Footprints are soft and seem light as if floating. Rose used her toes to loosen and slightly bent her left knee. Step forward, with her feet wider than her hips apart. Careful steps were taken by the fairy girl so as not to offend her dance partner.
The dance was performed without musical accompaniment. Rose felt various gazes directed at her. Worried, surprised or envious. Those who were watching her didn't even dare to breathe too hard. Afraid to be the young man's next target.
"It was a pleasure to dance with His Majesty." Rose bent her knees as her body bow. Paying respects after a thrilling dance.
"Fairy Race?" The dragon race leader named Stefan chuckled.
Rose's heart skipped a beat when the young man mentioned her race. Afraid that she would bring havoc to her kingdom.
More than 300 years ago, the ferocity of the Dragon Race was heard. They love war. Whether it's the Vampire Race, the Witch Race, or the Fairy Race, they have been victims of their cruelty. Even though many years have passed and their current condition is better than hundreds of years ago. But the natural fear of the other six races was still there. As if burying a terrible history, the arrival of the young man brought back their memories.
"We want the fairy representative to come with us in exchange for the fairy kingdom's safety from annihilation." Stefan spoke loudly so that all the guests heard his words.
The faces of the fairy emissaries immediately paled. The youth's words were already like a death sentence to them. On the one hand there is a master they must protect. On the other hand, they have friends and relatives they care about.
"We'll pick you up tomorrow morning." Stevan spoke irrefutable words to the princess.
"Please have fun." the young man said before he left. Leaving a whipping mess in the minds of every guest present.
Rose immediately left the banquet hall without waiting for the event to end. Her mind is frantic. She didn't want to follow the young man's words. But the destruction of her race was the last thing she wanted.
The image of the faces of her father and young brother appeared in her mind. Making her resolve waver. Possible. If it was for them, she would willingly sacrifice herself.
"Hana.."
"Pack magic powder and some clothes for me." Rose ordered her main maid.
"Princess..!" Hana slightly raised her voice, unable to accept the beautiful fairy's decision.
"Do we have any other choice?" Rose smiled softly even though her heart didn't want to.
Anyone in her position would not be willing to give up their freedom just to be taken as a prisoner. But Rose had no other choice. Sacrifice was the best way she could think for the welfare of the people. She can't be selfish. As a princess, she also has a responsibility for the safety of her people.
Unable to argue, Hana and the other maids silently prepared the equipment that the beautiful princess would bring. Enduring sadness because the princess was willing to sacrifice her noble self for the sake of ordinary people like them.
"Sob.." Reina, one of the maids who served the princess since she was little, couldn't help but cry. Because maybe, this was the last time they could meet the princess.
"There's no need to cry. The Princess will definitely be back soon." Hannah said firmly. Hiding the fact that she was also trying to believe her own words.
"But.."
"They're from the Dragon Race." one of them was skeptical about the main maid's statement.
"So what?"
"Our princess is no ordinary person. She should be able to return safely." Hana argues with them.
"But, what if the Princess will never come back. sob..sob.." a servant started sobbing. Silence the other servants.
That night, all the emissaries of the fairy race were in a bad mood. Some of them even stay up until morning. Do not want to miss the seconds of the departure of their princess.
***
"What's with your faces?"
"Didn't I give you all enough rest?" Rose said as usual when joking with her servants.
"We didn't have enough rest due to spending time cleaning the castle. We wiped all the corners until there was no dust left Princess." Hana replied politely, but her face was the worst of all the maids.
"It's good to be diligent. But don't forget your health comes first." Rose smiled softly.
That smile will usually make them feel like there is a heartwarming sunshine. Gets the maids excited to start the day. But this time, that smile made them all want to cry sadly.
"The Dragon Race Emissary is waiting at the main gate, Princess." a guard from the vampire race came to pick up the princess.
The pretty fairy nodded when she heard the guard's report. Looking at the maid who had been with her all this time, Rose smiled reassuringly.
"Please tell my father and young brother that I'll be fine. And take care of yourselves for me." the princess's last words before walking to meet the envoy of the dragon race.
Rose's footsteps were steady, neither fast nor slow. She didn't look back at all. She felt that if she looked back, she would return to hide among the valiant guards sent by her father.
"Greetings Millord. I am Rosalia Devonia Razak, representative of the Fairy Race." Rose greeted when she met the Dragon Race messenger who had picked her up.
Unlike the Dragon Race Leader she met at the banquet, the young man who picked her up had a scholarly appearance. His face was gentle as if he was a person who had never touched blood. Gold-rimmed glasses complete his refined look.
"Greetings to Princess Rosalia. I am Teodhor, Your Majesty's right-hand man who was ordered to escort the lady to our palace."
"Nice to meet the Princess." the messenger behaved like a gentleman. Kissed the back of Rose's hand while greeting.
"Nice to meet you, Mr Teodhor." Rose tried to contain the shudder she felt when the young man introduced himself as the Dragon Race Lord's right hand man.
A person who has a high position is definitely not as gentle and simple as he looks. As the saying goes, we shouldn't judge a book by its cover alone.
"Then, please come this way." Teodhor led Rose to enter the carriage which was painted black. Only the towing horses have a different color, while the others are completely black.
Sighing slowly, Rose clenched her fists hidden inside the robe she was wearing. Trying to brace herself, Rose firmly entered the Dragon Race carriage.
Inside the carriage, Rose stared at the scene they passed. She doesn't know what she will face when she arrives at the kingdom that holds a million mysteries.
"I hope my little Mitty will be nice until I get back." Rose tried to divert her worries by remembering her beloved little cat.