IGNORED. "That's what mobs are"

Chapter 26 - Frazier polit

Being jealous of a twelve year old really isn't something a grown woman should do, and yet I find myself doing so anyways. How funny, I use to laugh at childish adults and now I am one. I don't even have a proper dress to wear, nor proper maids to dress me up. I don't know what I should wear, who I should go with nor what I was expected to do. In fact, I was quite confused. It's a ball for a twelve year old, and only the kids of similar ages should come with their parents bringing their family crests in tow.

So, what happens to someone who hasn't made her debut yet? Where should I be sitting? Am I even included in the ball's invitation list? This weird anxious feeling keeps creeping up and stopping me from entering the waiting room, where my 'family' is. I had left Cal to dress up and from the looks of the attendants nearby, I was the only one left. Now, I'm not self centered enough to think that they've waited for me to start the ball, I'm sure it's probably because it wasn't time yet.

"Look at her, what is she wearing? A black dress on suck an occasion..." (maid C)
"Oh, hush. Her status is a question and with all the madams in the room, do you expect her to show her face?" (Maid E)
"She is a child, after all. Look at how her ears are bare, it makes sense for her to feel ashamed." (Maid D)

Ashamed? Ashamed of what? Ashamed that I'm the best there can ever be? That my mother is the sweetest most lovely person there is? That I don't share the same stuff and haughty attitude as my father? I had no other clothing that was extravagant enough, save for this black dress that was gifted to me by mother. My ears are bare because it has never been pierced before. I don't care about the madams, it's not my fault that the scum king cheated. I can't see what I should be ashamed of. And yet, the words those maids utter have somehow affected me.

I wanted some pep talk, maybe a hug or a pat on the back by someone. It really feels like I'm alone when I can't think of anyone I could ask help from. Other than Cal, who is already inside, who can I ask help from? The maids don't hate me, no, but they don't respect me nor think of me as a child of the household. Maybe I'm just a pauper who's fit for them to sneer at.

Stop being depressing, just go in and greet them and stay in the background, that way you won't have to deal with anything.

I miss it, I miss the days when I was half the age but twice as brave. Since I was a child, nobody really thought of me as a threat. Now I'm steadily growing older and though the king doesn't favor me, he doesn't hate me either. The wives of the king aren't happy and they want to make sure whatever I have will never reach the level of a true princess.

"So what? I lived as an ordinary girl for 20 something years already, why can't I do so now?"

I opened the door and hurried in, almost expecting sharp gazes to be directed at me. Instead, I realized I was late. They had already gone out and greeted the guests, Bianca being the center of it. Ah, what was I worried about again? I'm not even important enough for them to scorn me, I guess that's a good thing..

I walked down the staircase, practically invisible and walked towards the section where kids my age were spending time at. Of course, I spot the younger of the blond brothers and headed the other way around immediately. I do not want to create a scene here. I'd rather go out and take a deep breath, I guess.

.

She probably didn't notice. From the moment she walked out and gracefully walked down the stairs, she had kept all our eyes glued on. The smile that she graced upon everyone as well as her kindness that knows no bounds touched everyone's hearts. Everyone hurried to introduce themselves to her and wish her a happy birthday, congratulating her on her debut.

I was interested, of course. But just when I was about to head towards her, another small girl walked down the stairs, but she was alone. Her hair and attire were darker than the night sky with eyes that glittered like rubies. She seemed indifferent to how people were looking at her. She was without a chaperone, wearing a highly outdated dress without a hint of her family's crest anywhere on her body and yet we all knew who she was. The illegitimate daughter of the king. Born out of the wedlock between the king and a lowly peasant.

She walked towards a few peer of her age before turning the other way, towards the window. Is she heading out to the balcony? What for? In any case, how could the king and his whole family ignore her existence completely? Should she be scorned, wouldn't it be better if she weren't allowed to the ball?

She is interesting as well, most definitely. But I don't have the time to admire the wild flowers when I have a beautiful garden tended and cared to perfection right in front of my eyes. She was having quite the fun time with her brothers and so I approached her with a smile on my face.

"Princess Bianca, if you'll allow me to introduce myself..."
"And who do you think you are to barge in like this?" (Rick)
"Why I think that I'm qualified enough to talk to the princess."
"Oh, let him introduce himself, Rick.. you can't be so rude." (Bianca)
"How thoughtful of you, princess, I am Franzier polit, second prince of the polit kingdom."

I proceeded to reach for her hand and give the back of it a kiss, honoring the customs of visiting royals. To which her brothers do not look kindly upon. It seems like it would be quite difficult to win her over. But this is fine, I still have quite a lot of time to persuade both her and her brothers. By the time I'm through, they would treat me like family and I would acquire the best chest piece on the board.