The clock struck midnight as Prince Marcus and I made our way to the throne. I scanned the room of royal blue and silver decorations, admiring the frosty winter feeling it gave off, from the dry branches painted silver to the small arrangement of white and blue roses placed in the center of each table. A midnight blue cloth draped over each table with the finest tableware laid out. Each napkin was delicately folded and put on display. The theme for the evening was a winter celebration.
Looking closely at every guest we passed I noticed they had all dressed according to the theme. A range of blues spread across the room. The women wore extravagant gowns of unique designs. Some clung to their bodies with long trains of fabric following them while others were dressed in old-fashioned gowns with layers and corset tightly fixed to keep their upright postures.
The men on the other hand were dressed to impress with their high-quality blazers with detailed embroidery of their family crest or heirlooms finished with medals of honor. Their seamless pants and clean dress shoes gave them the look of men with power and wealth. They all looked like the part they were born to play.
Glancing at the man walking beside me I couldn't help but think he was the most dashing of them all. Where the other men were desperate in their attempts to attract women with their looks and money, he did not. His flawless features and charming personality drew everyone in. His smile was as radiant as the sun and his eyes as bright as the blue skies during the day. Broad shoulders squared with confidence and pride. He was the guy every girl dreamed of having. The envy of other men and the center of a women's attention.
And now he's mine.
The thought made butterflies come to life in my stomach.
Prince Marcus leaned forward as he whispered in my ear. "Admiring the view, are we?"
I blushed at the fact that he had caught me openly staring at him. His lips tilted upwards as I shyly nodded. Using my hair as a curtain to hide my embarrassment.
"Then it was worth having the maids make a few changes to my outfit."
Ignoring his joke I realized we had reached the throne where uncle Damon and aunt Mariah sat observing the interactions between the guests.
Lifting my head, I watched as they rose from their seats.
Their outfits for the evening stood out beautifully. While the room was filled with blue and silver aunt Mariah and uncle Damon wore an alluring shade of burgundy.
Her floor-length gown was embroidered with black lilies and the finest rubies. The lace sleeves and low v-cut drew your attention to the feminine features of her body. Her usual bun was replaced with a wave of curls cascading down her shoulders and ending at her waist. Her make-up was done to match the dress she wore. Her golden royal crown with rare jewels topped the look. Giving her the air of royalty. Drawing you closer and forcing you to bow your head in respect.
Her outfit gave her a youthful look. Making her appear not a day over thirty. Her true age was not reflected in the woman taking the extended hand of her husband.
Uncle Damon smiled as he looped her hand through his arm. His black hair with hints of grey was styled to the side. His wrinkle-free pants and matching blazer with golden shoulder pads and metals had given him the look of a young prince escorting his fiancée. I couldn't help but notice the crown on his head was an inch smaller as they met us halfway.
Bowing my head, I greeted the king and queen. "I, Rebekah Amelia Northwest, greet your royal highness -the joy and pride of our esteem kingdom- King Damon Lucien Kingsley and your majesty Queen Mariah Annabella Bennett Kingsley," I said in one mouth full.
Keeping my posture still I waited for them to accept my greeting. All eyes were trained on me as they waited for the moment, I would make a mistake. No doubt waiting for the chance to get fresh gossip about the wallflower of the Northwest family. Hoping for an opportunity for me to face the same humiliation as my sister had endured. Giving them the confirmation, they needed to verify their suspicions.
"Rise my child. There is no need for formalities when you will soon be a part of this family." Uncle Damon said.
Raising my head, I kept my smile pleasant, poised, and proper.
"You flatter me, your majesty." I politely replied.
Prince Marcus remained silent at my side as his mother did.
"Now then, let us not keep our guests waiting any longer. It is time we formally introduce my son's chosen fiancée to our people."
A nearby maid brought four glasses of champagne handing one to each of us.
"Honored guests, it is with immense pleasure that I announce the engagement of my son to the youngest daughter of the prestigious family of house Northwest. May this engagement and the bonds forged from their new relationship, last for decades to come as they love and devote themselves to this kingdom and each other." He said, lifting his glass of champagne.
"On this new day, I hereby grant them my blessings and officially declare that Lady Rebekah Amelia Northwest of house Northwest will henceforth be known as the crown princess of our great kingdom. She is, therefore, next in line to be our kingdom's future queen." The crowd clapped in acknowledgment of his declaration.
Mixed between the crowd were my mother's relatives. Their hate-filled stares and lips pulled back into disgust were directed at me. The looked to the front of the crowd for any signs of my parents or sisters. Looking for Scarlet -the favored niece.
Turning away from them I saw the excited smile on Linda's face as she held a tray of appetizers in her hand. Mouthing the words "Explain" as she ignored the disapproving looks of the elders.
"Let us celebrate the successful union of the two households and prepare for the wedding and coronation that will take place in two days. Arrangements have been made to accommodate all attending royals from neighboring kingdoms during their stay." He announced.
As the crowd began to talk amongst themselves uncle Damon led us to a secluded area away from the listening ears of gossipers. Prince Marcus and uncle Damon left aunt Mariah and me alone as they went to a corner of the room.
Aunt Mariah took my hand in hers as she gave me apologetic smile.
