Before the carriage arrives at the front of the manor, from a distance, the cheerful music and people's cheers can be heard. Lucy helps me lift the carriage curtain. The bright light makes the street seem dreamlike. I see my whole family standing in front of the manor gate, looking forward expectantly. My eyes instantly become moist, and I desperately hold back the tears that are about to spill over.
The carriage slowly stops. The family's servants and maids hurriedly come forward to assist. Father and mother have complex expressions on their faces. There is joy mixed with a hint of hard-to-conceal worry. They force a smile, but their eyes are filled with tears. Just as I am about to throw myself into mother's embrace, suddenly, everyone neatly curtsies and respectfully says, "Lord Ignatius and his family pay their respects to the young lady."
This sudden change makes me freeze on the spot. Only then do I realize that I am now the king's chosen mistress. I just need to wait for the decree to be issued to determine my status. In just one day, my world has undergone earth-shaking changes. My heart is full of bitterness, and tears can't help flowing down. I quickly reach out to help my parents.
Father quickly waves his hand and says, "Young lady, this is not in accordance with the rules." Amy quickly hands over a silk handkerchief. I wipe away my tears and try my best to remain calm and say, "Please rise."
Everyone gets up and surrounds me as I walk into the manor. At present, the family sits around together. However, the atmosphere is extremely heavy, and the laughter and joy of the past have disappeared. Father is about to let me sit in the seat of honor. I immediately kneel down on one knee and say with tears in my eyes, "Father, mother, your daughter is unfilial and can no longer serve you by your knees as before. Now I still have to make my parents follow these elaborate rituals. My daughter is truly uneasy."
My parents quickly come over to help me. I kneel still and continue, "I implore my parents to listen to your daughter. Although your daughter has become the king's person, my love and respect for my parents will never change. Please allow your daughter to still serve you as a daughter before entering the palace. Otherwise, your daughter would rather kneel here forever."
Mother is already in tears. Father nods slightly and says with tears in his eyes, "Good, good! My daughter is indeed filial." Then he signals my two younger sisters, Anna and Sophia, to help me up. Then we sit down and have a meal in turn.
I am in a state of turmoil. Coupled with the exhaustion of this day, I have no appetite at all. After hastily saying goodnight to my parents, I return to my room.
Lucy and Amy have already tidied up my bed. Although I am extremely tired, I can't sleep at all. Just as I am changing into my pajamas to rest, father personally brings in a cup of hot chocolate.
Father calls me "Isabella", with tears welling up in his eyes. I sit on the edge of the bed and finally can't help but lean on father's shoulder and sob. Father gently pats my back and says, "My daughter, father has a few words to tell you. You have been intelligent since childhood and have your own opinions. When you were little, you thought your name 'Isabella Ross' was not unique enough and didn't like that overly common 'Ross', so you resolutely gave it up. When you grew up, father always respected your thoughts. Now that you are about to enter the palace, you can't be willful anymore. You must be cautious in everything and learn from Alexandra's composure."
I nod while sobbing and promise, "Daughter understands. Daughter will be cautious in words and deeds."
Father sighs deeply and says, "Father originally didn't want you to be involved in the palace disputes. But now that things have come to this, there is no choice. The courts of all dynasties have been places of right and wrong. Moreover, today in the Spring Hall, the king paid quite a lot of attention to you. There will definitely be many troubles in the future. You must be careful and protect yourself."
I force back my tears and comfort father, "Father, haven't you always said that your daughter is clever and intelligent? Don't worry."
Father is full of worry and says, "In the palace, which woman is not extremely intelligent? Father is worried that your beauty and talent will arouse others' jealousy and lead to secret attacks. If you are still so outstanding, you may fall into a dangerous situation. Remember, if you don't have full confidence in obtaining the king's favor, you must restrain your edge and keep a low profile. Father doesn't ask for you to be rich and honored. I only ask for you to be safe and sound."
I look at father solemnly and say word by word, "Daughter also doesn't ask to obtain the king's favor. I only ask to live a stable life in the palace and protect our family's reputation and safety."
Father's eyes are full of love and affectionately says, "Poor you, at such a young age, you have to face all kinds of dangers in the palace. Father really can't bear it."
I raise my hand to wipe away my tears and firmly say, "Now that things have come to this, daughter has no way back and can only move forward bravely."
Seeing me so determined, father is slightly relieved. After thinking for a moment, he says, "When you enter the palace, there must be reliable people by your side. Have you thought about who you want to take with you?"
