5

The Grand Palace of the Queen, stood high at the peak of the peachy pink hill. The Cherry trees had shed their pink petals on the ground carpeting it with a layer of aromatic flowers. It looked like they were greeting the guests warm-heartedly to attend the first anniversary of the Crown Prince of the state.

Many eyes were pasted to the magnificent golden gate through which the Prince was going to make his appearance after a long-awaited year. Inside a majestic room in the easter wing, A girl with straight black hair, sat before a mirror while a maid in a laced dress brushed her long silky hair. She was wearing a strappy nightgown and a few strands of hair rested on her slender white shoulder. Her skin was paper white as if it had never been in the sun. She had dark-filled eyebrows with deep blue eyes. A sharp nose and soft pinkish lips. At a glance, she resembled an untouchable fairy that had descended to heaven. She lifelessly looked into the mirror and was deep in her thoughts.

"Princess! Your bath is ready." Said a maid as she dried her wet hands with a handy towel.

She glanced at the maid through the mirror and gave her a slight nod that would have gone unnoticed if it was not for her personal maid that had brought her up. She lifted her pale hand and gestured to them to leave the room. The maid who was brushing her hair let go of her hair and placed the brush on the table. She bowed, " We will be back after you have had your bath." SAid the maid and left the room leaving her alone.

In the huge sunken bathtub, there were rose petals floating making it hard to see the water. Tiny scented candles burning around the bath emitting a mild scent of lavender soothing one's mind. She slowly stepped into the lukewarm water.

"You should be ready, Syrus is coming, be sure to charm him with your beauty." She recalled the words of Queen Mother from the night before. She closed her eyes nervously and lowered herself into the water and almost disappeared into the pool-sized exaggerated bath.

At the entrance of the Palace, Hundreds of Knights stood in line waiting for the Prince's Car to arrive. Finally, the wait was over when a Black Rolls Royce drove in from the gates, followed by two more similar-looking cars. In the middle of them was a grey limousine. And behind it were security cars. There were loud trumpets at the arrival making everyone aware of The arrival of the Prince. The cars drove towards the main Palace where the queen was waiting for him.

The cars slowed down and came to a stop before the entrance door. The guards waiting to greet hurriedly opened the door of the Limo. From the inside emerged a guy with Royal attire, With a royal mantle resting on his shoulder and gracefully falling to the ground behind him. Before stepping away from the car he turned around and gave out his hand to someone who had accompanied him to the ball.

A red gloved hand grabbed onto his and stepped out of the car. A girl in a blood-red dress stepped out with a blissful smile. Her deep dark eyes twinkled excitedly. Her short brown hair was pinned up into a flower bun and she had a silver tiara in her hair. She looked like a goddess in that dress. Syrus stepped forwards and she followed him closely into the Palace doors.

Annabelle looked around at the spectacular decor with wide-open eyes, She had never in her life seen something so breathtakingly beautiful. From exotic paintings to numerous souvenirs. Everything was top-notch. There were maids standing at every corner waiting for just a flick of a finger to complete any command. A commoner like Annabelle had never in her wildest dreams thought that she would be able to enter the royal palace, let alone as the partner of the prince and the king in line. She was living the dream of every maiden in the Kingdom.

Annabelle was so immersed in taking in the view that she didn't notice the odd looks she was getting from the maids. Their gaze was filled with hostility and they couldn't wait to skin her alive. Syrus's footsteps slowed down in front of an enormous door. Anna slowed down as well and looked at Syrus for an explanation. The grip around her hand loosened and he slowly let go of her hand.

"Wait here." HE said and stepped forwards. The guards that were guarding the grand door pushed open the door and Syrus walked inside. It looked like a living room, HEwandered his gaze around and spotted an elegant woman dressed in a dusty rose gown that was embroidered with pure gold. She was sipping her tea when she looked up at the newcomer, her soft honey-like eyes resembled Syrus. She placed her cup back on the table and stood up with grace. She slowly approved him and stood a few steps away from him with a blissful smile. "My son is finally back." She spoke in a deep voice.

"Greetings to Queen Mother," Syrus placed his hand on his chest and bowed while speaking out.

"You are my son, you don't have to do this." She touched his shoulder gently and patted him. "Have a seat." She pointed at the sofa. "Emily! GEt tea for the Prince, and call for The Princess. Tell her that the Prince is here." She smiled.

The maid bowed and left the room.

"Now that you are back you will have to complete your duties as a Crown Prince and as a husband."

"Queen mother, About that, I have someone to introduce you to." Said Syrus.

"Who might that be?" She asked. Syrus turned his head around and the entrance doors swung open, a prominent figure in red came into view. Anna stood still until,she saw Syrus's inviting look. She timidly walked into the room and approached the queen in a mannerless manner. "Greetings to your Majesty." Anna shuttered while speaking. The queen's eyebrow's rose and she looked in Syrus's direction with a questioning look.

"Who is this lady?"

"She is my Wife…I mean wife to be, once Myrtle is divorced." Syrus blurred out without any remorse.

It was as if the ground had been snatched from under the queen's feet when those words fell on her ears. "Your WIfe?!! What kind of nonsense is that? I haven't permitted you to do such an act!..." She got up from her seat and walked up to Annabelle and lifted her chin up in a disgusted manner. "What is your origin? Which family do you belong to?" The Queen demanded an answer. Anna's blood went white and she stood petrified. Not a single word came out of her lips.

"She is a commoner."

After hearing Syrus's claim, the queen quickly retreated her hand as if it had touched something contaminated, Syrus stepped up for Anna and stood beside her to show his closeness towards her.

"How dare a pest like you stand in the place of a princess?!" The veins on the queen's forehead popped and her hand lifted up without her consciousness. Syrus didn't see it coming and wasn't able to act.His eyes widened up and his hand lifted up to block Anna from getting hit.

Slap! A loud painful sound echoed in the room,

Thud!

And the sound of someone falling on the floor followed.

It wasn't Anna who got hit...