C7 Seven

The palace of Aither booms with activities once again as a lot of preparation is being made for the official engagement ceremony of the Sixth Princess, just as expected it’s totally different and unique than the other two that took place it’s a ceremony of honor for the gracious princess who is getting engaged to a prestigious royal family. The maids and workers are busy with a lot of arrangement as they decorated the grand hall where the initiation ceremony took place days ago, since the King has ordered for the most expensive and rare item to be used there was more work than suppose for the workers who has to be extra careful with all what they do and touch. A renowned planner was chosen to take care of the important stuff and everything was going smoothly for the ceremony preparation.

A lot of maiden flood Princess Claire as they help prepare her for her engagement but it was getting difficult with the picky princess who isn’t satisfied with the dresses she was shown

“Who brought this?” she asked the maiden holding the dress and she inform her it’s one of the best designer in the kingdom

“How dare she give me the same dress as Ashley’s” she fumes

“Am sorry my princess I will send it out this minute” Sarah apologize and signal to the maiden holding the dress to move out

“close her store for three months to teach her lesson and make sure she’s aware of her offense so next time she won’t make such horrible mistake with me” she ordered and the maiden bowed walking out with the dress

“My princess do you want to try this one?” Sarah asked putting one of the elegant dress out of the loads of dress to pacify her anger

“I want a perfect dress not this” Sarah quickly withdraw her hands and put the dress away

“I will pick myself” she said and got up from the bed she has been sitting on for a long time now, the stack of clothes in front of her seems unappealing as she survey them, checking it all through she wanted to discard everything but then her eyes caught the wine colored dress with dots of chrisom at the bottom length, the hand length of it is long and transparent with lot of gemstone stones used as the neckline of it

“Come forward” she said to the maiden holding the dress, taking another look at the dress she concluded it’s the perfect match for the ceremony

“The rest of you can leave while my makeup artist should come in fast” she said and move to the large mirror to sit waiting for her makeup to be done.

The other royal families also prepare themselves for the ceremony, it’s a ceremony between another kingdoms afterall and as a member of Aither royal family they must maintain their honor by dressing to impress everyone.

Princess Emma sat in front of the mirror while her mother Queen Kayla help her with her hair making it look as beautiful as possible when she was done she move back a bit to check her work and frown in dissatisfaction, Emma sigh watching her mother they’ve being on her hair for more than an hour and she’s starting to get uninterested in the whole make over thing. Queen Kayla has instated she must look her best for the ceremony because one can never know when she would grab the attention of a rich and handsome man too and become lucky like Claire, all her life she has been working towards attaining the best for her daughter but being the least among Queen in the Palace she has always feel inferior and needed her daughter to also attain greatness and recognition like the other princess but rather she’s been toss like a piece of nothing and the only way possible now is through her marriage to a wealthy and influence man or luckily a prince

“It’s not good enough, June get me more hairpins” she said and loosen her hair a little creating more space for another set of hairpins

“

“Mother…” Emma called getting sick of the whole hair thing, she’s been sitting for hours and she’s getting really tired

“Shut up and put your head in place, I need you to outshine all the Princess at the ceremony today” she scold and pick up the hairpins one after the other stocking them in her hair while she groans.

Another hour passed before she was done with her hair, Queen Kayla smiled in satisfaction as her work and move away to let her have a good look

“This is too much” she exclaimed seeing the pieces on her head

“What are you saying? It’s perfect this way don’t you want to make me proud and find a good man like Claire did?” she asked

“How are you sure he’s a good man, we know nothing about him and besides mother I wish to marry someone I love and who loves me” she said but Kayla quickly shut her up

“your father doesn’t spare you a glance and the only thing g you can do is to excel on your own if you don’t chose well with your marriage you might end up living a worst life so get your heads straight and behave” she warned and ask June to take care of the rest.

