Rina stood atop a winding staircase, with a platform strategically positioned at the stairs' 90-degree turn. She knew that all the guests' eyes would be drawn to her on that landing, as if by some magnetic force.
In about a minute, she would have to descend the stairs when the clock's hands aligned at twelve midnight, and her name would be announced.
The cacophony of the celebration resonated all the way to where she stood, her ears catching snippets of conversation, clinking glasses, and various forms of laughter. Instead of embracing the festive atmosphere, Rina felt her nerves kicking in.
Her hands clutched the fine silk of her gown, causing it to wrinkle, and her lower lip was ensnared between her teeth. She loathed being in the spotlight and had never been fond of the idea of dressing up. Avoiding balls like this one had been a recurring pattern in her life. How many times had she feigned illness to escape such gatherings? But there was no avoiding it now.
The princess's anxiety grew, and as it often happened when she was stressed, her stomach protested. A deep gurgling sound emanated from her belly, capturing Rina's attention.
"Not now, please. I don't have time for a trip to the toilet!" She implored her belly, but her plea was either ignored or cruelly mocked as another, even louder growl reverberated.
This is not the moment for—
Rina couldn't even complete her thought before the maid beside her raised her arm, gesturing toward the stairs.
"It's time, Princess. Your illustrious name is about to be announced."
What illustrious name? Show me grace and lead me to the restroom!
"I can't. Please inform the Master of Ceremonies to delay my introduction. I need to—"
Fate seemed intent on ensuring that she would descend the stairs at that very moment. Her words were abruptly cut off by a resounding voice.
"Fifteen years ago, the most beautiful and radiant gem graced our world. Tonight, we gather to celebrate this enchanting occasion," the announcer's voice echoed throughout the hall.
"Welcome the Princess of our kingdom—Rosalyn Isabella Noelle Aurora, the Princess of Sylphrena, on her fifteenth birthday!"
Immediately, thunderous applause resonated through the hall, creating vibrations that Rina could feel reverberating within her. She had no choice but to take the first step down the staircase. Her midnight blue gown followed her, lifted slightly at the sides by her hands. All the while, her stomach's persistent protests never ceased. Rina was convinced that if it had the capability, it would overshadow even the sound of the applause.
That would be so embarrassing.
With each step she descended, her stage fright seemed to intensify. Countless unnecessary thoughts and fears sprang forth from her subconscious, tormenting her mind. Her eyebrows knitted together, and her lower lip bore the marks of her anxious bites.
What if I trip and tumble down these stairs? They'd all laugh at me... Does this dress suit me? Will Father be proud? Is Remian here?... Even if he is, he probably won't spare me a glance...
Click-Clack
Her high-heeled shoes echoed on the platform, and with a simple turn, Rina would face all the invited guests. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply, savoring the scents of the meticulously prepared delicacies for her special day.
As she turned towards the audience, her eyes opened. Gone was the fear, the stage fright, and the nervousness that had held her countenance hostage. It was replaced by a cold and unwavering demeanor, befitting the Princess of Sylphrena. She was a woman above worldly concerns, untouched by the mundane. Fear and nervousness had no place in the lexicon of a princess; only breathtaking beauty was acceptable.
When Rina faced the audience, the applause dwindled almost instantly, leaving only a few scattered claps that too ceased within a second. The reason for this abrupt hush was the image that met their eyes.
The princess, adorned in her midnight-blue gown, was a vision of mesmerizing elegance. Her silver hair cascaded in soft waves, like moonlight spilling over the night sky. It was carefully styled, with silver hairpins that glistened like stars.
Her dark eyes, framed by long, dark lashes, held an enigmatic depth that seemed to conceal countless secrets. They gleamed with a subtle smoky makeup that accentuated their intensity, reminiscent of the depths of a mysterious, endless abyss.
The gown's fitted bodice hugged her slender form gracefully, and intricate silver embroidery traced delicate patterns across the midnight-blue fabric. The off-the-shoulder design added a touch of allure without sacrificing the gown's regal poise. Silver sequins and crystals were scattered across the gown, catching the light and shimmering like distant stars in a tranquil night sky.
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The skirt flowed in cascading layers of midnight-blue tulle and chiffon, each layer as soft and weightless as a whisper. As she moved, the gown seemed to come alive, its ethereal layers swirling around her like a celestial dance. With each step, the hem of the gown brushed the floor gently, leaving a trail of stardust in her wake.
Around her neck, she wore a silver necklace with a sapphire pendant that sparkled like a distant planet, adding to her celestial charm. A silver tiara adorned her head, resembling a celestial crown, adorned with blue jewels. It perched atop her hair like a diadem from a fairy tale.
As she entered the grand ballroom, all eyes turned to behold her. The princess in her midnight-blue gown was the embodiment of a starry night, a celestial goddess among mortals. Her presence was captivating, and the room seemed to hush in awe as she moved, a living constellation in the midst of a wondrous gala.
