PHYSIENTS WILL ALWAYS OFFERS BEST STORIES AND LIVE STREAMING ALL TIME
Synopsis
Alicia Rosalyn Von Heist is the youngest daughter of King Edward of Alvannia. She is an illegitimate child born from a maid in the castle her father has fancied. After her mother died when she was young her father took her home and ‘adopted’ her.
Because of her low birth and illegitimacy she was neglected by her father the king and bullied by her stepmother the queen and her step-siblings.
When she was 16 years old a war broke out with the neighboring country of Grandcrest. The war lasted for two long years and the two countries have made a truce at the end. The Grandcest empire demanded a princess to be married to the young king. It is said that the king of Grandcrest specifically asked for the hand of Alicia.
Alicia was 18 years old when she was sent to Grandcrest as the fiancee of the young king who was said to be a cold blooded evil tyrant, King Regaleon of the Grandcrest empire.
Note: Cover photo from Pinterest. Thanks to my content editor Val for making this. Picture is from the novel Return of the Female Knight...
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The forgotten princess’ story
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My name is Alicia Roselyn Von Heist. I am the third child and youngest daughter of the current King of Alvannia, Edward Von Heist. I have two older sisters and one younger brother. I am the only illegitimate child.
My mother was a maid in the palace. My father the king, was infatuated with her beauty. She had platinum blonde hair and silver eyes. All of her features I have inherited.
My mother was kicked out from the palace by the queen after knowing of my father's relationship with her. After a few months she knew she was pregnant with me.
She brought me up by herself. We had a simple and poor life outside the palace but we were happy. But one day everything changed when my mother got sick.
I was five years old then, still a young child. My mother was bedridden and her life was draining away in front of my eyes. That was when he arrived, my father the king.
My mother begged my father to take me in as his child because she was dying of sickeness. I still remember her words.
**
"Your majesty, Alicia is also your daugther." My mother said with tears on her face. She was breathing heavily as if oxygen was barely going into her lungs. "I don't have much time in this world. Please take care of her, I beg of you."
"Mother no... Please don't leave me." I cried so much at her bedside.
**
Because this was my mother's last wish my father obliged. I saw my mother's last breath and my world shattered into pieces after. That day my father took me in the palace as his 'adoptive' daughter.
Arriving in the palace I learned that I had two older sisters. Veronica, who is two years older and Elizabeth, who is a year older than me. I also have a younger brother Richard, who is two years younger than me.
My life in the palace wasn't easy. My two elder sisters loves to bully me, my stepmother the queen does everything to make my life hard. Also my father the king is indifferent towards me.
The only ones that are good to me were my younger brother Richard, who is always by my side playing with me and general Robert, my step-siblings' grandfather and the father of my stepmother the queen.
Nine years have passed by and living in the palace as a third princess was not easy. The people of the kingdom of Alvannia doesn't know much about me. I wasn't able to attend parties and balls with my siblings. I was the forgotten princess of Alvannia.
But that changed when my 14th birthday arrived. It was custom that a daughter from the royal family needs to be presented to the public, hence a grand ball is held in the palace. All the high class families of the kingdom of Alvannia are invited for the reason, to search for suitable suitors for the royal daughter. Even royalty from neighboring countries are invited to attend.
General Robert has fought with my father and stepmother to give me the royal custom given to daughters of the royal family, he said it was my birth right. Even though grandpa Robert isn't my flesh and blood he has loved me as his own granddaughter.
After some nagging and fights, my father agreed at last. And the day of the grand ball has arrived. I was dressed with a beautiful royal blue gown that accented my platinum blonde hair and silver eyes. This was the first time I have worn a beautiful dress.
Looking at the mirror I was so much different from my usual self. The usual me wore the hand-me-downs of my sister. They give me dresses that are out of date and were faded. I don't wear make up and my hair is always tied in a bun or a ponytail. I can't out shine my sisters in beauty, I have to always look normal compared to them.
But now I look so beautiful. My hair was styled with beautiful hair ornaments. I am wearing make up and jewels. It was though I am looking at a stranger and not myself.
'Knock knock' there was a knock on the door.
The door opened and a maid entered and bowed in front of me.
"Your highness, all the guest have arrived. His majesty the king has called for you." The maid said.
"I understand. I will be there shortly." I said to her.
I look at the young lady in the mirror once again and take a deep breath.
I lifted my skirt and exited the door.
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My Grand Entrance
I was walking steadily. I have been practicing how to walk with heals and a ball gown for the past two weeks. I am confidently walking with my head held up high like a princess would.
At the end of the hallway was the stairs leading down to the ballroom of the palace. There my father was waiting for me. His back was facing me when I arrived and stood beside him.
"Your majesty, my father king." I greeted him as a princess would. I hold my skirt with my hands and made a courtesy.
