Chapter 18

Finally, the day of the party arrived.

After getting the whole dress and outfit problem out of the way, all that Arya had to do now was wait for the big day to arrive.

 Arya managed to squeeze in some training beforehand.

Hand-to-hand combat with Catalina for an hour before sparring with Elijah for half an hour.

Some reading and intellectual discussions with Baron Pax before it was time for a quick and simple lunch.

Then they started to get ready for the birthday party as the sun started to set.

Preparations begin at 4:00 pm in the evening and continue for 2 hours.

A royal banquet will be held for 2 hours before the royal ball starts.

After washing up and pampering herself with all sorts of body lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and hair oils, Arya found herself slipping into that pretty green dress with the uneven skirt. The layers of white and green tulle felt light and airy to her and it suited her very well. Her legs were shown off and it hugged her body, showing off all the muscles she developed and gained during months worth of intense physical training under Elijah and Catalina.

She slipped into matching green flats that were laced up like sandals with matching green ribbons.

She actually didn't know how to lace up the shoes so Myna did it for her. Myna laced up the ribbons until they wrapped around her ankles and tied themselves up into neat little bows. 

Cute shoes. Myna picked them out for her and Arya loved how comfortable and pretty they looked.

They went well with her dress. Myna brushed out her skirt and smoothed out any wrinkles or creases it might have after being folded up and stored inside a box for too long.

A golden chain belt went around her waist. Myna adjusted and altered the belt until it suited Arya.

Catalina did her makeup and she applied dark brown powder to her eyelids, pink blush to her cheeks, and painted her lips a soft pink. She gingerly and carefully applied little green circular gems to the corners of her eyes. 

"Alright, you can look now."

Arya opened up her eyes and saw herself staring back at her in the mirror. But it was a more dolled up version of herself. Somehow, Catalina managed to apply the makeup in a way that brought out her natural beauty and didn't look too overly done or made her look fake. 

Myna was combing her hair until it fell down in loose silky brown waves and she pinned her hair into place behind her ears with those same jeweled hair clips.

"You look so pretty, Catty. You're going to be the star of the show tonight."

"Thanks, Arya. You look so pretty tonight as well."

"Oh, sweetheart, you were already beautiful enough so I only applied a bare minimum of makeup in order to allow your real beauty to shine through."

Catalina was dressed in a lilac purple off-shoulder ball gown with a deep sweetheart neckline.The bodice was decorated with matching lilac lacy flower designs while the long, flowing skirts of lilac tulle and silk were layered and ended in a sweeping train that trailed behind Catalina. The skirt was dotted with matching lilac embroidery that enchanted the beauty of the dress. Catalina looked even more stunning and breathtaking in this masterpiece of purple silk.

"Myna, could you help me tighten up my dress. The ribbons of the back, please."

Myna nodded and pulled and yanked at the ribbons to tighten up the dress.

"Thank you, sweetheart."

"No problem, Lady Catalina."

A knock on the bedroom door. Myna went to go get it.

It was Elijah but he was more dressed up than Arya had ever seen him before.

He was wearing a handsome dark red suit with gold trimming. His black leather shoes were polished and had golden buckles. His long white hair was tied back with a red ribbon to match his suit. Elijah looked even more 

"Hello, ladies. You look very beautiful and princess…you are gorgeous tonight."

Baron Pax seemed to be struggling to pick a suit to wear so Myna went off to help him choose whether the gray suit or orange-red one was a better pick.

After some debut and decision making, Baron Pax wore an olive green suit(to compliment his red hair) with a white corvette tie.

In order to avoid being seen, they needed to enter from the back doors from the kitchens.

Being a palace servant, Myna had access to the back doors of the palace. She agreed to sneak them through the kitchen doors.

The trio made their way through the royal gardens to the kitchen back doors. They were for servants to be able to drop off food supplies and other necessities for the royal palace without being seen.

Arya was left stunned by the beauty of the garden. It was so big and huge that it could be a kingdom of its own with miles upon miles of gorgeous and priceless flowers of all shapes and colors everywhere: decorating the stone walls, wrapped around metal writing that hung over her head like a chandelier, dotting the green fields of the gardens. 

