8 Eight

Eight- Danielle

Just like what Queen Tatiana promised, a servant came to my room to tell me that a dinner will be served at around seven o'clock in the evening and that I was advised to dress up nicely. The lady servant wasn't Christie so I had to act differently then she later on told me that Christie will be coming to help me after she gets back from her highness.

Of course I didn't wait for Christie to come along and help me, I'm pretty sure I can take care of myself. I don't want to become another job or responsibility for Christie so I started preparing on my own. She can just lead me later to where the dining room will be when she gets here.

So basically my goal should be to dress to impress, though I'm not really sure why I have to impress the royals when I just can be myself. But then Lori's words echoed inside my head.

'Once the King and Queen present you to the whole family, you must try to impress them. They'll surely watch you from now on and they'll do everything in their power to intimidate you and put you into test. This dinner may actually be the Queens way of making you ready and debut into the royal family. So dress up nicely'

She would have loved to dress me up but unfortunately, she and her mom were already instructed to go back to their own house since the royal guards had made sure that its safe for them to go back, but of course they will now fall under the royal families protection, meaning a guard will always watch over them and make sure that no one suspicious will have any encounter with them. I would have asked the Queen to make them stay for a little while but I'm afraid that I already have enough things being handed to me. So here I am thinking about what should I wear and what to do with my hair.

I never once took interest on putting make up, I usually just apply a little mascara then maybe a few lip gloss but that just it. I have zero idea on how to look good because I never felt the need to impress anyone. I'm usually stuck inside my room or in the library where I work so that should explain my lack of knowledge when it comes to the beauty department.

Anyways, I have to prepare soon or Christie might see me looking like an idiot thinking what to wear and how to deal with my face.

I took a quick bath first then I went to see the clothes the Queens designer organized for me. It didn't take me long to find a beautiful light blue fitted top lace dress but then the dress looks a little longer than usual then I saw that it was actually a two piece dress. The top can be seen as a fitted lace crop top with the skirt tightly secure on a ladies waste.. It looks presentable and at the same time best for any women my age. I guess, the designer was paying attention to trends this age. So I decided to wear the dress but before that, I still have to dry my hair or the clothes might be soak because of it. Good thing there was a hair dryer besides the bathroom mirror. I guess you can always count on the royals to have everything. Few minutes later my hair was dry and back to its natural wave. After that I went back to my closet and took out the dress so that I could finally change and fix myself.

I have to admit, the Queens designer is pretty good. The dress fits me perfectly and I don't feel any discomfort or whatsoever. I thought I might feel uncomfortable because the two clothes were made too show a little skin but when I wore it, the skirt was covering the right places and my top was hanging just enough to cover my skin. I thought the dress looks longer but it only reaches just about below my knee. I guess I'll have to wear some heels to match this look. I just hope that I I wont look too over dressed for the occasion and yet again, it was the Queens order to make myself look nicely.

I went to the stack of shoes lined up besides my closet and saw that every shoes would probably cost more than my life. This shoes are usually limited edition, just like what Lori told me earlier today. I don't have any other choice but to choose the most simple of the fifteen pairs stack here, and that's a nude pumps from Loulou. This simple shoes could cause me thousands of dollars and yet this is the only one I can manage to wear. The rest are either strapped or too flashy for my own liking.

I made myself wear the shoes and to no surprise it was on the right size. I made myself adjust to new height and practiced walking so that I wont trip later once I faced the royals. I went to the dresser, still in pumps, and straighten my skirt so that I can sit and start doing art on my face.

I looked in the mirror and saw my biological mothers necklace around my neck. To think that I would wear this fancy dress rather than my usual shirt and pants. Seeing the necklace reminded me a lot of things, I guess this necklace can always lead me back to the place where I came from before I even have all this changes. I don't exactly look different from how I look back when I'm still just a normal girl. I'm just dressed in some nice clothes but I'm still the same. I have to stay the way I am, I can't let all of this cloud my mind.

That's right, I have to play the part in order for all of this to pass. Maybe, just maybe, if I keep playing the part, I might be able to find out who the hell wants me dead. After this dinner I really have to set up a plan, I must make sure to get something out of all this situation, otherwise, both my mothers death will be for nothing.

As I focused myself on how I should clean up, since I'll have to look presentable. I had to wear some contact lenses because a big glasses wouldn't compliment how l look and not wearing one is not an option, otherwise I wouldn't be able to see anything. Putting on my contact lenses , I heard a soft knock outside my room and i'm guessing its Christie.