"Rise my daughter." Father ordered me.
I slowly stand up and looked up at him. My father was looking at me with surprise and awe. This was the first time I saw him look at me with emotion. In the past he always looked at me indifferently.
The servants that around us were also looking at me with surprise and awe. They stopped what they were doing to look and stare at me.
"Ahem." My father cleared his throat. "Come, let us not keep the guests waiting."
My father offered his arm. I held it with my hand gently.
I looked down the ball room. Many people from noble and high classes are wearing beautiful dresses and suits. Some are chattering, some are eating and some are dancing on the dance floor.
Then the musicians stopped playing. One servant blew the trumpet to get the guests attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen. I present to you King Edward Von Heist, ruler of Alvannia. And his daughter third princess Alicia Roselyn Von Heist." The herald announced our presence.
My father started to descend the stairs and I followed beside him. We were descending slowly. I can see the people below were still chattering.
I was focusing in my walk when we were close at the bottom. I noticed that I can't hear the chattering of guests anymore. I looked around and the people's eyes, they all looking towards me. Their faces were a mix of surprise, awe, wonderment, and jealousy.
When my father and I reached the ground we stopped.
"Dear guests, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to present to you my third daughter. The third princess of Alvannia, Alicia Roselyn Von Heist." My father announced with the essence of a king.
The guests applauded. I was feeling overwhelmed. This is my first time to attend a ball. And here now I was the the star of the night.
"Hahaha your majesty." A middle aged stout man approached us. "I didn't know that you were hiding such a beautiful daughter."
"Duke Cunningham." Father greeted. "Alicia, greet the duke."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Duke Cunningham." I greeted.
"Hahaha the pleasure is all mine." Duke Cunningham said. "Your majesty good thing that you have presented this beautiful daughter of yours. My son William just turned sixteen. He is a fine young lad that can be a good match for your Alicia."
"Duke, my daughter just turned fourteen. Isn't it a little to early to make matches?" My father replied.
I have heard of William Cunningham. He is the heir of the Cunningham family. It is said that he was a rising noble here in Alvannia. He is not only intelligent but also handsome. Many young noble women are vying for his attention. And that includes my sister, the second princess Elizabeth.
"Nonsense. There is no such thing as early in match making." Duke Cunningham said. "William, my son. Where is that boy?" He was searching the crowd.
"Father." I heard a voice of a young man in the crowd.
A blonde haired boy emerged from the crowd. He has light blue eyes and fair skin. His smile was dazzling.
"Ah there he is, William my boy. Come here." The duke ordered.
"Your majesty, your highness." William bowed before us.
"Arise." My father ordered.
I also greeted him with courtesy. "Sir William. It's a pleasure to meet you." I said.
"Princess, the pleasure is all mine." William took my hand and kissed the back.
In Alvannia if a gentleman greets a lady with a kiss behind the hand it means that he is interested to getting to know her better. Either as a friend or in a romantic way.
I blushed with his gesture. William looked at me and gave me a sweet and gentle smile.
"Oh look at them your majesty, they just look good with each other." The duke said. "William my boy are you willing to get to know princess Alicia better?" The duke asked.
"If the princess let me." William said with a smile. "Can I visit you once in a while in your courtyard?"
I was frozen in place. This was the first time a boy has ever took notice of me. I was lost for words.
"Ahh..." I said not knowing what to say.
"Well if young William here wish to court my daughter then I will respect his wish. But expect that courting a princess won't be easy." My father said.
"Hahaha of course your majesty. I am sure my William is up for the challenge." The duke said. His laughter was genuine.
"Then please princess, let me at least start being your friend first." Williams requested.
"O-Okay." I stuttered.
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Jealous Stepsisters
William and I chatted at the terrace outside. There were only a few people here and we can talk privately.
It looks like he is a good person judging by our conversation. He was talking about his studies and his plans to work for the kingdom as a court official. He has many plans that would benefit the people of Alvannia.
It was nice talking to him and I was not left out with the subject. My days in the palace were always with Richard, my younger brother. He was heir to the throne and tutors are always there to teach him many things.
My stepmother the queen was against me getting the needed education of a princess, saying that I am of low birth and a simple peasant's education will suffice.
What she doesn't know was I always sneak into my brother's courtyard to spend my days with him. When the personal tutors teach Richard I was just near him seaming not interested but I was learning in secret.
My knowledge in history, politics, and running the country where as good as my brother's and maybe even better. I may not have learned etiquette and grace of a princess but I gained the knowledge of a crowned prince.
William and I were deep in conversation when I felt someone was glaring at me with hatred. It sent chills all over my body.
"Is something the matter, princess Alicia?" William asked. "Maybe I'm boring with this kind of topic."
"Oh no, not at all. And please call me Alicia." I smiled. "What you just have said was great plans. I am sure that you would become a great official when you inherit the title of duke." I said.