I understand what father means and say, "Daughter has already thought about it. Lucy is clever and intelligent. Amy is delicate-minded. Daughter wants to take them into the palace."
Father slightly relaxes and says, "That's good. They have been with you since childhood. With them by your side, father can be more at ease."
I then say, "If they stay in the manor, in the future, they will just marry ordinary servants. Even if father intends to arrange a better future for them, it will be difficult to achieve. Instead, it may cause unnecessary trouble." A trace of guilt flashes across father's face. I can't bear it and softly say, "Amy will enter the palace with me. Although she is still a maid in status, if there is an opportunity in the future, perhaps she can live a better life."
Father sighs and says, "I hope so. Everything depends on her fate."
I say to father, "Father, don't worry. I will treat her as a sister and won't mistreat her."
After seeing father off, I blow out the lamp, and the room is plunged into darkness. I lie on the bed, looking at the ceiling, with mixed feelings in my heart and can't fall asleep for a long time.
The next morning, Lucy and Amy help me get up and wash. I suddenly remember something. Just as I am about to go out, I suddenly remember that I am now a person of the palace and can't leave the manor casually. So I call the little maid Lily in the room and instruct, "Go and find out if the lady named Emily yesterday was elected and where she is living now. Be careful not to make a fuss and come back and tell me."
Lily agrees and goes out. After a long time, she comes back and reports to me, "Young lady, Miss Emily has been elected. She is now living at the Rose Inn in the west city. But I heard that she only brought one maid to participate in the selection. She is very short of money. Yesterday, she couldn't even take out the money for tipping. It was paid in advance by the innkeeper." I frown and think this is really inappropriate. How could an elected mistress still live in an inn? If the attendants who come to announce the decree or the etiquette mistress see her, it would be extremely unfavorable for her to establish herself in the palace if it spreads.
I think for a moment and say to Lily, "Go and invite father over."
In a short while, father comes. Although I try my best to dissuade him, he still salutes me before sitting down at my table. After saluting, he resumes his doting look on me as before and starts chatting and laughing with me.
I say to father, "Father, daughter has something to discuss with you. Daughter met a lady named Emily yesterday and helped her. Now she has been selected. However, she is of low birth and poor family. She is still living in an inn now, which is really pitiful. Daughter wants to invite her to live in the manor. What does father think?"
Father strokes his beard and thinks for a moment before saying, "Since you have this idea, then let's do it. I'll ask the servants to pick her up."
In the evening, a carriage brings Emily and her maid. Mother had already asked the servants to clean the room next door, prepare clothes and jewelry, and arranged several maids to serve them.
After having dinner, my brother Henry accompanies Emily to my room with a beaming face. As soon as Emily sees me, tears well up in her eyes and she is about to curtsy. I quickly get up and help her, smiling and saying, "You and I are now of the same status. There is no need for such excessive courtesy." Lucy is quick-witted and immediately says, "Miss Emily, please sit down." Only then does Emily and her maid Jane sit down.
Seeing my brother beside her, Emily barely wipes away her tears with a handkerchief and says, "Miss Isabella, thank you for your help. Only then can I have a place to stay nearby. In the future, when I enter the palace, I won't be looked down upon. I have no way to repay this kindness." Jane also thanks me repeatedly.
My brother says with a smile, "When I went to pick her up at the inn just now, the innkeeper still wanted to take the opportunity to ask for benefits. Only after I taught him a lesson did he behave."
I pretend to scold, "Brother, in front of Miss Emily, how can you talk about such violent things."
Emily bursts out laughing and says, "Thanks to Young Master Henry's help."
I say with a smile, "Still 'Young Master'. Brother, don't scare us anymore." Everyone laughs.
As the night deepens, I accompany Emily back to her room alone. The moonlight is like water, spilling on the corridor. I sincerely said to Emily, "Emily, here, just treat this place as your own home. Don't be restrained. If you need anything or if the maids don't serve you well, be sure to tell me."
Emily was deeply moved. She held my hand and said, "Miss Isabella, you are so kind. I don't know what blessings I have cultivated in several lifetimes to receive your care. I will definitely treat you sincerely and support you in the palace."
My heart warmed. I held her hand tightly and said, "Good sister, we will take care of each other."
A few days later, an attendant from the palace came to announce the decree. Father, mother, I, brother, and two sisters came to the hall to receive the decree.
The attendant read aloud, "On August 24, 1736, by the king's decree, Isabella de Paris, the daughter of a noble from Paris, is appointed as a court mistress and given the title 'Rose'. Enter the palace on September 15. So it is decreed."