Even the Master of Ceremonies had to compose himself. The princess had arrived, and it was time to execute his duties flawlessly. He cast an irritated glance at the orchestra members, who had momentarily faltered.
Soon, elegant musical notes drifted through the ballroom, enhancing Rina's graceful stride. While her beauty was extraordinary, "Midnight Elegance" had played its part, enhancing her aesthetics. As if the gown had a life of its own, it interacted with the room's light, swayed with each step she took, and subtly shifted its hues, a luxurious piece of magical craftsmanship befitting this grand occasion.
You are all being played with.
Rina scoffed inwardly.
But as the initial shock in the eyes of the guests faded, they turned their scrutinizing gazes upon her.
Jealousy, lust, adoration, hate, love—the myriad of emotions directed at the young girl overwhelmed her. All she wished for was to retreat to a dark corner, far from these judgmental eyes. Just as she felt like she might drown in this sea of emotions, someone raised an arm in her direction, palm up. It was a hand she had taken countless times in her life.
Her father—King Urtemis—invited her to the opening ceremony, the first dance. At that moment, his broad back became a shield that absorbed all the piercing gazes, as if they were arrows flying her way. Rina instantly felt secure, accepting the outstretched hand and moving toward her father.
The music shifted to a slow melody, befitting the first dance.
"Why do your shoulders appear so heavy, Rosalyn?" her father inquired, his perceptive gaze seeing past the mask she had donned for the guests.
So, he noticed.
"It's nothing, Father," she replied, knowing that such an answer wouldn't suffice. "I'm just a bit nervous. There's no need to burden yourself with my sentiments."
"It is your birthday, if not today, then when else would be the appropriate time to care for you?" King Urtemis reminded her.
Rina gazed up at her father, taking in his appearance. Although he bore the appearance of someone around 60 years of age, he was far beyond the age of any normal human, a proud 130-year-old, a side effect of the power he wielded as the ruling bloodline. His once striking silver hair had turned to an aged grey, and wrinkles told tales of his rich experiences, too numerous to count. Yet, his eyes still shone and sparkled, even in the illuminated hall.
The aura he exuded was one of authority and dominance, that of a true king who had governed Sylphrena for a hundred years. The guests were in awe of their king, but Rina saw beyond their admiration. She witnessed the dwindling life of her father, his spark dimming with each passing day. She couldn't bear to think about the day it would extinguish.
Rina dreaded the idea of losing her father, her sole parent, and the only person who loved her deeply... Despite being a replacement for someone else, rather than the descendant he might have wished for, the warmth of her father's love, however cold and calculating, was the only solace in this bitterly chilling world.
Rina held tightly to the hand that was leading her in the dance, her father's hand, the only source of unconditional love in her life. King Urtemis danced with the grace and finesse expected of a royal, and Rina followed his lead effortlessly. They moved to the rhythm of the melody, a harmonious duo on the ballroom floor.
The Princess had never met her mother, another rule of royal upbringing. Non-royals had no right to raise a potential king or queen; the responsibility fell solely on the current ruler. Yet, she couldn't help but wonder about her mother.
Does she resemble me in any way? Where was she now? Why had she never shown herself? If it was my daughter, I would do anything to see her... Does she hate me too?
"What was my mother like?" Rina asked, the question surfacing unexpectedly.
King Urtemis paused briefly, raising an eyebrow in surprise. He hadn't expected such a question at this moment, but he answered, nonetheless.
"Your mother was... beautiful... Although your stunning appearance was inherited from me, those night-like eyes are clearly hers. I used to lose myself in them, just as I do when I look into yours."
Rina was about to respond when she noticed her father had more to say. His words carried a weight of wisdom that transcended the dance floor.
"What you have also inherited from her is your concern for what others think. As I told her many years ago, I must tell you now: do not be overly concerned with the world's perception. Focus your gaze inward. It's not about how the world sees you but how you see yourself... Remember my words always, even when I am no longer here. For I am certain that your children, bearing the same traits as you, will need to hear the same words."
Rina was taken aback; she hadn't anticipated such advice, nor had she expected her father to be so talkative. But she had no time to respond or even ponder his words. The melody had concluded, and her father stepped away, allowing the onlookers to focus their penetrating gazes once again on her.
Strangely, Rina noticed that no such gazes were directed at her anymore. Confused, she glanced around and realized that everyone's attention was fixated on a man approaching her. He seemed to ensnare every pair of eyes in his web, and those who had mustered the courage to request a second dance with her had promptly abandoned the idea. No one dared to defy him.
Rina recognized this enigmatic man, as did everyone else. A few steps away, he executed a graceful bow, extending his arm in invitation for her to take. To Rina, it felt like an obvious trap; accepting his hand seemed akin to surrendering her soul to the devil.
Damocles, the leader of the nobles, had invited her to a second dance—a request she had no choice but to accept, no matter how venomous it felt.
And so, her small hand met the ensnaring fingers of the nobleman.