I stepped into the throne court with elegance, casting a slight glance at the entrance. I beheld two guards standing at their positions, gazing at the empty space. A pleasant smile gleamed on my expression when I sighted the king on his massive throne. Oscar was standing beside him, glaring at the royal curtains. I moved towards them with my hands raising my light pink dress above my ankles, revealing my sparkling silver shoes. Oscar shifted his gaze towards my direction when he heard my footsteps; his lips widened gracefully. The king sprang up from his throne when I caught his attention; he smiled widely, spreading his broad arms towards my direction.
"Here comes the little big princess…," Oscar declared with his eyes all over my light pink dress. I gave him an eyeshot and he scoffed playfully.
"Greetings father..," I countered politely.
"How are you doing, my jewel?" The king asked warmly as we embraced each other. We disentangled after few seconds and I glared at his green eyes, holding his entangling shoulders.
"I'm alright father, hope you had a pleasant night?" I enquired.
"Of course he did..," Oscar winked, moving closer to where I stood. I watched him as he placed his right hand on my shoulders. "You didn't bother to ask if I'd slept well last night." he bluffed in addition.
"Does it really matter?" I chuckled and the king beamed at both of us, sitting back on his throne. I guess he was expecting that question from the prince who takes delight in arguing with me always.
"Yes princess. You are looking amazing your highness..," Oscar remarked audibly with his hands folded across his broad chest.
"She is always looking wonderful and elegant; this morning wouldn't be an exception." The king pointed out and Oscar nodded obviously.
"Are you going somewhere?" He queried in curiosity. His violet eyeballs were gazing straight at me. He wasn't sure if I would be willing to let him escort me. I wanted to ignore that question, but I noticed the king's eyes, gazing at my direction. I had wanted to inform him earlier.
"Yeah. I intend to leave the castle..," I paused, observing the king's countenance which seemed unpredictable.
"To where exactly?" The king asked firmly and I exchanged glances with the prince whose violet eyes whirled at my direction.
"I just want to have a brief walk within the courtyard." I stated simply and a moment of silence occurred afterwards. "That's all your majesty..," I concluded and he sighed silently, reclining on his throne.
"You may go my dear," king Celebes obliged and my heart was flooded with excitement.
"Thank you father, I'll be back in no time." I snapped and turned swiftly without saying a word to my brother who blinked multiple times, staring at my golden hair. I cringed my lips, wondering why he couldn't take his prying eyes off my blonde hair.
"Eugena…," I stopped in my tracks when I heard his deep voice. I gave him a questioning glance and he smirked.
"Yes your highness," I muttered and gave him an eyeshot.
"Where's your headband?" He queried blankly.
"Oh. I forgot to wear it. Thank you for reminding me dear brother," I replied instantly with a fake grin on my expression. I was about to depart from the throne court when two young maidens walked carefully into the court holding metallic trays in their hands. I could see varieties of spiced meat, fresh fruits, three empty chalices and a beautiful vessel filled with wine as they headed towards the royal table with calculated steps.
"Greeting your highness..," the first maiden stated with a slight bow and I nodded in response. It was time for breakfast, but I wasn't famished. I stared at the maidens who had gotten to the royal table. Gently, they placed the trays on the table, unveiling the brilliant delicacies. I watched as the diligent maidens served the royal family carefully.
"Eugena, come and join us for breakfast before you depart," Oscar offered, grabbing a red apple with ease. I watched as he took a bite and chewed, savouring the natural taste with his eyes closed. The king had taken a few grapes with a chalice in his right hand.
"Go to the queen's chamber and inform her that breakfast is served." The king instructed the maiden who bowed and left the court without delay. I wondered why I stood there gazing at them as they ate and drank to their satisfaction.
"Won't you join us for breakfast?" The king's voice enquired when I got to the entrance. "The maidens had prepared a wonderful delicacy."
"Don't worry father. You know I don't like royal delicacies," I declared. "All I want for breakfast is fresh bread with grapes and little drilled fishes," I countered in addition. Oscar scoffed at my choice of diet for breakfast.
