The Arrangement

t h r e e

ஜ Adeline ஜ

'But... the Queen advised that we put your hair up, Princess.' Trinity's voice was increasing in pitch.

I attempted to smile as reassuringly as possible. 'Not to worry. I want to wear my hair down. If Mother has a problem she can talk to me. I won't let anything bad happen to you.'

Trinity breathed a sigh of relief. 'Thank you, Adeline.' she resumed brushing my honeyed hair.

Once that was finished, I went to take another look in the mirror. There was a knock on the door.

'Princess Adeline is requested to make her way to the stairs for the grand entrance in three minutes,' A messenger announced.

'They couldn't have given me at least five more minutes? Gosh,' I grumbled.

Trinity gasped. 'Princess, pardon me, but your Mother says that I am to tell you off when you are ill-tempered. It is not ladylike, polite and 'tis disrespectful.'

I smothered a sigh and nodded. Of course Mother had to instill fear in every one of the people "below" her and use them as spies to keep me under control.

I plastered on the brightest smile that I could muster. 'I might as well head down now. Thank you all for your help.'

'Our pleasure, Your Grace,' someone piped up. I nodded gratefully.

'Best not mess on that dress. It's irreplaceable, eh?' another commented and I genuinely laughed right along with them.

'You all best calm down to avoid trouble,' I said lastly, before exiting the room and making my way towards the staircase.

A horn was blown to indicate a member of royalty had arrived. People below their station bowed as they entered. The first person I noticed was the tall, regal figure whom strode into the entrance with grace. It was obviously the queen. If her regality and grace hadn't given it away, her crown definitely did. Next, A girl with light, wavy hair was donned in a gorgeous emerald dress. Her lips were coated with red. A boy, a head taller than her, stood beside her. His hair was carefully gelled into place and he wore a well-tailored suit.

'Her Majesty, Queen Roosevelt of the kingdom of Silvamitis,' the herald announced. Everyone applauded and if they hadn't bowed before, they definitely did now, under the gaze of a monarch. 'Prince Hayden and Princess Aviana,' he finished.

I didn't even notice my Mother was standing next to me until she spoke. 'Don't trip when we make our way down. I am sure all royal members have already arrived.'

And my Mother was correct. The next batch of royals were already walking inside as the royalty of Silvamitis had been ushered to the ballroom.

A man who exuded power sauntered into the room and stood strong. I immediately recognized him. His reputation preceded him. Everyone knows the horrible rumors of how he tortures people or sends them to the dungeon or to be executed in the blink of an eye. Not many can persuade his mind, because few have the guts to challenge his decisions. He also had an illegitimate child with another woman. However, this child lives at their palace since it is in the king's favor. The woman who stood next to him had hair that glittered with some sort of jewel and her golden hair was pinned up in a lovely updo. Behind them stood the prince. His tall stature he surely inherited from his Father and his blonde hair; from his Mother. He seemed easy-going and I noticed him winking at someone in the crowd.

'His Majesty, King Andreyevich, and Her Majesty, Queen Tatiana, of the kingdom of Tristis,' the herald announced again. People were sure to bow in front of this supposedly merciless king. 'And Prince Nikolai,' he finished.