Pretty pink, yellow, purple, blue and red butterflies that glowed and glittered under the dying light of the sun handed on her hand for a few seconds before it flew off into the darkening sky.

Scrubs and bushes trimmed and groomed to look pretty and appealing to the eyes lined the gardens in neat rows while high quality and gorgeous status filled the garden in strategically placed locations and positions to further heighten the aesthetically pleasing nature of the garden.

A pretty green vine with little yellow and pink flowers caught her eye and she reached out to touch it only for the vine to shrink and curl up away from her fingers. Cool. She wondered if Baron Pax could explain what caused the vine to do this. The vine had reacted to her touch and it reacted like a living creature. Maybe she could get one herself.

Myna waved them off good bye as they left. She was given the evening off and Myna planned on meeting up with some of her cousins who were working in the city as servants.

Navigating the royal palace was mind-boggling and crazy. Some many hallways, so huge, the hallways were wide enough to ride a horse in and the floors were carpeted.

More twisting and turning until they arrived in the meeting place. It was in front of the 

Arya's uncle was waiting for her.

He was dressed up in a white and gold suit with elaborate gold trimming and decorations. A red cloak with white fur trimming draped over his shoulders. His black hair was neatly combed back and he seemed alive and alert. If this man seemed to be on the verge of death, he didn't look like a man on his death bed at all.

He embraced Arya in a hug and showered her with praise about her beauty.

"Such a beautiful girl. You will be getting a lot of suitors tonight."

Elijah frowned at this thought and the king laughed.

It was a joyful and hearty laugh.

"Oh, come on, Elijah, she's a real beauty and she's bond to get a boy-"

"Your highness, I don't want to think about Arya getting involved with romance. She's far too young for that right now. She hasn't even had her coming of age ceremony yet."

The king nodded.

Talking and laughing could be heard going on behind the doors.

The king tilted his head towards the doors.

"Five minutes until the show starts."

….

The royal palace was even more beautiful at night when the palace was lit up by golden lights and the moon was big and bright like a lantern in the sky.

Nobles were exiting their carriages dressed in their finest attire of silk, velvet, satin, lace and other luxurious materials. Arya saw flashes of pink, green, white, all shades of blue and purple and some outfits that looked outrageous and flashy.

A packed and lively ballroom that was filled with people dressed in luxurious and fashionable clothing of all colors from reds to yellows to blues to purples to pinks. Boys in nice suits and ties and girls in nice dresses and suits while their parents fretted about, gossipping and talking with one another.

A royal event like this was not to be missed as it posed a great opportunity to curry royal favor and it was a good opportunity for the royal family to check in on the nobles and to see what was going on in the noble society.

Nobles flocked around, preparing to please their favorite royal and earn their favor and give them their support-a investment they hope would pay off in the future once they become a king or queen. Some nobles stood back, not wanting anything to do with the royal succession games, declaring their neutrality and disinterest in the most obvious way possible.

Political tensions and royal politics were at a peak these days with word of the Crown Prince's miraculous recovery and rumors of the king's failing health being the hottest topic to talk about these days.

The assassin was never found and even though the she-assassin was supposedly caught, she displayed some sort of unknown power, some kind of mind-related ability that allowed her to move objects without touching them.

She disappeared shortly after that incident, never seen or heard from again.

It could be assumed that she was executed in private but no one was convinced that she was dead.

Right now, the main topic was about which royal would become the new queen or king.

Crown Prince Ezekiel was already there, seated in the right hand chair next to his father's seat. Looking a bit pale and shaky, he sat down in his place at the royal table as he scanned and assessed the on-going tensions and inner political war going on around him. A dark brown and gold suit with gold trimming and embroidery looked somewhat loose and big on him but his eyes were sharp and he radiated an aura of pure power and strength that intimidated even the most arrogant noble. He did not bear a single resemblance to his father, insteading taking after his mother with shoulder-length locks of honey-brown hair and eyes the color of a clear summer sky. He was devastatingly handsome and many girls-and some guys-were blushing and crushing hard on him while he looked bored and a bit tired.

A servant announced the entrance of the rest of the royal children who made their appearance one by one with their respective mother. The great double-doors to the entrance of the ballroom swung open and each royal child or children with their respective mother made their way down the stairs once they were announced.

