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PHYSIENTS WILL ALWAYS OFFERS BEST STORIES AND LIVE STREAMING ALL TIME
Chapter 246 The Queen has Returned
"What is happening?" A high voice rang inside the room.
All in the room were frozen in place. This voice came to no other than the queen of Jennovia, Queen Patricia. She entered the wrecked room of the crown prince with the high priest Hector following her from behind.
All of the ones present inside the room bowed downed in her presence. William also bowed down as acting.
"Greetings to the moon of the Jennovian Kingdom." The people inside the room greeted in unison.
"All of you stand up and tell me what happened." Queen Patricia asked again.
"Y-Your majesty, we really didn’t know what happened." A servant replied. "We left the crown prince and princess inside his highnesses private quarters as ordered by him. And after a while we heard an explosion. What you see now is also what we saw when we first entered.
The queen looked at the injured Gladiolus and me alternately.
"Tell me Alicia, did my son do something to you?" Queen Patricia walked towards me but just stopped outside the force field. "You can let it down now. No one will harm you my child." She said with a gentle voice.
I slowly let the force field dissipate until it was gone without any trace left, but I still held the magic crystal tightly in my hand just in case.
The queen walked towards me slowly and looked at me with warm eyes. "Tell me the truth Alicia. I will punish my own son if he has done anything wrong against you."
"Y-Your son... Prince Gladiolus tried to sexually assault me, Aunt Patricia." I told truthfully.
The queen’s face darkened with the word ’sexual assault’. I am sure she knows firsthand how the victim of sexual assault feels.
"I see." Queen Patricia said. "Do not worry, I will punish my son. But I hope you forgive him for this mistake. I am sure it was a sudden impulse because of his love for you."
The queen walked towards her son that was still seating on the floor.
*SLAP*
The queen slapped Gladiolus so hard that the sound vibrated inside the room. Everyone present was shocked from what just happened.
"I didn’t raise you to not have any respect in women." The queen scolded her son coldly. "Now kneel and beg forgiveness!" She shouted in anger.
Gladiolus was momentarily stunned with his mother’s slap but then regain his senses after he was scolded. He quickly knelt before me.
"A-Alicia, please forgive me. Because of a sudden impulse, I... I didn’t know what I was doing." Gladiolus said. "Please, please forgive me." His head was held so low that his forehead has hit the floor.
I was silent all the while. Of course how will I just accept his apology, after everything that he has done? I looked at him with hatred.
"Don’t worry Alicia, I will punish him with what he has done." Queen Patricia gave her word. "Take the crown prince to my office to receive my punishment there. As for the princess, please escort her back to her quarters. I am sorry my dear, you had a fright today so please rest well."
William carried me in his arms while I was wrapped in his cape. I closed my eyes and let him carry me all the way back to my quarters.
**
Queen Patricia had just returned to the palace after escaping near death in the battle at the junction of Deuss River. In her room was her, the high priest Hector and her son crown prince Gladiolus whose wounds has just been treated.
The queen looked fuming in rage while looking at her son.
"I...I am sorry mother. I didn’t realize what I was doing." Gladiolus looked ashamed with what he just did. "I was keeping myself in check the whole time I came back but after I heard that b*astard Regaleon’s name on Alicia’s lips, all went dark and..." He trailed off.
"There is no good reason with what you would have done Gladiolus." The queen scolded. "The girl will never forget what you have done in all of her life." The queen sighed.
"I...I know mother. I am sorry." Gladiolus looked very remorseful.
The queen’s rage dissipated when she saw her son like this. She sat beside her son and hugged him close to her.
"It was a good thing she was able to defend herself and stop you before you have defiled her. If it had pushed thru... I don’t know what hell your marriage life will be after." The queen said. "Remember that a woman will rapist as a monster even after they are married."
The queen was referring to her own situation. The deceased king of Jennovia first took her as a prisoner of war and then defiled her completely. She was his sex slave before he knew that she was pregnant. Thinking that it was a product of his nightly attacks, the king married her as his concubine because her won queen can’t bear him an heir.
Queen Patricia never forgot how the deceased king defiled her. Even though he treated her with love and respect after she became queen and bore him a daughter, she kept these hate and anger in her heart.