"Come in" I shouted, no one else is here anyways so shouting shouldn't be bad. Right? My door clicks open and just like my guess, it was Christie. She looks at me, surprise that I'm almost done preparing.

"Young miss, I apologize for not coming as quickly as I should. I should have helped you prepare for the evening, you managed to finished on your own and I was of no help to you" She bows apologizing to which I immediately waved.

"Hey hey hey, its okay, you don't have to apologize. I didn't want to add up to your worries that's why I prepared early. Plus I'm still not done so you can still help me. Especially if you know anything about hair because I have no idea what I'm supposed to do with mine" I honestly admitted and assured her, she must have thought I would be mad that she didn't come earlier.

"Oh young miss, you already look beautiful with your hair hanged loose" Christie tilts her head to look at me more and that's when I realized that I got embarrassed from what she said.

"Is that why you thought I was done?" She nods but then I wasn't satisfied, she might just be saying that to make me feel calm, but I wasn't. "I'm sorry but if its okay with you, could you please help me fix my hair?" I decided that its better that I let her do something with my hair and just stick to my usual mascara and a little light pink lipstick. I don't really need to put many things on my face now that I don't really have any clue what would do great with my clothes.

"Certainly miss, if you want I can also do a little make up on you? The Queen would be delighted to see little colors on you. You wont need much but a little make up wont do you harm?" Christie suggested and there goes my little idea, I guess i'll just have to trust her because I have zero skill when it comes to this things.

Christie took over and she didn't allow me to face the mirror the whole time she was doing her magic to both my hair and face. Turns out she likes watching things about make up and hair styling so that is where she acquired her skills. By the time she was done, I didn't really feel her put so many things on my face so when she turned the chair and made me look in the mirror, I almost forgot that I was the one in the mirror. Instead of letting my hair loose, she pinned the other side of my hair with a simple silver ornament. My hair was combed into perfection and the waves are pretty much intact and tamed.

"Wow, you are amazing" I complimented Christie, admiring how she made me into a presentable human being. I don't remember the last time I saw myself looking this decent. Who knew a day would come where I'd actually look like a decent noble lady?

"You praise me too much young miss, you didn't need much enhancements because you young miss own a rare kind of beauty" Christie points out.

"Rare?"

"Yes my lady, Rare. There are some ladies who would usually look really pretty and when they apply make up, they even become more beautiful and there are others that may not look that pretty so they put too much make on their faces to cover up their imperfections and impurities. But you young miss, you hold something every lady would want to attain. You have the kind of beauty that even without make up, you'd still look very beautiful. The amount of make up I applied on you now is the exact amount I would put on a child" Christie explains but I wasn't buying any of it. I'm pretty sure she's just being humble, she did an awesome job on my face and my hair that she's just being kind with her skills.

"You seriously have amazing skills, why don't you open up your own salon or something? I mean this could become another option for earning money" I suggested while I watch her fidget behind me on the mirror.

"Well that is actually the reason why I'm working under the Queen, once I finished my years of service, she'll help me put up my own shop" She slowly speaks hiding that the very thought of her dream coming true makes her embarrass. She's fortunately favored by the Queen, meaning that if she really does give up someday, the Queen will definitely have her back. I'm willing to bet that she must have done something great in the past for her to have this kind of privilege. Mom used to say that once you become a royal lady servant, you are bound to do this all throughout your life.

"That would be great then, if that day comes, I'll make sure to come and visit you" I smiled and so did she.

"Now then young miss, I think you are ready to meet the King and Queen" She smiles and I had to inhale and exhales to calm my nerves, Christie might have noticed my uneasiness so she placed her hand on my back "You look great young miss, you'll do fine" She smiles to assure me and thats when I nod ready to leave my room and meet the royal highness.

Christie led me to the main villa where the King and Queen resides. Since Christie serve the Queen directly, she was able to come inside with me and led me to a room where Queen Tatiana will meet me. On normal occasions, some royal servants are not allowed to enter the King and Queens villa unless they are ordered to do so. This is to eliminate any form of threat that may come to the King and Queen. The room I was left to was a little dull, it looks like it was really made for guest to wait for the royal highnesses. I kept waiting for the King and Queen to come get me but they were taking so long so I stood up and walk around the room. There was a huge painting inside this room and I believe that this painting is one of the Crownprincess' artwork. Shes known for producing amazing painting that nobles would go pay crazy amount of money just to obtain them. I guess I was too intrigued by the different colors playing on the frame that I didn't notice someone entering the room.

