he retreated to his throne.
When the officiant revealed the piled up marriage proposals which were placed on a table, Princess Yara could barely hide her annoyance.
Did those nobles and princes had nothing to do?! Proposals, marriage and love; she deemed them all useless.
To reject every single proposal... it will take her a lot of time! Damn! She still had to deal with a traitor.
When King Malon noticed the reaction on the Princess's face, he slightly smiled and shook his head. Queen Helen couldn't hide her amusement either. She glanced at her husband and ended up chuckling.
The proclaimer picked up the first marriage proposal and read the name. "On behalf of Crown Prince Leonard of Zimen, a delegate from the Zimen Kingdom is here!" He declared.
Zimen? Everyone gasped! The Zimen Kingdom was their biggest ally and the young Crown Prince was famous for his handsome looks and skills.
King Malon made a gesture with his right hand and the delegate from Zimen stepped out from where he stood and bowed before the King and Queen.
"Your Majesties." He addressed with respect and turned to the Princess. "Your Royal Highness." Turning back to the King, he said, "I greet you on behalf of His Majesty King Leofric of Zimen."
King Malon nodded. "When I heard that a delegate from Zimen will be attending this party, I was happy about it. However... " He paused and gazed at the delegate as if he observed him. The King's gaze was never easy to endure! "I don't see this coming." There was a subtle smile on his face.
The delegate smiled. "Your Majesty, my King asked me to apologize for not coming here himself. However, he expressed his wish to bond our two kingdoms through a marriage."
He briefly glanced at the Princess who seemed to be bored. "Princess Yara is a heavenly beauty and the treasure of Avaria. Our Crown Prince is well known for his handsome looks and all his achievements for Zimen. He is a true warrior and my King believe that they will make a perfect match."
The hall fell silent and King Malon seemed to be thinking of something. He repeatedly tapped the armrest of his throne with his long fingers. After what seemed to be forever, he looked at the delegate.
"Actually, I have no plan to force Yara into a marriage to which she didn't consent. So, tonight, the final say to every proposal is up to her. If any of the proposals pique her interest, it's good. If not, then we can wait. She is still young." The King's voice was calm and there was also a little smile on his face yet everyone knew that he was serious.
It's King Malon Amiel's nature. He always wore a smile and rarely raised his voice yet he always speaks his mind. He was always calm but if he ever gets angry, a tragedy was bound to happen!
"Respond to the delegate, Yara." King Malon said, turning to his sister.
Right now, all attention was on the Princess who was as calm as her brother. No doubt that they were siblings!