I didn't know whether it was sorrow or joy in my heart. I just listened to the decree quietly and expressed my gratitude.
Then, an older female official was introduced. She had elegant manners and a kind face. I knew she was the etiquette mistress. I curtsied slightly and said, "Hello, female official." She was slightly stunned, seemingly not expecting me to be so polite. She quickly curtsied and said, "Miss, I am Marianne, responsible for teaching you court etiquette." In the French court, the etiquette mistress has a special status. During the teaching period, she does not need to perform a grand ceremony to the mistress. Only a curtsy is required upon first meeting.
Father had already prepared gifts for the attendant who announced the decree. Mother was delicate-minded. Considering Emily's situation, she also prepared a gift for her.
After the attendant received the gifts, he went to the next room to read the decree for Emily: "On August 24, 1736, by the king's decree, Emily, the daughter of a local official, is appointed as a court mistress and will enter the palace on September 15. So it is decreed."
Emily and Jane were ecstatic. Since I lived with Emily, the etiquette mistress was also Marianne.
After the decree was announced, the attendant and the female official were taken to rest. The manor prepared a comfortable room for Marianne and treated her with sumptuous food.
The person who went to inquire about the news came back and reported that there were a total of fifteen mistresses selected this time and they would enter the palace in three batches. I, Emily, and Alexandra were in the last batch.
I felt slightly relieved. This way, not only could I enter the palace later, but also the three of us were familiar with each other. After entering the palace, we could take care of each other and wouldn't be too lonely.
After I and Emily received the conferment ceremony, we began to receive etiquette training in the manor and prepare to enter the palace. The area where we lived was strictly sealed off. There were guards sent by the palace standing guard outside, and inside there were maids and attendants serving. No outsiders were allowed to enter. Marianne accompanied us every day to learn court etiquette. The days passed in a busy and tense atmosphere.
After the conferment, the rules became even stricter. Except for personal maids, when others met me, they had to follow cumbersome etiquette. If father and brother wanted to see me, they could only talk to me through a curtain in a designated place. Although mother and sisters could see me every day, they also had to salute and inquire after me.
Emily and I were both mistresses. We could freely interact and learn etiquette together. In comparison, she seemed to be a bit more relaxed than me. After all, without male relatives around, she didn't have to face the embarrassing situation of her family kneeling and saluting to her.
The French court had a strict hierarchy. My current status symbolized that I belonged to the king. Although I was only a mistress, my parents and siblings also had to salute and inquire after me.
Every time I saw father in the designated place, saying respectful words and saluting and inquiring after me, and then talking to me carefully, my heart ached like a knife was twisting. I really couldn't bear it, so I decided to avoid seeing father. Every day, I asked my sister Anna and Sophia to convey father's recent situation to me and reminded father to take care of himself.
I got up early every day and listened to Marianne explain court etiquette with Emily. After taking a nap in the afternoon, I began to practice various etiquette postures, such as standing, walking, saluting, and dining. Emily and I were very perceptive and quickly mastered the essentials. In our leisure time, Marianne would tell us some court anecdotes. She had served by the queen's side for many years. She was straightforward and the stories she told were very interesting. Although she rarely mentioned the struggles in the court, over time, through her occasional words, I also had a general understanding of the complex situation in the court.
King Louis XV is thirty-five years old this year. As early as twenty years ago, he got married. His wife was the cousin of the current queen, Queen Catherine. The queen is two years older than the king. She is dignified and elegant and is highly praised. She and the king respect each other like guests and have considerable prestige in the court. However, five years after their grand wedding, the queen encountered a difficult childbirth and unfortunately died. Even the newborn prince could not be saved. The king was extremely grief-stricken and posthumously named her "Beloved Queen". After that, the king married the queen's younger sister, the current queen, Victoria. Although the current queen is not extremely beautiful, she is generous. The king also respects her quite a lot. But the king is young, and the queen is difficult to meet all his needs. Therefore, there are many other mistresses around the king. Among them, the most favored one is Alexandra. She is from a noble family with powerful family forces. She is extremely beautiful. It is said that her beauty is unmatched in the court. The king dotes on her very much. Her status in the court is very important. Even the queen has to be polite to her.
Logically speaking, with the support of family forces behind the queen, she should not sit idly by and watch the king dote on Alexandra so much. But our queen mother is shrewd and capable. When the king first ascended the throne, he was still young. The queen mother governed behind the curtain for three years. She quickly took back the royal power from powerful ministers and decisively dealt with relevant forces, stabilizing the king's rule. Since then, perhaps due to exhaustion, the queen mother chose to live in a secluded palace and began a secluded life. She no longer interfered in court and palace affairs and handed everything over to the king and queen to handle.
