It was the time of evening when the Ladies retired to their chambers. Despite the tension lingering in the air, Kiara had found herself unexpectedly enjoying the company of the other girls throughout the day. There was something comforting about their shared conversations, even though her mind was elsewhere.
The Duchesses and their daughters had all been assigned separate rooms in the vast castle—one of many luxuries afforded by the royal family's sprawling home. Hundreds of rooms lined the grand halls, and each guest had been given one that suited their status.
In her room, Alexandra began to undress. She removed her clothes, shoes, and all her jewelry, leaving only her petticoat on as she moved toward the door to ensure it was securely locked. Satisfied, she stepped into the bathroom.
The bathroom was enormous—far larger than the one she had at her father's estate. Its grandeur startled her at first. A floor-to-ceiling mirror dominated one wall, while marble tiles gleamed underfoot. The bathtub itself was a masterpiece, embedded with intricate marble beads along its rim, already filled with lukewarm water that beckoned her.
Alexandra smiled, unable to resist. She shed the last of her clothing and carefully stepped into the luxurious bath, sinking into the warm water with a satisfied sigh.
"This is pure bliss," she murmured, her voice echoing softly in the cavernous space. Though Alexandra wasn't a small woman by any means, the bath seemed enormous, easily large enough for three people. She dipped beneath the surface until only her face remained above water, her mind beginning to wander.
Her thoughts drifted to the upcoming carnival, the event where the Crown Prince would choose his bride. The excitement mingled with uncertainty in her heart.
"But… what if he chooses me?" she wondered aloud, her voice breaking the stillness. "Of course, it would be an honor... a royal title, everything I've dreamed of." She paused, frowning slightly. "But am I ready for that?"
It was a habit of Alexandra's to speak to herself when alone, musing over her thoughts as though hoping for an answer from the silence.
"Mama and Papa would be so proud," she whispered, her eyes fluttering shut. The thought of her parents' joy brought a small smile to her face. "Their happiness is all I need."
But somewhere deep inside, a voice of doubt echoed. She wasn't the only noblewoman vying for the Prince's favor. "What if he doesn't choose me?" she shrugged, sinking deeper into the water. "There are plenty of handsome and eligible men in Ylzia. It wouldn't be the end of the world." She smiled to herself, letting the warmth of the bath soothe her worries.
The calm, serene atmosphere was just what Alexandra needed. She spent nearly an hour soaking in the tub, allowing the warmth to melt away her tension. When she finally emerged, her fingers pruned and her skin glowing, she dressed in her nightwear, closed the windows, and climbed into the large bed. Sleep, however, didn't come easily. Her mind raced with thoughts of the days to come until, finally, exhaustion claimed her.
---
The next morning, Alexandra was jolted awake by the deafening blare of trumpets, drums, and the distant sounds of cheers. She sat up abruptly, her heart racing, momentarily confused by the chaos outside. But then realization dawned, and she scrambled out of bed, rushing to the window.
Although her room wasn't facing the main road, she could see the throngs of villagers and townspeople from the other side, children and parents alike tossing flowers into the air. It could only mean one thing—the Crown Prince had returned.
Alexandra hurried to the bathroom, brushing her teeth and quickly washing up before dressing in a striking red gown. The color suited her, a vibrant hue meant for a day like this, a day of royal celebration. Once dressed, she sat on her bed to calm her racing nerves. A knock at the door startled her, and she looked up just as it opened to reveal the two maids assigned to her.
When they saw she was already dressed, they exchanged surprised glances.
"Ah, my apologies," Alexandra said with a smile. "I'm used to dressing myself, but you can help with my hair." Ever since she had turned fifteen, she had made a habit of doing things on her own. She liked the sense of independence it gave her.
She sat before the vanity, watching in the mirror as the maids began working on her long, orange hair. The two women marveled at its texture, combing through the soft waves with ease.
"Should I style it in a ponytail or something different?" one of the maids asked, her hands gliding through Alexandra's hair.
Alexandra tilted her head slightly, considering her reflection. She was accustomed to wearing her hair down or in a ponytail, but something inside her urged her to try something new today. "Any style that makes me look pretty," she said with a playful smile, watching their reactions in the mirror.
---
Minutes later, the maids had finished their work, and Alexandra gazed at her reflection, pleasantly surprised by what she saw. They had braided the sides of her hair and gathered the strands into a graceful bun at the back, adorned with delicate pins and jeweled accessories. The style was intricate yet elegant.
"It's beautiful," she said, standing to face them. "I really like it."
"We're glad you do, My Lady," said Jemima, one of the maids, smiling at their handiwork.
Cynthia, the second maid, spoke up. "We added a few accessories because today is special—the Prince has returned from war. But if you find them too much, feel free to take them off."
Alexandra chuckled softly. "No, I like them. They're perfect."
---
Outside the Royal Castle of Caestria, King Aaron, Queen Selina, the four Dukes, and their families gathered in anticipation. The sun was shining brightly overhead, casting a golden glow over the grand courtyard as they stood before the enormous gate, awaiting the arrival of someone very important.
The King and Queen sat on thrones brought out for the occasion, their expressions filled with pride and excitement. The tension in the air was thick, but it was the kind of tension that came with great celebration.
The sound of trumpets blared through the air, and the massive gates of the castle slowly creaked open as two gatemen pulled them apart.
A loud voice boomed, echoing across the courtyard:
"Welcome Crown Prince SILVERSTEIN ASHTON IVAN CAESTRIA, returning victorious from war!!!"
A great cheer erupted from the crowd, the excitement palpable as the Prince's entourage came into view. The day had finally arrived, and it would be one the kingdom would not soon forget.