First Princess Freya and Fourth Prince Demetrius with Royal Concubine Mahina Kami.

Second Princess Maertisa with Royal Concubine Calandra Gaudium.

Third Princess Lysandra with Royal Concubine Kachina Pupal.

Second Prince Astyrian and Fourth Princess Azalea with Royal Concubine Selene Unis.

Third Prince Theon with Royal Concubine Odessa Calidum.

The noble guests bowed and paid their respects to the royal family.

Princess Freya's bright red hair was loose and flowing down to her waist in loose curls with pale gold eyeshadow surrounding her dark gray eyes-the same eyes that her royal father had- and she was wearing a beautiful pale off-shoulder mint green tulle evening dress that was covered in thousands of sparkling jewels that glittered and sparkled as they caught the light of the ball room with the bodice of the dress decorated with white rose and floral appliques-a reference to her ability. Everyone oohed and ahhed at the dress as the princess made her appearance. A light green veil-like material created her flowy sleeves that fluttered behind her like a train.

Fourth Prince Demetrius wore a navy blue military-style coat with gold trimming and embroidery on the edges and sleeves with white pants. Knee-high black leather boots were paired with his outfit and a ruby necklace/pin decorated his throat. A pale blue cloak hangs off one shoulder and gold chains attached to his cloak draped across his chest. His bright red hair was combed back and his sea-green eyes, the eyes of his mother's, showed that he looked bored out of his mind with this party. A couple of the girls were giving him love-sick looks as they admired his good looks.

It was clear that both the First Princess and Fourth Prince inherited their mother's good looks.

Their mother was wearing a dark blue dress with ruched sleeves that were-off shoulders. The dress was made from a light and delicate material with a long trailing train. Her bright red hair was pinned back in a neat and elegant bun at the nape of her neck and she wore diamond earrings and a necklace made from gold and rubies. The dark blue dress made her bright red hair stand out and her beauty still shone despite her age. She was still beautiful and elegant and lots of men were staring at her or blushing-some of them being married and/or having their own children. Their wives noticed and started to scold them and punish them for their wandering eyes.

Princess Marisa's long black hair-naturally straight- had been turned into loose waves and was in a half-up, half-down fishtail plait hairstyle with dark blue eyes coated in a silvery eyeshadow and lips painted a pale pin. She was wearing an elegant sky blue ball gown with a sweetheart neckline that was strapless. The dress dragged behind her in a slight train and everyone noted how the diamonds sparkling off her dress resembled droplets of water-a reference to her abilityThe dress glittered and sparkled as she made her way up to the royal table.

Her mother was dressed in an elegant, long-sleeved, V-necked dark purple and black blue ball gown that showed off her back. Her dark purple hair was pulled back into an elaborate bun and she was decked out in gold and sapphire earrings and accessories.

Mother and daughter made their way up to the royal table and sat down.

Princess Lysandra's long blonde hair that was twisted into a Bomeidiam Braided Crown and she was wearing an elegant gradient blue ball gown with a sweetheart neckline that was strapless that was pale blue on the top but bled out into a dark blue towards the bottom of her dress. The dress dragged behind her in a slight train and everyone noted how the bottom of the dress was covered in white appliques meant to resemble ice or frost. The dress glittered and sparkled as she made her way up to the royal table.

Her mother followed suit in a classy and gorgeous deep red evening gown with angel sleeves that covered up her hands. The dress hugged her body and showed off her curves to the point that some of the men in the crowd had to remind themselves that they were married. Her blonde hair was pinned back and her golden eyes looked alive and seemed to relish the attention she received.

Prince Astyrain and Princess Azalea followed suit with their mother. Princess Azalea's locks of white hair were brushed out to her shoulders and she was wearing a pastel pink ball gown with a ruffle skirt. Her older brother followed suit with his long black hair tied back into a low ponytail. He wore a navy blue dress tunic trimmed with gold with golden buttons. Matching dress pants and black boots with golden buttons completed his look. A matching cloak with gold trimmed hung off his left shoulder and the cloak nearly touched the ground. A white bow with a ruby gemstone decorated his cloak. A white corvette tie decorated his neck and it had a matching ruby gemstone with a dangling ruby gemstone decorating it. 