"Who are you?" A little voice interrupts my adoration to the painting in front of me, I had to turn around to see a little boy watching me intently. He was holding a little book and I assumed that it could be kids storybook.

"Hi" I walked towards him and stoop down to match his height "My names Danielle, but you can call me Dani. And you are?" I smiled softly, hoping that I wont scare him off. He must be lost or something since he looks like his just four years old or somewhere around that age.

"Mommy told me never to talk to strangers but you don't look like one. Everyone calls me David, its nice to meet you Dani" he raises his small ands in attempt to shake mine. So I smiled shaking his hand. "So why are you inside this place? No one is supposed to be here except the royal family" for his age, he is too knowledgeable. Kids his age would either be playing or messing around, I guess this one is different. Plus, he speaks like his eight years old.

"I could say the same thing to you but you seem to be very familiar with this place on your own" I played with him but he seems to be wondering whether I'm asking a question or stating a fact. His cute face says it all. Before he could answer my statement another man enters the room, interrupting our conversation. He notices David first then he sees me, he immediately grabs David into his arms securing him away from me.

"Who are you and who sent you?! GUARDS....GUARDS!!" He calls for help and that's when everything synced in to me. He thinks I bring harm to the kid, that explains how he move David away from my sight.

"No...no...you are mistaken. I'm the King and Queens guest, a servant told me to wait here and then David came in and saw me" I spoke quickly and the guy grew more suspicious of me. "My name is Danielle and the King and Queen can both confirm my identity" I tried explaining but a few of the royal guards came in and rushed to seize me from side to side. Their grip was too strong that the only movement I could manage was to squirm.

My heart was beating so loudly, I was afraid it might get out of my chest. So much for having a peaceful night with the King and Queen, now I have to face a possible crime against them. This is not part of the plan. I'm just talking to a kid and how could I even bring harm to someone as cute as him.

"Who are you and what do you want from little David?" The guy asks me again but I couldn't look at him because the two guards holding my arms and wrist are making me squirm now that i'm feeling the pain coming from their grip. This is all really happening and one wrong answer could cause me my life. . "You better answer my question now or I swear there won't be any trial for you, i'll kill you myself" He threatens and he wasn't bluffing. I didn't know I was crying until I felt my hand getting wet from my own tears. I could look pathetic but who could blame me? I'm being accused and could be dead any second now.

"Please your highness, this is all just a misunderstanding" I begged but by the looks of it he wasn't going to budge.

Then a rush of footstep came behind the guy in front of me, we are gaining attention and I just hope that I will be cleared out.

"Oh goodness gracious. Release Lady Danielle this instant!!!" A loud order was heard behind the man and David. Both guards immediately released me from their strong grip and i'm willing to bet that a bruise would probably form by tomorrow.

I didn't last long standing due to my trembling and shaking, I slump down on the floor and I could swear my lungs is about to burst out from fear. I still feel my heart beating loudly and the rush of fear from awhile ago is still on my system, making me breathe hard like i'm panicking. I almost lost my life just for talking to a kid.

"David.... David!" A rushed voice was then heard outside then a sudden sigh was released, a sigh of relief maybe "Did you cause another trouble? I told you not to ran off on your own?" Judging by the voice I'm hearing, I'm guessing that she's a mother. She just sounded like mom, that made me cry even more. I need my own mom, I'm sure I'm going to hyperventilate any second now.

"Oh dear child, I apologize for all this trouble. Luis, you better apologize this instant" a soft voice comforts me, maybe its the Queen but still, I heard a series of questions outside the room. I felt embarrass and afraid at the same time, all my mastered confidence and will gone just because of what happened. This is all too much. I need air.

"Mom this is not the place, lets bring her to another room" Another male voice speaks up then the next thing I know, I was being carried by a muscular arms. He must have heard my thought or I might have said it out loud.

"Your highness!" A gasped and shock murmurs sounded but I was too afraid to look at anyone right now that I don't have any idea what happening and why they all gasped like that.

The guy carrying me, whoever it was, settles me into a soft mattress, I felt a sense of calmness and yet I was still breathing hard.

"You can calm down now, its just me mom and dad here" He speaks up softly and I felt comfort radiating from his voice. I know i have to start speaking, this is also to clear things out, but my mouth wont start talking and before I could even do that, they beat me into it.

