Princess Eternia watched Young Master Lucas’ image fade into the dance floor, wondering about what the future has in store for her. From her observation, Lucas is a fine young man. He seemed like a gentle person and he commands respect. Christopher, the second son, seemed incredibly mischievous. He had a look in his eyes that just screams trouble and a wicked smile. She found Zachary to be quite pleasant company. Just like his eldest brother, he was kind and gentle. Zachary made sure she enjoyed the party. Alexander, the son of Solaris, wasn’t as “gentle” as she thought. She found him beautiful like the sun, however, his personality wasn’t as pretty. He didn’t seem interested in her whatsoever.

“What are you thinking of?” Alexander asked, arching his brow. Just as any heir to a powerful house, Alexander had the “talk” with his parents. He understood what was expected of him as the first son, but he didn’t like the idea of marrying a foreigner.

“Oh,” she gasped, “N-nothing important, Young Master Alexander.”

“Don’t look at her like that, Xander,” Christopher reprimanded, “You’re scaring the princess.”

“What’s wrong with the way I look at her?” asked Alexander, slightly confused. “This is how I look at everyone.”

Zachary sighed, shaking his head. “Even so, you should at least look at her with kindness. She’s the princess, after all. You should look at her with gentle eyes.”

Truly, Alexander didn’t understand what was wrong. Why should he conform to their standards? This is how he looks at people. Do they expect him to smile all night long just to please the stranger? “What nonsense,” he muttered beneath his breath.

“I’m not scared,” Eternia spoke, “Please don’t make a big deal out of it.”

“If you say so,” Christopher nodded. He looked around the room, trying to find something fun to do. He’d love to create some mischief with his new friend, the princess, however, his father made it clear that he’s not to make a fool of their House tonight. “This is boring.”

“I apologize,” said Eternia.

“Don’t be,” said Christopher, “It’s not your fault this party is boring. The people who arranged it are old people, right? They can’t possibly understand what fun is for us. Perhaps we’ll get the chance to have some fun some other day.”

“Yes,” the Princess agreed, feeling a bit of relief. Her stepmother made it clear that she was to win the hearts of every courtier tonight. Anything less would be a failure on her part.

“Say,” said Zachary, “What do you like to do for fun?” The three boys shifted their gaze at her, waiting for her reply.

She thought for a second before responding, “I enjoy magic, archery, and swordsmanship.”

The three boys blinked in a bit of confusion. A princess practicing archery and swordsmanship? It was a peculiar idea. They’ve never seen a noble girl hold a sword or bow; not even once.

Zachary commented, “That’s not very princess-like.” His comment earned him a hit from Christopher.

“Oh,” Eternia bit her lip in panic. Perhaps sharing that wasn’t the best way to win them over. She’s a princess; of course, they’d react that way.

“It may not be very princess-like, but anyone can enjoy it, I suppose,” said Alexander. That must have been the only kind words to escape his mouth tonight. “What?” he asked upon receiving their looks of disbelief. “I’m just stating facts. It is peculiar for a girl to enjoy these things, but it isn’t restricted. I thought girls only enjoyed dancing, music, and tea parties.”

“There’s nothing wrong with enjoying those either,” said Christopher, “I happen to enjoy tea parties.” Christopher thought, and then an idea hit him. “Why don’t we enjoy a round of archery next time? We could even spar if you’d like! I think we’ll enjoy that.”

Eternia’s eyes lit up. She has never been invited to anything before. The joy made her heart flutter. “I’d like that very much!” she said, nodding excessively.

“And we could have some tea and snacks afterward,” Zachary contributed, “What do you say, Xander? I think it’s a marvelous idea.”

Alexander shook his head in disagreement. “As much as I’d like to join you, do you think that the King would allow his only child to engage in such activities with us young men? I doubt that. And remember, monsters are always lurking around. I’m certain he wouldn’t allow his daughter to leave the safety of the palace.”

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He had a point. Still, Christopher is not one to give up. “Then I shall ask His Majesty’s permission to do those things in the palace. I’m sure he’d agree if we all asked him. Judging by the way he looks at the princess, he’d do anything to make her happy.”

“That’s true, but my stepmother might disagree,” Eternia pondered sadly. Changing the topic, she asks, “What are your interests, Young Master Christopher?”

“Hm,” Christopher replies, “I suppose I like fighting. I’m to become a knight, after all. I also enjoy reading about history and stories about the other kingdoms. I like riding horses, too.”

“And you, Young Master Zachary?” she asked curiously.

