Melancholy

15

Today, we are leaving back for Edinburgh, Lilith is not happy with me for leaving so soon, but then she also knows how my mother and father are if it comes to their royal roles. She also has found a place for the women, Reese, and her kids. She had promised that they would be taken care of as long as they lived here.

"Shall we leave, your Highness?" Asked Agatha as she gave the last of my stuff to the guard who took it outside. I nodded and stepped outside towards the main door, where I saw Lilith and Edward waiting for me with Leonardo in her hands. I smiled at the lovely sight.

"I will miss you, and I will try to visit soon once Leonardo is old enough," she assured me.

"Take care of yourself and him." I look at Leonardo, who was palying with his mother's hair. I pecked his forhead, and them I turned towards Edward, who smiled at me.

"Take care of them," I said more like warned him at which he grinned widely and bowed a little.

"With my life!" He said, and I know he mean it, he will die before letting anything happen to Lilith or Leonardo. These are a few things which don't let me hate him.

"Eugene had to leave early. There were some problems which had to be taken care of, and his presence was needed there. He asked me to apologize on his part for not saying goodbye himself, " Edward told me, and I smiled slightly at the gesture. I didn't expect Eugene to be so considerate.

"Tell him if he wants my apology, he should come at the ball." I shrugged both Lilith and Edward chuckled.

"I will tell him," he said, and then he leaned a little towards me.

"He is a nice man. He is a perfect match for you," Edward told me, and I got uncomfortable. I know he is a nice man, and I won't lie if I say I haven't thought about that, but there is this nagging feeling not letting me accept this.

"Goodbye," I said, looking at Lilith, and then I turned around and walked inside the carriage. On my way, my gaze fell on Ares, who was in front of the carriage on his horse. He wasn't looking my way. Instead, he was talking to Thomas.

It's going to be 3 long days before I finally reach Palace. I just wish I won't get sick again.

~~~~

After three long, painful days, we finally reached the port and into the Palace. For the first time in my life, I was happy coming in Palace and even seeing my mother. But that happiness didn't last long as my mother started scolding me on how I put on some weight even though I hadn't.

"I am tired, I am leaving to my room," I said as it was enough for the day.

"Ball is in four days, so get ready. You know very well what is expected of you." She said sternly, and I only nodded my head, and with a sigh, I turned back. I just want to get over this ball, I know I have to find a suitable suitor for me in this ball otherwise my I have to marry someone of their choice and I know what is their choice. One and only Ares, and I would rather die than marry someone of their choice.

~~~~~

Finally, it was the day of the ball, I was dressed in a peach ball gown. My hair was done upward in a bun with few curly strands falling on my face.

"You look so pretty, princess!" Cooed Rory, I smiled at her and thanked her with a nod. Agatha was really outdone today. She was the one who helped me get ready today.

"It's time, princess," said Agatha, so with a deep breath, I stood up and walked outside. Today is my 21st birthday, the day where I would find my husband and the future king. I really hope I do find someone today.

The double door opened as the doorman announced my arrival. The sounds coming from inside abruptly stopped once I stepped inside the ballroom. Everyone was looking at me, some in awe and some in jealousy. I made my way effortlessly towards the front where the king and Queen stood.

"You look beautiful, my princess!" My father gushed, and I smiled. I could see the pride in his eyes.

"I can't believe you are 21 now," he said and placed a kiss on my head.

"I hope you find what you are looking for and what's best for you," he said and then looked behind me. I followed his gaze and found him looking at Ares, who was talking to someone.

"Father, I am sure you know that you and I are not at the same page on that matter," I said discreetly as I looked him in his eyes. He sighed sadly and then smiled softly.

"I know my child, I know!" He didn't looked happy that I can tell but he is silent because of me. My mother spoke from beside him.

"I can guarantee you, you won't find anyone like him. Just look at him, he is best for you in every way and for this kingdom. He will protect you most importantly he loves you. What else do you want?" She said and I rolled my eyes at her.

"I think I have the right to choose for myself and I have already chosen someone" I said and both of them looked at me with shock. So they were expecting that I won't find someone.

"Who?" Mother asked.

"You will see him soon, don't fret!" I shrugged and then turned back and walked away from them to a more secluded corner where I would be alone.

But guess what I wasn't alone, one after other the Prince or Duke's or nobles would come and greet me, more like trying to woo me but none of theirs charm were working on me.

As I turn around and looked at the door l, I saw a familiar face coming inside and my face splits in a wide grin. He saw me and smiled at me then walk towards me. Once he was close he stopped and bowed.

"You came?" I asked.

"I had to, someone told me I would be forgiven If only I will come to see you" he said and I chuckled lightly.

"Well you are forgiven, I wasn't expecting you here." I said at which he grinned lightly.

"You don't know me enough then!" He said.

"Oh I know you more than you can ever imagine" I shrugged and he frowned a little.

"What do you mean..?" He asked but was stopped when Ares came beside me.

"Prince Eugene!" He greeted Eugene with a hard gaze. I rolled my eyes at the way he is acting.