"Really? Then you can call me Will." William said enthusiastically. "Thank you so much Alicia. What you said just gave me additional confidence in myself." He reached for my hand and held it gently. I suddenly blushed with his gesture.
"Of course he will become a great official." A young lady's voice said. This voice was very familiar to me. It belongs to none other than my second eldest sister Elizabeth.
William and I both look back to see two young ladies walking towards us. It was my eldest sisters Veronica and Elizabeth.
My stepsisters inherited the freatures of my stepmother. They both have strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes. They were both wearing gorgeous gowns that won't lose to what I am wearing now.
"He is the future grand Duke of Cunningham and will be a great court official in our kingdom." Elizabeth said.
"Your highnesses." William bowed down as a greeting towards them.
Elizabeth clenched her fists in irritation but her face wore a fake smile.
"It's good to see you again sir William." Victoria gave courtesy and Elizabeth followed.
"The last time we met was in your birthday celebration sir William." Elizabeth said.
"Yes it's been a while." William replied with a neutral smile.
"Your father the duke is looking for you." Veronica said.
"Oh is that so?" William said. "Alicia I will take my leave. I'll see you later after I talk to my father. Okay?"
"Sure Will. Go ahead." I said with a smile. Then I can feel the hateful stare again. That moment, I saw where it was coming from, it was coming from Elizabeth. She was staring daggers at me.
"Come sir William. I'll take you to him. He is with my father and the other nobles chatting." Elizabeth said and hooked her arm with William's.
William was taken by surprise. "O-Okay princess Elizabeth." He said awkwardly.
"Aww how many time will I tell you to call me by my nickname Liz?" Elizabeth said while flirting.
"I'm sorry princess but it's not that easy." William was saying when they were out of ear shot.
Veronica was still standing there looking at the two who just entered the ballroom. Then suddenly she looked at me with fierce eyes. It gave me the creeps.
"Know your place Alicia." Veronica said. "You're just an illegitimate child. You are no match with a future duke such as William. You are not qualified to be his wife."
I was shocked and rooted in place. "Veronica, I never once thought of being William's wife. I was just happy to become friends with him." I explained.
"Liar!" Victoria shouted. "You are a slut like your mother. She tempted my father. I won't let you do the same with Liz. I won't let you steal William from her."
"But I didn't..." I tried to tell Veronica she was thinking wrong but she turned her back and walked away.
I can hear the music playing inside. When I looked at the dance floor I saw Willam and Elizabeth dancing hand in hand. My heart ached a bit while looking at them.
'Who are you kidding Alicia?' I thought to myself. 'Nothing will change even after this night.' I sighed.
"It looks like you're not in good terms with your stepsisters third princess Alicia Roselyn Von Heist." A voice of young man said.
"Who's there?" I looked around searching.
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The man wearing a mask
'Who are you kidding Alicia?' I thought to myself. 'Nothing will change even after this night.' I sighed.
"It looks like you're not in good terms with your stepsisters third princess Alicia Roselyn Von Heist." A voice of young man said.
"Who's there?" I looked around searching.
A tall young man wearing a black suit with gold trimmings emerged from the shadows. He was wearing a mask covering half of his face. His hair was as black as the night and his eyes was dark blue like the ocean deep.
"Who might the gentleman be?" I asked courteously.
"I am Regaleon of Grandcrest." He greeted. "I give my greetings to the third princess of Alvannia." He bowed down. I replied with a courtesy.
"Thank you sir Regaleon." I said.
He was looking at me for a while that I felt a little awkward. His dark blue eyes were fixed on me that I am starting to drown in its depths.
Regaleon walked towards me and came closer. I was surprised with his closeness that I involuntary stepped back and tripped. But he caught me by the hand and pulled me into his embrace.
"S-sir." I said awkwardly.
"I'm sorry to startle you." Regaleon said. "I just want to give you this."
I saw Regaleon holding a blue rose in his hand.
"A blue rose?" I asked. Blue roses are the rarest kind. It can only be seen in remote parts of Grandcrest. It was also their national flower and it is also included in the crest of the royal family of Grandcrest.
Regaleon puts the blue rose in between my right ear and head.
"The rose's beauty comes alive when you're wearing it." Regaleon said. I blushed with his compliment.
"Sir Regaleon..." I said. I was still in his arms and I wanted to tell him to let me go.
"Dance with me." Regaleon said.
"Huh?" I was confused. He wasn't 'asking' me to dance with him? But it looks like he won't take no for an answer. Then he pulled me gently inside the ballroom to the dance floor.
Once we entered all eyes were upon us. The chattering from the guest slowly stopped. I was a little surprised. 'Who might this young man be to make all the people in the ballroom become silent?' I thought to myself.
