As is per custom, all nobles are required to greet that Princess and congratulate her for reaching adulthood. Some might even get a chance to dance. The King's motive, however for organising the party was not for the gifts, but to pick a suitor for the Princess who would be betrothed to her. I think everyone knew this too.
Eventually, I got a chance to greet said Princess, though low level nobles are invited to these events just to save face.
"You never told me you were a princess."
"It's not like I owe you an explanation." she seemed to be trying to act aloof, though it wasn't working, not for me at least.
"Anyway, happy birthday." I said. "I best take my leave now, Your Majesty."
"Wait, won't you ask a dance of me?"
"Not if you'll reject."
"How do you know I will reject you?"
"And how can a lowly noble like me even hope to get a dance with this highly exalted beauty before me?"
"Enough of the flattery. Are you dancing with me or not?"
"Only because you asked. Your Majesty." I extended my right hand with my left hidden behind my back as is customary to ask a dance. Snorts and mocking giggles resounded around me as everyone thought I would be rejected.
To their surprise, however, Alicia curtseyed and then took my hand. As soon as we touched, I felt a warm sensation envelop me, as though I were fully invigorated. It felt extremely wonderful. I chalked it up to hormones and quickly shoved it at the back of my mind.
Every part of the party after that just became a blur. I don't even remember leaving the palace. I woke up the next morning to find I was in the Monroe mansion, specifically on the bed I woke on yester's midday.
"Cristof, what happened last night. How did I get here?"
"Don't you remember?" he asked. "You fainted once the Princess took your hand. Probably elated that such a fairytale beauty accepted your plea to dance."
"Shut up, Cristof."
"Young master, I believe I am required to speak my mind."
"Well, I don't need your opinion. Most certainly not on the opposite sex, so please keep shut."
"Very well, Young master. I however, ought to inform you that Lord Monroe requested your presence immediately you awoke and not a minute later."
"Please, lead the way." I said as I rose out of the bed in my attire which I used to attend last night's party. It made me glad that at least no one tried to change my garments in my state of unconsciousness.
We made our way through the large corridor to a door near the entrance of the mansion. This was the mansion's hallroom where guests were received. Cristof stood at the door and gesticulated for me to enter. I made my way into the large room. Looking around brought back a lot of memories, but I had to save my reminiscing for later. A member of the royal family was right in front of me.
"Your Majesty." I greeted as I made a bow. I had been unable to study the scene in its entirety, but I was quite sure Lord Monroe was not in the room.
"To what, dare I ask, do I owe such an honour of a visit from the King himself?"
"Ha, don't trouble yourself, boy. I am here to speak with Sylvester." I sighed in relief at that, though inwardly.
"I do, however, feel bad for the terrible mishap that befell your family and on behalf of the Kingdom offer my condolences."
"Please Sire, a lowly steward of the Kingdom like me... "
"Tell me boy." The King cut in. "How old are you?"
"Twelve, Sire."
"Twelve, huh?" The King turned his back toward me as though he wanted to contemplate something privately. Just then, a guard came in to announce to the King, Lord Monroe's arrival. Throughout this period, my head was still bent low. Lord Monroe came in and bowed as well.
"Leave us boy, the big men want to have a chat."
"Many thanks, Your Majesty." I went back to the room provided me in the mansion and lay on the bed. Talking to royalty sure was exhausting. I began to think of memories this mansion had given me and I had no idea when I slept off. It seemed I must have been extremely tired last night.
I woke up in a completely dark environment. I could see only literal darkness and worse was this weight on my body that kept crushing me.
'I can't move.' I thought. I screamed and screamed for help, yet no one heard me. I was lucky that the weight on me wasn't enough to literally crush me, though it still felt impossible to move. I struggled and struggled and eventually got out with a blasted shin.
'I hate the sight of blood.' My sight got a bit blurry after this thought and I ended up blacking out.
"He's still alive. Come on, get a healer."
"Hey, pick up the pace. Find the King, you old cronies." Some hoarse and loud voices disturbed my quiet and peaceful sleep, making me open my eyes. There were soldiers everywhere. It seemed they were salvaging debris looking for something. Or someone.
I finally came to my senses and recalled my last sane memory. I was at the Monroe mansion.
'But then, how did I get here? Where is here?' I thought. 'Unless... unless I never left. Oh no, Lord Monroe! Cristof! The King!'
"The King?" I let out a barely audible squeal. The person bandaging my legs leaned in to hear what I had to say.
"The King... is the King? Is he okay?" I was whispering with as much breath as I could muster. If I survived this and the King died, I would certainly be blamed for his death. I would basically be dead as well.
"Captain, I think he is whispering something. I can't hear him though."
"Just tie up that shit. I want him ready for a trial by the time we get to the palace.