Zachary replied, “I enjoy learning about sciences. I find magic quite interesting, too. Most of all, I enjoy fencing.”

“Sounds fun!” Eternia beamed. She then turned to Alexander and asked him.

With a bored expression, he replied, “I’m interested in becoming a Knight like Sir Magnus Azure. I’d like to fight monsters and dragons one day.” Alexander glanced at the clock and remembered the echoing reminders of his father: Remember to dance with the princess and welcome her. He groaned inwardly and extended his hand to the stranger.

Eternia looked at him quite puzzled.

“It’s rude to keep a person waiting, you know,” he says, waiting for her hand.

Hesitantly, she accepted his hand and followed him to the dance floor. Her heart was about to jump out of her chest in her nervousness. “I don’t understand,” she muttered, but he heard.

“Don’t understand what?” Alexander asked, holding her firmly. “We’re going to dance just like them. As the future of House Solaris, I am to welcome you warmly.”

“But it seems that you don’t like me,” she said accidentally.

Alexander started to lead her gracefully as the music began to play. “I don’t particularly like engaging with foreign people,” he admitted, twirling her gently. As they danced around the hall, their families watched in approval. As expected, they would make a handsome match.

“It appears the Princess is fond of your son, Maximilian,” said the King.

Maximilian nodded, smiling proudly at his son. It was a struggle to convince him to welcome the girl with open arms. “It appears so, Your Majesty.”

Gareth was very much displeased with the sight of them. Solaris won this round, but sooner than late, he’ll have the princess in the palm of his hand. If he played his cards right, Christopher would have won the princess’ friendship by now.

Time moved quickly and soon it was midnight. Eternia danced with all three boys and had plenty of fun learning about them. She was very much moved by Christopher’s enthusiasm to push on their playdate. She felt accepted and welcomed by them.

“Your Majesty,” The three of them bowed and Eternia curtsied.

“I trust you had a pleasant time,” said the King, “I saw you dancing with a smile across your face.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” she nodded enthusiastically, “I had a splendid time with my new friends. It was a great pleasure to have been able to meet them.”

“Truly, the honor is ours, Princess,” said Maximillian, ruffling the hair of his son. “I hope Alexander didn’t scare you with his icy stare. Everyone seems to be frightened by it at first, but he really is a good child.”

“Not at all, Duke Solaris,” replied Eternia with a grin, “He was… interesting.” Lies. She was beyond frightened of Alexander. The way he looked at her made her insides upset. It was as though he would devour her at any minute.

“If I may,” Christopher says, “We all found out that we all enjoy archery as well as swordsmanship. And though it isn’t normal for girls to take part in it, we thought it would be great fun to enjoy such activities with Princess Eternia.”

“Archery and Swords?” Gareth asked. Does the Princess really enjoy such things? He wasn’t in any position to dismiss the idea since the girl grew up in Crystalia. Perhaps things are done differently there.

Zachary nodded, saying, “It appears the Princess is quite fond of them.”

“I see,” said the King, “But I cannot allow the Princess to leave the palace due to the dangers. The increase of monsters in the realm is at an alarming rate as of now.”

Magnus chimed in, suggesting, “We could allow them to practice here. There’s no harm in doing so in the palace since there’s a barrier spell around us.”

Aurelius thought about it deeply. This was Gareth’s move to win over his daughter’s favor. It should be fine if Maximillian’s son joins them. As much as he’d like to prevent Gareth’s plans, he can’t refuse his request. “Would you like to engage in this, my princess?” he asked his daughter.

Eternia’s eyes shined like diamonds as she said, “Yes! I would very much like to, Father! I mean, Your Majesty.”

“Then I shall grant it,” Aurelius declared. He then looked at Maximillian, their eyes having a conversation of their own. “Your son must join the festivities as well, Maximilian,” Aurelius said.

“Of course,” Solaris nodded, “He shall be there. This would be a great opportunity for all our children to get to know each other.”

“Then I shall arrange for it,” said Theodore, the King’s secretary.

Aurelius, Theodore, Magnus, and Maximillian saw through Gareth's facade. His ambition to place his bloodline on the throne had been evident since their youth. Even as men, he remained unchanged; his relentless drive for power propelled him forward. However, it would be a cold day in hell before they allowed him to seize the throne. While he may have won tonight's battle, the crown would never be his. His efforts would ultimately be in vain.

“You will be the destruction of your own house,” Aurelius mused as he watched the Sapphirepeaks make their exit.