Chapter II ^0^ Queen Material?

"Wa-ke up! Wa-ke up! Wa-ke up!" Melvin shouts while bouncing on my bed.

Here we go again. Taking the pillow and placing it over my head, I pretend not to notice my little brother and continue sleeping. He keeps at it till he notices and goes to the end of the bed and pulls my blanket away. Still unbothered I change my sleeping position and continue with my nap. Thank heavens it's summer. He then goes and starts tickling my feet and before I know it I'm wide awake and laughing.

"I'm u...I'm u....I'm up." I barely manage to say between laughs. Right now I'm laughing so hard I'm crying. Now he did, he used my weakness against me. Melvin stops once he's satisfied ,draws out a chair and sits as he waits for me to ask.

"Out with it! Why did you wake me this early?"I ask.

"Early? It's already past eight in the morning. The only reason mother didn't wake you is because she's busy making the arrangements." He says with pride.

"What arrangements? I wasn't informed regarding any balls or ceremonies this week, was I?" I reply confused. Last time I checked ,it's not my birthday nor his, nor were we to have any balls till Saturday. Then what was the occasion?

"No you weren't. That's because we just got the invitation this morning. We're going to the palace to meet the king and queen this afternoon." He happily replies.

"The palace? The king and queen? Today??!!! I don't have anything to wear. Why wasn't I told before? What time should we be there? We're all going right? Do I have to go? " I ask while pointing at myself.

"Of course you do. You're the main reason we're going after all. They want to meet the future queen of Starling and of course their daughter in law. All summed up for your puny brain my dear sister, you're the guest of honour."Melvin jests.

"Puny?? How dare you!! You little..."I reply as I take my pillow and chase him round the room hitting him at every chance I get. After I've hit him twice he manages to manoeuver and take the other pillow and fight back. He lands his second hit as I land my fifth when the door opens with a thud.

"What's going on in here?" Mother exclaims. I analyze the room and we're definitely in it for a scolding. The room is messy. Feathers are everywhere. I'm half dressed. Not to mention that we're getting late. She's definitely mad.

"Melvin! Didn't I send you to write a response to the king's invitation? What are you doing in your sister's room? And have you done what I asked you to? And why do I hear you two shouting all the way from the kitchen..... Courtney, why aren't you ready yet?!" She asks in what seems like a mixture of both fury and confusion.

"I'm sorry mother. I was about to when Melvin came in uninvited." I reply pointing towards my brother.

"Liar! You were snoring when I came in!" Melvin denies.

"And why are you in your sister's room young man?" She demands.

"I wanted to help you wake her. I knew she was asleep and I didn't want us to be late." He replies with a deceitful smile.

"And why didn't you ask one of the maids to do it instead? I'm giving you two five minutes to get dressed and head downstairs. Five minutes!" She says as she holds out her hand to emphasize on the five minutes. She then gives a piercing stare from Melvin to me. One that without doubt says 'or else'. And with that she's off.

"Get out of my room now. I need to get ready."I demand as I head to the door and open it. For someone who's years younger than me, Melvin sure knows no boundaries. I'm used to it by now. Wouldn't complain cause I do love to win in our fights. But sometimes things do get serious. One of us ends up getting hurt and it's always him. Regardless, I'd really love us to stay like this for as long as we can. Sure it has its ups and downs but it's definitely worth it. 'You only have each other', mother always says. So we should treasure that.

I scroll through my wardrobe looking for something to wear when I hear a knock at the door.

"Come in," I really without checking to see who it is. Hana enters with guilt evident in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry malady. I was busy helping with the other arrangements. I'm really sorry to have delayed you." She says with an apologetic look.

"It's okay Hana. You added me some hours of sleep. So, do you know when the invitation got here? And what time are we supposed to leave?" I ask.

"Around six in the morning malady. I heard the Countess say you should be there by noon." Hana replies.

"Is that so. Well then, do you have any idea on what I should wear? Any suggestions?"I ask with a smile. Hana was appointment to be my maid when we were both little. She's always looked out for me despite her being slightly older than me. I developed a fondness for her with time and now I can't believe I'll be leaving her in a few months. I'll be leaving home. I'll be leaving everything and everyone behind.That thought scares me.

"How about this one malady." She says holding out a lavish gown made of rich silk in a deep royal blue. It's got a low neckline accompanied by lace ruffles that frame the shoulders. The layers are embedded with diamonds all round that glimmer in the light making them look like a constellation. It's one of my favorite dresses. It has a mixture of clear blue sky's and starry nights to it.