All of the queen’s grievances grew and made her seek for vengeance. After poisoning the former queen to take her place, she also poisoned the king but much slower. After attaining the vengeance she sought for, her eyes now went after the countries that took everything away from her. She has a thirst for vengeance that can never be quenched.
"But how was the princess able to use magic inside the palace that is made of pure janetite?" The high priest interjected.
Gladiolus was awakened with the high priest question. "I was taken by surprise as well. I didn’t know how she was able to do that. In just a blink of an eye, I was thrown across the room with a powerful force."
"I saw what looks like a magic stone in her hand when I neared her." The queen said. "But how can she have possession of a magic stone I wonder." She looked at high priest Hector with inquiry.
"I think I have a good guess your majesty." The high priest smiled. "I found out who was the mole inside the palace."
"Quickly then, tell me." The queen ordered impatiently.
Before leaving, the queen has ordered the high priest to investigate the fire in the national library. Some time has passed and for sure the investigation had results.
"There was a male servant that was newly hired inside the palace the same time Princess Alicia arrived here two years ago." The high priest said. "His identity was a little bit suspicious to me and so I dug into his files. When I let someone investigate his information and his identity, the report came back to me that it was all of his information is falsified and fake."
"Where is that male servant now? And what is his true identity?" The queen asked.
"He is currently working as a high rank servant under Princess Satiana." High priest Hector said. "I also learned that he was close with Princess Alicia. As my informants told me, he is the current leader of the Crimson Bandits and his real name is Jack."
"Jack you say... Crimson bandits?" The queen was in thought. "Then what is his real purpose? Why has he infiltrated inside the palace?" The queen asked.
"I heard that he is currently working under the king of Grandcrest’s commands." The high priest replied.
"What?!" The queen stood up with anger in her eyes. "That young b*stard king. He nearly killed me in the battle of Deuss River!" The queen seethed her anger.
The queen squeezed her both of her hands hard in anger.
"Mother, please quell your anger." Gladiolus said with worry. "Tell me Hector, what is that mole up to?" He also looked angry.
"I think his main objective was to watch over Princess Alicia. But these past few weeks, I can see him scouring just outside her majesty’s treasury." High priest Hector replied.
The queen’s face darkened with this information. "Is he thinking of stealing something?" The queen asked.
"With his group’s name ’The Crimson Bandits’, it just suggests he is trying to steal something. And I am afraid it is something very valuable."
The queen’s facial features were dark and then she laughed maniacally. "Haha...hahahaha...hahaha...!!!"
Both the high priest and the crown prince looked at the queen in confusion until she stopped laughing.
"That b*stard Regaleon think he is clever. Then let us see who will have the last laugh." The queen looked crazy. "Hector, hear my orders. Let us see if they can steal and leave this place unscathed. Hahaha...hahaha."
edited by: nalyn
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Chapter 247 The Announcement
After the whole ordeal was over, William took me back to my private quarters. He laid me down in bed gently but his face was full of rage like he was about to kill somebody.
"Martha, please prepare me a hot bath please." I ordered Martha. With what had just happened, I felt quite dirty all over my body.
"Y-Yes, right away your highness." Martha hurriedly went out to prepare my bath.
"Will..." I called out to him but didn’t answer. It was like he was not in his body. "William!" I called with a more clear volume.
William snapped back to himself and looked at me worriedly. "Alicia, h-how are you?" He asked. "Why didn’t you call me when that happened? You should have called me. I should have..." He trailed of looking so fierce.
"You should have what, Will?" I asked with knowing the answer. "I know what you would have done. You would have pointed your sword against this country’s crown prince."
William shook with what I have said. "I should have been there to protect you Alicia. It is my job to see that you are safe!" I can see that he was also angry at me for not calling him for help.
"And I am safe now, aren’t I." I said forcing a smile. "I came there prepared Will. Of course I won’t let him get his way with me."
But remembering how Gladiolus had touched me in my private parts made my skin crawl. If I was just a few seconds late, he would have done something to me that I wouldn’t want to even think about.
"If I called you for help then you have pointed your sword at him, you would be in trouble." I told him. "Our plan to escape is all set and ready tonight. If you have been imprisoned because of pointing your sword to the crown prince even if it is for saving me. Then we couldn’t proceed with our plan to escape tonight. Please understand me Will, I did it to for our sake."
