Love Shimmers

Chapter 7

After we prepared ourselves, we head to the central where the prestigious Royal Palace of Ecrutia located. Not long after, the sun sets and for some time, a beautiful ambience of orange sky was shown.

I was surprised that suddenly the trumpet from the palace sounded. For my mind was full with the extremely wonderful scenery. Beside me, Rosalie was waiting restlessly for the competition to start. Seeing her behavior, I just sighed and accept the truth that all these time, I envied her to be so carefree like nothing can shatter her world and heart.

“Stop daydreaming. Pay attention to the rules given by the King.” She said. Just then, I realized that I had been thinking too much. For this reason, I decided to focus all my attention to the competition.

“In this competition, all people are allowed to participate. The rule is simple. You are not allowed to take off your masks during the competition. Now, let us begin the competition. I wish all of you to enjoy tonight’s entertainment.” The King announced.

So the competition began. “Let us go together, I am quite afraid of dark.” whispered Rosalie. “I don’t mind but are you sure of it? You might lose your chance if you don’t start to search for the prince.” I replied.

“I’m all right with it and you see I started to feel eerie now. I am really not used to dark places.” she said. I sighed and said, “You are really hopeless.” We held hands and wondered around while talking to each other in the crowded central.  

Suddenly, I felt that Rosalie’s hand was gone. At first, I panicked but on the second thought, I guessed that maybe she wanted to join the competition so I just let her be. I motioned towards the center of the central. There I saw a huge fountain with clear water. That night, the fountain was the only place where I felt calm and where all sounds disappeared.

I realized that what Rosalie said was true. This environment was even more dazzling. The moonlight was reflected on the water and the whole fountain sparkles in beauty. While I was enjoying the picturesque view and the pure moonlight, I heard the sound of some footsteps just behind the trees which were close to the fountain. A man in white clothes decorated with gold thread wearing a gold mask covering his face stepped out. It was as if a Prince came out from a fairy tale. Prince, the one Rosalie talked about he was the Prince of Ecrutia, my future possible fiancé.

He was so charming and from his smile which was spared by the gold mask, I could see that he is extremely kind and that he is amiable. For some time, I couldn’t move at all. I was too taken by his looks. His hair was hazel, his eyes were deep blue color as if I could see the vast sea by looking at his eyes. Tenderness and affection was shown on his eyes.

“Who are you? Are you participating in this competition?” he asked. I directly answered him after I got control of my body again. I said, “I guess before asking other’s identity you should first introduce yourself. Moreover, as participants we are not allowed to reveal our identity wasn’t that what the King had stated, Your Highness?”

He chuckled and said, “What a sharp tongued lady? Well it seems that you already know who I am so introduction is not needed right? Now, let’s go you have your price to claim. I’ll look forward to our dance in a few days. I will help you to prepare all your dress. As for tonight and another three days, stay at the Palace guest room.” Just like that, he dragged me out to the Palace. Outside the Palace, people were cheering and clapping their hands.

I met Rosalie there again. She said, “Congratulations! As expected as you. You deserve the prize more than anyone here. Though you are not a royal, your behavior and attitude are better than those royals. Go and have fun for the ball.” I smiled and say, “I really don’t want to go. Can you go with me tomorrow? I need-”

The prince cut my words before I could finish it. He said, “Don’t worry. She can join us if you invite her. Your name is Rosalie right? It is my honor if you join us in the Palace. Should I prepare a dress for you too?” She blushed when she said, “It is my pleasure to join both of you. I will certainly be glad if you can prepare a dress for me. Thank you.”

“Then it is settled. Both of you will be attending the ball which will be conducted in three days. Princesses from throughout the land will also be there so today if you can come to the palace for some etiquette lesson, I will be glad.” he said.

I said, “All right let us go now, Rosalie to the Palace you admired for so long.” She excitedly said, “Of course, I am so excited.”