My arm was wrapped round his as we strolled in the gardens, enjoying the light evening breeze. The sun’s rays faded slowly as it almost leveled with the horizon, indicating its setting.

Evening walks with my dear Father was one of the things I enjoyed doing. It felt nice spending quality time with him—we bonded more during our walks.

“Can you show me your flame once more, dear?” He requested.

I chortled at his request.

“Father, this is the third time this week!”.

“I know, I just love seeing it!” He admitted.

“Your request is my command!’’ I dipped in a bow slightly.

He chuckled at my humor.

I let out a breath, preparing myself. I twirled my forefinger in mid air. In a matter of seconds, sparks of flames hovered a few inches from it. I increased the intensity of the flame—watching it grow tremendously, following the rotating motion of my finger. I hurled it in the air and we watched it disperse into a million fragments.

I beamed at myself, feeling complacent at the trick I pulled off. I turned to Father to watch his reaction. He had a huge smile on his face, his gaze still fixed at the sky. His eyes gleamed with tears as he stared at it.

“It is just like your Mother's!” He said slowly. His voice tinged with sadness, longing and regret.

The smile on my face faded, I noticed the longing look on his face whenever he spoke of her. He must miss his dead wife terribly.

“Can you tell me more about her?” I requested.

He smiled at me—placing his hand on my cheek as he stared deeply into my eyes, “You look just like her when she was your age. She was a vibrant young lady, full of life and adventure. Your flame is just like hers!’’.

I nodded slowly, his daily request finally made sense to me.

“She was the one who pulled me out of my boring shell. She brought light to my world and showed me what living felt like. When she died. . .I felt devastated, alone and pulled back to my hollow shell once more but then. . .” He smiled warmly at me “. . . I saw you and your brothers, knowing that she left me with the three of you, made me hopeful again!”.

I beamed at him, hearing him talk about her made me tear up. Taking him by surprise, I hugged him.

“You are not alone Father. I will always be here for you!” I said genuinely.

“I know Rosalind and I am grateful for that!” He replied, hugging me back.

We drew apart after a moment, it was the first time I had hugged him and it felt nice.

The sound of footsteps approaching us, drew our attention. We turned to find—the Butler, walking towards us.

He lowered his pace as he approached us.

“Is there an issue?” Father asked, his brows furrowed as he stared at him.

“I apologize for disturbing your evening walk, Your Grace!” He said, slightly bowing, “. . .but I have news to report!”.

I watched as Father's demeanor grew grim on hearing him.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

“What is it?” He inquired.

“It has to do with the ongoing war with the Southern Empire, Eldoria!” He stated. My heart drummed faster in my chest hearing him. “It appears that the Crown Prince has won the war! The unclaimed land belongs to Alderia.”

“That's delightful news!” Father said, his expression softened.

“We have received an invitation for a Royal ball that will be thrown tonight to celebrate the victory!” He reported.

I gulped nervously, clenching my fists as they trembled. The novel has begun.

* * * *

I sat nervously in front of the vanity mirror in my boudoir. Lenora and three other maids scurried about—preparing me for the Royal ball.

I recalled the conversation I had with Father after we received the news. I recalled pleading with him, trying to change his mind about my attendance to the ball. Attending the ball, meant that I would take part in the novel and that is against my main objective.

“I am sorry, Rosalind but I cannot agree to it. The invitation requested for every member of the House of Everhart and you are my daughter so you must go!” He explained.

“Please Father, I really don't want to attend!” I pleaded again.

He sighed and looked at me. He seemed displeased at my constant begging.

“No, Rosalind. I will not change my mind. If it was a Nobleman from the high society's, ball. I would have agreed to your request but this is a ball thrown by the Royal family so, No!”

“But. . .”

“Rosalind, your pleas or protests will not change my decision. You will go to the ball and that is final!” He said firmly.

I sighed deeply, that was a terrible trip down memory lane. I slouched in my chair, hoping to be struck by lightning—maybe if that actually happened, I will not have to go.

“My Lady, can you please sit up straight?” Lenora pleaded.

I exhaled, heeding to her. She was probably dancing within that I finally had a social gathering to attend. Well, you won this round Lenora.

Lenora was in charge of my hair and ball gown while the other three were in charge of my face and jewelry.

After what seemed to be an eternity of pampering and pettling for the ball. They were finally done.

“Wow! My Lady. You look just like a Princess!” The maids said simultaneously, enthralled by my allure.

I ignored their compliment, turned around to see my reflection.

I was left stunned.

My appearance was completely different from what I was used to.

My hair, combed neatly was woven with a golden hair vine intricated with a floral accent. The off-shoulder blue gown with a hint of gold in it was stunning. I was proud of Lenora's choice of clothing. It hugged my upper body, accentuating my curves. The off-shoulder neckline added a touch of sensuality and sophistication to the gown. It cascaded from my waist to the ground, transitioning into the mixture of the two colors, flowing graciously, creating a mesmerizing look.

My neck was adorned with a golden necklace, a blue diamond stud located at the end of it. It rested neatly on my chest. My face was beautified with a light touch of make-up, enhancing my features

I exhaled slowly, my appearance was too much to take in. I was beautiful. For the first time ever, I felt beautiful. To think, a day would come that I could ever feel this alluring. My eyes welled up and quickly I sniffed back the tears. The last thing I wanted was to ruin the hard work of the maids.

“I look beautiful!” I said slowly, gaping at my reflection.

“You are beautiful, My Lady!” Lenora said, smiling at me.

I beamed at her, grateful for her compliment.

>>>> As I walked down the stairs, I noticed the looks on the faces of My brothers and my dear Father. They were enchanted by my beauty.

“Rosalind, you are breathlessly alluring!” Leo said, softly. His gaze never left mine.

I felt my cheeks redden by the compliment, it was pleasing to hear.

“You look just like your mother!” Father said, smiling proudly at me.

I nodded slowly at him.

“Father, do you think it is a good idea for her to attend the ball?” Edward asked, suddenly “. . . Because I think she might end up stealing the spotlight from the Royal family! You know, you may have men fighting over you by the end of the night?” He winked at me when he said that last part.

I rolled my eyes at him. He wasn't lying about me stealing hearts. I am beautiful. I am so beautiful that I am scared of my beauty.

I beamed, hearing those compliments made me feel like I was floating in mid air. I didn't pay much attention to my steps until I tripped on my dress and fell face flat on the ground, shocking everyone.

“Rosalind!” Everyone yelled.

“Are you okay?” Leo asked.

I raised my hand up, giving them a thumbs up—notifying that I was indeed alright.

“I am okay!” I mumbled. Gathering the energy within me, I stood up holding my dress firmly. My cheeks were flushed with embarrassment.

“Let's go!” I said, heading towards the front door with my face held high.