William had a bitter face hearing my reason. "I know, but still..." William wasn’t able to finish his sentence and had a hurt expression.
"William, please forgive me. I know that I was also in the wrong for not calling of your help. I don’t want to see you hurt like this." I said. "This isn’t your fault. Besides nothing bad happened to me."
I held my hand out and reached for William’s face. I touched his cheeks to comfort him. He took my hand and kissed my palm gently.
"Please don’t ever do that again." William asked sincerely. "I think I would die of a heart attack because of you, hehe." He chuckled lightly.
"Of course I won’t let you have a heart attack." I giggled with him. At least it elevated the tension we were feeling in the moment.
*knock knock*
William quickly stepped back and Martha came in.
"Your highness, the hot water is here. I will prepare your bath immediately." Martha said while carrying a tub full of steaming water.
"You are dismissed." I told William. He bowed and left my room.
Martha was finished preparing my bath and waited for me.
"Martha, you can go first. I would like to bath alone." I said.
"Y-Yes, of course your highness." Martha looked worried but followed my orders.
Once I was alone, I took off William’s cape and walked towards the bathroom. I looked at the mirror and saw how tattered my dress was. Kiss marks was seen on my chest and at my back. Thinking of what just happened just a while ago, I felt the helplessness I felt once more. Tears started to trickle in my eyes.
I took the tattered dress off my body and slowly went in the bath tub filled with warm water. Feeling relaxed and exhausted, I made myself cry all of my helplessness and frustrations. After this, I won’t have to feel this way anymore. Once I escape, I will be united with my love once more. I know that I will be safe by his side.
**
It was afternoon and Satiana was all dressed up regally for her coming of age ceremony. She was wearing a dark green dress with gold flowers embroidered. This dress was one of Madam Viola’s creations. I was a little curious how she was able to finish such a beautiful and elaborate dress in only a few days time.
I, on the other hand was wearing a light blue dress with blue sapphire jewels sewn in patterns. I was also wearing the sapphire jewel set Satiana bought for me in town. I wore my hair in a fish style braid with blue flower accessories hanging.
"Big sis, you look beautiful ." Satiana said with a happy smile.
"Not as beautiful as you Sati." I smiled at her. "You are the star of the day."
The information what happened this morning was suppressed by the queen. She ordered for all who was present to not let any information out or they will face a grave consequence in their action. And so Satiana didn’t know what had happened to me and his brother.
"My little sister is very beautiful today." I heard Gladiolus’ voice and I involuntary shivered.
I looked around and saw him walking towards us. He was wearing his formal white uniform with gold threading. He was looking rather dashing in his outfit. The wound on his forehead was concealed with his hair style.
"Happy coming of age my dear little sister." Gladiolus kissed Satiana’s hand.
"Thank you brother." Satiana replied joyfully. "Um, where is mother? I heard that she had arrived today correct."
Looking at Satiana, she was still longing for her mother. I cannot blame her, she is still young and wanted her mother to love her. I know what she felt because it is the same feeling when I longed for my father’s affection. Satiana was still hoping that her mother would at least make her presence felt in her coming of age ceremony.
"Mother had just returned from a tiring journey Sati. She needs some rest." Gladiolus replied.
Satiana’s happy face turned into a scowl. Her hopes were shattered once more.
"Don’t worry Sati, big brother is here." Gladiolus cheered his little sister up. "I will be the one to announce your coming of age." He assured her and Satiana sadly nodded in understanding.
"Your highnesses, it is time." The organizer said.
Satiana took a deep breath and composed herself. By this time Gladiolus silently went near me and I didn’t even look at him.
"Alicia... I am sorry." Gladiolus whispered his apology to me. "I didn’t know what had gotten into me. After hearing that b*astard’s name, it all went dark."
I simply ignored his words. Whatever he says or even if he kneels in front of me with many people watching, I won’t ever forgive him.
"Please talk to me Alicia. I don’t want for you to continue to get mad at me. I am really sorry." Gladiolus said. "I promise, I won’t do anything that you do not like even after we are married. I will wholeheartedly wait for you to fall in love with me and give me your approval."
In my head I was thinking many things like ’I will never ever forgive you’ or ’it will never happened because I won’t marry you’.