Emma sigh as she leaves the room, her mother will not allow her rest unless she gets what she wants she can’t blame her though being unnoticed and powerless in the palace isn’t a good experience for them both and she has always hope to bring a lasting smile on her face one day and stop her complains about being powerless

“June come help remove this hairpins, it’s killing me” she said and raise her hand up to deal with them but June hold her back

“My Princess, can’t you just leave it that way I think it’s perfect, besides your mother will be angry with you if she sees that you remove them” she said and Emma slowly brought her hand back

“What of my dress?” she asked and June pointed to a dress hanged beside the closet, she stood up to check it out and look back at June in disbelief

“What kind of dress is this?” she asked angrily

“Queen Kayla picked it for you” June answered walking to her

“What happened to the dress I made myself?”

“The…’

“go bring it and put this one away” she said with a tone of finality and June hurry to put the dress away while she gets the one she asked for

“Be quick to dress me up, I can’t be late to Sister Claire’s engagement ceremony” she said with excitement as June help her with the dress.

Just as the custom demands, Prince Michael put on his royal robe for the first time in years and had his entourage follow him as he made his way inside the grand formal decorated more than he has expected he stare the sumptuous hall as he is lead to his seat in front of the hall, he could see his intended bride seat beside his beautifully decorated with different ornaments of gold. He felt a bit sick with all the formality and decoration he never liked the exorbitant life of royalty and that’s why he has done well to stay away from it but then being born a Prince is something he can’t never change, he has long accepted this fact but getting married to another royal born isn’t something he want for a life partner.

Immediately the Silverbell kingdom were seated, King Edward followed by his Queens and princesses followed with their entourage behind them, everyone in the hall stood up to welcome his majesty presence and pay homage while he take his seat after seeing him sit, King Edward followed suit and the rest of the royals have their seat one after the other.

The Aither royal household all dress in a rich dress which shows a competition between them, the Princesses all tried to look their best as both citizens from the four kingdoms will be gracing the occasion, Emma who is sitting at the far end keep smiling seeing all the prominent people she rarely go out on special occasion like this to see things, not that she doesn’t want to but she’s isn’t opportune to do so unlike the rest of the princesses who gets invite to one ceremony or another, but today she will finally get to show herself to everyone and by luck her graciousness will be recognized and gum to the heart of the people for a long time to come, In other to achieve this she has prepared a performance for the ceremony and she hope to do really great and maybe atmost get noticed by him.

Unlike Emma who has her mind reoccupied with gaining recognized by the people the other princesses had their attention on impressing the King with their performance at the ceremony and lucky get to be the next ‘Princess Claire’ of Aither, afterall if Princess Claire follows her fiancé today as supposed one of the princesses has to fill in for her and take care of the affairs in the palace like she has always done, not will that Princess be the lucky one but the Mother to such Princess gets to run things in the Palace just like Queen Madison as be doing.

Roseline look at Zoey whose eyes were on their guests examining each person, her expression sink as she admire her beautiful dress though she has spent a lot in making herself look far beautiful than her, staring at her now she felt she has failed in her attempt to beat her at beauty.

Zoey caught her staring and she look away with a hiss

“Looks like Princess Roseline tried so much to beat you today but failed” Mandy, Princess Zoey personal maid said to her and she smile in coincided to her words, her sister has indeed tried her best seeing the unusual dress she’s putting on. Princess Roseline has always keep herself at minimum and doesn’t show her interest to own power like her but with her supporter Princess Jewel out of the palace she sure is trying hard to be someone great too.

“I’ve checked all the princesses’ attire and none of them matches with yours in beauty, my princess you are definitely going to be the most beautiful in the hall today” Mandy beamed to her ear and she smile more feeling titillated by her words. The position of Claire after she’s gone will definitely be hers, she has prepare so much for it and nobody is fit to take on the responsibility than her, she smiled to herself again and adjust herself on her seat looking with pride at all the subjects in the hall.

