Royalta

Chapter 2

Chapter 2:

I woke up to the sunlight seeping through the curtain and onto my face. Today was the day. My heart was racing at the thought of meeting him on this day. I made my way into the washroom to take a warm and cleansing bath. A maid entered my room just as I exited the bathroom. She held my morning dress in her hands and helped me put it on. It was early, but the guests will start arriving soon for breakfast. My mother wanted to give me every possible chance to find my mate. My stomach grumbled as the smell of hot waffles made its way to my room.

The maid finished styling my hair and begun to put on a light layer of makeup on my face. I thanked her, quickly, placed my feet in a pair of sandals and hurried to the kitchen.

My father, mother, sister and a few guests sat at our large dining room table and conversed. They turned their heads toward me as I came into view. I offered them a small smile and took a seat near my mother.

My hands played, impatiently with the hem of my dress, as I waited for breakfast. My dress was long, flowing and a bright yellow. It had a silver metal belt placed on my waist. I admired the fabric as a maid placed a plate of waffles in front of me.

As soon as we all finished breakfast, everyone separated. Some went to the Tea room to continue talking while my family and I went back upstairs to change into our tea time clothes.

The maid had already laid down my dress when I entered my room. I pulled on the baby blue dress and silver flats and went to the Tea room.

This continued on for the whole day and it was now time to start the party. All the guests had finally arrived and were all gathered in the Ballroom awaiting my grand entrance. I stood behind the large wooden doors that would soon open up and reveal the decorated ballroom to me. My palms were sweaty, my cheeks red and my heart beating rapidly. I hoped he was here.

The doors finally opened. I held my head up high and plastered a smile on my face. I slowly made my way down the elegant wooden staircase as people applauded. My head scanned the crowd for something. Anything. I sniffed the air. Nothing. He wasn't here. My mate wasn't here. A look of disappointment must have flashed in my eyes because shortly after my foot touched the marble floor, my mother took me in her arms. I gave her a weak smile and shook my head at her questioning face.

Many people attempted to make small conversation with me, but I wasn't in the mood of talking. It felt as if my hopes and dreams had just been crushed into several small pieces. My parents had tried so hard. They had invited all the young men in our country and none of them were mine. Maybe he was on vacation or couldn't make it. I tried to reassure myself. Maybe he was dead. Oh no. He couldn't be dead. He just couldn't. Could he?

My mother cleared her throat at me. I stared at her in confusion. Had I been lost in thought? I wasn't paying attention. She nodded her head towards the couple in front of me. It was none other than King Albert and Queen Marina Albus. Princess Charlotte, their daughter, stood by her mother's side. She was only a few months older than me, and very pretty. Her hair a light brown colour and her eyes a dazzling green.

"My apologies. I was lost in thought. Please forgive me, you highness," I finally said, directing my words to the king. He offered me a knowing smile.

"It's quite alright. We understand. Have you found your mate yet?" He asked. I shook my head in sadness.

"Never mind. You'll find him soon enough. Or he'll find you." He winked at me as we all laughed. He went on to inform my mother that his son offered his sincere apologies as he could not make it to the party. His son was Prince Chase Jordan Albus. I had never seen him in my life, not even in pictures. He was also next in line for the throne and a year older than me. I could never understand why someone would name their child Chase, but I refrained myself from asking. It would be rude and insulting. We don't need to start another problem. My father insisted on having a truce between both countries and King Albert agreed. Ten whole years of war. Ten whole years of people dying for our country. Ten whole years; each filled with too many funerals, too many tears and too much sadness. But now it would all be over.

I glanced at Princess Charlotte and wondered if we could become friends. I don't have any friends. People tend to think of me as too uptight and scary. I think they're just afraid of all the power I hold over them.

"Hi," I began. She looked up at me in surprise.

"Oh, hi. Um, happy birthday!" She exclaimed and gave me a big hug. My eyes widened in shock at her sudden kindness.

"Thank you," I replied and hugged her back. The night continued like this with Charlotte and me enjoying each other's company and discussing our interests.

The party ended at midnight and only the Albus family had stayed to discuss a few extra details of the truce. They soon finished and were on their way back to their kingdom, Amora. I returned to my room to sleep.

As I lay my head on the soft pillow, I wondered when I would ever meet the man that would sweep me off my feet and carry me into his heart.