*toot toot toot*
The sound of trumpets was starting. It was the sign that the coming of age ceremony is about to start.
"I will be your escort in the masquerade ball later my Alicia." Gladiolus said. "So I hope by then at least we will have an understanding." He sadly smiled at me and walked towards Satiana.
I scoffed on his words. ’After tonight, you would never see me again.’ I thought.
Elizabeth arrived just in time before it all started. She took her place right beside me. She was wearing a violet dress with silver embroidery. I nodded at her and she nodded as a reply. We stayed silent and didn’t exchange any words.
The heavy curtains to the royal veranda were lifted and I saw a huge crowd on the palace ground below. The noble as planned were seated in the front row while the commoners are at the back standing. I can hear the people down people cheering with the curtains lifted.
Gladiolus took Satiana’s hand and escorted her unto the veranda. Elizabeth and I followed from behind slowly.
When the crowd saw Satiana, they cheered even louder. The trumpets stopped playing and Gladiolus waved his hand to silence the people below.
"Greetings fellow Jennovians." Gladiolus said with a loud voice. "I am here today to announce to you that my sister, Princess Satiana Elissar the first princess of Jennovia, has now come of age."
The crowd below was silently listening to Gladiolus’ announcement earnestly. At least the people present here today has given their visible support to Satiana. They whole heartedly accepted her even though her own mother left her in this important moment of her life.
"I give to you my only sister, the first princess of Jennovia. Princess Satiana Elissar!" Gladiolus said with a proud voice.
The people down below started to applause and cheer.
"Congratulations Princess Satiana..."
"We are all here to support you."
"Our beautiful princess has grown into a beautiful young lady."
"We are proud to have you as our princess."
The cheers of the people are all warm. I can hear Satiana sobbing and it melted my heart knowing that the people of Jennovia will never abandon her.
"Thank you very much, people of Jennovia!" Satiana said. The crowd started to hush down their cheers. "Thank you for all your warm congratulations. I am here today to celebrate my coming of age ceremony with all of you here present. I promise that I will be a good example as a royal of this country. I will work hard for our country and people to prosper."
The crowd cheered once more after hearing Satiana’s words. I am sure there was also a hidden meaning in her speech. Satiana would be the future monarch and queen of this country if we are able to over throw the current queen and end this war. The future is starting to be paved by the young people like us.
edited by: nalyn
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Chapter 248 Preparations Before the Escape 1
After the annunciation ceremony, I have gone back to my private quarters to prepare for the masquerade ball. But before everything else I have to call on William and Jack to run through on our escape plan for the final time.
"Martha, can you please call sir knight and my male servant." I ordered. "I want to give them some instructions before the masquerade ball starts."
"Yes your highness." Martha politely bowed and exited my room.
After a while Martha came back with William and Jack.
"Your highness, they are here." Martha announced. I looked around and saw them standing at the door.
"Thank you Martha." I smiled. "You can go now. I wouldn’t want you to miss your carriage home."
This will be the last time I see Martha. Inside my heart, I wish her the best in the future. Maybe when this is all over, I can visit her on her family’s farm.
"Y-Your highness." Martha let out a small sob. "Why does it feel like you are saying goodbye for good? It is like I won’t ever see you again." Her face was contorted, trying to stop the tears from falling.
"Silly Martha." I force a smile. I also feel like crying seeing her like that. But I cannot let her se me this way. "Of course this is just a goodbye for now."
I stood up from my seat and walked towards her. She was now shedding tears and sobbing.
"Can I hug you Martha?" I asked. She nodded while wiping her tears away. I pulled her in my arms. "Thank you for taking care of me while I was here. You have been very good to me Martha. I hope that your family’s farm would do well so that you don’t have to go back to work here again."
"B-But your highness... serving you has been a happy experience for me. Of course I will come back again." Martha said.
I shook my head. "I will do fine Martha. Do not worry about me." I smiled. "If your family needs you more there in your home town, then you don’t need to go back here."
"B-But princess..." Martha wanted to say otherwise but I stopped her from saying any further by pressing my fingers on her lips.
"Promise me that you would do your best in your family’s farm." I said with a smile. "You do not need to go back here. Understand?"
