37

Chapter 37

-Danielle-

Its as if every person in the crowd has their own way of looking and criticizing. It sounded weird but as I walk out of the waiting area, I could feel every curious eyes watching my every move, some of them has this eyes that I could only view as some kind of a predator trying to intimidate me, while others would watch me with smiles on their faces but with terrifying eyes.

I feel like those poor, unlucky ladies in novels that are always bullied by this envious people. As cliché as it sounds, I now know why some people, especially the ladies department, loves stories that has this scenarios where a high and powerful person falls in love to someone whose less fortunate. The drama and thrill it partakes is definitely something. And the confidence it gives to those who are at the bottom, well its exhilarating alright.

As I reached the stage, I bowed in front of Prince Luke and quickly rose up. I didn’t want to prolong this embarrassment I have whenever I’m in front of him. I saw a twitch on his lips when our eyes meet, just enough glimpse for me to remember everything that happened last night. I slowly walk away after that just so the Prince and Kevin John won’t witness the flush on my face.

“Am I the only one who thinks Lady Danielle was a sight to see? Or does anyone else agrees with me?” I heard Kevin John said after I went to my place where the other ladies are already waiting. I didn’t take his words as compliment though, since he did say a lot of things with the rest of the ladies. Not that I even care but his words could add a little boost to my reputation. I have that to work on since I’m not from a prestigious family, well that’s what my profile says in this competition, so I have to make a name for myself. I can at least achieve being the people favorite. Which means that a little praise from the famous Kevin John can bring me to places.

“We are truly blessed to be in the presence of this gorgeous and wonderful ladies who without complain, accepted our Queens invitation and traveled far from their homes, so they could be present and compete for the Crownprinces’ heart. Its been decades since the last time, Estrella celebrated a choosing ceremony and I’m positive that I’m not the only one who is a little blank as to what will happen in the next few days , so to give us a little background about the whole event, may I please invite our current Crownprincess, Princess Amber Louisa Adelburg- Eidenton” Kevin John respectfully calls for Princess Amber. Everyone clapped their hands as the Princess gracefully walked to the stage and face the audience with confidence and a proud demeanor the matches every royalty.

“Thank you for that warm welcome everyone. We are truly blessed to bare witness to this years choosing ceremony, its been long since our dear Estrella witnessed such event and now that we have ladies representing each of their kingdom. This is why, I am beyond honored and grateful that I was tasked to present with you the true sense of a choosing ceremony.” The crowd claps while princess Amber smiled while enjoying the appreciation given to her by the people.

“Generations ago, our ancestors came up with the idea of having ladies all over the world compete not for the heart of the prince or the people but to present five essential traits of what a Princess should be. Those traits will of course be presented in the upcoming days because I’m not entirely allowed to tell you guys everything. The staff specifically told me, no spoilers or they’ll cancel everything and we can’t really do that or else prince Luke would need to wait another year for a wife” the crowd laughs at the princess words and we also need to react since a camera was literally recording our every reaction. For once I actually feel obligated to smile and fake it in front of the whole world. “In the days to come, you will see these wonderful ladies prove to the world how brilliant they are in different aspects. They will each compete for the rights of being called the Crownprincess of Estrella and honor the dignity of a woman ion example.” Princess Amber proudly said as she looks to our way.

She smiled to each one of us before facing back the crowd.

“From today onwards, we will all see these ladies do their best in situations prepared by our panel of highly skilled individuals. Each will be judge fairly and points will be given to each. This points are given by our dear Queen Tatiana and whoever gets the highest point will be crowned. Though there maybe some cases, special tests that will determine each ladies capacity and determination.” I listened to her instructions and it feels like she’s giving us a clue. Like she’s warning each one of us to prepare and be on guard.

Prince Luke was being himself but I did catch him looking our way but he was quick to look away when he saw me looking. I wonder if the camera’s even caught that exchange between me and the prince? Was he looking because he wanted to see me? Just the thought of him looking at me made my stomach twirl in every direction. I felt every hair in my body go up and I can’t seem to erase the smile that is supposed to be fake n my face. I feel like I caught something illegal and that I should be hiding the smile in my face, but I am not.

