Eternia gazed at her reflection in the mirror, marveling at the changes that had overtaken her. It still felt surreal, this transformation from the simple life she knew in Crystalia to the grandeur of her current surroundings. In contrast to the modest attire she was accustomed to, she now found herself adorned in luxurious silks and fabrics, each outfit carefully selected by Lady Evangeline to accentuate her status as a princess. Her hair, once left to cascade freely, was now styled in elaborate ways that seemed to defy gravity, a testament to the creativity of her attendants. Despite the strangeness of it all, there was a part of Eternia that couldn't help but be captivated by the beauty and extravagance surrounding her.

“Any longer and the mirror shall crack,” said Adrian, pulling her back to reality. He’d been there for quite some time now. He’s quite impressed at the efforts the maids put into making her beautiful; not that she needed it.

“Oh,” she breathed out, thoughts momentarily scattered. “You look handsome, Adrian!” she complimented in awe. To say that Adrian looked handsome was an understatement. He looked as though he was royalty with the way he was dressed. He wore a crisp shirt under a royal blue doublet, trousers, boots, and a royal blue coat. The boy's hair remained a curly mess on his head, however. If his eyes were sapphire, he could be mistaken as a bastard child of the royal family.

Adrian rolled his eyes, a bored expression on his face. “You don’t look ugly,” he said, “I suppose the maids know what they’re doing.”

“You’re still so grumpy,” she said, pinching his cheek. Eternia twirled around, showcasing her attire. She was dressed in a silver and blue gown that was embellished with countless sapphires and diamonds. Her long black hair was tied in two pigtails under two buns at the top of her head. Indeed, she was the heiress of the Sapphirian Throne.

Adrian let out a smile, congratulating the princess for finally becoming part of a family. He’d known her for quite a while now. Whether he’d admit it or not, he did grow fond of her even a little. He took her hand and escorted her to the great hall where the courtiers and guests were eagerly awaiting her arrival.

“Ready to meet your people, kid?” he asked rhetorically.

Still, Adrian received a nod from the little girl. She took Alexa’s advice religiously and kept a straight and confident face. Within her, however, her heart felt as though it would explode. She’s incredibly horrified and nervous as she’s not used to seeing so many people.

The pager announced her arrival and all eyes darted at her as she gracefully descended the stairs. It felt as though time stopped and she felt frozen, unable to move. Thanks to Adrian’s hand, she’s able to reach the foot of the staircase where her father had been waiting with a warm smile.

“She’s all yours, Your Majesty,” Adrian said, handing the King his daughter.

“My,” he says, “You look like a prince, Adrian.”

“I thank thee for thy compliments, Your Majesty,” Adrian replied.

Aurelius’ eyes then shifted back to meet his daughter’s gaze. He was proud of how the child presented herself, but at the same time, he felt bitter for not being there to see her grow.

Eternia curtsied low and respectfully. “Your Majesty,” she greeted.

He couldn’t help but feel a thorn stuck in his heart. Marcella abandoned her as an infant and yet he still sees her in his child. The way she talked, curtsied, smiled… everything leads back to Marcella. “You look beautiful, princess,” he managed to say, taking the girl’s hand and leading her to the throne. Upon reaching it, he proudly presented his daughter to the masses. “This is my eldest and only child, Princess Eternia Seraphina Crystalia of Sapphire, daughter of House Sapphiria. I want all of you to see her for as she is—my daughter and heir. At long last, she’s come home.”

“Long live the princess!” they cheered, “Long live the King! Long live the Queen! Glory and Blessings to the Sapphirian Dynasty!” The banquet then proceeded and so did the festivities.

Alexa stood from her seat and greeted the princess with a nod of approval. She was proud of what she created—a jewel that everyone wants. “You look beautiful, Princess Eternia,” she said, running her fingers through one of her pigtails.

“Thank you, Your Grace,” Eternia smiled.

Duke Gareth entered the scene, interrupting the Queen’s conversation. His presence commanded attention. As always, his criminally good looks stole the hearts of the many women in court. This time, though, it wasn’t just him that caught people’s attention. He brought along his sons, Lucas, Christopher, and Zachary. Lucas is the very image of his father and is five and ten. He’s been studying at the Royal Academy as well as training to become a warrior and duke. The middle child is Christopher who is one and ten. He’s also a student at the Royal Academy and will soon train to become a knight. The youngest is Zachary who’s merely eight years old—the perfect age to be friends with the princess.

“Your Majesty,” Gareth greeted, bowing along with his sons.

“Duke Sapphirepeak,” the King acknowledged, “And these must be your children.”

“Your Royal Highness,” Lucas bowed respectfully.

Christopher greeted, “Your majesty.”

Zachary, Gareth’s pawn, greeted the King with just a bow.

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“Welcome to court,” the King said. He sighed internally and presented his child to them. “This is my daughter, Eternia. She’s five years old.” He knelt down to level with her and pointed at the boys. “These are the children of House Sapphirepeak. I believe Zachary is about your age.”

Before Eternia could greet them properly, Zachary took her hand and planted a gentle kiss. It was sweet, bringing the courtiers in awe. Eternia blushed immensely, receiving his warm greeting. “Why is my heart beating so fast?” she thought, hiding her face.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace,” Zachary said with a sweet and innocent smile. “I’m Zachary. The third child of the House of Sapphirepeak.”

“What a charming young master,” the queen commented, “I’m sure she and the princess will become great friends.”

“Master Zachary,” Eternia greeted, “It’s a delight to meet your acquaintance.”

