The King's Bride (Book 1 of Midnight Cinderella)

Chapter 1: The Royal Candidacy

"Miss Ianne, Miss Ianne!" the boy I was teaching tugged at my skirt after he heard the doorbell ring.

I gently smiled at little Erik and pat him on the head and he blushed slightly. I couldn't help but giggle at his adorable ways. "I think there's m-mail, Miss Ianne," he said.

I smiled at his demeanor and ruffled his hair. "Really? I'll go see it," I said.

I left Erik, and went outside the house. I glanced at the fence, and the mailman wasn't there anymore. Looking at the mailbox, its sides were rusting, but I believe they're still pretty durable. It had been there with the house since about two or three generations ago, but repairs were costly. We had other more important things to spend on. 

I sighed at the sight of the mails. There were electric and water bills, and a letter advertising a boutique which I am not the least interested in. Maybe because it was quite expensive, and I did not take too much pleasure in frivolity.

As I scanned through the letters, one caught my eye. The golden trimmings of the envelope sparkled like a temptress, and the seal that kept it closed was all evident.

My heart pounded loudly as I stared at the envelope. "Oh my god," I said in a soft whisper. I couldn't believe something like this is in our mailbox. This is not just a normal letter. 

I hurried inside and closed the door behind me. I ran towards the study table. From the corner of my eye, Erik watched carefully as I pulled open the seal of the envelope. My heart beat faster at the anticipation of what the letter contains. 

I don't know if I should be excited or nervous, but nevertheless, I am overwhelmed by mixed emotions. 

My student's eyes widened when he caught sight of the envelope. "Miss Ianne!" he said with an unbelievably shrill voice. 

His mouth formed an 'o' and his eyes were about to pop out of his sockets. "It's the Royal Crest of Wysteria! Did His Majesty send you a letter? Open it, Miss Ianne!" he said and a bright, excited smile appeared on his face. 

I chuckled at his enthusiasm, but there were butterflies in my stomach as well.  The paper was scented and the borders were also in golden, curvy patterns. The letters were in black, and they were written with such magnificent handwriting. 

Greetings to you, Lady Ianne Lumina!

The palace formally invites you in behalf of His Majesty, King Philip of Wysteria, to the Grand Ball, whereas all ladies of the kingdom aged fourteen to seventeen are invited. 

The Princess Elect ceremony will also begin in the said ball, where I together with the king, shall choose a Princess Elect. 

It will be held on the evening of Friday, August 17 at 7:30. The palace gates will officially be closed at seven o'clock. We hope you exhibit the value of punctuality.

Please wear appropriate dresses for the said event.

Yours truly,
Giles Christophe
Chief Chamberlain and Head of the Wysterian Princess Education. 

My heart was erratic. Me? A candidate for the next Princess Elect? How could that be? 

I glanced down at my faded house dress, stitched in many places. 

A pang of pain gripped my heart tightly. Even if I go there, imagine the embarrassment I'd receive. I couldn't even afford a a single elaborate dress! I was slowly starting to drown in my self-pity, when a small hand crawled onto my own. 

I looked up and saw Erik looking up at me with determined eyes. "Could you possibly be a candidate for Princess Elect?" he asked and I was pulled aback by his words.