Our Darling Princess

2 - The Suitors Ball

At this point, my 16th birthday wasn't even going to be a birthday. Everyone had always known that when a Daughter of a royal had reached the age of 16, that's the last time she was considered a Child. She was to be engaged by then, if she had not been so from birth having someone lined up for her. But hey, at least I get a choice... Sort of? It's still up to my father, but Father wouldn't give me away to some man I dislike. Who knows, maybe for power he would... Hopefully not, there's one family I dare not be around if they show up today... All the kingdoms got invites so who knows who shall show up.

I strolled down the stairs. The Dining hall was being set up, the cooks creating a feast made for hundreds. Hopefully that was enough... I continued to glance into the dining room, glaring at the sight of my beautiful Birthday Cake. I smiled gently, it was nice to know that they would still make me a cake. I know Father told them not to, because it wasn't appropriate, but I knew that mother would still ask them to... Not saying they wouldn't have done so anyways for me. I smiled once again and walked towards the cake.

"Beautiful..." I whispered beneath my breath.

It was indeed Beautiful. 4 Tiers, draped in gold. I nodded gently before dismissing myself from the Dining Hall. I continued to walk around the castle, walking into the Ballroom. I didnt fancy parties, nor this Ballroom. But I looked around and it really did look pretty special. It was decorated in gold streamers that matched the cake draped in gold, with wine and champagne on set up tables. There was already a set up area for the orchestra. But suddenly I heard a Step behind me, and jumped slightly at the sound of their voice!

"Happy Birthday Sis!" Yelled my Dearest Brother William. He had come down from his study to tell me Happy Birthday. First person to do that too.

"Thank you Will!" I said Happily as I turned around and Hugged him. "You were the first one to say it all day! So, what did you get me?" I said smiling as I waited patiently for my gift, holding my hands out.

He smiled as he pulled something from his back pocket. It was covered in a cloth, but telling by the peculiar shape I could already tell what it was when he placed it in my hands. "I had the blacksmith make this for you while I was done in the markets. He also gave me this to give to you!" William Said as he placed a small box in my hand as well.

"Thank you will!" I say as I pull him into another hug, before letting go. "I must go get ready for the day, we have much to prepare before my Suitors gett here." I say giggly as I secure the gifts in my arms.

He nods as he waves goodbye, returning to his study. I always adored William. He was a great older brother and he genuinely cared about me, other than those parents of ours. He was only 7 years older than me, but he taught me lots of life lessons. I made my way back to my bedroom. I then sat upon my bed, uncovering the clothed gift. It had been a beautiful dagger, with many jewels incorporated into it. I smiled at the sight of it and Placed it onto my dresser. I then picked up the Black Smiths gift. Shaking it slightly up against my ear, I opened it to find a beautiful sapphire ring. On top of the Sapphire ring lay a note, it read...

"Our Dearest Princess...
For your Up coming 16th birthday, If this reaches you, I and the towns folk wish you the happiest of birthdays. It has been brung to our attention that it is your Suitors ball tonight. Months ago a Woman of another kingdom dropped this beautiful sapphire, and then never returned to retrieve it. I have since constructed it into a Sapphire Ring for you to wear on this very occasion. Please wear it your Majesty, I would be most grateful.
From, The Towns Folk and Black Smith."

I slipped on the ring and placed the box next to the dagger, Staring at it before standing up and making my way to the bathroom to bathe myself. After I had finished that, I made my way to the dressing room. Mother had picked a most beautiful dress for me to wear this evening, and it hung shimmering in the light coming in from the windows. I walked up to it, Running my hands down the sleeves. It was Gold, and a large evening gown. It had a train behind it, as well as a sweetheart neckline. It was simply just... Gorgeous. It even had gems along the neckline. I nodded as I looked at it. No one ever seemed to need my help, so I decided to read as I waited for the guests.

Hours had passed... It was now sun down and Carriages, Horses and Men with their families started to arrived. I peeked out the window, It had a direct view of the front. Glancing at all the Men ranging from all ages coming in with their families. Letting out a few breaths, I glanced at the dress once again. I hadn't yet got ready, and I was not to be announced for another Half an hour to an hour. So with just under an hour to spare before meeting my possible future husband, I started to undress myself. I then slipped into the dress, Which fit like a glove, minus the loose ribbons at the back and the fact I had not put my corset on. I squirmed to the door as someone knocked. It had been the Maid, to come help me get this one. I thanked her as she tied the ribbons and helped me with my corset. I then did my hair and a light amount of makeup before slipping on the ring. I was ready...

Just about 10 minutes later I was sitting on my bed and Heard a knock at the bedroom door. I went to open it and saw my brother William there.

"Father told me to get you, Are you ready?" He asked smiling.

I nodded. "Yeah... Just a bit nervous." I took him by the arm.

He smiled at me as we started to walk towards the ballroom, using the stairs to make a cliché grand entrance. All eyes fell on me as My father annouced me.

"Everyone please welcome my daughter, Princess Mary-Belle!"

I smiled and glanced at everyone. Everyone was here... I felt nervous as I walked down the stairs, Clinging onto William. Everything started to go a bit blury, and I lost my footing. William was too slow to stop me from falling, as I fell from his grasp. But suddenly I then landed in the arms of a boy. I looked scared as I looked up at the boy who had caught me.

"Christopher..." I gasped.