"You're trying to avoid the royal table aren't you?" Oscar knitted his eyebrows at me. I clasped my pink lips together;
"Of course not, charming prince. I just prefer eating in the bed chamber." I snapped expressly. Oscar chuckled with his mouth full, he swallowed and took a chalice. Then, he gulped down a generous amount after which dropped the object on the royal table.
"Are you planning to make your bed chamber a feasting table?" King Celebes asked with gestures. I took a deep breath, nodding childishly. "I think the guards should escort you to the courtyard?" the king stated.
"No father, I can take care of myself." I snapped in disapproval.
"Eugena, we need to discuss about you and the guards. It is their obligation to protect every member of the royal family."
"I'm not ready for lectures now," I mumbled audibly.
"Take a chalice of wine before you depart," king Celebes urged, raising another chalice towards my direction.
"No father, I'll be back in a jiffy." I countered audibly. Then, I departed from the royal throne court gently, heading to my bed chamber.
Few minutes later, I got into my bed chamber and shut the door silently, sighing deeply afterwards. I relaxed heavily on the exotic bed with my eyes observing the entire chamber. I could see my headband, a diamond necklace and a pair of earrings at the edge. I inclined and took the headband with delight, caressing the designs thoughtfully. I got to my feet and stood before the gigantic mirror on the wall which revealed a my slender image perfectly. My hands were both adorned with beautiful beads; my green eyes fluttered all over my royal outfit. My golden hair was sparkling and my facial structure was quite attractive. Gently, I placed the silver headband on my head and took the diamond necklace. Then, I heard a tender, but audible knock landing at the door.
"Come inside…," I countered abruptly, watching as the door opened slowly. Two maidens entered the chamber, one of them shutting the door behind.
"We're really sorry to intrude my princess. The king assigned both of us to go with you to the courtyard," the first maiden explained and I twisted my tongue, wondering when the royal family would realize that I can protect myself. I was no longer a little child;
"I wish to go alone girls, tell his majesty that I insist..," I retorted clearly gazing at the young maids. They both exchanged glances and remained silent with their pleading eyes staring at me. They wouldn't return to the king at that moment, he might be disappointed. I exhaled; it wouldn't hurt if the maidens should escort me, I thought sensibly.
"Alright girls, I'm ready to go!" I snapped politely, dropping the necklace as we departed from the bed chamber. "Both of you'll escort me to the courtyard. We are going to explore this great kingdom." I observed and the young maidens grinned with their heads bowed. "We should be back before sunset." I concluded as we walked out of the magnificent castle. I didn't fail to notice the vigilant guards claded in their elegant armours, standing firmly at the castle's entrance. I felt excited when my eyes fluttered over the glorious atmosphere. The glowing sun had risen within the bright clouds, giving light to the entire vicinity.
"Wow, this is amazing!" I stated joyfully, walking over the platform. The young maidens walked behind me, wondering what could've kindled the excitement. I observed the individuals within the vicinity, I could see some women carrying baskets of vegetables. My eyes came in contact with the natural flowers sprouting beside the great walls. "Those flowers are beautiful," I muttered, heading towards the colourful flowers which enveloped the great castle walls. Slowly, I plucked one of the flowers. The marvelous scent filled my nostrils when I shuffled some of the little flowers under my nostrils. I inhaled the beautiful scent with my eyes closed. Then, I exhaled audibly. "Let's go from here..," I countered as I began to head along the castle path, responding to the multiple greetings coming from the people within.
"Shall we prepare the horses your highness?" One of the maidens asked and I stopped in my tracks, thinking if I was going to need the horses. Exploring the Emerald kingdom would be interesting on foot. I glared at the two maidens standing at a distance with their eyes fixed at my direction.
"No ladies, I don't like pulling reins or riding horses. We are going on foot, that's my decision." I declared plainly as we departed from the vicinity through the broad castle path, heading our desired destination.