The ceremony started and everyone was waiting for Princess Claire to arrival although all the Princesses looked their best but everyone seems to be anticipating the Princess look as she’s the most beautiful of all and today being her day is expected to outstand everyone as usual. Prince Michael who was getting fed up with all the ceremony performed also look forward to the presence of his bride to be, the first time they had met he was interested in her but with the things that has happened between them in the space of a week he wondered what he felt towards the Princess, he might not have hated her but he’s sure he doesn’t want to be her groom. The last time they met he saw her as a pompous person who would likely look down on people below her in power and wealth something he dislikes so much, being a royal he has learnt that he’s supposed to walk with his head held up high and trample on people who are not up to his standard and should always treat his servant as slave that they are, although he has not taken to all of these teaching he has witness many influential people oppress the poor and trample on them like dirt.

The entrance of the Princess was announced to all and heads turn to see her walk in with maids running forward to receive her, Michael also look to the entrance to see his fiancé. The gracious posture of her movement was the first thing that caught everyone’s eyes as they watch her make her entrance, there is only one big hairpin on her head which supplant many others as it shines across the room giving her a blinding look, the smooth color of her face shows she isn’t wearing an heavy maquillage but a simple one which isn’t too harsh on her skin but fit perfectly with her dress and composure, her gown this time doesn’t need help from her maid to walk so it was more easy for her to take her steps as she walk to take her position beside her intended groom.

Everyone stare in astonishment as the Princess who has captured everyone’s heart at that moment it took minutes for them including the other Princess to recover from the magnificent entrance of the Princess, soon there was murmur as usual about the beautiful princess who stoles everyone’s heart with her beauty no doubt she’s the most beautiful in all of Aither

“Such beauty shouldn’t be given to other Kingdom” the people murmur among theirselves as they suddenly felt the Silverbell Kingdom is making away with their precious Princess so easily.

Prince Michael ignore the murmurs and focus his gaze on the woman beside him, back then when she step in he wouldn’t deny that his breath was also taken away by the stunning beauty of the princess he has always known she’s beautiful but seeing her today again he can’t help but get his heart stolen for a moment, her exquisiteness is rare among all, ‘she’s no doubt who she claims to be’ Michael thought as he remember the other day they met for the emergency meeting

“I am Princess Claire of Aither Kingdom…” his thought also went back to the moment he wake up from bed and saw her beside him looking so appalling and calm, then in the next minute she looked so sexy that he had wanted a time alone with her, reflexively he parted his lips as he felt an enthusiasm inside of him as he continue to stare at her without battling his eyelids.

“Don’t make holes in my body with your gazes” Claire said interrupting him while he chuckle a little bringing his eyes to look at her

“You look beautiful today” he complimented and smile at her beginning a conversation

“I always look beautiful, am a princess afterall” she replied with her gaze fix on a spot, he chuckle again at her response and wanted to say something again when he caught a pair of eyes staring at him, turning to his left his eyes meet with Eris’s who was standing behind King Edward and looking distraught at him, the pair of eyes captured him for a second but he turn away quickly looking back at Claire who doesn’t seems to care what’s going on beside her rather she look focused on what the King is saying

“Why did you agree to marry me?” he suddenly ask her diverting her gaze at last

“You are handsome” she replied almost immediately and wanted to turn her head away again but his hands captured her forcing her to keep looking at him

“Is that enough reason for you to marry a man you know nothing about?” he asked still sure that those pair of eyes are still watching him

“Prince Michael” she called turning fully to him while he release his hands “are you trying to get someone jealous by getting familiar with me?” she asked catching on, she has saw him get smitten for a second when he turn to the direction and understood the situation seeing the looks they shared.

“What are you talking about?” he asked trying to forge ignorance

“I hate lying men and would like it if you will be honest with me in our union together, I don’t care how many other women you might desire as far as they don’t get in my way” she said with a tone of finality and turn completely away from him.

The rings was brought forward and the couple stood up to exchange them respectively, first Prince Michael picked a ring and place it at her middle finger while everyone cheered watching with admiration at the ‘perfect couple’, Claire was also handed the second ring and she calmly put it in his middle finger as well inhaling a bit while she does that

“From now on, I Princess Claire of Aither accept you Prince Michael as my husband to be” she said to his hearing and the whole crowd cheered for the new union while they both stare at each other meaningfully. After the main ceremony some music were played and the people move their body to it while Princess Emma stood up to request for an opportunity to show her skills of playing the Cello, she was granted permission since it’s a happy ceremony and she step forward with the help of the servants a big Cello instrument was given to her, she held it upright between her knees the bow was given to her and she gave a big smile before starting her performance.

