The Royal Engagement

Chapter 7

Amy timidly shuffled over to the group of young girls her age, who were deeply engaged within their conversation. She hesitantly opened her mouth to interrupt before one of the girls noticed her and let out a squeal of delight.

"OH! Princess Amelianna! We're overjoyed to have the opportunity to meet you!" Amy could clearly tell that this was the girl Shizuki was referring to. His younger sister, Mizuki. Amy smiled warmly and curtseyed. The other two ladies with MIzuki, relayed her action.

One had short dark chocolate hair, curled at the bottom, with beautiful flower woven into it for the occasion and pastel pink eyes, like her dress. She looked quite short for her age. The other had brown hair, pinned into a braided bun with different shades of yellow ribbons that compliment her dress, running along it. Her grey eyes scanned Amy very coldly, unlike the other two girls beside her.

The girl with dark hair continued their greeting. "If I may introduce myself, your Majesty." Amy gave a short nod. "I am Lady Wendlyna of the Cloudcotton Federation. Her Highness, Princess Charlotte Granecette Cloudcotton, is my very dear friend. She has been unable to attend this ball due to some very urgent and recent political issues. She has informed me that you are a long-time and close friend of hers and wishes for me to send you her very sincere condolences and apologies for your recent," she paused to take a large breath. "Engagement and being unable to attend. She has promised to come by at a later time to congratulate and speak with you personally. She hopes you can understand."

Amy stood speechless at her high level of decent speech. Although, she does appear to be very pale and faint afterwards...

Wendlyna's soft expression suddenly turned grumpy and worn. She grumbled and mumbled complaints under her breath.

"Stupid Charlotte! Making me memorise that whole thing! Isn't she good friends with you?! Whatever! She talks like that to everyone!" Amy let out an amused smile. Of course, what should she expect of Charlotte other than formality, despite having known her since childhood.

"I can relate! It feels like you haven't made any progress with her friendship ever since you met her sometimes, "she giggled. Wendlyna's eyes lit up with wonder, as if she had found someone she had been looking for her entire life. She gently gathered Amy's hands within her own, pulling her slightly down to her height.

"Finally, someone understands me." Amy's eyes widened, amused at her comment. She smirked, deciding to play along with Wendlyna's dramatic act.

"I've found my soulmate..." she beamed. Wendlyna nodded in agreement before a cough broke them from their trance.

"Leave the acting for the stage, ladies," Mizuki giggled. Amy let out a hearty laugh, quickly feeling comfortable around these girls. Wendlyna nudged with her elbow.

"You and I are gonna get along, kid," she chuckled with a wink, boosting Amy's confidence in their possible friendship.

Her eyes fell to the last remaining girl. She smiled and peered into her face.

"What's your name?" The girl reflexively jumped back, away from Amy and stared at her blankly. Amy retreated as well. Was she too forward? Her personality can be overwhelming when she becomes over-excited...

Amy bowed and apologised. "I apologise. I must have frightened you." She cleared her throat and asked more calmly. "May I know thy name?" she joked, earning a positive response of laughter from Mizuki and Wendlyna. The girl, however, looked very unamused. Amy cleared her throat for a second time, awkwardly. She looked to either Mizuki or Wendlyna for help.

Mizuki quickly caught on and laid a hand on the girl's shoulder. "T'chai, here, is actually mute." Amy's face contorted from realization to sudden guilt. Had she just made fun of a mute girl? She was horrible! Before she began to beg for forgiveness from her, Mizuki held up a hand. "Don't worry. She's not a very sensitive person...She doesn't mind the jokes. She actually likes it when you treat her as a normal person rather than a mute," she reassured, failing to hide the dash of sympathy in her tone.