Walking inside her room, she fell flat on her face as her white hair lacked its usual shine and luster. Alicia came home smiling keeping her face intact, showing satisfaction but when she got home she was exhausted as she was dead inside.
Laying on her back she looked up and saw the dimly lit room regretting her choice of going to dinner.
A Few Hours earlier, Alicia decided to give her answer.
When the battle ended she gladly accepted the invitation, although she didn't really like occasions of the sort she accepted the invitation due to the celebration and was swept in the mood, impulsively accepting it.
They both decided at what time they would meet, and where to meet. But before she went to the specified location she asked her uncle, Francis, who gladly accepted the outcome as if he was expecting this to happen, Alicia sensed it and didn't like the fact that she got set up.
Knowing this fact however doesn't change the accepted invitation, she was a bit concerned about everything but she passed it off as she needed the break. She asked the maids and soldiers about what they thought about Frederick to the point that they had gotten the wrong idea.
She heard rumors and whispers about something pertaining to her being interested in Frederick and him being the same. It was really sad that she unknowingly dug her grave about the rumors that began to circulate. But she received a uniform 'He is amazing' from both soldiers and citizens alike.
She went home and called her personal maid to change clothes for the formal invitation, she was quite comfortable with her personal maid, she was the one that took care of her when her parents or uncle could not.
Calling for Daisy, she asked if she could help her pick and wear a dress that would be suited for the matter. The room was then illuminated by the light of the magic bulb.
The magic bulb was designed to light up the room using a magical connection that can be activated by the flick of a switch with a large magical battery that stored magical essence absorbed by the air. Alicia doesn't really know how they work in a detailed manner; she was only told how they will work.
"Daisy, what do you think of Frederick?"
"He is most wonderful and has an amazing face as well, coupled with worthy achievements and a high position in the military, I think he would be a fine husband for you. But Alicia, I don't recommend him because it's too early, and besides you might meet someone better" Daisy said in a convincingly sarcastic tone.
"Uh-uh and the way you said it made it sound like he would be the one that would be considered perfect. What more do you mean by someone better when clearly you like that Frederick guy's personality?" Alicia's reply came with derision as she was starting to get annoyed.
"Getting a little jealous are we, Alicia? Well one thing is for sure, your father would really want her daughter to marry someone like him, charming, powerful, and with status"
"Gee, oh my, prince charming like no stories have ever done the same thing. Come on, give me something new, every boy I get close to is either interested in me or wants me for what's behind me."
"Those stories can happen in real life and they are wonderful, you know, read them in books. Very well written and romantic"
"It was all romantic with hugs and kisses until it wasn't. They start off strong with bonds and limitations with their status and sophistry. In the end, they die, or one dies. The End"
Alicia crossed her arms as Daisy finished dressing her from the bottom up for the formal dinner.
Daisy took a step back and one final look at Alicia. She was wearing a lovely red gown that accentuated her beauty that would make her stand out, her eyes glowed with a soothing but determined look and her white hair reflected the light that came from the magic bulb.
"Presenting, the princess of tonight, the first date that was asked for a while of our Dear Alicia Blanche, as your maid of honor. I deem you ready and perfect! My lady, can I ask you for a dance?"
Daisy made a little curtsy as she made a comedic proposal to Alicia, and she replied in kind. They danced for a while and laughed about Daisy's history and tragic love life. They stopped as it was getting close to the appointed time, they laughed before they let go and moved on.
"Alicia", Daisy called one last time, "When a man shows you something special and new, a tugging feeling will make you experience things that words can't even describe."
With a nod, Alicia went off to have a supposedly wonderful night with the city's hero and had a nice dinner with him as they talked about amazing things that they have encountered in their lives.
'That was the 'supposedly' thought of idea of how it might go' Alicia spoke to herself as she sat on the table eating dinner with Frederick, except he was constantly being surrounded by soldiers and citizens.
At first, it didn't mind her because she didn't have intentions for his attention or anything at all. He would tell them that they are having dinner and people would just leave, they would and then come back later.
When they got left alone, Alicia was relieved that she was now able to occupy silence for tonight and enjoy her meal, but Frederick constantly talks to her about how beautiful and amazing she is tonight and that her achievements are something to be proud of.
It didn't take long for it to be annoying as he continued to repeat it every once in a while only with different phrasing and words. There were times that she even cringed at just the words he spoke.
The best response she could give was thanks, and you too. Although it was an awkward atmosphere for her, it seemed like he didn't get in the mood.
'I'm sorry Daisy, but it seemed like the only new thing he gave me was trauma and boredom'
Dinner ended and he brought her to her house where she was staying with Daisy and a few more maids that were given by her family to accompany her on Alcemia.
She was sent to Alcemia by her father to gain knowledge from Francis for the future of their family. It was an unplanned event for her to meet Frederick, but the status that he holds would surely elevate the status of their family and power. Knowing her family they won't do so unless they gain a massive return.
The day ended with her being returned by Frederick, and she lays down in bed embarrassed, full of regret, and annoyed.
Daisy stood at the edge of the room where she silently observed her mistress continuously sighing and tumbling around the bed rolling from one side to the other.
"From the way you roll like a pig that has taken a liking to mud, you certainly don't look happy about it"
"If only you were there Daisy, he keeps singing of praises with his bad voice."
"I see so that's what happened, well then I guess that's a lost cause. I guess you gained nothing new from this experience"
"No he did, it made me realize that never go on dates while in the middle of a war and stay away from the likes of him"
"Not into handsome men?"
"Not into pretentious, annoying, handsome, and cringe men, Thank you"
"Not genuine enough?"
"Not honest and open enough"
"Fair enough"
"Ughh" Alicia groaned as she placed her face inside her pillow and screamed through her pillow.
It was a tough day for her, especially for her mental and emotional health, this day was stressful by itself with the Lizards and attack and the horrible date. She wished nothing more than just to go to sleep.
'Sometimes sleep is the best medicine' With that her day ended with a relieved remark.
The kingdom would soon know about their little dinner and would soon blow up as a topic of interest by many, friends, family and enemies would soon hint with satisfaction, grievance, and hostility as this tiny invitation would soon spark controversy. But for now, that is a different story.