Entering the great hall was a first to Cassie. She had always just heard about stuff, but not just any servant could go in, even if it was to work.
Her 'parents' were walking ahead of her, doing all the talking and she was grateful, at that moment, for not expecting her to greet people. A simple nod was enough.
"Oh, we are really glad to have you here, King Saros." That was King Aerglo greeting the King of Rigel. He also bowed to the Queen, Zohreh's mother, Celestia. "Ah, and what a marvelous surprise! This year the Princess has attended and graced us with her presence!"
Cassie gulped. The King was looking at her. That was the first time she was looking at him directly, from a very close distance. Normally, she would see his figure up in the castle, whenever he had to make any official announcement. His eyes were as bright as the sun, a very beautiful tone of amber. It was like liquid gold.
She nodded and gave a courtesy, not uttering a word.
"Yes, this year we decided it was time for her to start spreading her wings." Saros said and smiled and looked at Cassie, having no idea that the girl under the veil was nothing but a servant, while his daughter was, indeed, 'spreading her wings', somewhere else.
After that, the Kings started to talk and Cassie had time to look around her. The place was huge, of course, as one could expect from a castle. The floor was made of marble, with red carpets. The walls were white, flourished with statues and golden details. The chandelier in the center was magnificent and Cassie couldn't help but wonder how secure that thing was.
"Dear?" Celestia was talking to Cassie, who finally snapped back to reality and looked at her 'mother', a bit confused. "We need to get going!"
"Ah…" She said and nodded, following the Queen.
"You seem a bit off. Is everything ok?"
"Hmm." Cassie answered, nodding again. Celestia frowned, but recovered quickly. Later she would inquire with the girl about her behavior, but for now, she had to remain playing her role as the perfect Queen.
When they were sitting and the food was finally served, Cassie's mouth filled with water. She had never had the opportunity to get near that amount of food, of such quality!
'Don't attack the food!', a little voice reminded her and she was crying inside, having to eat slowly, like a lady. No, not like a lady. Like a Princess!
"Prince Oberon couldn't make it, I'm afraid. He is at the front of the battle." King Aerglo was telling Saros. "Such a pity. Well, for us for not having his company. But a great joy to know that such a capable swordsman as him is there, fighting for us!"
"Indeed!"
The war with the Orcs was taking more than expected. Not only orcs, but rebelles and people who were banished from the Five Kingdoms. Cassie had no desire of dying, sure thing, but she dreamed about being in the battlefield, swinging her sword and chasing monsters. Being a hero!
Cassie trained hard, the best she could, waiting for the day she would be able to do something, to help her kingdom. But, until that moment, the only help she had was cleaning up the noble's domestic mess, most of it. 'Such a waste', she would always tell herself.
It was certain that in a year, she would be able to have golden coins and apply for a chance at the Greatest Academy for Warriors. But she knew - and hoped - she would not have to fight in this war that now took place. She was not that selfish. It would be best if the war finally came to an end and peace prevailed.
"He is to be married to Princess Zohreh, right?" Aerglo asked and Saros nodded, letting a servant pour more wine to his cup.
"That will be a great union between our kingdom!" He was very enthusiastic about the matter. "The Hendrix and the Mokri family will become one."
"I can't wait for the wedding party!" Aerglo lifted his cup and both Kings cheered.
"Prince Oberon?" Cassie repeated his name. It sounded like a strong name. Great for a warrior. Was he a brute, so Zohreh didn't want to be attached to him? By what Cassie was hearing, he seemed like a great man. And the fact that he was known as a swordsman, meant a lot to Cassie. Every noble knew how to use this weapon, but only a few could be called by that name.
The rest of the night passed and Cassie just wanted for it all to be over. She refused to dance, saying to her mother that she had a stomach ache. Celestia didn't like it at all and forbade her to eat more.
'Terrible excuse!', Cassie scolded herself for coming up with the worst explanation for her lack of will for dancing.
"It must be really bad, since you love to dance and never lose an opportunity!" When her 'mother' said that, Cassie pouted. Good thing nobody could see.
"We are going back to our accommodations, Aerglo!" The good thing about two kings talking as being friends, was that not such formalities as calling each other 'Your Royal highness' was necessary.
"Oh, I see you tomorrow, then! Don't forget about the tournament!"
"Count on us!" Saros patted the King of Quasar on the shoulder and got up from his seat, having Celestia and Cassie following his every step.
Cassie went to her litter and, once inside, she finally took her veil off. That thing was so uncomfortable! Having to look at everything with a fabric on your face. And she would have to endure that kind of thing for a whole year.
"She better pay me when the year is over!"