It was the day of Stella's debut, when she turns 18 and when she was kidnapped. You kept our eyes on the passing servants and maids as they bustled along to prepare for the large party. Hands clasped at your front as you waited for Stella to be done with her fitting, which you last saw was a sky blue dress with a transparent sheer that covers her shoulders and opals decorating the skirt.
Your finger tapped against your other hand in anticipation, biting the inside of your cheek. You'll have to be wary, careful, and cautious tonight. You weren't sure why the author of the story decided to make Stella's debut at night, but you supposed it was for the convenience of how the kidnapping is to happen.
But still. . .
You heard shuffling inside the room where Stella, the seamstress, and a few maids were, probably making a few adjustments to the dress. Helios should also be getting his fitting about now.
The thought of Helios just reminds you of the task the king assigned to you, making you purse your lips.
You suppose this was what you get for being too loud in your actions.
It was around two or three days after Cole asked you to train you, after seeing your potential, and after the Ella incident. You were quietly asked by Helios to follow him to a room - which was the king's study, much to your horror and dread.
'Did I do something wrong!?' was your thought as you entered after Helios opened the door for you.
Vikesh was looking at some papers before he looked up at the sound of his door opening. You swore his eyes lightened when his eyes landed on you as he said your name. You kept a neutral face as you asked "Does his majesty need something?"
Vikesh nodded. "I've gotten word that you managed to beat Commander Cole in a sparring session yesterday."
Crap, you kept your emotions in check as you replied with as much evenness as you had. "It was just luck, your majesty. I'm an amateur compared to the commander. I'll make sure not to do something as brash-"
"I'm not reprimanding you."
You blinked in surprise, losing any poise and calmness you had. "Pardon?"
The king chuckled. "I'm not mad, rather, I'm intrigued. No woman has had the courage or guts to fight against a man. Or a man that's stronger than them." he cupped his chin as he continued. "But you seem not to care of what others think and have proven others wrong."
You bit your lip. "Your majesty, if I may ask, where are you going with this?"
A click of a heeled boot caught your attention as Helios stood beside you. "What my father is trying to say is, he wants you to keep training yourself in the arts of defense."
You raised a brow before turning back to a grinning Vikesh. "Is this true your majesty?"
"It is,"
"Why, if I may ask?"
The king leaned back against his chair. "To protect my daughter, Stella, from any harm. You're her favorite maid and, truthfully, her closest one so you have the most interaction with her. And seeing you willing to learn the art of the sword and other martial skills is a very good thing if I want her to be safe."
"Why not assign her a bodyguard?"
Helios scoffed. "And let him get close to her? Not a chance! As if those good-for-nothing dimwits deserve to be her husband." You sent the crown prince a flat look. "I suppose this is why his majesty is asking me."
"Partly," Vikesh said, catching your attention. "Partly his distaste for any man that's willing to get close to Stella and also my. . . apprehension for anyone who wants to get close to her, for status purposes of course."
You deadpanned at the overprotective father and son. 'Like father, like the son you suppose.'
"I understand, your majesty." you bowed.
Before you left, Vikesh called your name. "Also, please don't try to seduce my daughter," he asked with an empty smile.
'As if I'm interested,' you thought as the door beside you opened, bringing you back to the present. Stella stepped out wearing the sky blue dress that has a v-neck collar that shows her collar bones, a white ribbon around her waist to hold the fabric, and lavender-heeled shoes to go with it.
Her hair was tied in an elegant bun with a pearl net to hold it in place, two ribbons tails falling from the bun to give her a sort of fairy look, and a white diamond pin to fasten it. Two locks of hair fell from her bun, framing her face perfectly as she batted her dark eyes with her gray eye shadow and smiled at you with her pinkish lips.
Dazzling was the word you describe her as she twirled around in her get-up. "Isn't it pretty?" she giggled as the skirt softly landed back on the ground.
You nodded as you smiled. "It is, your highness."__
Looks like everyone's having fun, so far.
You watched from the side as numerous guests dressed in their finest suits and gowns chattered with each other, some making polite conversation, some gossiping, and some having a friendly exchange.
A flash of greyish hair caught your eye as you see Prince Malk from the Alan kingdom, he's the holder of the Saturn dragon. Evident in his pale yellow eyes and streaks of brown in his hair, his skin the color of wood bark, and a playful yet flirty grin as he conversed with the noble women wearing a crisp grayish gold suit.
On the other side of the room is Prince Perdon, the holder of the Earth dragon and the prince of Erana. His clear blue eyes curled into moons as he laughed with a few noblemen at his age, hair as dark as the soil cut in a clean cut. His nature green coat and moss-green sash complement his fair- skin.
And near the middle of the room is Prince Jacob wearing a white uniform with a brownish-yellow vest.
All of the love interests of Stella are here.
The sound of the trumpets caught the attention of the room, making everyone turn to the grand entrance. One of the guards then announced their arrival. "Presenting, His majesty Vikesh of Sollar with their highnesses, Crown Prince Helios and Princess Stella!"
They opened the doors and everyone was bedazzled by the beauty of the family. Vikesh with his rugged attractiveness as he wore a pale gray suit with a white cape fur lined, his eyes surveying the room before they landed on you. You gave him a nod as he smiled.
Helios was dressed in bold gold with hints of dark yellow, his crown nest in his bed of golden yellow,
his crown nest in his bed of golden yellow. He looked like e the literal sun beside his father who is the moon.
And at the other side of the king is Stella, looking like a shining star.
Everyone was in awe as the family was the literal diamonds among gems in a cave. They bowed to the royal family as the servants at the side of the room did the same.
The king gave a speech about the celebration of his daughter being 18 before letting the party begin. The music began and the partners began their dance, the food was served, and the guards watched with a keen eye.
The party was fine so far. You served refreshments to the guests, not making eye contact with any of them as you watched your footing to not make a fool out of yourself. Everything was good so far, was what you kept thinking.
Stella has taken a dance with Prince Perdon, who looked at her with adoration as she blissfully danced, unaware.
You were happy that she was having fun, but that won't last long.
As you went back to your position to the side, Helios managed to go to your side without gaining attention. You watched as he drew a breath. "Tired?"
"After speaking with so many people, who wouldn't?" he wiped his forehead, eyes already tired.
You brought a hand as you giggled.
Besides the tiring crown prince beside you, the air was lively and peaceful. Stella was happy, Vikesh was content, and the other nobles were enjoying themselves. This was an enjoyable night -
Until a scream broke through the happy atmosphere.