CHAPTER 7 : SOON TO DEBUT
After her introduction ceremony Adeline was escorted to her own pavilion the next day though it was not as fancy as her stepsisters' but she liked it. Fewer servants were appointed to her due to the fear of the queens cruelty. She would turn eighteen in two years and that meant she had to endure her step mother's wickedness.Days passed with the animosity from her step mother and step sisters growing at a terrific rate.Unlike the king who chose not to intervene on her behalf,Prince Richid and his grandfather, General Mathis stood by her.General Mathis was the father-in-law of king Nero. He was her supervisor since none was assigned to her. The queen grew angry with her lessons since she had ensured that Adeline had no lessons.
Adeline spent most of her time reading books, embroidery lessons and tea time she was not allowed to practice sword training like the other princesses or even warfare lessons. General Mathis grew fond of Adeline very much. She was forbidden strictly by the queen to never leave the palace. Adeline grew in beauty and grace like none other.
Two years passed swiftly as Adeline grew into an astonishing beauty none like any known under the sun like a goddess. In three days she will be debutted. Adeline didn't like the whole idea and concept because it was a way of selling princesses into marriages for the benefit of the selfish rulers of the kingdoms. Distant relatives had already begun trooping in in their aristocratic dresses and carriages. Adeline looked down from her terrace as she paced to and fro in anxiety.
The dark sky spread wide as nightfall enveloped the whole of Ghany with the full moon held magnificently over the Mafte palace. Moonlight streaked through the window of Adeline's room falling on her silver blond hair which fell gracefully on her shoulders sliding down to her waist.She stared at the entrance to the Mafte palace as guests and nobles and all the invited aristocrats climbed up the stairs gracefully. Twas the night of her debut ball, the preparations had dragged on for the whole week. Adeline had vomited over four times as anxiety took over her body she was now sixteen and as such will be betrothed tonight and her fate would be decided.
CHAPTER 8:THE SAVIOUR
Groomed into a beautiful young lady, Adeline stood out exceptionally among the king's daughters. Many gifts had been received since morning from well wishers and nobel families interested in forming an alliance. The gifting ceremony was mainly done to sway the princess off her feet but none had captured her attention except one. It had a range of soaps, perfumes and skin extracts made from blue rose. A single blue rose laid snuggly among the products. Adeline's handmaid gasped at the giggled at the sight of this simple extravaganza.
"Wow this smells nice, do u know who gave this gift?"she asked innocently picking up the blue rose delicately to her nose. "Princess, I believe it's a gift from the royal family of Rocrest."Eulia said with certainty as she combed Adeline's hair.
"It looks like one of the princes of Rocrest is interested in you. O I hope it's the first prince." Christy said dreamily. "Why the first prince?and how many princes does Rocrest have anyway?"Adeline asked. "Well there are ten princes of Rocrest and the first is known to be very strong and handsome "Christy answered.
"And a great womanizer at that my princess."Eulia added as a matter-of-factly. "Well he can also stand and fight for the throne since he has a greater chance with the throne." "What if he's not the one maybe it's one of his brothers?"Adeline question as she listened to her handmaids. "It can't be the tenth or ninth prince for sure they are too young"Christy pointed out. "I hope it's not the seventh prince either.."Eulia said. "Why?"Adeline looked confused. Immediately the two handmaids came crouching Infront of her which surprised her.
"Haven't you heard that he's scary and mysterious"Eulia said with terror written on her face. "I heard he goes around wearing a half mask covering his face and her wears dark colors of clothes only. Some even say he can be the the "fiery black demon" ""hahahahahah..."Adeline rocked with a wild soft laughter at the description her maids gave.
"....o please stop trying to frighten me already..haha..aha" "no princess it's true you know the maids know everything and trust me when I say I believe it to be true." Christy added."Well I don't believe it it sounds like something made up."Adeline said "and how do you know so much?" "The maids know everything.." Christy said proudly. "Mmmmmmh tell me more. I think the ceremony is about to begin". They quickly prepared Adeline for the ball as the princess had been asked to get ready. She took a last look at herself in the mirror, satisfied with the work of her handmaids she stepped out escorted by her maids she walked to the ballroom. The guards stationed outside turned their heads absorbing the beauty of the beautiful princess. Adeline looked ethereal like the goddess of beauty herself. Just a gaze rendered her victim enchanted and paralyzed. She gestured to the herald to announce her presence.
