The Heiress' Dilemma

2 | Second-First meetings

"If that damned, plague-ridden mouse were here, I would have him starve for weeks and then cut him and his sword into pieces," I grumbled, glaring at my own reflection in the mirror. "But that insolent bastard ran away!"

"Why do I think that you are not talking about the steel sword?" Eleena, my lady-in-waiting, asked as she dried my wet, mud-free hair with a towel.

"Because I am not!"

"Tell me, Your Highness, did you not attend those etiquette classes for royals?"

"It was always a pleasure to sleep during those tiresome classes." A small smile graced my lips, and I turned around to look at Eleena.

"I would have never guessed," she teased. "You are no saint either, Eleena. How did-" I trailed off when I realized what she was trying to do.

"You are distracting me!" She had the audacity to snort in response! I fully turned to her, squinting at her in playful offense.

"Your Highness, Her Majesty has requested the presence of all princesses at the main hall for the ball," an unknown girl informed me, and I nodded in response.

After the incident in the forest, I found the other carriage occupied by Eleena and some other servants employed under my service at some distance. They brought me to the Grand palace of Querencia. I had always heard how prosperous and powerful Querencia was, and the sight that greeted me upon arrival confirmed it. This palace was twice as majestic as mine.

Upon entering, the grand foyer unfolded, with a soaring ceiling and gleaming marble floors. Golden chandeliers suspended from the vaulted ceiling cast a warm, regal glow. The walls were adorned with lavish tapestries, their threads woven with gold and silver, depicting Querencia's storied history.

The palace's interior boasted spacious halls, opulent chambers, and sweeping staircases. Golden accents and gilded details danced across every surface, from the ornate furniture to the delicate moldings. Huge crystal windows glinted under the golden sun, serving as the castle's eyes.

I was warmly welcomed (if we ignore the surprised glances that a certain mud-covered princess received) and brought to this chamber that would be mine for a month.

Now, I must meet my rivals, who, like me, are here to marry the would-be King of Querencia.

Ugh, do I really have to do this?

It's alright, Adeera. A fancy feast awaits your presence.

Breathe in, breathe out.

All of a sudden, I remembered, "Did anyone discover where Morris is?"

***

The grand ballroom, with its dazzling golden dome and glittering chandeliers was the center of everyone's attention. The room seemed to shimmer, inviting all who entered to partake in its splendor.

Never had I felt this unwanted in my life. Nine attractive women sat around me, chatting, gossiping, bullying, and most importantly, displaying their alluring selves to potential suitors while everyone waited for the Prince to arrive and the ball to start.

Inspite of being part of a royal family myself, I couldn't help but feel inferior compared to them. It had something to do with their 'you are inferior, peasant' gaze or perhaps because I was just a princess of a small kingdom with nothing captivating about me. However, it was beneficial to me nonetheless. The chances of me catching the Prince's attention were comparatively low, making me less of a threat to them.

"From what I've heard since I've arrived here, he's rumored to be one of the wealthiest and best-looking bachelors of our time," Stranger One told Stranger Two, drinking something strange in this strange place.