Chapter 1: Back to you

''Your majesty, aren't your suitors dashing?'' Helena smiled, hearing the remark of her favorite court lady, Anora. It wasn't an everyday event to see ten handsome men who were cherry-picked by her staff, ready to do anything just to gain a chance to impress her.

Little did they know that the outcome has already been decided; the winner would take it all before they could even realize it. Helena smiled to herself just imagining their shocked expressions.

''Let's go Anora, the gentlemen are waiting'' with a big smile on her face, Helena headed down the staircase. Her gaze quickly scanned the faces of the men around her, unconsciously returning to a certain figure at every possibility.

''Your majesty, would you grant me the honor of the first dance?'' Prince Ferranto grabbed her hand and kissed it, his blue eyes fixed on her. Helena repressed a feeling of contempt; his curly blond hair and slim athletic build couldn't tempt her, even if he was most agreeable in other people's eyes.

''Of course, prince. Soon I will be all yours'' lies smoothly came out of her throat, just like she was used to it. ''But let me assure you gentleman, today every one of you shall have a piece of me'' her radiant energy made her companions feel confident, just like she wanted them to be.

There was only one man whose expression did not change. The only man who mattered to her right now. And she was ready to make sure that he would be hers by any means necessary.

''My excellent staff organized all of the dances and assigned partners on most random basis'' she assured the man in her presence. ''Except for prince Ferranto who made an irrefutable offer, the rest of the dances will be shortly known to you''. She was willing to put up a façade for just a little while longer.

Her gaze went back to him, piercing a hole through his skull. Her mind was filled with one word: Rion, Rion, Rion. ''Do you even know how much this costs me?'' she wanted to scream at him.

Deep inside, she was scared. Maybe he already forgot about her, maybe she never mattered to him as much as he mattered to her. ''It doesn't matter'', she told herself, but couldn't stop trembling while imagining his rejection.

''Princess, it is time for your welcoming speech'' Anora's voice helped her snap out. Helena put back her docile smile and looked around her suitors. ''Gentleman, if you excuse me'' she took a slight bow and headed towards the podium.

All eyes on her, she marched forward as if she has never cared about the gossips that were circulating lately. She was painfully aware of how others perceived her to be a silly, insignificant princess whose value could only change based on a respectable marriage arrangement. She was about to prove them all wrong.

Helena stood on top of the podium and looked around, her grin never bigger.

''Dear honorable guests'' she began. ''I am most pleased to see you all gathered here today. You might have heard the reason why you were summoned here tonight, and I would like to assure you that it is true: out of these ten fine gentlemen in front of you will soon become my royal husband''.

The crowd cheered upon hearing her words. She nodded, awaiting a moment of silence.

''You might have also heard a rumor that not all of these gentlemen are of fine birth''. The murmurs around here sounded like a beehive. ''And it is true'' she paused, hoping for a bigger impact. ''For I do not only care for one's blood, but for one's virtue. As a future queen of our nation, I aim to be fair and just. And isn't there a better show of justice than to choose someone who has truly moved my heart, as the next father of our country?'' she asked, and the crowd clapped, nodding their heads in agreement. With the last smile, she left the podium and headed to start the opening dance.

Prince Ferranto already waited for her, looking as dashing as ever. Other couples quickly joined, awaiting the start of the music.

''My princess, you're truly a great speaker''. His hand squeezed hers lightly while he lead her in dance. ''I also hope that you give a fair chance to foreign suitors, just like myself''.

''My, of course'' she chuckled. ''How could I call myself fair if I were to not acknowledge your candidacy? I heard that all of your older brothers are the most desired bachelors in Trevia, is it true?''.

''Yes, it is, but they are not as promising as me''. He winked nonchalantly. ''Besides, they are all rather quick-tempered''. Seeing her eyes get bigger, he quickly added ''Don't worry, it doesn't run in the family''.

Helena laughed, surprising even herself. ''Maybe I judged these men too harshly'', she thought to herself.

''You're most kind, prince Ferranto. I could never think less of you'' she said sheepishly. ''How do you find the dance?''.

''It is rather quick'' his brow was already covered in sweat.

Helena smiled to herself, feeling guilty that she has chosen this very dance on purpose.

''Please do not worry, it is rather a short dance'' she assured him, pulling him closer. He looked at her surprised but smiled brightly when meeting her gaze.

''Would it be possible to have another dance with you, princess?''.

''With pleasure, that is if there is any energy left in me after the tenth one''.

''I am sure we can request something slower, to perhaps create a more... intimate atmosphere''. His expression grew more serious and she couldn't guess how innocent his intentions were.

''I will see to that'' she answered after a brief pause.

The dance just ended and participants were looking around, hoping to find a new partner. Helena didn't have to; she knew what was about to happen. ''Rion, Rion, Rion''. Her heart was about to jump out of her chest.

He appeared next to her like a ghost, his calm demeanor as alluring as always. He changed over the last few months: his jaw became even more masculine, and his arms seemed broader. She was itching to put her arms around him, but now it wasn't the time. She looked into his dark blue eyes and genuinely smiled for the first time this night.

''Your Royal Highness, may I?'' he extended his hand, bending the other arm behind his back.

''Of course, you may'' her hand was shaking, but his firm touch sent a calming sensation through her body.

The national dance of their country, Polonka, began.

''Rion'' he twitched upon hearing his name. ''Do you remember?''.

For the first time since he arrived at the castle, his indifferent expression changed.

''How could I ever forget you?'' he said quietly.

Helena smiled. That was all she needed to hear before executing her plan.