Aina, Her Highness

1. Centura's Future

Crystal chandeliers, faded pink marble floors, and a whiff of rosemary. Everything that's fit for a princess.

Princess Aina, the eldest daughter of three, the heir to the throne and the hope to the Kingdom Of Centura, was anticipated to show up to the extravagant ball. But she, however had been in no hurry.

Faun, the maid, found her staring out her window, light pink curtains covering her face. "Sorry to intrude your highness but the King has requested your presence". Aina sighed, still looking through her window.

Stepping away from the windowsill, she still eyed the very same spot that she wishes to stay in from time to time. Faun could never understand her fascination with windows, but it wasn't her job to understand her, it was her job to guide her.

"King Aiden is waiting in the foyer. I will have someone send your belongings". The maid was about to bow (as did everyone when they are in the same vicinity as the Princess), Aina, was a very peculiar Princess, though. She met Faun halfway and brought her back to her appropriate posture.

"Faun. You should know by now that I don't like being too formal". Aina smiled. Not too bright, and not too much. The perfect smile on the perfect Princess. "Yes, well, I think you'd best be going. Don't want to keep the King waiting". Her majesty lifted her dress, being careful to watch her step.

"He'd really lose his head. Will I have the chance to see you at the coronation ball?". The maid looked at the Princess with the sad smile that Aina knows better than anyone in the castle. "Maybe one day if Centura allows it". Before Aina reaches the bottom, she looks at Faun once more. "When I'm Queen, I'll make sure of it".

"It's a shame that Henry couldn't make it". Queen Jadena fanned herself. Jadena was the only one in the family who didn't think Aina fit best as the next Queen. In all the years Centura has prospered, it hadn't been because of the current 'Queen'. Aina's kindness alone, had single handedly brought Centura to life.

"Not to worry Mum, Aina will speak to him". Princess Redna, the youngest, always came to Aina's defense. Redna grinned at her sister. "Won't you, Aina?". The elder sister nodded. "Where is Konni?". Aiden's voice echoed throughout the foyer.

"Father! Aina!". Konni's brown locks flowed as she ran through the brightly lit halls. "What is it, Konni?". When the second eldest reached her family, she was too out of breath to utter a word. "Take your time, dear sister. That's it. Inhale. Exhale". Her sister caught her breath. "I apologize for coming late. I promise to arrive sooner".

Aina smiled big enough for Konni to see her pearl white teeth. "It's alright. We still have time".

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Queen Jadena was greeted at the door of the ballroom. "Is everything prepared?". She asked hiding her face behind her pink floral fan. "Actually, My Queen, there is a bit of a delay". Quitton, the butler, quaked in place. "A delay? How unfortunate. Must I replace those who cannot do their duties?". Jadena closed her fan, firmly. "It's quite alright, Madam". Everyone's heads attention was on the speaker.

"Henry! What a nice surprise". Jadena brightened, allowing everyone's shoulders to release tension.

The Great Hall has been the biggest attraction of the Castle. It also just so happened to be where tonight's ball would be held. Henry, being the most loyal to the royal family, is so kind to help in any way he can. He was also promised to Aina, although she didn't think of him like that in the slightest.

"You look lovely, Aina". Henry's eyes meet the eldest Princess. Aina, not wanting to seem rude replied to him in the only way she knew how. "I do thank you, Henry. You look dashing as well". She bowed gracefully, nudging Konni as she did so. Konni followed along quickly. "Nice to see you again, Prince Henry".

The curly haired Prince smiled openly. "Of course I couldn't miss the most important day of your lives". King Aiden embraced Henry in a tight hug. "Thank you, young boy. Your loyalty is greatly appreciated". Quitton cleared his throat. "Excuse me, Miss Aina. You are needed in the vanity. Please follow me".

The eldest princess bowed everyone a goodbye and followed after Quitton.

"Right this way, your highness". Aina giggles. "Quitt, it's alright. We're not in front of the entire kingdom. Remember we're friends". Quitton smiles back at Aina. "Always so kind". The princess returned the smile.

"May I ask you for a favor?". Aina had asked as they walked through the hall. "What is it, Aina?". "Could you make sure that Faun makes it to the ball?". Quitton opened the doors to the Great Hall Vanity and smiled once again. "I don't see why not. Also I forgot to inform you that you have a guest at the South Gates". Aina's eyebrows furrowed. "Thank you, Quitt".

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