"Let me guess. You want me to match his eyes right?" I reply with a giggle."Any other suggestions? I wouldn't want to outshine the queen." I add with a wink as I continue searching for a dress." How about this one?" I ask holding out a scarlet dress with delicate flower embroidery that almost seem like real petals. The sleeves are wide and flowing ending with delicate lace puffs that peak out from beneath the layers of the gown. The skirt is voluminous supported by a petticoat and cascades down to the floor creating an elegant silhouette.

"Absolutely malady. It's really beautiful!" She exclaims with admiration.

Hana helps me get dressed in my gown. She does my hair up in ponytail and makes it into a messy bun. She then adds a rose shaped comb with rubies to complement the dress leaving two strands of hair hanging up front just the way I like it. As you can already guess, my outfit is going to be all red.

"Done!" Hana declares with a smile on her face. She's proud of her work and I am too. I look at myself in the mirror and I've never felt prettier. This might just be what I needed to gather my confidence and meet the king and queen.

"Thank you very much Hana. Your work is magnificent as ever. I'll tell you all the details when I get back okay?"I reply with a hurry. I look at myself one last time before heading downstairs.

I find everyone by the corridors waiting as the carriage arrives. Perfect timing. One more minute and mother would have come to get me herself.

"Did you really have to outdo it with the red?" Melvin asks in a disgusted manner.

"Wow! My dear, you are certainly the most beautiful maiden in this kingdom. You get your charms from me of course." Father exclaims.

"I am my papa's daughter after all."I engage him as I give Melvin a smirk to rebuke his insult on my well chosen outfit.

"Oh please! Everyone knows she takes after me." Mother declares, not giving papa any room to take pride in himself. We all enter the carriage and immediately it takes off with not a second more to waste.

"So, I heard you two were fighting. Who won?" Father murmurs at me.

"I did of course." I reply with a wink.

Mother glares at papa and he immediately ends the topic without asking for any more details. It always amuses me to see them like this. I sometimes believe that papa enjoys it when mama is as bossy as she is. I for one don't, but maybe that's how she has to be to maintain our household.

We continue our journey to the palace in silence. Everyone lost in thought. I look at mama, then papa, then Melvin and they all seem eager to see the palace and meet the king and queen. Of course who wouldn't. They all take pride in my betrothment to the crown prince. That's why I'll do my best to make them proud. And I'll go on with this marriage, for their sakes.

We enter the castle gates after we've shown our invitation. Without it not even one's title can grant an audience with the king not to mention a glance at the castle walls. We follow a path of marble stones that's got a guard stationed on either end after every mile. The path leads to the palace which lies in the middle with a what I believe to be a maze surrounding it. The palace looks rather ancient with a contrast of modern architecture. The garden stretches further behind covering all except two fountains right in front of the palace, and the marble path that we're currently on. We arrive at the palace doors where we're greeted by two maids and two guards. They ask us to follow them and we do so as we still marvel at the magnificence of the palace. The walls inside are genormous with paintings and engravings everywhere. Right at the middle are two staircases one leading to the right and the other to the left of the palace. Above hangs a glass chandelier in the shape of what looks like swans. The maids lead us to the right staircase which leads to the court room. On the way, I hear some murmurs without quite knowing who's talking nor what it's about. Our entrance is announced right before we enter the court room. We find the king, queen, prince and princess seated at their thrones waiting for us.

Suddenly all their eyes shift from my family to me. They are all looking at me. My heart starts racing so fast I believe everyone can hear it. I try to calm myself down as we move forward to make our bows. I'm asked to move closer and my tension grows more and more. I start to feel my hands shaking and my heart racing more by the second. Calm down. Calm down. I keep repeating to myself. I have to remember what mother taught me. She always says that a smile and a confident act is enough to fool everyone. I do exactly that and move closer. I smile with my head held high and curtsey. I then look from the king and queen to Lamian. I find him smiling at me. He seems pleased. It worked! I congratulate myself for making it this far. I always had social anxiety and life made it worse by making me the daughter of a nobleman which meant I had to attend a lot of social gatherings. But I always managed to get through them someway or the other. So I'm definitely counting this as a great achievement.