The rubies matched his red eyes-the red eyes of his birth mother. 

Prince Astyrain looked stunning and handsome and girls giggled and blushed hard. Some of the girls had massive crushes on him-and some boys did as well. His little sister looked so pretty and cute right now in her baby pink dress.

Their mother followed suit. Her locks of white hair framed her face and her blood-red eyes were sharp and alert. A creamy white and pastel pink dress with elaborate lace and gold trimming was her pick. Itr showed off her shoulders and the dress hugged her body tightly.

Finally, Prince Theon arrived with his mother.

Prince Theon's reddish-brown hair that was normally loose and uncombed had been combed back into a low ponytail and he wore a gray dress shirt that was belted with a leather belt. Black dress pants and gray boots completed his look. The gray tunic was long-sleeved and tight-fitting on him with black trimming around the cuffs and neckline. A white ribbon was tied around his neck to form a makeshift choker; The ribbon choker had a sliver-no, metal-pendant in the shape of a sword dangling from it. A white short coat was draped over his shoulders like a fashion accessory. An outfit referring to his metal manipulating and controlling abilities.

His mother was dressed in a beautiful gown of pale gray and white to match with her son. Her reddish-brown hair was pinned back in a messy bun and she wore a simple string of pearls around her neck. She was a beauty in her youth and she still was.

After the royal concubines and their children were seated, the main star of the show made his appearance.

More bowing and curtseying followed.

The king walked in from the double doors.

His presence commanded power and respect.

….

Arya noticed how pretty and beautiful each prince or princess was. 

She noted how some of the royal children had either the king's gray-silver eyes or his black hair.

She saw that a few of the royal children looked exactly like their mothers.

She squeezed Catalina's hand, feeling nervous.

"What if they don't like me?"

Catalina put her hand on her shoulders.

"They won't. They'll soon come to adore you just like how we did."

"Catty's right, little princess. Just go in there once the king announces you and be yourself."

Baron Pax nodded. 

"We'll be down there in the crowd. You can look for us and we'll be there cheering you on. So don't be nervous."

Arya nodded but that growing dread in her stomach continued to grow. She felt sick to her stomach.

…

Waiting was agony for Arya.

Her teachers already left to enter the royal ballroom and she was left waiting all by herself.

A crack in the double doors allowed her to take a peek inside.

The king seemed to be addressing a huge crowd of nobles right now.

"...Thank you all for coming here to celebrate my birthday. It touches me greatly that you all would travel such long distances or spend your time here with me on this special day. A special day indeed for all of us here. Before we start the banquet, I have something I'd like to say. I want to introduce to you all someone very special. Someone who will become part of the royal family."

Gasps of shock and anticipation erupted.

Who?

Wait?

What?

Another member of the royal family? A new addition?

This was instantly going to become the hottest topic in the capital yet. Nobles would be talking about it for months to come for sure.

Arya gulped, knowing that the king was referring to her.

The king silenced the crowd with a wave of his hand and continued.

"Do you remember my older brother? The late king?"

The crowd nodded and muttered their understanding.

"He died tragically that day and his murderer was never caught. He left nothing of his own behind, no legacy of his to remember him by. At least I thought he was truely dead and gone. By a stroke of good fortune or a miracle of some sort, I found out he had a child of his own."

Scandalous gasps and fierce whispering could be heard among the nobles.

Nobles loved some juicy gossip-especially if it was scandalous in any way. They knew all too well that the late king never married or took in a concubine so he had no children of his own to succeed him. But to hear from the king's own lips that he happened to have a secret child out of wedlock?

This was going to be the hottest news in the capital since the tragic murder of the late king himself.

At the royal table, the concubines looked confused and shocked when they heard of a new royal in the family that was going to be joining them today. The royal princes and princesses looked disinterested, surprised, confused, curious or a mix of all four.

"A new princess will be joining us here today. She is the daughter of the late king, My older brother. His only blood and flesh: Princess Arya."

The doors flung open for Arya and Arya knew that this was her moment to shine.

A new chapter in her life was about to be written.