Chapter 4: The Royal Encounter
I was sitting in the carriage alone, my legs trembling, almost uncontrollably. It was my first time entering society like this—at a royal banquet—and I was all alone. I didn't know what to do. My sister was sick, and all I wanted now was for her to get better. Wouldn't they give company to the new girl? I thought, but no. No, I mustn't think ill of my parents. I shook my head as I denied the fact that they had left me alone.
Everything will be fine, I said to myself, trying to calm my nerves. But what if the nobles are scary? What if they look down on me? Do they even know me? I had only just arrived two days ago.
I bit my nails anxiously throughout the trip, my mind racing with worry.
"We are near the Imperial Palace," the driver announced, breaking my thoughts.
I was mesmerized by the sight of the palace—it was like a mini capital all on its own. My mouth dropped open in awe. Even though the carriage was still a few kilometers away, I could see it clearly in the distance.
"Beautiful…" I whispered, not knowing how else to express my amazement.
As we approached the outer gates, the carriage was stopped for inspection. Once the guards confirmed our identity, we were allowed to enter due to my family's status.
Power sure is nice, I thought as the words slipped from my mouth without me realizing it.
There was no escort waiting for me like last time. I stepped down from the carriage on my own. The maids that came to serve me stood silent, their expressions full of disappointment. They whispered to each other in hushed voices. I awkwardly smiled at them, trying to hide my discomfort.
Surprisingly, there were no other carriages in sight. I looked around but found nothing.
"Ahh…" I muttered under my breath, feeling secondhand embarrassment wash over me. I turned to the driver and asked, "Sir, are we at the Imperial Palace?"
"Yes, Milady," he replied.
I hesitated before asking again, "The other carriages are supposed to be somewhere?"
"As far as I know, Milady," he said, shrugging.
At that, the maids stepped forward and bowed before escorting me inside.
"Please allow us to escort you, Milady," one of them said.
I nodded, following them through the grand gates.
"May we know the purpose of your visit, Milady?" one of the maids asked with a dissatisfied look. "Only then can we guide you."
What…? There's no banquet today, is there? I thought, confused. I tried to speak but faltered.
"I… I…" I stammered, unsure of what to say. Suddenly, without thinking, I blurted out, "Library."
The maids exchanged a glance, brows furrowing in confusion.
"Do you wish to read from the Imperial collection, Milady?" one of them asked.
"Yes! I mean, of course," I quickly added, a little too eagerly.
The maids sighed in unison, clearly not expecting that answer, but they led me to the library anyway.
"If you need anything else, we will stay close by until you finish, Milady," one of them said.
Until I finish? I thought to myself, feeling even more awkward now. Of course, they didn't know who I was—they just assumed I belonged because of the fine dress I wore and my family's name.
I took a book from one of the shelves, opened it at random, and sat down. But the words were incomprehensible to me, and I wasn't sure what I was supposed to be reading. I simply stared at the pages, hoping the time would pass quickly.
The silence was broken by a beautiful voice that seemed to float through the room. "You may leave. That lady is my acquaintance."
The voice was clear, elegant, and carried authority. I looked up in surprise, and there she was—an elegant woman with flowing blonde hair and golden almond-shaped eyes. She was strikingly beautiful, her presence commanding attention as she gracefully brushed the hair from her face.
The maids bowed low to her and quietly left the room.
She turned her gaze on me, waiting. I suddenly realized I had forgotten to bow in respect. My heart raced as I quickly stood and awkwardly performed the bow.
She let out a soft laugh. "You're cute," she said, and I could feel the heat rise in my cheeks.
"You're the eldest daughter of the Greenstone family, aren't you?" she asked, her voice calm, yet filled with a curiosity that made me nervous.
I simply nodded, still too flustered to speak.
"This information has not been shared with anyone but the Imperial family," she continued. Her gaze softened a little, though she still seemed slightly disappointed.
I blinked, processing her words. "Then… you're the princess?" I asked, shock creeping into my voice.
She smirked. "You're slow," she said, amusement dancing in her golden eyes.
I lowered my head, embarrassed by her words.
"You seriously lack etiquette," she said, her tone cool. "Once you learn it, come find me, and I'll introduce myself properly."
My mind was racing. Etiquette? I had no idea what she meant. I stood there, confused.
"You don't even know the basics of etiquette?" she said with a sigh, as if disappointed by my ignorance. "You can't wear a white dress to a banquet unless you're the host or from a family with marriageable connections."
I froze, my mind trying to catch up with her words. So that's why…
I hadn't realized the meaning behind the color of my dress. I had never been told such things.
She smiled, seeing my confusion, but there was no malice in it. "Oi, kid, don't start crying now. How did they let you come here without teaching you any of this? Attend etiquette classes at home and come here weekly. I'll help you learn."
"I will, Princess!" I said eagerly, relieved at her kindness.
She chuckled softly and pulled my cheek gently, her smile widening. "You lack a lot, but you're cute. How old are you?"
"Fourteen," I replied, feeling a little flustered.
"Fourteen? How cute," she teased, her smile turning warm. "I'll take you under my wing."
Her smile was like sunlight breaking through a cloudy sky. I couldn't help but feel a bit of comfort in her presence, despite the overwhelming situation. The princess was beautiful, and I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of admiration and gratitude.
Before she left the library, she said one thing to me: "Don't trust your family."
Huh...? What did she mean by that?
I settled into the carriage, leaving the palace behind. But on the way, all I could think of were her words. If there was no banquet, why had she dressed me in a white gown and sent me here without any company? My existence had not been announced, and I had yet to learn proper etiquette. Why had Father sent me here, and why hadn't anyone explained the meaning of the white dress?
"Ugh..." I couldn't hold back the tears anymore. They flowed freely down my face. "I... I... I thought I finally had a family that loved me." Sobs "No, they definitely love me. It's just a misunderstanding," I whispered, trying to reassure myself.
I arrived at the place I hoped would be my home. As I stepped through the main door, a large plant pot suddenly fell from above, shattering just inches away from me.
"Ahh..." My legs gave way, and I collapsed right where I stood. Good, I didn't scream. If I had screamed, Father—my chief—would have beaten me...
I smiled. There was no him here.
Just then, another pot fell dangerously close to my leg.
"Ahhh..." A few pieces of the broken pot cut into my toes.
Huh... it didn't hurt that much, I thought. Nothing compared to what I had gone through. Despite the pain, I smiled at my current state.
It was only then that I looked up. There was no one around.
"Huh...? Who could it be...?" I murmured to myself.
Suddenly, the words the princess had spoken echoed in my mind: "Don't trust your family."
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Thank you for reading my story...