Soon there was curiosity in the crowd of people wondering which Princess she is while those who know her answers the question they begin to comment on the proficiency of the Princess in playing the Cello which music was so appealing as she continue playing everyone divert full concentration on her and watch her tender hands stroke the string to and fro.

A loud applause was given as she finish up with her music masterpiece and stole hearts and attention with her instrument skill, Princess Emma was helped out with the Cello while she stand up and gave a little bow to the people cheering her up and there was more cheers for that.

“She’s so humble”

“Didn’t know they have such pretty Princess who is so good in Music” comments flow from the crowd as Emma seems to have gotten a new recognition

“I like her simple dress, she’s not so dress up like the other Princess but her appearance shows perfect humility from someone of a royal born

“Look like your sister is stealing the attention away from you” Michael commented watching as the people pick new interest in the Princess who just finish a marvelous performance.

“No one steals the show from Princess Claire, I shouldn’t be all harsh you know and allow my sisters’ have the spotlight sometimes” she replied her feelings not revealed on her face, Michael smile at this “she’s good at keeping her feelings hidden and don’t letting anyone see her weakness” he thought and nodded his head slightly.

Claire signal to Sarah to come over and whisper some instruction into her ears while she nodded and left to carry it over immediately.

King Edward stood up after receiving the message from his daughter and stop the cheering and murmur, attention is now turned to him as they wait patiently to hear what the King has to say to them

“My daughter Princess Claire is no ordinary woman but a great role model to all the maiden in the whole of Aither” he begin while the citizens nodded in affirmation to his words the royal families scoff silently at it

“I would like to announce some things here at this ceremony…” Zoey adjusted herself for the fifth time as she look eagerly on, the moment she has been waiting for as come the time she will be granted what she always wanted.

“the duties of the Sixth Princess will now to pass on to Princess Emma, the seventh Princess with Princess Mitchel assisting her on the side” he announced clearly to the audience and silent fell for a moment before they all recover and cheered in acceptance.

The shock on Emma’s face as they call her name was nothing compared to Zoey’s she left in a daze for minutes after the announcement, her mind far away from the noisy hall

“How can this be?” she wondered feeling so horrible, she has planned the whole thing out and should be the honored one today not anyone else

‘My Princess?” Mandy called silently seeing the stupefied state her master is , she’s also devastated about the announcement just now she has sincerely hope her master gets the authority so she could be granted the most respected and feared of all the serving maids.

“This can’t be, this so supposed to be my position” she yell and stood up abruptly halting everyone jubilation

“You can’t make such decision father, I’m the most capable of all why wasn’t I chosen?” she demanded not caring about her reputation this time, she has really had it up to the last

“Are you saying I made a wrong decision? How dare you correct my judgment?” the King asked in fury at her

“But father…”

“address me formally Princess” he ordered shutting her up, Zoey stare angrily at him not minding the consequence of her actions she decide to show her hurt this time, she made to move but then change her mind and storm out of the hall causing a little uproar

“I won’t let this slide” she affirmed as she walk away angrily with her maidens.

Mitchel was taken surprise by the king’s sudden news as she hasn’t expected to be given such duty, although she’s a princess the war of power and authority in the palace seems so worrisome and dangerous and she doesn’t want to have a share in it, she look towards Emma and could see her face beaming in anxiety as she sat at her seat, she let her eyes walk once more to meet Princess Claire who is clearly holding a smirk in her face as she look on the crowd ‘no doubt she has clearly become a main target in the Power struggle’ Mitchel thought feeling fretful.

The smirk on Claire’s face grew more as she watch in satisfaction her plan going perfectly, she might be leaving the palace for a long time to stay with her will soon be family but she has planted a bait which is ready to be taken she just have to wait for her plan to show itself, afterall for her and the crown prince to be great a lot of things and people have to be sacrificed.