Martha was surprised but nodded in agreement after.
"That’s good." I said. "You may go now Martha."
"Thank you your highness." Martha curtsied and was about to exit the door.
"Oh and Martha..." I called out to her and she looked back. "Please be safe and happy with your family." I said sincerely.
Martha smiled. "Thank you your highness. Please be safe as well." She bowed and left the room.
With the door closed, Jack, William and I were left inside the room.
"You let her go home to her family?" Jack asked.
"Yes. It will not be safe for her here if she is left after we escape." I said. "She has informed of her vacation in advance to her superiors. Our escape will not implicate her."
"That is so kind of you princess." Jack said with a smile.
"Martha has been very good to me in these two years." I said to him.
I have been a prisoner here in the palace of Jennovia for two years now. I may not be imprisoned inside a cell and I am able to go out of the palace from time to time, but all of my actions are being monitored here. I cannot see the people I love and cannot contact them. I am the kind of prisoner that is free to move around but doesn’t have the freedom to do what I want. I am a prisoner inside a golden cage if I might say.
"At least, we can escape this suffocating place." Jack said with a lively voice. "By the way, I heard what happened this morning. Are you alright, princess? Is that why this guy beside me has this dark aura emitting from all over his body all afternoon?"
I looked at William who was just standing there with his arms crossed. Jack was correct to say that William has been in a bad mood since the incident this morning. I just sighed seeing him like that.
"Don’t worry about me, I am alright." I replied. "What happened earlier was a shock but it was lucky of me to be prepared."
I took out the crystal I have used and showed it to Jack. It was now glowing red and yellow alternately.
"This crystal, it is a magic stone right?" Jack looked at it curiously. I nodded in reply.
"This was given to me by a fortune teller back in Alvannia, her name was Anna. She was also a surviving Atlantian. She had given me this after reading my fortune." I said.
"This thing is glowing because of some reason right?" Jack asked.
"Yes." I smiled at him. "Because the two of you are the ones I saw while seeing my future. You are like my protectors."
Remembering the future that I saw, it made me nervous once more. As best as I could, I want to change it. But looking and William in front of me, I am sure I can change it.
"Hehe, I am happy to know that I am one of your knights in shining armor." Jack grinned like a boy.
"I would like to talk about your father more about this. But first we need to talk about our escape plan tonight." I said. "Jack, the duke said you are in charge of stealing the pendant, correct?"
"Yep. Leave it to me." Jack said bumping his fist on his chest confidently. "I am the best thief there ever in this continent." He said proudly.
"Is that something to be proud of?" I giggled. "But please be careful. The path leading to the pendant is filled with magic traps." I looked at him worriedly.
Jack might be the best thief there is. But what he was stealing is not something ordinary. It was well guarded and filled with magic traps along the way.
"Do not worry about me princess. I will surely be fine." Jack reassured me. I smiled knowing that Jack’s capabilities can help him in his mission.
I then looked at William who was still in a bad mood. I am sure he was also mad at me.
edited by: nalyn
_______
Chapter 249 Preparations Before the Escape 2
"Yep. Leave it to me." Jack said bumping his fist on his chest confidently. "I am the best thief there ever in this continent." He said proudly.
"Is that something to be proud of?" I giggled. "But please be careful. The path leading to the pendant is filled with magic traps." I looked at him worriedly.
Jack might be the best thief there is but what he was stealing is not something ordinary. It was well guarded and filled with magic traps along the way.
"Do not worry about me princess. I will surely be fine." Jack reassured me. I smiled knowing that Jack’s capabilities can help him in his mission.
I then looked at William who was still in a bad mood. I am sure he was also mad at me.
"William..." I walked towards him. He was still giving me the cold shoulder. "I am really sorry. I have my reasons why I didn’t call for you for help." I said apologetically.
William was still silent and with a frown on his face. I held his hand and squeezed it gently.
"I am really sorry Will." I looked up at him.
William sighed after some time. "How can I be angry at you for so long if you do that?" He looked at me with a sad smile. He pressed his big palm on my cheek and caressed it gently. "I was just angry that I wasn’t able to stop that b*stard on getting his hand all over you. It is my job to protect you Alicia, so please let me do my job properly." His eyes were pleading towards me.
