Chapter 7 - THE CROWN PRINCE OF LUXTONIA

 CHARLOTTE and Helena stared at each other before looking at the short petite young lady wearing a maid uniform while also wearing a hood that covers her entire body. Did she just trespass through the guards of the mansion? "The name's Lindice ... Madame Dorothea has a message for you fair lady." The young woman uttered with a cold demeanor. Helena, who had a recollection of Lindice being Madame Dorothea's servant, acknowledged the message by nodding her head and accepting the letter that was handed to her."I'll be back later before the clock strikes midnight..." She uttered with a low tone, making sure no one will hear their conversation towards their plan. The young woman then proceeds to leave in front of them, making sure that they will cooperate for the plan they have discussed earlier at the carriage."Remember our plan at midnight." The countess' words echo through Charlottes mind and gently took the letter from Helena.Helena then shuts the door; Charlotte directed a quizzical gaze towards the letter, with a raised eyebrow, she did not hesitate to open the small envelope that was sent by the countess. "That servant of Madame Grimoard, who had assumed a different visage to inconspicuously pass through the doors. I swear she looks very strange that gives chilling sight through my veins." stated Helena shivering her shoulders as it creeps her out while looking at Charlotte with the letter on her grasp. Once she opened the envelop, she took the paper inside it.Charlotte held the parchment enclosed in a seal, and delicately unsealed it to peruse the message within. As she started to absorb the contents of the letter, hope filled her eyes. She glanced at the clock beside her bed, observing the approaching hour of midnight with an air of anticipation. "Midnight, then..." she murmured to herself.Out of the blue, there was another knock on the door. "Mí lady, Mr. Knox wishes to have a conversation with you in the guest room," spoke a voice of a lady behind the closed doors.Charlotte spoke, professing to the maid behind, "I shall be with you presently." She then entrusted the letter to Helena, and proclaimed, "Prepare yourself, I'll just go to the guest room." Charlotte commanded to Helena, who offered a respectful bow, prior to her lady's departure from the room.Charlotte proceeded to the guest room and came across a gentleman consuming tea in a lavish couch. The man, known as Zephyrl Knox, was one of the four retainers of the Ruthania royal family. He was working at the side of one of the sons of the royal family. He was devoted to work with him as his right man, though he is also loyal to his master."Lady Charlotte, it is indeed an honor to make your acquaintance." Zephyrl greeted cordially, placing the teacup back down onto the coffee table and bowing towards her."Greetings, Mr. Knox. Might I enquire as to the reason for this meeting? Do you perchance have a communication for myself? "Charlotte inquired while sitting on the opposing couch, facing the retainer."The Crown Prince desired me to extend a few words to you." He uttered while softly blowing the tea in his cup, cooling it down to a comfortable level."Just a brief remark, perchance?" She responded with a raised eyebrow."His Majesty has disclosed that upon joining in union with him, you shall be elevated to the title of Crown Princess of Normaine." Zephyrl explained her projected role as a Crown Princess of Normaine as a consequence of becoming His Majesty's wife.He informed her that she will take on the role of consort to the ruler. In the meantime, she will play a key role in representing the monarchy and supporting her husband-to-be in his official duties.She is expected to maintain the dignity and prestige of the monarchy and act as a role model for women in the nation.She may also be involved in diplomatic and charitable activities, and her actions and decisions can have a significant impact on the country."Is there no alternative recourse for opposing this agreed-upon matrimony?" Charlotte queried with a serious and stern demeanor."Mí Lady, both sides of the engagement have given their consent to the marriage. Furthermore, your father, who serves as the Earl, bestowed a significant contribution to the royal family aside from acting as a counsellor and confidante of the King. Otherwise, if you wish to disagree, I'm afraid that everything won't turn good for you, your family and this country in the very end." Zephyrl articulated as he took a sip from his teacup with a calm and composed demeanor.Charlotte sighed with vexation, for it appeared that there was only a single path for her to pursue. This entailed carrying on with the devious ploy of evading the wedlock and migrating towards the realm of Albiana.Once the sun made way for the moonrise, a sense of solemnity and serenity filled the space. After a discourse with the Ruthania family's retainer, Charlotte had a feeling of being constrained by the confines of her chamber. The maidservants dressed her in fine garments, she was unable to shake the feeling of gloom. Despite the sumptuous attire they presented her with, her heart was filled with a profound sense of disarray and anxiety, her mind wandering to thoughts of the morrow.The maidservants labored to groom Charlotte, diligently brushing her hair, improving her appearance with makeup, and ensuring that her outfit was the most captivating of all on her birthday. Yet, with a somber mindset in place, Charlotte's lips were downturned, sorrowed by the outcome of her exchange with the retainer.She was unenthusiastic about the upcoming developments, her emotions ranging from frustration to disappointment. With the thoughts of tomorrow plaguing her mind, she was unable to appreciate the present and the efforts of those who had been working so hard to make her day special.""Mí Lady, your ebony locks are as smooth as your mother's," Delphine, one of the maids, commented upon the young Charlotte's luscious tresses.Charlotte offered a subdued smile to Delphine, who was perhaps aware that the young lady was in dire need of some emotional support and wanted to lift her spirits. Charlotte's smile, although small, was a genuine display of appreciation for the effort of the kindhearted maid."Mí lady, here's your necklace," Helena uttered, handling the box of the necklace featuring an Amethyst gemstone. Delphine, by her side, aided Helena in placing the necklace around their lady's graceful neck."The Earl's discourse is likely to commence in around five minutes, my lady," the other maid declared, as she made slight adjustments to Charlotte's attire."I see," she answered in a frigid manner, devoid of any kind of enthusiasm towards the oncoming celebration.The sudden knocking on the door from behind its closed state startled the occupants of the room. "My lady, your brother is present to escort you," the maid, behind the door declared. Delphine opened the door and bowed to welcome the rightful heir of Earl Deloney."Brother Callisto..." Charlotte muttered as she swiveled away from her seat, the maids bowing their heads while standing steadfastly still. Thus, the sibling engaged in a conversation as their heads were close, engaging in a subtle and discreet chat that was unheard to the rest of the guests.Callistopher Lumiere Frederick Deloney was a figure of repute in the realm as the heir of Earl Marcus Dallas Deloney. He was the eldest male child and the solitary son of House Deloney, inheriting his father's rank and the vast properties of the noble family.He also bears the burden of overseeing the management of the family estate and is entrusted with providing guidance to his father, ensuring that the legacy and customs of the House remain intact and are properly entrusted to future generations."You are truly radiant this evening, Charlotte," Callistopher uttered, as he gently positioned the young lady's hair beside her earlobe, which accentuated her beauty and captivating looks."No need to offer such compliments," Charlotte exclaimed in a bashful manner, feeling embarrassed in front of the maids. However, Callistopher merely offered a light chuckle, as if to reassure her that his words did not bother him in the slightest."Is it improper to bestow a compliment upon my youngest sister?" Callistopher responded, seemingly unconcerned about her embarrassment. "Well, if you wish for me to remain silent, then I shall do so without a protest. I am easy to converse with, after all." He added, extending his arm to Charlotte, offering to escort her through the festivities.Exasperated by her brother's unperturbed behavior, Charlotte accepted his extended arm and took a gentle hold of it as they ventured through the party in the ballroom.

The corridors were shrouded in darkness, save for the glow of lights and bright decorations at its center. While making her way to the celebration with her brother, Charlotte had a clear view of the throngs of guests in the ballroom from her perch at the second floor. A flurry of opulent frocks and suits populated the venue, as the banquet was overflowing with a lavish array of delicacies and treats.