After the introductions are over, we all head to the dining room. We find place cards on every plate and so we seat accordingly. The sitting arrangements were designed I'm a way that made sure each of us isn't seated next to each other. I find myself seated in between prince Lamian and princess Maldia. Couldn't have chosen a better place. Now I can easily make a fool of myself. We're served with all varieties of food. My appetite increases when I remember that I skipped breakfast today. I pick up my fork and knife and start diving into my food without forgetting my manners of course. If it weren't for all these restraints of how to and how not to eat, I would have gobbled up the whole plate.

"So, I hear your my brother's soulmate?" Maldia mocks cutting me half way,"As if they couldn't go any lower than an earl's daughter."

"Maldia! Your manners please!" Lamian orders. "She's my bride to be, and your future queen, so treat her accordingly."

"As you wish your highness." Maldia replies with pain evident in her words.

She just couldn't let me eat in peace. That little brat. What right does she have to talk to me like that. As if I chose to be Lamian's bride.

"Are you okay?" Lamian asks." By the way, you did marvelous today. I know it was only something small to be asked to present yourself, but most would have crumbled. Great work!"

"Thank you."I reply. Did I just hear him praise me? I'm glad to see at least someone saw my efforts. It makes me happy that I didn't embarrass him in any way before his parents. We continue with our meals when suddenly, I hear someone shouting. I scroll the room and find the king yelling at a maid. Poor maid, I wonder what she's done to make the king so furious. I try to listen in to know what's going on.

".....Was this your plot all along? Guards! Seize her!" King Lanel yells. "Your fate shall be decided in the court room."

It seems the maid slipped while handing the king his wine. The chalice fell pouring the wine on the white carpet and it turned purple. That's when they realized it was poisoned. Who would be so reckless as to try and kill the king through poisoning? Now she'll be hanged or worse, served to the king's guard dogs. I do find it rather odd though, it's either she's guilty and horrible at not getting caught or she's been framed.

Just like that, our lunch is ended and we're all summoned to the court. After we've all taken our seats, the maid is summoned. The girl is shaking and crying her eyes out as she tries to walk her way up the court room. I really pity her but there's nothing I can do to help. Her case starts and her crimes are read out. She's now given a chance to speak and defend herself.

She falls to her feet while sobbing. "Your Ma...jesty...I'm....inno....cent.....," she tries to speak but all she can do in her state is stammer,"I...dddi..... didn't...do it....pl...ease." she continues, sobbing after ever word. It's such a dreadful sight to behold.

"Father, can't you do something?" I whisper at my papa.

" It's beyond me my dear." He replies while shaking his head.

"Enough of this nonsense! Kill her already. Everyone here can bear witness that you tried to kill me. Guards! Feed her to the guard dogs." King Lanel commands with fury in his voice.

He's made up his mind and won't hear nor settled for anything less. I look at Lamian only to find him seated with his eyes lowered. Can't he do something? Can't anyone do something? Anything? Shouldn't they first investigate this? They could be taking an innocent person's life while the real criminals are out there. I can't just sit back and watch that happen. Standing, I make my way before the king and queen.

"Courtney! What are you doing? Get back here!" Mother whispers as she tries to stop me from doing something stupid. She's worried about me. They all are. But I really can't sit there and do nothing. I have to try at least. Once I've reached the middle of the room, I bow my head and speak.

"Your Majesty! If I may?" I ask as I look up at king Lanel. He nods for me to continue,"I beg you siere to please look more into this matter before you take action against the girl. Given the circumstances, I'm forced to believe that her acts were too reckless for someone who had the intentions to kill you. Firstly, they chose a time when you had guests and on top of it, in broad daylight. Secondly, she tripped right before she gave you the chalice. If it were indeed poison then she would have been more careful with it. And thirdly, if she would have managed to successfully give you the wine and you took it, then she would have been caught there and then. This all leads me to the conclusion that either she's a pawn at this game who would willingly die as long as the plan went through, or she's been framed. So please your Majesty, kindly ask that some investigation be done first before making the final judgement."

The whole room is silent as king Lanel and queen Narissa discuss on what to do. My hands start shaking and anxiety kicks in. I try to hold them in place but it's hopeless. Did I do the right thing? Should I have kept my mouth shut? What if she's not innocent after all? Did I say the right thing? What if I was rude to the king? It's either I just saved an innocent girl's life or I just called the king stupid and commanded him to conduct an investigation. I look at my family and find them all worried on what my fate will be. I look to Lamian and he gives me some comfort with a gentle smile. The room goes silent and everyone stands. King Lanel approaches me. Ooh dear, hear it comes. I'm done for. I cross my fingers not knowing what to expect.