In the French court, although the status of mistresses is lower than that of the queen, there are also certain levels. Like me and Emily who have just entered the court, our status is relatively low and we can only be called "miss" and live in the side halls and attics of the palace without our own main halls. Only those mistresses with higher status and who are especially favored by the king can be respectfully called "madam" and have their own palaces and attendants and manage certain affairs. At present, in addition to Alexandra, there are several women who are deeply favored by the king and they each occupy a place in the court by relying on their family backgrounds or personal charm. Marianne once privately told me that with my qualifications and appearance, if I could obtain the king's favor, I would definitely be able to stand firm in the court and enjoy prosperity and honor in the future. I just smiled faintly and changed the topic.
Since the decree was issued, mother has been busy with Anna preparing clothes and jewelry for me to take into the palace. They should be exquisite and generous but not too ostentatious to avoid arousing jealousy. At the same time, various occasions need to be considered, which really took a lot of thought. Since Emily moved in, she has received the same treatment as me at home. Naturally, mother also carefully prepared for her.
Although I couldn't see Alexandra and couldn't meet my family casually, my relationship with Emily grew deeper day by day. We were inseparable and like sisters. Even precious jewelry would be worn in turn.
However, my mood could never be cheerful. The anxiety in my heart burned like a flame, and a sore even grew on the corner of my mouth. Emily and Jane were extremely anxious and searched everywhere for folk remedies to apply for me. Only then did the sore gradually subside.
On the last night before entering the palace, according to custom, family members could come to see me off. Mother brought father, brother, and two sisters to my room. Marianne was very perceptive and took the maids out early, leaving only our family facing each other and weeping.
This separation, I didn't know when we would see each other again. I looked at mother, father, brother, and sisters, and tears couldn't stop flowing.
Anna was just twelve years old and had already begun to show the appearance of a young girl. She had a mild temperament but was too weak and lacked opinions. Sophia was only seven years old but was clever and intelligent, lively and lovely. Her eyes were bright and charming and very likable. Mother often said that she looked extremely similar to me when I was little and would definitely be a beauty in the future. Therefore, I especially loved her, and she was also very attached to me.
Anna tried hard to hold back her tears. Sophia didn't quite understand what this meant yet. She just hugged my neck tightly and cried and shouted, "Sister, don't go." They were still young and couldn't share any burdens for the family. Fortunately, brother Henry was young and promising. Although he was only four years older than me, he was both civil and military. He was about to go on an expedition with the army and bring honor to the family.
I looked at mother again. She was not yet forty years old. She usually took good care of herself and still looked young. But now, both the eldest son and eldest daughter were about to leave. Her face was full of haggardness and reluctance. Tears kept falling and couldn't be wiped clean no matter what.
I said with tears in my eyes, "Mother, when I go to the palace, I will take good care of myself. Brother will also make great achievements. Sisters still need your care." Mother nodded repeatedly but cried even more bitterly.
Mother wiped away her tears forcefully and reminded, "Once you enter the palace, it's like entering a deep sea. Daughter, you must be very careful and take good care of yourself. When getting along with other mistresses, you must be even more cautious in your words and deeds. Although it would be good if you could obtain the king's favor, mother only hopes that you are safe and sound."
I forced a smile and said, "Mother, don't worry. I have remembered everything. I also hope that you and father take care of yourselves."
Father's face was solemn. After a long silence, he slowly said, "Isabella, from now on, your honor and disgrace are closely related to the family. Your every move in the palace is related to the fate of the family."
I nodded firmly. When I looked up, I saw that brother wanted to say something. I knew that brother must have something important to say, so I said to my parents and sisters, "You go and rest first. I have something to say to brother."
After repeated reminders from parents, they reluctantly left with sisters.
Brother didn't expect that I would keep him alone. He was slightly surprised. I said softly, "Brother, now you can say what you want to say."
Brother hesitated for a moment. Then he took out a letter with a faint fragrance of perfume from his bosom. At a glance, I recognized whose handwriting it was. Brother finally said, "Winston asked me to give this letter to you. I have been hesitating these days. I don't know if I should let you know."
I glanced at the letter indifferently and said, "Brother, he is confused. Why are you also confused? In the palace, such things are not allowed. This is a great crime."