"Rebekah, darling, I know you are not prepared for the role you will be taking from this day forth, but I hope you understand that we had to go through with the wedding and coronation according to our original plans. We did want to give you the choice of having the wedding the following year but as you can see, we had to make this change for the sake of our people. The rumors from the last ball have greatly impacted us and have caused chaos across the three districts. Even the capital has had a rough time with everyone criticizing Marcus's decision to choose you. This was the only way to appease the masses and have them see that you're the right person for the throne and my son."
"I understand, your majesty. There is no need to second guess your decision. I may not be ready to rule a kingdom, but I understand your situation and agree with your choice. The wedding and coronation must proceed according to plan." I said.
I was surprised that I was okay with their decision. That after all that time of avoiding reality and convincing myself that Scarlet was the better choice, I would finally accept the role I was given. Even if the announcement was suddenly made there was no doubt inside my mind. And it was oddly refreshing.
"Thank you, my dear."
Returning from their secretive conversation Prince Marcus took his place beside me. Placing his hand on the small of my back he said, "Mother, father it is time Rebekah and I take our leave. We have many guests to greet before retiring for the remainder of the morning." He said.
"Ensure that you greet the representative from the kingdom of Aries. They are our special guests today. We must maintain a good relationship with them if we want to be able to have a successful trading company established in the Kingdom of Aries. Many seek to build relations with their king and benefit from the resources found there. This trading company will be the start of a bright future for our kingdom." Uncle Damon said. His tone was serious.
Without hesitation Prince Marcus replied. "As you wish father."
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"How are you feeling? Do you need to rest?" Prince Marcus asked with worried eyes. Two hours of talks of business and pointless chit-chat had taken a toll on me. My tired limbs protested.
"I'm fine. I can manage for a few more minutes. A few guests are still here. I'm sure they will not be pleased if we leave while the celebration is still ongoing" I said. I survey the room, looking for any signs that my father had returned. We had much to discuss.
Even if it meant I knew he was away on business I still expected him to return and be here when I needed him. The look of sympathy and pity as I made excuse after excuse for my parents and sisters' absence was becoming intolerable.
Who would believe that they had gone on vacation and were caught in a storm?
"The guests will be here for two additional days. I'm sure they will be presented with many opportunities to speak with me and you. So, if you need to rest, we can leave now. We've accomplished the task for the night and the representative for Aries has retired for the remainder of the celebration. My father's request has been met." He reasoned.
"I know these events are tiresome for you. And if I'm not mistaken you haven't had a single meal since we've arrived. You must be famished by now."
I smiled at his concern for me. My heart melted at the small details he had remembered about me. But I knew if I admitted I was tired then I would be considered weak to those watching my every move.
And I wanted nothing more than to prove them wrong.
"Well, that may be true, I do not believe the group of young ladies approaching us would appreciate us leaving to have a hot meal." I chuckled as he groaned in annoyance. I could see that he was tired as well and wanted to leave.
"We can leave after I've met with these ladies. You can go ahead and make the necessary arrangements for our meals to be brought to the nearest room." I offer as he tiredly nodded.
"Then I will give you some time to meet with them while I look for my brother." Placing a kiss on my temple he agreed.
I watched as he disappeared into the cluster of people as the ladies from my school inched closer to me. Bowing their heads, they greeted me.
"We greet her royal highness, crown princess Rebekah Amelia Northwest" Their words were the same as the others. Forcing myself to pretend this new form of attention wasn't unpleasant for me.
"Lady Cecilia, Lady Alice, Lady Veronica, Lady Celine. It is a pleasure to see you. I trust you are enjoying the celebrations." I repeated the words I said to everyone we had met during the two hours I was on my feet.
"Yes, we are, your majesty. We would like to express our joy and congratulate you on your engagement to his royal highness." Lady Celine paused.
"We have missed your presence on campus the last few weeks. Have you been tucked away inside the palace? Hiding behind your guards." She asked. The group of ladies behind her giggled as she feigned innocence. Her words were meant to be mocking.
My eye twitched in irritation. The need to snap at her grew with each breath she took.
Choosing my words carefully I replied, "Thank you for the speech but I've been busy preparing for today that I do not have the time to attend classes."
"Then you must not be up to date with courses for each class. I can help you study if you like. I'm sure you will need it. I'm free to visit the palace any day you like." Lady Alice said.
"While I appreciate your offer, Lady Alice. I'm afraid we do allow strays in the palace for a lengthy period. And I believe the numerous amounts of talented tutors hired by the royal family can provide me with all the assistance I may need. It was a generous offer though." I sweetly smiled as her face turned red with anger.
The snickering ladies beside her prepared to defend her.
"Do you wish to say something else?" I tilted my head as I politely asked.
As they were about to answer Prince Marcus has returned.
"Rebekah?" He called as I tried to calm myself down.
"Yes, my prince."
"It is time we are on our way. There is someone I would like you to meet."
Turning to the fuming ladies behind me I said, "It was a pleasure talking to you ladies. I hope we can do this again sometime in the future. I'm afraid I must take my leave now."
As we made our way through the cluster of people, I noticed he had led us to the library where an unfamiliar man dressed in a white shirt and dress pants was. His black hair was messy as he flipped the pages of a random book in his hand.
"Why are we here? And who is this man?" I questioned as I remained at the threshold of the door. Unwilling to meet a stranger.
"Rebekah meet Detective Adams the lead detective on your sister's case."