"Honey, we are so sorry that you have to experience that kind of situation" The Queens voice explains, thats when I raised my head and saw that it was really her and the king looking worried for my sake. Another man was standing beside them, he looks a little familiar but i'm still not sure as well.

"We apologize, due to the recent attacks within the family, everyone became so paranoid" The King explains.

"David is the youngest member of the royal family, its just natural that everyone is protective of him" Queen Tatiana adds up, but what's running inside my head is that, no matter how protective you are to a person, one should still be reasonable. I almost lost my life and he didn't even give me that chance to explain myself, he, whoever he is, just assumed that i'll do something harmful to a little kid. No matter how deluded the world is, there is still hope for some people, all they need is a little chance.

A knock interrupts us then another lady comes inside the room and the guy who accused me earlier follows her. The lady bows in front of both the King and the Queen so did the guy earlier.

"I heard from David what happened and how he found you inside the waiting room" She faces me then what she did shocked me and the royals inside the room "I am Princess Amber Louisa Adelburg- Eidenton, the current Crownprincess of Estrella North Kingdom, but even before that, I am also a mother, for whatever my child caused you, I am deeply sorry" She bows in respect and that made me more anxious knowing that she's the crownprincess and she's bowing in front of me. How do I even respond to that. She gracefully raises her head after that then the guy earlier comes in front of me. Making me even more speechless.

"And I, son of King Julius Francis Eidenton, Prince Luis Martin Eidenton, present my deepest apology for the trouble i've caused you. My actions were not fair and I believe that i've caused you pain for that, I am more than willing to accept whatever punishment you require of me" He states before bowing making me feel double from what I felt before.

I was speechless and couldn't respond to both royals who bowed their heads to show me their sincerity. I couldn't think of any respond so the King and Queen took over.

"Its our fault for not letting you meet the whole family yesterday. This confusion could have been avoided if we just made some proper introduction" Queen Tatiana spoke up

"Maybe we should just give her some time, she can join us once she calms down" King Julius whispers to Queen Tatiana but I can clearly hear his words. Queen Tatiana nods in understand then she face me back again.

"Dani, we'll go ahead and explain some things to the rest. If you feel okay then, you can just come out and join us in the dining hall. I'll leave one of the ladies for you so if you'll need anything you can ask them. We'll be waiting for you in the dining area. Okay?" When the Queen said that, I made a faint nod because I could use a little second for myself. Plus, I don't trust myself that I'll be able to walk straight after everything that occurred. Man, my life if truly changing big time.

They all left me alone and that made me breathe a little. Everything happened so fast that I could really use this time just to think about what I must do. I tried standing up but I winced from the sudden pain I felt from my arms to my wrist. Just like what I suspected, a bruise was slowly forming from where the guards held me earlier.

"You should treat that first before it gets worst" a voice surprises me and this time it came from the guys who carried me. Now that I think about it, during the time that the King and Queen were talking to me, he just suddenly disappeared . And now he appears of no where, is he a magician or something? "Judging by your demeanor, its either you don't know me or that you are still frightened by what happened earlier that you are forgetting who I am?'' He asks but I really don't know who he is, though he may look a little familiar but I still don't know him. He studies me then he sighs then grabs something behind him. He walks towards me, that's when I saw a basin with an ice pack. He grabs a chair then places it in front of me. He places the basin beside me then he looks at me "Give me your hand" He instructs and looks like I didn't really have any other choice but to comply and so I did.

He pressed the icepack on both my wrist, making me wince from the sudden contact. He looks at my reaction then he gently massages my wrist with the ice pack, he was also being careful not to cause me anymore pain. Now that I'm this close to him, he looks really dashing and by just watching him I know that I've already seen him somewhere I just can't pinpoint where and when. There a not forming inside me and I know that I was getting nervous again, my heart was beating crazy because of this man and I don't know why. His attention went back to me and for the first time since we spoke, we were eye to eye. That's when it all came back to me. His hazelnut eyes, his chiseled face, his thin lips, the color of his hair. Good ness, if I keep going i might just describe a greek God, but that's not what he is, well, if we are going to base looks in hierarchy he could be next to a God. How could I have been so stupid, if Lori learns about this she will definitely lecture me for being naive and insensitive? Before I could do anymore damage, I immediately released my wrist from him and bowed my head in respect.

