The way that Alexis and Sarah led Lea along was dark. They all knew that, but Lea felt scared when she walked out of the room and into the darkness. She managed to keep up with the maids, so as not to trip over something or get lost.
As they passed through the dark hallway, Lea finally caught sight of the bright light that penetrated into the Castle through the windows that were open.
When Lea finally came out from the darkness and into the lights, the young guards that stood nearby by all sides and corners of the Castle including Edward, stared at her.
Some of them that were eating felt their mouth go stiff and the food in their mouth, fell from it in shock and surprise. Most of them smirked at her, the tough looking ones winked at her with their young and stern faces.
Even the serious, they say, have a weakness when it comes to the opposite gender. Lea never believed in the saying but now... She was the effect on many, opposite genders.
She passed by them, feeling their gaze intimidating her. As she was about to cross the Castle door, a guard that has been staring at her, nodded with a smile and she returned it gladly
When they were out on the plain fields, Mia and Lola made their way to her, wanting to bid her their compassionate goodbyes.
"Oh... Your Majesties" Lea said and bowed deeply, in respect and gratitude for their bravery to stand with her.
"Oh dear, how was your second night in the Castle?" Mia asked.
"It was wonderful. I didn't mean to cause all these things" Lea quickly apologized.
"Oh stop it. She just have a grudge against you for no reason, probably she just don't see anything in you... " Lola said and placed her hand on the shoulder of Lea.
"But we do. A great Queen, is who you are" She completed and Mia placed her hand on the other free shoulder of Lea.
"We will be sending gifts. Also know that we will be anywhere near to come to you if you need help or anything" Mia said.
Though it was a little confusing to Lea but she nodded and together, the three hugged each other.
From a distance, Queen Sarah and King Basseneu stared at them. The Queen was happy with this sight and so was the King, but he didn't show it.
"They are already liking her" Queen Sarah spoke softly.
"I also like her to be our daughter in law. But let Valdemar decide" Basseneu said as they walked into the Castle.
"Goodbye!" Lea bid a farewell and she waved to them as they entered their Royal carriages, also waving to her.
Jen said nothing but gave a little advice to Laura on her looks and how to enhance it to gain attention. Though Laura pretended to listen, but she was not paying much attention to Jen, because another soldier that had blonde curly hair, was who she looked at. He also stared at her in a flirty way, and she bit her lower lip, nervously.
When the three princesses had departed, all the twenty three ladies stood on a straight line horizontally, facing the Castle as they waited for the Prince.
Marian stood next to Lea. Which made her feel much, much, better than the night before.
Edward was given a bulky set of wet tissues, to give each lady one piece.
When he started, Marian heart skipped a bit. She focused on him, whenever he raised his head to look up, she would go back to her normal position without being noticed by him.
Lea saw this and thought that it was a good opportunity to tease some beauty.
"So? Who is he?" she asked when she saw Marian return to her normal position, again.
"Who is who?" Marian asked, pretending not to know who Lea spoke about.
Just as Lea was about to answer someone came by.
"My lady" he said and stretched his hand towards Marian with a wet tissue.
Marian collected it with a bright pink face. She didn't know why but she just felt weak at the sight of this handsome young guard.
"Thank you" Marian said and collected it with care.
Edward smiled and then gave one to Lea, who also thanked him.
The aura of what was between them grew into one powerful and invisible piece.
He may have other things running through his mind about her, Lea thought.
Suddenly, loud voice was heard, signifying the arrival of the Prince.
"All bow! For the Prince is here!"
All the ladies bowed, including the guards and soldiers that were nearby.
The jingling and sounds of the armour made Lea's body grow with goosebumps.
Valdemar, she would finally see him again.
"All heads up!"
Lea immediately rose her head and stared into the eyes of Valdemar. Expressionless. As always.
He raised the corner of his mouth, staring at her and again, didn't miss her cheeks becoming pink. But she tried her best to act tough and stern.
Something she is not use to.
"Good morning everyone! "
One of the soldiers shouted. All eyes on Lea, not from the ladies, but from Valdemar and the guards that stood around them.
"Today, the Prince has decided to get all of you a passing Ticket. For the next few days, weeks, months... A trial will be held, and the one woman that passes through it all, will be his bride!"
Nobody moved. Because no one wanted that anyway.
"But if it's two women, they will turn to defend themselves against each other on the last day, and the winner, will be the bride of the Prince!"
Marian nudged Lea's hand.
When Lea turned to look at her, she winked sarcastically at her and smiled.
Whatever, Lea thought.
"He believes all of you might be taught how to defend yourselves, so please, from this guards, a guard will be placed in front of you as a partner to do that train with to see your skills, quickly" The voice said. The person that spoke had a loud voice and is a soldier. Even his appearance shows that he was married and also dedicated to the role he played in the Kingdom.
Slowly, soldiers brought men to the front of each lady.
Marian had Edward in front of her.
Laura had the blonde guy in front of her.
All the ladies had people in front of them, except Lea.
Lea stood there, confused and felt left out.
"Umm... Can someone please go stand beside the other lady?" the man shouted again.
No one dared to go in front of Lea. All afraid of what Lea might do, and also mostly about what Valdemar might do.
"Anyone?" he asked again.
But no one.
Lea was about to move away from the line in embarrassment, but Valdemar's hand landed on the man's shoulder, and he stepped forward.
The other ladies didn't mind, nor did Laura. They loved his face and features but didn't like the setting of getting forced to marry him.
"I will be your partner"