I can’t be delusional of course, I may just be imagining things and I know that I should probably be focusing on what Princess Amber is talking about and not with the Prince who’s currently making my heart beat as twice as it did before. I am new to this sort of feeling, not even the love section on every library could describe and explain to me how I’m supposed to handle the things coming my way. I feel like I’m being attacked my multiple love arrows and its overwhelming.

Soon after, Princess Amber was done with her whole speech. I guess her years of being the crown princess has made her into someone who is well respected and sought after by the crowd. Princess Amber knows how to excite and make the atmosphere light and joyful and when she left the stage, every eyes followed her movement. She is one hard person to replace.

Kevin John then returns to the stage to welcome Queen Tatiana as she will be the one who’s going to announce the official start of the event.

As the Queen strides at the center of the stage, the nobles stood up to welcome her, while we were told by the staff people to just keep on sitting as per instructed by the queen. We obviously had to obey the Queens instruction despite the embarrassment of looking like snobs for not standing up. I would cover my face but that wouldn’t make a big difference.

The queen asked everyone to sit and explained to them why we remained seated when she went in and stood in front of everyone. For the rest of her speech, we all attentively listened to her speech and while she was making everyone laugh, each of the staff told us to prepare ourselves for we are about to go on stage to each we will be presented with a pin that speaks of an element we will be representing for the rest of the events.

“…With everything this kingdom has endured, it is only natural that we offer ourselves the time to let loose and enjoy the following events. I only wish that you support each of the ladies competing, and that you equally see them as fit to be the next crownprincess of Estrella” The Queens looks to our way and then she made a gesture for all of us to come and join her. Each of the staff led us to the stage and since I’m the last person to be called in earlier, I also stand farthest to the Queen.

“From this day onwards, these ladies will each possess a pin that represents each of the elements we will be using during the events. Each of these pins will play huge role during the events so I suggest that each of you should take good care of these” The Queen explained to the crowd before looking to each of us. One of the lady maids then goes to the Queen side to follow her while she hands each of us a pin that we will need to protect from this day on.

There is about five of us, which means we’ll each possess five different elements. The Queen finally reaches my side and before giving me my own pin, she smiles from ear to ear. She takes the last pin on the gold tray and hands it to me. I raise my hand and bow as she places the pin on my hand. And when I raise my head to meet her eyes, she urged me to look and see what the element was given to me.

At first glance you would only see a plain crystal pendant with a pin on the back but if you really look inside the crystal, you’ll see an intricate design inside the crystal. A simple symbol that indicates the element we are all going to represent. From the curves and shapes, I recognize it to be one of the old symbols used by Estrella.

I recognize the symbol because of my major and this is what Estrella used to record their history back in the day. It’s also simple to understand once you give it some time.

Once done, the crowd clapped as we all face them holding the pin that was given to us and the Queen smiling lovingly to all of us.

After the presentation of each pin we were told to stay put until the ceremony ended and with the Prince standing in front of us with both the Queen and the King.

I was in direct view of his back and for some reason my mind led me to thinking all the things we did in the last few day and how this will become our new normal. I will have to embrace the idea of always looking behind his back and hoping that someday he’ll step back and look at the same view as I am.

I smiled for the cameras and bowed as the royals exited the stage so they could all convene in the great garden where the all nobles and lords of each kingdom are welcome to dine and chat with the whole royal family.

As for me and the other girls. I still have no idea what we will be doing.

The event didn’t last that long, everyone was asked to proceed to the great garden as soon as the royals got out of the scene. We were then led back to a room where our assigned servants are waiting.

“My lady” Lalita greeted as soon as I entered the room. She was alone at first then the ladies that dressed and helped me before came out and bowed in front of me.

“You guys don’t really have to do that every time. You can be at ease when you are all around me” I walk pass them as I say this words. I was rushing to sit on the couch and when the ladies in the room realized what I was heading for, they couldn’t help the smile that formed on their faces. “Next time, don’t make me wear this pointed things” I pouted and that’s when my head designer comes in with a bunch of dresses behind her.

“My lady, I know you are exhausted but we must get ready. You must look absolutely wonderful for the next round. You must dress to impress the crowd” she announces as soon as she placed my next dress on the clothe rack. “Ladies…” Before I could even react to her words, Lalita and the others hover over me to pull me back of my feet. They laughed when they heard me complain.