I know that I am also in the wrong. I am always taking William’s kindness for granted. I feel that I am a bad person towards him.
"I... I am sorry Will. That would never happen again, I promise." I said while trying to fight back the tears.
I felt William’s thumb wipe the tears starting to gather on the rim of my eyes gently.
"Don’t cry." William said with a soothing voice. "It is not like I am scolding you or anything. I also know your reason why you didn’t call for me. I would have cut that jerk’s head off if you have called for help and all of our plans would have been for naught." He sighed depressingly.
I nodded with his words and smiled at him. "Then let’s go over with your part of the plan."
"Hmm." William nodded and stepped back from me. "My mission is to take your mother and escape safely from the palace."
I nodded in agreement. "While the masquerade ball is being held, many of the guards will be stationed in the ballroom and the outer vicinity of it." I said. "The guards inside the palace will be reduced to a minimum and so taking my mother out from inside the palace will be easier."
The plan was set up perfectly. All of us have our own missions and the rendezvous point was set in a place that was safely set by Duke Matias himself. That place is where I will also wait for Regaleon’s arrival. My heart was racing just thinking that after just a few hours I will see my beloved once more.
"Will you be okay on your own princess?" Jack asked me.
The plan was set for me to escape on my own while the masquerade ball was commencing. Duke Matias’ daughter Karolina is to become my body double at the middle of the party. My mission is to try and escape from Gladiolus’ side for a few minutes to do the switch with Karolina. Once done, she will do her best to at least stay a few feet away Gladiolus so that she won’t get caught.
"Do not worry. I will surely get away from Gladiolus by all means." I said with confidence.
"That b*stard would be your escort for the masquerade ball." William said, seething in his anger. "He will make sure to keep you in his vicinity."
What William said was correct. Because Gladiolus has announced that I will be his main wife, I am the one he would escort in the masquerade ball. He surely won’t let me get away from him the whole evening.
"I have a plan." I said. "Of course I am still a lady and there thins that ladies have to do." I winked at them.
Jack chuckled and William sighed. Our plans are set up smoothly. There is no room for errors tonight.
"We should go thru this plan without delay." I told both of them. "Jack, Will, I am counting on you two."
"Do not worry princess." Jack said with a confident smile. "You can count on me."
"I will surely get your mother to safety." William said with a smile. "Snow will be coming with me, so I am sure we will be safe."
"Thank you, both of you." I said with heartfelt gratitude. "Without the two of you here beside me, I do not know what will happen to me."
The two men came towards me and comforted me while I was getting all emotional. It is true that if I was left alone here in Jennovia, I will not know what to do. I am happy that they were sent here by Regaleon to assist me all the way.
’Leon... we will see each other again my love.’ I whispered inside my heart.
**
(Regaleon’s POV)
In a place not so far away from the Jennovian capital, me and my men were having a short break.
"Your majesty, is there something wrong?" Dimitri asked me when I just stopped drinking from my water bottle midway.
"It’s nothing." I brushed off Dimitri’s question. But the truth is I felt that Alicia was calling out for me.
The capital of Jennovia is near now and I will soon see my beloved once more. I stood up signaling my men to stand up as well.
"I hope you had a good rest." I told them "From here on out, we won’t stop until we get to the capital of Jennovia and get Alicia back." My men bowed down to my order.
Just a few days ago, Duke Matias sent a messenger stating that tonight Alicia and the others will escape as planned. He had given us the rendezvous point as to where we will be meeting up Alicia and her group.
Just thinking of seeing my beloved once more excites me. ’I will see you again Lili. Please wait for me.’ I said inside my heart.
edited by: nalyn
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Chapter 250 The Masquerade Ball 1
I was surrounded by maids left and right. The four maids were working on me, brushing and styling my hairs, putting make up on my face, and readying my jewelry and dress for me to wear after everything is done.
The dress Madam Viola made for me is colored cream white with gold threads embroidered on it. Gladiolus had sent gold jewelry to match my dress. Looking at the dress and the jewelry, I sighed sadly. My attire tonight was like I was being presented as Gladiolus’ bride.
*knock knock*
There was a knock on the door and one of the maids opened it. There was a male servant outside that talked to the maid. After that the maid closed the door and walked towards me holding a bouquet of white snow lilies.