"Congratulations my dear, you are indeed queen material!" King Lanel praises as he claps his hands,"I'd be honored for you to join our family." Wait what! Hold on. What's going on? What about the girl? Was it all a test?

"Your Majesty! I don't understand..." I manage to reply still confused on what's going on.

"You see my dear, we weren't sure on whether you would be able to make some decisions for the good of the kingdom and its people. So we decided to conduct this test and see if you'd rise to the challenge. It seems Lamian was right, you are a kind and brave young lady. You passed the test my dear." He says with a proud smile on his face.

"Thank you your Majesty." I reply with a curtsey. I look from the king to my family. They went from worry to laughs and excitement. Lamian approaches me after king Lanel leaves. He makes a slight bow, takes my hand and places a gentle kiss on it.

"My queen." He utters. HIS QUEEN! Did I just hear that right. His and queen on the same sentence. I can't help but blush. Should I reply . What should I say. " I knew you'd do well. Now you've proven to them how worthy you are of that title. You've stolen their hearts just like you did mine."

"Why didn't you tell me there would be a surprise test?" I ask.

"If I did then it wouldn't be a surprise now would it?" Lamian replies with a smirk.

We all proceed to the drawing room where we have an afternoon tea. My parents are seated next to the king and queen as they chat and laugh while throwing glances at Lamian and I . Melvin keeps himself occupied with the desert. He always was a sweet tooth. While Maldia is seated right across us. She's the one person in this room who's not pleased with our union. I wonder why though. But it's no use. There will always be those who despise one for no reason at all. In my case, it's her.

"I have a surprise for you, could come with me please?" Lamian asks." I need to show you something. If you'd please come with me."

He takes my hand and leads me past the kitchen and further behind the palace. I follow him through the maze to what appears to be a garden. The garden seems to be centered at the core of the maze. It has a glider chair in the middle and flowers of all kinds surrounding it.

"Wow! What a lovely garden!" I exclaim. It truly is breathtaking. " Was this your surprise all along? May I?" I ask as I take a seat on the glider.

"Please do. Actually," He says pulling something from his pockets. He kneels before me and pulls out something shiny, "this is my surprise." He goes down on one knee before he continues.

"My world fell apart when I met your gaze,

My heart lit up and it's now ablaze,

I'm not sure if my eyes betray,

But by your side is where I want to stay,

And so I'm here on my knee,

Asking Will you marry me?"

With that he holds out his hand and I find that he's holding a ring. The ring has a large emerald stone at the middle with flowers surrounding it that have small emerald stones in between.

"It's stunning." I reply with my hands covering my mouth in astonishment," Yes, yes I'll marry you." I reply with a smile on my face. With those few words he slides the ring on my finger ,stands and throws his arms around me to hug me.

"Thank you," he says with excitement in his voice, "I'll make you the happiest woman in all the lands. Oh and one more thing." He pulls out from the hug, goes to one end of the maze and makes some kind of signal. A guard appears with what looks like a pink leash in his hand and behind him a golden retriever with a red bow on its neck.

"Huuuuhhhhh!" I utter as my eyes light up, " how did you know?" I ask. I've always wanted a golden retriever. How did he know?

"A lucky guess." He exclaims. With that he takes the leash and hands it over to me. The dog pounces on me knocking me down and starts licking my face. Lamian gives me his hand and helps me back up.

"I think I'll name you...," I look at Lamian then back at the ring, "Emerald!" I utter. And Emerald barks in return. Seems he likes his name. Emerald it is.

After spending some more time with Emerald and Lamian, we decide to head back before we're missed. We find everyone waiting for us at the balcony. Immediately I see mother, I raise my hand and wave my engagement ring at her with a smile on my face. She smiles back and runs to me with arms wide open. She then gives me a really tight hug while giggling. She's more happier of my engagement than I would have thought. They all congratulate and wish us happiness. All except one of course, Maldia. But it doesn't matter though. She's not that important. Or is she?

As soon as the sun starts setting, we bid our in-laws goodbye. We start our journey back but this time round with a new member of the family, Emerald. I look at my mother and she's smiling from ear to ear as she tells father of all the arrangements to be made. I know for one she can't wait to tell the whole town of her latest accomplishment in securing a prince for a son-in-law. I'm really hoping I made the right decision and that I won't regret it.