“Just a little bit more my lady and you are free to sit around and do nothing. Well, that is until tomorrow anyways” Lalita informs me which made me even more tired of the whole situation.

They all moved according to my head designer’s instruction. I still have no idea whats going to happen in the next event but when my head designer said I must be dressed to impress, she wasn’t kidding. Her first creation was already jaw dropping and she didn’t just stop there. I am now wearing a fitted tube gown that looks exactly like the ones you see a goddess would wear on television, only that i’m wearing it in green and not in white or pink. They also decided to put my hair down, letting my natural loose curls show off its beauty, though if its just me brushing my hair, it wouldn’t even looks half as good as the one these people made it. They also changed the way my make up look and quite frankly, I am not sure if I can even pull this off.

“You look ravishing my lady. I think you’ll get every attention in that event without a sweat. If I have the richest, I will definitely put my bet on you” Lalita gasped when I stood up from the chair and finally wearing the designated heels for this particular dress.

Her words made me confuse but I didn’t have the strength to ask her about it. I’m trying to preserve whatever strength I have left, or I might do something stupid later on in front of many people.

“My lady, we are ready to go whenever you are” Lalita informs me as I was trying to ease up my body to the new gown I am wearing. It’s not like I’ll ever be comfortable wearing these beautiful gowns. Heck I am still trying to fit myself into these life that I am about to include myself.

Lalita accompanied me until we reach the designated garden where all the noblemen and women gathered to spend some time with the royal family. From a mile away I could already feel my nose getting itchy because of the freshly bloomed roses in the garden. I should have asked Lalita to get me some anit-allergy medicine before coming to this place, not I might need to hide myself or I might sneeze to some people.

I tried covering my nose as I enter the garden full of curious eyes. I lowered my hand to show that I am fine as I walk towards the royal families tent so that I could give them my greetings. It is customary, but as soon as I give them my greetings, I might need to find a place with less people and less smell of flowers.

“Greetings your highnesses, may the Gods keep blessing you and the rest of the family” I said as I bowed in front of them. The King and Queen were on their chair with their set of food still untouched in their tables. The Crownprince and current Crownprincess sat next to each of them. I made a quick eye contact with Prince Luke, wondering if he realize what I’m going through right now. After all, he is one of the few who knows that I can’t be exposed to fresh blooming flowers.

“You look wonderful Danielle. Go and join the other ladies, enjoy the food and when you are done you can roam around and introduce yourself to others” Queen Tatiana instructed while pointing me to the direction where the other ladies are, turns out that I was the last one to come and the rest of them are already either sitting or already talking to some of the nobles. “Good luck getting one of these people to like you” Queen Tatiana added which made my attention go back to her and both she and the king were smiling while watching me. I smiled back to them and I slowly bowed to excuse myself.

“Wait” I paused with my head still looking down with my nose starting to get itchy once again. I could feel my every nerve wanting to sneeze and blow out of my system whatever it is that got in.

I felt a person approach my side to I slowly look up to see what’s happening only to find out that I am faced with the prince himself. I didn’t know what was going on but he was in front of me in his full new suit and freshly combed to perfection hair.

“I saw from your file how sensitive your nose is when it comes to fresh flowers and plants. This should help you” a maid comes to his side and bring a net like mask that lets you see the face of the person you are talking to but it still covers the nose until the neck. It actually looks like a veil that only covers the nose to my mouth. “I know it looks a little see through but the people who made that assured me that no dust nor tiny thing could pass through.” Prince Luke smiled as he helped me wear the mask on.

I could feel my every inch of my body shiver as the crowd looks to our way. This could just be a scheme to play favorites and do some hot Monday exclusive news. He could have asked someone to give me the mask but he chose to make a scene and attract attention towards me.

I was embarrassed and so I lowered my head as soon as he was done. Realizing that I wasn’t looking at him, he touched my chin lightly to make me look at him. He smiled when he saw how embarrassed I am but nevertheless, he didn’t say anything else. He just looks at me for a few more seconds before turning his back on me.

“Thank you, your highness” I tried sounding confident but everyone watching our interaction, would know that my pitch is a little off for someone trying.

Before I could embarrass myself more, I walked away with my head low and my self-consciousness aware of everyone that is looking at my every move.

This is not what I was hoping for but I don’t have any other choice but to accept. This is after all what my life is going to be once I win this whole thing.