Brother's voice became low and full of emotion, "I know this is not in accordance with the rules. But he has deep affection for you..."
My voice suddenly became cold, "Isabella can't bear it!" I saw the guilt in brother's eyes and softened my tone and said, "Brother, you should understand my heart. Winston is not the person I have in mind. I have never had special feelings for anyone."
Brother nodded slightly and said, "He also knows that things are difficult to retrieve.. He just hopes that you can understand his feelings. Winston and I have always been on good terms. I really can't bear to see him so painful." He paused and put the letter in my hand, "You deal with this letter yourself."
I said "um" and put the letter on the table with an indifferent tone, "Help me tell Winston to do his job well and don't bother me anymore."
Brother stared at me and said, "I will convey your words. But according to his temperament, he may not do as you wish."
I didn't respond. I reached out and picked up the silver candlestick on the table and gently fiddled with the wick. I said, "Just convey my words. This is a reminder for him. If he can do it, it will be good for both of us. If he can't, it may not be harmful to me. Just let him know that now our statuses are different and everything has changed." After saying that, I turned around and took out a handkerchief sewn by myself from the closet and handed it to brother. I said softly, "Brother, this is prepared by me for you. I hope that when you see it, it will be like seeing me. May you be brave and fearless on the battlefield and return safely."
Brother took the handkerchief and held it tightly in his hand. With reluctance on his face, he said, "Isabella, you must also take good care of yourself in the palace. I will work hard for you and the family."
I watched brother leave. Tears blurred my eyes. I asked Lucy to bring in a small brazier. Just as I was about to burn Winston's letter, I suddenly saw a large tear stain on the back of the letter. It fell on the delicate letter paper as if it were about to penetrate the paper. My heart couldn't help but feel a trace of pity. I opened the letter and saw only two short lines written on it: "The palace is deep like a sea. From now on, it will be difficult to see each other." The handwriting was a bit messy. It could be seen that when he wrote this letter, his heart was full of pain and struggle.
I was annoyed in my heart and secretly thought, "Why is he so self-indulgent? He has never been the person I have in mind." I casually crumpled the letter into a ball and threw it into the brazier. The flame instantly devoured the letter paper.
Lucy immediately took the brazier away. Amy came in and poured me a cup of hot tea. She comforted me, "Miss, are you bothered by Mr. Winston's matter? Although he is sincere, he really shouldn't cause you trouble at this time. Don't take it too much to heart."
I took a sip of tea. My heart was still in turmoil. Unconsciously, the scene before I entered the palace for the selection appeared in my mind. Winston came to examine me. In the French court, if a doctor didn't have the king's order, he couldn't treat people other than nobles casually. But because our two families were closely related, he would secretly come to see me. That day, he sat in the small living room of my room. After examining me, he was silent for a long time. Suddenly, he said to me, "Miss Isabella, if I propose to you, will you accept?"
I was stunned immediately. A blush rose on my face. I said shyly and angrily, "Mr. Winston, I will pretend I didn't hear what you said today."
He was full of shame and said in a flustered way, "It's my fault. I offended you. Please forgive me. I just hope you don't participate in the selection."
I suppressed my anger and asked the maid to send him away, "I am tired. See off the guest!"
Before he left, his eyes stared at me firmly and sincerely said, "Miss Isabella, I know that whatever I say now is difficult to change your decision. But I promise you that I will always be good to you. If you change your mind, you can tell me at any time. I will come and marry you immediately."
I turned around and faced away from him without speaking.
I had never told my parents and brother about this matter and didn't want to think about it anymore. Winston was not the husband I had in mind. I couldn't marry casually just because I didn't want to enter the palace. I couldn't.
I was in a bad mood. Despite Amy's dissuasion, I put on a thick shawl and walked alone to the garden of the manor. The garden at night was quiet and beautiful. The moonlight fell on the blooming flowers as if it had put a layer of silver gauze on them. I walked slowly along the path, with countless thoughts in my mind. I was full of worry and fear about the future palace life. I deeply knew that the palace was full of intrigues and conspiracies. Could I survive there? Could I protect myself and my family?
Unconsciously, I walked to the end of the garden. There was a small pavilion there. I walked into the pavilion and sat on a stone bench, staring blankly at the night sky in the distance. At this moment, I heard a slight sound of footsteps. Thinking it was a maid coming to find me, I didn't pay attention. However, when the figure approached, I found it was Emily.
Emily was slightly stunned when she saw me. Then she said, "Miss Isabella, I saw you come out alone and was a little worried, so I followed. I hope I didn't disturb you."
