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

Chapter 8 : Hall of Memories

I can't shake the nervous feeling off of me, even though Gina and the others kept affirming me of how I look good. But still, I can't help but feel self-conscious. I mean, who wouldn't feel this sensitive if you're being 'courted' by a king? The feeling is honestly making me insane. But what could I do?

I flattened the crease on the light blue dress they gave me. It was very beautiful, yet very simple, with only a few patterned embroidery, with a brooch at the waist to enhance its beauty. I smiled at the thought. Don't tell me theg even looked for my style? The servants are really thoughtful. I smiled up at Gina and she smiled back at me, only with a little bit of confusion in her eyes. She put the last few bobby pins and I sighed.

"Thank you so much. It was thoughtful of you to pick this style of dress." I said and for a moment, Gina looked shocked, but then she recovered and continued with the finishing touches on my hair.

"My, my. I almost forgot to tell you." Gina said and sighed, using her free hand to scratch her nape. She pulled me up and I stood up enthusiastically, but careful not to trip on the dress's hems. I walked carefully towards the mirror, and the maid lead me towards it with a big smile on her face. She made me face towards the mirror and I gasped. How wonderful! A simple make-up is what she did, yet it enhanced me in almost every way. "I forgot to tell you, Miss, that the one who chose and gave you that dress, is His Majesty himself."

"What?" I blurted out suddenly, shocked by what she told me.

"It must be safe to say that he spent one whole day preparing for your arrival. It was quite adorable, actuallly. You know, His Majesty fussing over someone else other than his citizens." Gina said and held my hand gently.

I felt touched and at the same time, embarrassed. Blood rushed to my ears, making them feel as if they're on fire. She huffed out air, and Gina patted her head comfortingly. "My lady, I'm sure His Majesty picked you to be his Queen Candidate because he saw something in you. Have more confidence in yourself." she said and surprisingly, it took effect, as if some invisible force pushed me forwards.

With a deep breath, I turned around, flinging my dress and giggled, Gina smiling along with me. "I'm ready."

****

I am so not ready.

My heart thumped loudly inside my ribcage as the two of us stood outside the dining hall. Good thing Gina was with me, there to rub my back to ease the nervousness in me. She wasn't even supposed to be there. But I insisted. I told her I wouldn't be able to live if she'll leave me, and so, without much choice, she stayed with me, making me promise that I'll enter the dining hall with the confidence of a queen. And so, all the confidence I was able to gather before seemed to all fly out the window.

The doors creaked open, and my heart beat loudly in my chest, and I hitched my breath. My eyes travelled the dining hall, and I can't help but stand in awe.

The chandeliers were high up on the ceiling, candles lighting up the whole hall, reflecting its flickering glimmer onto the labyrinthine patterns on the ceiling. The walls were painted with white and a very light shade of brown, and its pillars were in marble, and intricate carvings of emerald and diamonds. The floor was shiny, and I feel like I can actually look at myself on the floor. I walked carefully over the almost-slippery room, and I felt small over the intimidating presence of the knights behind almost every pillar. Little did I realize that the protection of a king was this heavy. My eyes again looked at the room and so the table, made of a hardwood tree that I am unable to discern which, and with a silk mantel on top of it.

Goodness, I don't have silk dresses.

And yet their table mantel is.

And at the far end of the table was a man, solemn-looking, as if he was thinking of something deeply, a soft frown creasing over his eyebrows. His hands were clasped together in front of his face, his head leaning onto his hands. Albert and Nico were standing at the far side of the room. Albert gave me a small, silent, nod, while Nico gave me a reassuring smile.