2 Chapter 2: Agenda

As I descend on the grand staircase, I make my way towards the garden to have breakfast with my magical cat trotting behind me. I'm wearing a slim dusty pink gown that accentuates my waist. I bask in the light morning breeze while I think about what to do today. I puff my cheeks in frustration when I realize that there's nothing for me to do while I'm stuck inside the confinement of my dad's palace!

Under the gazebo, I look over across the round wooden table to see my cat on top. He's munching away without a break. "Hey, Sam! Stop for breath and help me strategize in what we should do today." Sam looks up and does a lazy stretch upwards. "I don't know, same as always..."

I scrunch up my eyebrows in annoyance. "Oh come on! Don't literally be a lazy cat! I want to go do something exciting, yea?!"

Sam replies back with the same sluggish attitude, "I'm more of a laidback friend that likes to eat and sleep whenever I want to and of course whenever you want to as well. I willing to sacrifice my kitty figure for you, Lys."

'I can't believe this cat just winked at me?!', "Well, whatever I'll go make a new and exciting friend!, Ha!, goodbye!" I get up abruptly from my chair and started marching away from him. From the back, Sam says, "Okayyy...Good luck with that, I'll see you later."

While I'm walking away towards the palace door, I couldn't help but lose confidence as soon as I walked inside. 'Who am I kidding? Dad is the King of the Epirus Kingdom and I'm the only princess. As such simple reason why I can't do anything, but stay secluded in this ridiculously huge palace; it's huge with curved ceilings and many pillars all over the place for no reason.'

I get interrupted away from my internal rant when Macaria calls out to me, "Lysandra, where are you going?" I really wanted to roll my eyes at my step-mother for asking a question that she already knows the answer to.

It's annoying every time she makes the most obvious questions or statements. Perhaps it's mostly because she's only 7 years older than me. The most embarrassing occurrence is when a stranger assumes she's the same age as me or worst younger than me.

I can't blame them when Macaria has these big, round, and plump cheeks that fill up her face to play the role of a classic babyface adult. Ultimately, it's not Macaria's fault, but my father for his unfavorable certain interest in women that are too young for his old age.

I reply back, "Oh you know, just taking a stroll in this palace. Do you need anything?" Macaria raises one eyebrow while looking at me from head to toe. "Shouldn't you start getting ready for the grand ball that we are hosting today?" I give Macaria a questioning look, "What do you mean? Father and my brothers are away at another Kingdom conducting business. They would have canceled due to the sudden obligation."

"Well, King Adinos agreed not to postpone the ball due to my very important announcement that I will be making today. There should not be any threat as no one would be foolish enough to attack the palace of the most powerful mage. As the queen, I can handle the ball myself. Many great leaders that are neighbors, friends, and distant relatives will be attending. Besides, it would be terribly rude and a great loss to suddenly cancel such a great event. Don't you agree?"

I reply back withholding my utter annoyance, "Well, of course, I will be promptly ready as scheduled, thank you." Macaria smiles widely as she says, "Perfect! You and everyone else will be so surprised by my grand announcement!" As soon she walks away, I have a sense of relief as I'm finally able to roll my eyes at her back, but then I start to feel suspicious.

'What would Macaria be so excited about? Maybe it's because all the possessive men are gone today?! I believe this is the first time I will be attending a royal ball without my dad or both of my brothers.' They are so strict, possessive, and jealous that no man has ever dared to ask me for a dance. 'The day has finally arrived when I could potentially have my first dance with a man that is not my family!'

I start hopping and skipping in full delight towards my chamber with the excitement of getting ready. Both of my private maids are already in my room with all the preparations. I look towards my maids and say, "Alright, Irene and Lois it's time to help make me look like the goddess that I'm meant to be!" They both giggle at me as Irene says, "Oh dear, we don't have to do much when you are naturally the most beautiful nymph in the all realms, but why are you so willing today?"

I walk towards my vanity and sit down on my stool as I look at myself in the mirror. "Thank you for the compliment, but I need a confidence boost in order to capture the attention of my fated lover tonight." Irene and Lois begin to giggle once again at the thought of me attempting to seduce a man. This time Lois speaks up, "Oh honey girl, you don't have to worry but be yourself. That's the perk of being a nymph when you don't have to do much and smile."

I can't help it, but feel a twist of pain in my chest whenever someone mentions about me being a nymph. A nymph is a fairy that is close to the bloodlines of royalty and Deity. As well, only the gene of nymphs is passed down with women.

While a born male would be called a mage for their strong magic abilities. A nymph would carry more magical power, strength, and be in full human form.

Normal fairies are tiny creatures that are always together in groups. But I'm different in that I can't use magic, I'm definitely not strong, and I can't even call to my fairy wings as I should. Everyone suspects that I'm half-human, such as the reason for being weak and useless.

I look back at Lois with a sad smile as I say, "I get it, okay? Please help me polish up so I can ooze with confidence in the ballroom." Both of my human maids giggle with a knowingly smile and commence with enhancing my beauty with few details in the most relaxing manner.