"Your highness, the crown prince sent these flowers for you." The maid said with a huge smile on her face. "The servant had sent the crown prince’s message that he will be picking you up and escorting you to the masquerade ball later."
"Oh my princess, his highness the crown prince really adores you." One of the maid giggles.
"This is the first time we saw the prince to care for a woman." The other maid said.
"I am sure he is madly in love with you your highness." The other maid said.
"Do not worry your highness. We will make you the most beautiful girl in the ball. Well equally beautiful to her highness Princess Satiana of course." The other maid said and all of the four maids nodded in agreement and giggled.
I just replied to them with a smile. I am well aware of Gladiolus’ affection for me but it lean more towards on the obsessive side, which is very frightening.
The maids resumed their work on me and not long I was finished with my preparations for the masquerade ball.
"Princess, all is done. You just need to wear the dress." The maid said.
"Let us help you your highness." The other maid added.
"Okay. " I said with a faint smile.
I looked at the beautiful white dress in front of me. It was so beautiful that I wished that Regaleon could see me wearing it. I close my eyes and envision myself wearing this on our wedding day. I can imagine that we were inside a huge church saying our vows to one another.
I open my eyes once again to see that the maids are done and I was now wearing the beautiful white dress. The maids ushered me in front of a full size mirror so that I can see myself.
"You are so beautiful your highness." One maid said.
"Yes indeed." The other maid said.
"No wonder the crown prince is head over heels in love with you princess." The other maid added.
I looked at myself in the mirror. I indeed looked beautiful. My hair was tied up into a braided bun. I dazzling golden tiara was placed on top of my head. The gold jewelry I was wearing accented my dress beautifully.
I sighed knowing that Madam Viola’s dresses are really are a work of art. I wished that I can also wear a wedding dress she made for my wedding with Regaleon.
’When this is all over, I will surely as Madam Viola to design my wedding dress.’ I thought to myself.
I smiled thinking of the future when I saw someone’s reflection in the mirror I was facing.
"You look very beautiful my bride." Gladiolus walked towards me with a satisfied smile on his face. "I hope you have forgiven me my love."
Gladiolus stopped behind me and he didn’t get near me further. He was wearing a matching attire to mine, a cream white colored tuxedo with gold accent. I looked at him with hatred and scorn directly to his eyes.
"I am sorry once again. It is my fault to lose control over my feelings for you." Gladiolus said with sincerity. "I won’t ever do that again, I promise you that upon my name as crown prince of Jennovia."
I scoffed on his words. "I just hope you keep your word crown prince Gladiolus." I said with seething anger.
"I will keep my word my love." Gladiolus smiled. "If I may, we need to get going to the ball room before the masquerade ball starts."
Gladiolus offered his hand to me and I looked at it scornfully. I inhaled and took his hand with great disgust.
’I need to do this.’ I convinced myself. ’This will be the last time.’
Gladiolus smiled happily when he saw I took his hand. "Do not worry Alicia, I will take care of you." He kissed the back of my hand gently.
Gladiolus put my hand in his arm and escorted me outside my private quarters. The four maids that was attending to me were all bowed down in front of the crown prince’s presence but I can hear them giggling. I guess they were happy to see their crown prince very satisfied with their job on me. Well I can’t blame them. They see me as the future crown princess of her kingdom.
Gladiolus escorted me thru the corridors of the palace then outside. The palace grounds are filled with decorations for the coming of age ceremony. The gates are also opened for the commoners to come in for the event. Food and beverages are arranged outside for the commoner visitors.
When the commoners on the palace grounds saw Gladiolus and I, they bowed to us and greeted us with smiles on their faces.
"Greeting to the future sun and moon of the Jennovian Kingdom."
"Glory to the Jennovian Kingdom."
"May you be blessed with good fortunes."
They were happy to see their kingdoms royalty. I know that Duke Matias has staged this event to also get the hearts of the common people of Jennovia. This event is for their Princess Satiana and was a publicity stunt to boost the princess’ fame for the common people.
Looking at these people made me think that this war is really not needed. This people only need a good ruler that will tend to their needs and govern this kingdom in the right path. I am sure that Satiana will do a good job on this, with Duke Matias by her side as adviser.
edited by: nalyn
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