The guests who were dancing on the dance floor came to a stop and gave way to us. Once we were at the center the young man turned towards me and took me into his arms. We were now at a dancing position.
"I believe you know how to dance the waltz princess." I saw a teasing smile from the young man's face.
Dancing was one of the things that was thought to me two weeks ago. Because I wasn't given any princess training they needed me to practice the waltz everyday.
"Y-yes. Of course." I answered.
Then the musicians started to play the waltz.
The young man guided me into dancing. I have been a klutz while learning how to dance. But with this young man guiding my steps, it was like I have been dancing my whole life.
The feeling was ecstatic. Every twist and turn we do was graceful and elegant. I didn't realize that I was wearing a smile on my face. The young man who was leading me and smiled while looking at me. I looked at his deep dark blue eyes. They were enchanting. I am feeling like I would let them engulf me in their depths anytime. It was like we were the only ones in the ballroom, we were in our own world.
Then the music came into its climax and we started to slow down until the music stopped. A huge round of applause was heard in the ball room.
We stared at each other for a while before the cheers of the crowd got to us. The young man bowed in front of me and I gave him my courtesy.
"Crown Prince Regaleon Yosef Astley of Grandcrest." I heard my father the king behind me. "It's a pleasure to grace us with your presence today."
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Crown Prince Regaleon
Then the music came into a close and we started to slow down until the music stopped. A huge round of applause was heard in the ball room.
We stared at each other for a while before the cheers of the crowd got to us. The young man bowed in front of me and I gave him my courtesy.
"Crown Prince Regaleon Yosef Astley of Grandcrest." I heard my father the king behind me. "It's a pleasure to grace us with your presence today."
"Crown Prince?" I asked. That's why his name sounded familiar, he was one of the princes of Grandcrest. I knew that the royal family of Grandcrest have six princes fighting for the position of crown prince but I didn't know that they have chosen their crown prince already. And to think the youngest son was chosen to be the crown prince. As I know he was eighteen years old.
"It's my pleasure to be here your majesty King Edward Von Heist of Alvannia." Regaleon replied.
"You are really bold as the rumors had said. Stealing the first dance of the third princess tonight from her father." My stepmother the queen just arrived at the scene. She was staring daggers between me and Regaleon.
"I am sorry. I didn't know that there was a custom here in Alvannia that the first dance of the princess should be with her father." Regaleon said with proud demeanor as if he wasn't really sorry at all. "I just thought that I would like to dance with the third princess so I asked her. I hope this didn't offend you King Edward."
"Hahah, not at all young prince. I know that the royal family of Grandcrest are known for their impulsive nature. I'm sure you have been taken with my daughter's beauty." My father said.
"Yes my king, we are indeed impulsive. We are sure to get what we want." Regaleon said sarcastically.
There was a tension between my father and the crown prince. Their words were coated with respect but deep down I can feel they were insulting each other.
"Crown prince." A very tall young man approached Regaleon. He was much taller than the crown prince and had long dark brown hair tied in a pony tail. I see him whisper in Regaleon's ear. He must be the prince's aid.
"I guess I have to cut this visit short. An important matter came up. I am sorry to leave early from your ball princess Alicia." Regaleon was talking to me.
"It's okay crown prince. I wish you safe travels." I said.
"Thank you princess for letting me dance with you. King Edward, Queen Erica. I will take my leave." Regaleon made a slight bow and left with his aid.
"Disrespectful young man." I hear stepmother said.
"Now Erica don't make a scene." My father said. "Their country is still much stronger than ours. Their military might is very big that we can't dare offend then directly."
"Hmph." My stepmother turned to leave. She gave me an angry stare when she passed by me.
***
Prince Regaleon and his aid entered a carriage and it drove away from the castle.
"Your highness everything have been arranged and is according to plan." The aid said.
"Very good Dimitri." Regaleon said. "They have something up heir sleeve. I want to know what it is."
"Your highness, about the third princess of Alvannia. Are you sure about this?" Dimitri asked.
"Princess Alicia Roselyn Von Heist. Yes I never had second thoughts. You know that Dimitri." Regaleon said with confidence.
"I understand your highness." Dimitri bowed.
In the royal family of Grandcrest, a king having many wives was a custom. They spread their seeds and broaden their lineage. But for a prince of Grandcrest to give a blue rose to a lady of noble birth or of royal lineage means he chose her to be his first and legal wife.
The first time Regaleon set his eyes upon princess Alicia. Seeing her platinum blonde hair and silver eyes, seeing her unmatched beauty. By then he knew that she was the one that must stand by his side as his queen.
Regaleon opened the curtains of the carriage and stared at the night sky. The stars were twinkling brightly. He remembered the silver eyes of Alicia that was shining under his embrace.
"Princess Alicia, I will surely make you my queen and stay by my side." Regaleon whispered to himself.
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