I shook my head and said, "No, sit down."
Emily sat down beside me and said softly, "Miss, do you have something on your mind? If you want, you can tell me. Maybe I can share some of it for you."
I looked at her, hesitated for a moment, and then told her about Winston's matter and my worries about palace life. Emily listened quietly. After I finished speaking, she held my hand and said, "Miss, I can understand your feelings. Palace life is indeed full of dangers, but I believe you must have the ability to deal with it. As for Mr. Winston, you did the right thing. Don't make a wrong decision because of a momentary impulse."
I looked at her gratefully and said, "Thank you, Emily. Having you by my side makes me feel much better."
Emily smiled and said, "We are sisters. It's only right to help each other. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we must face them together."
We sat in the pavilion for a long time. Until a cool breeze blew, I realized that it was already very late. We got up and walked back to the room hand in hand.
After returning to the room, I felt much more relaxed. I knew that in the palace, I would no longer be alone. I had Emily, this good sister, accompanying me. I secretly made up my mind that I must strive to survive in the palace and protect myself and my family.
That night, I slept extremely soundly.
The next morning, the sunlight spilled on my face through the window. I slowly opened my eyes, filled with anticipation for the new day. Although the future was full of unknowns and challenges, I was ready.
I got up, and Lucy and Amy quickly came in to help me dress up. Today, I was going to meet Alexandra. We would go to a palace near the palace together and receive the final court etiquette training there.
I put on a gorgeous white dress embroidered with exquisite golden patterns. Paired with a blue silk belt, it made my waist look even more slender. Lucy combed my hair and coiled it into an elegant bun, inserting a hairpin inlaid with jewels. Amy selected a pair of delicate earrings and a necklace for me. These jewels sparkled dazzlingly in the sunlight, highlighting my noble temperament.
When everything was ready, I walked out of the room. My brother had already been waiting by the carriage. When he saw me, his eyes showed a look of amazement and he said, "Isabella, you are so beautiful today."
I smiled and said, "Thank you, brother."
My brother helped me onto the carriage. The carriage slowly drove towards the destination. On the way, I was a little nervous. I didn't know how Alexandra would view me, nor did I know what awaited me in the palace.
The carriage quickly arrived at the palace. I got off the carriage. Alexandra was already waiting at the entrance. When she saw me, she immediately came forward and said with a smile, "Isabella, long time no see."
I also smiled and responded, "Alexandra, you still look so beautiful."
We walked into the palace arm in arm. Marianne, the female official, was already waiting there. When she saw us, she nodded slightly and said, "Two misses, from today on, we will conduct the final court etiquette training. In the palace, etiquette is extremely important as it concerns your status and reputation. I hope you can study hard and strictly abide by it."
We nodded to show that we understood. Then we began the intense training. Marianne taught us how to walk, salute, speak in different occasions, and also taught us how to get along with the king, the queen, and other nobles. Her requirements were very strict. Every movement and every word had to be perfect.
During the training process, Alexandra and I encouraged and helped each other. Although we were competitors, in this strange and challenging environment, we also became each other's support.
As days passed, our etiquette became more and more proficient, and our understanding of palace life became deeper and deeper. However, as the day of entering the palace drew nearer, my heart became more and more uneasy.
Finally, it was September 15th, the day we entered the palace. Early in the morning, I got up early. Lucy and Amy put on the most gorgeous clothes for me and carefully dressed me up. Looking at myself in the mirror, my heart was filled with nervousness and expectation.
I walked out of the room. My parents, brother, and sisters were all waiting in the hall. When they saw me, their eyes were full of reluctance. Mother came forward and held my hand tightly and said, "Daughter, you must take good care of yourself."
I forced back my tears and said, "Mother, don't worry. I will."
Father came forward and handed me a delicate box and said, "This is the family heirloom. I hope it can bless you to be safe and smooth in the palace."
I took the box and opened it. Inside was a gorgeous necklace with a huge diamond inlaid on it. I knew that this necklace represented the family's expectations and blessings for me.
I put on the necklace, bowed deeply to my family, and then turned and walked towards the carriage. Alexandra and Emily were already waiting by the carriage. We looked at each other and then got on the carriage together.
The carriage slowly drove towards the palace. My heart beat faster and faster. I didn't know what awaited me in the palace, but I knew that I must face everything bravely.
The carriage finally arrived at the palace. We got off the carriage and looked at the magnificent palace building, filled with awe. The palace gate slowly opened, and we walked into the palace and began a new life.