"I apologize for being ignorant your highness. I was still in shock by what happened earlier and so my mind wasn't working properly" My heart was beating like it did before. If the rumors are correct anyone who offend him will definitely face his wrath and suffer a great punishment.

"I'm glad to hear you can still speak. You don't need to apologize and you can be at ease. I wont bite you, you know?" He teases but I can hear the tinge of satisfaction lacing his words "Now, let me see your hand before it gets worst" he orders. Though I was afraid of what he might do if I disobey and tell him that I don't deserve to be in his presence right now, the fear of making him irritated weighs more in me. And because of the ordeal I am about to face with him, I can't really cause a huge drift between me and him, not before the wedding anyways. So as ordered, I raised both my hands again and then he continued what he was doing before. I was about to complain and tell him I could do it myself but then he raises his head to face me once again. His demeanor that was once gentle became like a predatory aiming for his prey.

"I know who you are and I already know why you are here. I don't think we still need a proper introduction since we are literally going to spend a lot longer days ahead of us but then again. I still have to satisfy some asses so I might as well make this quick and clear" His gently tone was gone and now replace with annoyance and malice "I am Prince Luke Grea Justine Eidenton, Second son of the King and Queen, Crownprince of Estrella North Kingdom, heir to the throne" He looks me dead in the eye "And I, as long as I live, will never love you nor will I ever be a husband that could give you what you want. I don't know what my parents swore to you but I wont take part of it. In obedience to the Royal Regents decree, I will follow his command but I will never be the kind of husband they all think I may be" He squeezes the ice pack placed on my wrist and there that pain from earlier due to his strong grip. "Whatever it is that you and your family are planning, I'll make sure it wont come true" he throws the ice pack away behind me showing that he really was annoyed by something then with a last look at me, he smirks then leaves me behind.

I've never felt so afraid up until now. I can't believe that I'm about to get married to someone who doesn't seem to mind making people suffer. And what does he even mean about my families plan? Does he really know who I am? I don't even have the slightest idea what my father and brother will get after all of this things is over? All they told me was that its for my protection. Even the King and Queen didn't give me much of an idea where would I go after everything is settled. This is all insane and full of crap. I have enough enemies outside, people who would love to see me dead and would do everything to make me suffer and now, I have one prince who almost killed me on the spot and another that could possible ruin my entire life. How did I become public enemy number one in just a week.

My mind was going haywire from all the this crazy events and I dont even have anyone to help me figure this out. I feel like I can't trust anyone in this place, everyone is quick too judge and they are all too closed off. I haven't met the rest of the royal family but judging by how things escalated earlier, I'm getting afraid of meeting them one by one. They might just start accusing me of things I didn't even do. Plus with the Crownprince having a grudge against me, I'm doubting that the rest would go easy on me. He'll eventually become King and when he decides that he is done with me, he could just order everyone to shun me away.

What am I supposed to do now?

Being able to talk to the Queen and having a good relationship with the Royal Regent, wont be enough. That I'm sure of. Though they both hold a high ranking in this family, still there is power in numbers. I've learned that a thousand time in all the books I've read. Worst is, if I do become the prince's wife, that could mean he owns me and that could end up me being sold to another country or maybe to the people who wants me dead. But on the other note, I can always use the power I have as his wife to look for the people responsible for both my mothers death. If there is power in number, I just need to look for more people on my side. It could be tricky and I may fail but I at least have to try. I can't just stay the way I am now.

I walked to the bathroom and realized that I may be brought inside one of the common rooms, the bathroom was packed with essentials for both men and women. I looked myself in the mirror and saw that I almost ruined Christies masterpiece, with a little powder I know I can still fix myself. I have to show them that I wont be scared anymore, I have to be strong, I need to be strong. I can't let them step on me just because I can easily cry and show weakness. I have to step up my game so that they'll know I can also fight my own fight.

"I wont back down, no I just can't" I felt rage pouring out of me.

I learned in earlier events that I was too naive. I thought looking like a lady will make them treat me like one. Just like what the stories say, power can make people greedy and full of crap. They lose their judgement and make mistakes because they know they have the power to cover things up. I have enough knowledge how power can ruin people. Now that i've experienced first hand how the things I've read might be true. There is always a way to counter them and thats what i'll do from now on. I'll have to face them all head on.

So I tied my hair in a high ponytail. Covered the stains of my tears from earlier with powder. Fixed myself like nothing happened.

If I am to stay here and become a bloody scumbags wife, I at least have to make it entertaining.

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