CHAPTER 9:HE IS THE ONE
The ballroom waited for the princess with eagerness and anticipation. Greetings and formalities had been done as some guests stood in groups of threes and fours engrossed in deep discussion. The herald hit the ground with his mace calling the attention of the guests as he called out.".... Attention Adeline Marinette Dè Originaline Von Heisterlin,Third princess of Ghany" with that the thick burnished rosewood doors swung open. All eyes in the room were fixed at the door as curiosity filled the atmosphere. Adeline stepped into the hall picking her gown delicately as she walked gracefully. She wore a sapphire blue sleeveless dress held up on her breasts. The dress fell plumply down her waist onto the ground. She walked on as the trail of her shoulder lace cape glided down behind her giving her a surreal look. Her shoulders were covered by the light satin lace cape which was held in place across her chest. Her hair was braided around her head forming a headband adorned with ornaments a golden tiara rested on the braided hair as the rest of the hair fell behind her.
Gasps were stifled and suppressed among the noble guests as the princess walked up to the platform to take her seat among the royal family. Prince Richid gave approving looks towards her way as he nodded. The ceremony pushed forward. Soon it was time for the debutante to have her first dance with her father as per customs. The melody rang in as a young man approached her holding her hands to her mouth to press a kiss. Pulling her to the dance floor swiftly. Murmurs came from the audience as the couple swayed gracefully in the dance. Time seemed to stop with all eyes on the pair as they danced. Moving with calculated step, beautiful and enchanting sways, majestic and graceful as swans they brought the dance to a rest. The crowd cheered on and soon joined in the dance. Adeline felt a strong pull as she was tagged towards the balcony. The moonlight cascaded against her hair as the air blew gently flaring it. She hadn't been able to see the face of the daring man who stole the first dance from the king.
"Who are you?"she asked scanning his face intently. He raised his head as he held up a blue rose to her. He had a silver mask covering half of his face with his deep set of magenta eyes which was complimented by his shiny black hair. He had a strong and authoritative aura around him which had an intimidating effect. The king walked with fury building up in his chest at the daring idiot who took such a suicide step. Looking around the hall he searched for his daughter. He walked over to the balcony where they stood. He cleared his throat breaking the trance between the two.
*IN ADELINE'S POV*
CHAPTER 10: A NEW ME
It has been two years since I came into the palace with my father after the death of my mother. She had been ill for a long time yet she managed to look strong for my sake untill one day a man visited her. He looked like a noble from his rich dress and utterances. He stayed with my mother talking under tone for a long time. I kept wondering what at all they spoke about but the kept long untill I was called into the room. I greeted him then he stretched his hand towards me which I took walking up to him cautiously. I could feel the life draining out of her body as she lied there looking lifeless as the man held on to her gently. "Lilly my dear, she is here. She's got your beauty indeed" he said trying to suppress tears. Mother smiled weakly and said with a dry voice"I know right but she has your features also." Her pale face straightened up with a grave expression,"Ne,please promise me you will take care of our daughter. She will grow to be a fine lady.please protect her from Elizier, promise me you will do it!!"
She coughed out some blood. I called out her name and walked to sit by her on the bed."I promise you Lilly that no harm will come to her.that I promise you." Mother then took my hand, smiled at me then took out a pendant from her neck. It looked like a half but very intricate with its golden design.
It glowed faintly in her hand then she locked it around my neck. It glowed brightly blinding everyone then died down gently. Mother smiled at me and called me Goddess Artel."Adel,keep this pendant safe,guard it with your life and in trying times it will guard your life. Remember you are the last piece of hope." She kissed my forehead then looked at our noble guest. The man who supposedly was my father looked at us in utter amusement but not surprised at my mother's magic. He looked at my mother with a questioning look and in response my mother shook her head the said "her magic has not awakened yet I don't understand but maybe she is a late bloomer. Help her when the time comes.
Two days after she was was buried my father took me to his home or should I say his palace,my new home. I was ecstatic to meet my step siblings and of course my step mother. I was awed by the grandness of the palace,it was gleaming with splendour. Nicely dressed servants came out to meet us,they looked astonished to see me as some whispered. I was treated with hospitality except three people,my stepmother and stepsisters.Cold shivers crept down my spine as I felt dagger-stares at me. During supper father introduced as his daughter. The mother and daughters I soon learnt their names to be Queen Elizier and her daughters Veronic and Genevia and the prince who was much younger than I, was Prince Richid,he seemed welcoming with his grandfather General Mathis. I was given a chamber of my own with four handmaids of whom three were my stepmother's spies and the other I learnt her name to be Eulia was very faithful and even grew close.