“I’d like to,” before Zachary could finish his sentence, Duke Solaris entered the scene with his wife and son, Alexander.

The House of Solaris is known for its intelligence, power, and beauty. They possess hair as gold as the sun and eyes that resemble embers. They have incredible ties with the Royal Family and are one of the Guardians of the realm. They’re rich in wealth, power, and influence. They’re the biggest rival of House Sapphirepeak. Solaris is known as the bright and shining sun, while Sapphirepeak is known as the moon.

“My King,” Duke Solaris greeted, bowing respectfully. “Apologies for coming late. The Duchess is still a bit nauseous.”

“It’s alright,” Aurelius smiled, welcoming his friend. “Duchess Lumina Solaris,” Aurelius greeted, planting a kiss on the Duchess’ hand. “Welcome to court. The Queen was eagerly waiting for your arrival.”

“My King,” the Duchess curtsied. She then curtsied at the Queen, greeting her, “My Queen.”

“Duchess Lumina, my dear friend,” Alexa says, holding Lumina’s hand. “How are you feeling?”

“It appears she isn’t gravely ill,” said Duke Solaris, “We’re expecting another child.”

“Congratulations,” Aurelius, Gareth, Theodore, and Magnus said in unison.

“Theodore, Magnus, Duke Sapphirepeak,” Solaris greeted. Usually, none of them—Aurelius, Theodore, and Magnus—use titles to address each other. But on formal occasions, they, of course, greet His Majesty with the utmost respect. The three of them—Magnus, Theodore, and Maximilian—aren’t obligated to address each other formally.

“It’s about time,” said Theodore, shaking his hand.

“Duke Solaris,” Eternia curtsied. They had completely forgotten that Eternia and the children were still there.

“What a beautiful child indeed,” Maximilian complimented, “She resembles you, King Aurelius.” Still, he recognized Marcella in her just as everyone else did. She may be Aurelius’ child, but half of her is still Marcella. Max pulled his son from behind him and introduced him to the Royal Family. “Princess, My King,” he says, “This is Alexander, my firstborn and heir. He’s eight years old.”

“Your Majesty,” Alexander bowed. Shifting his gaze at the princess, he greets, “Princess Eternia.”

“Master Alexander,” Eternia curtsied, accepting his hand and gentle kiss. He’s the second person to kiss her hand tonight and all this was new to her. She had never seen other children before other than Adrian who doesn’t even count as a child.

“Our children would be excellent friends, don’t you think?” Max said, smiling happily at the sight of them. “The next generation of House Sapphiria, House Solaris, and House Sapphirepeak. I wonder when House Verdant and House Azure would have heirs of their own.”

“I am in no rush to wed,” said Theodore.

Magnus agreed, “Same here.”

“My daughter,” the King said, “Why don’t you enjoy the banquet with your new friends? They are our allies and it would be meaningful to establish bonds with them.” As the princess, one of Eternia’s duties is to entertain guests. However, she’s but five. He knows she should be enjoying her childhood, but it’s best that she learns her duties at a young age. Another benefit is keeping his enemies close—namely House Sapphirepeak.

Eternia curtsied and did as she was told. She walked with the young masters of House Sapphirepeak and House Solaris.

“I know it’s sudden, but I have to ask,” Gareth said, “But have you chosen a match for the princess, My King?”

Aurelius arched his brow, not bothering to conceal his distaste. As he expected, Gareth will soon plant the seeds he intends to sow. Promising Eternia’s hand is an important decision he does not intend to make just yet. She, after all, is his only daughter and heir. Marrying into the Sapphirepeaks would keep the peace between their Houses, however, it grants Sapphirepeak too much power. If he chooses the son of Solaris, then Sapphirepeak might intend to wage war given that he has the influence and resources. As much as he’d like his daughter to be happy in a love match, it’s just too complicated.

“The Princess is merely five,” said Max, “She shouldn’t be pressured into marrying someone this young. Cut her some slack.”

“Need I remind you that she’s the only heir to the Throne?” said Gareth, “She has an obligation to this country and the entire future of the Dynasty rests on her. Her father was betrothed to Marcella when he was but six.”

“I’m certain that the Dynasty is capable of giving the princess the luxury of choosing her own groom,” said Magnus, “The King had a love match. I assume he wants the same for his daughter.”

“A love match that went to flames,” Gareth thought.

“My daughter will wed a fine man who inherits power,” the King said, breaking his silence, “Of course, I will be the one who decides which realm, kingdom, or House is best. At the end of the day, she shall choose the groom, herself.”

Meanwhile, the children are having conversations at the other end of the hall. Lucas, the teenager and heir of House Sapphirepeak, found the princess adorable and ahead of her years. He could’ve sworn she was a ten-year-old with the way she carried herself and the way she spoke.

“Master Lucas,” Eternia said, “Why don’t you enjoy the festivities? Surely, you find us boring company. We’re children, after all. I’m sure you have other interests.”

“How kind of you, Princess,” Lucas acknowledged, planting a kiss on her hand. “I do find your company pleasurable, don’t get me wrong. I shall see you later.” He then looked at his brothers, giving them the “look.”

“We won’t cause any trouble,” Christopher, the troublemaker, groaned, shooing his brother away. He then grinned at the three younger kids, an evil look in his eye. “Shall we have fun then?”

“Your idea of fun is trouble,” Zachary dismissed, “I think it’s best if you joined the dancefloor with the other eleven-year-olds present tonight.”

“I agree,” said Alexander, “I remember the last time we met at a ball… It was chaotic.”

To be continued…