Chapter 2

"Welcome, everyone, and thank you so much for coming on this special evening," Maroon spoke with claps following. I hid behind the curtain, waiting to be revealed to all the royal families. My revealing is the most essential part of the night because it is the first time that the guests get to see me after hours of being here. Another critical part of this occasion is the gown that I wear. Maroon uses my gown as a way to make my presence known in the room in contrast to the other royals that must wear black during this occasion. I looked beautiful, but this night couldn't be anymore of a nightmare.

"As you all know, this is an extraordinary birthday for our wonderful Princess, being that it is finally her 18th birthday. She has finally come to the proper age to marry and become queen, which has been something I have been waiting for for a very long time now. I can finally announce that tonight, I will choose the man who will take our Princess as his wife and future queen. The first queen to rule in any kingdom." He took a moment to pause and let everyone appreciate his words. "May I present to you, Princess Rosewater."

The curtains moved to expose me to everyone in the room entirely. As many times as I have experienced this moment, I have never gotten used to the feeling of the royal families applauding me for existing. Maybe I would enjoy the atmosphere for discovering the cure for a chronic illness or discovering life on another planet, but I am only a girl with a crown on my head. I was quick to put a toothy smile on display for everyone, hopefully getting away with it. Maroon signaled for me to move to the microphone and say a few words. I took a deep breath and put my nerves aside before walking up to the microphone upon the balcony.

"Hello, everyone," I spoke confidently. "I would like to thank you all for always coming to celebrate my birthday with me. I am sure you look forward to this every year just as much as I do! I would like to give thanks to my mother and father for raising me well and Emperor Maroon for teaching me how to be the best royal woman that I can be. I will use the lessons that they have taught me when I become the first queen, so I can set the perfect example for future royal women. Thank you all for coming once again. I am so grateful for everyone that was able to make it tonight." My short speech was followed by massive applause and cheers. Maroon gave me a look of satisfaction and moved back o the microphone.

"Enjoy your evening, everyone. I will announce who will have the honor to take Princess Rosewater as his wife when the time is right. Thank you. " The nerves in my stomach settled when I knew that I was clear of any further public speaking.

"Well done, Princess." Maroon stepped over to embrace me in a hug.

"Thank you." I chirped, trying not to act like he didn't just snap at me moments ago.

"Let's make our way down the stairs, shall we?" He said as we held out his arm. I smiled warmly and took his arm to lead me down the staircase that leads to the main floor. Multiple compliments about my dress and appearance were made, which I did my best to thank them all as we reached the bottom politely. As soon as we got there, people seemed to carry on with their conversations while still managing to keep their eyes on me. I noticed my parents making their way through the crowd towards Maroon and me.

"You look so lovely, Taisa." My father said and kissed my hand just to pull me into a hug. I let out a child-like giggle as he wrapped his arms around me. My father, Jeremy, has always had a wonderful connection with me since I was a kid, which still carries on to today. He allowed me to watch movies, try apple juice, and even played games with me as I grew up, breaking many of the rules that Maroon had set for me. On the other hand, my mother and I did not always get along.

"Beautiful gown, Sweetheart." My mother praised and planted a kiss onto my cheek. Julia, a woman who I could hardly consider as family to me. The only reason I even try to be kind to her is for my father's sake. She is the complete opposite of my father, making me confused of why he chose to marry such a witch. She sucks up to Maroon's rules, and threatens to report anything if she suspects that I am disobeying his laws. It would be bold to say that I hate my mother, but in this case, it is not bold enough.

"Thank you, Mother, Father," I said with a fake smile.

"Who made this lovely gown?" My mother asked while touching some of the designs laced around my chest.

"One of my old friends, Jane, made it on her own. She is a very talented woman, so I put her up to the job. Jane was more than honored." Maroon replied proudly. "I might give her the job next year as well, and I am quite satisfied with her work."

"Yes, please do. Make sure she knows that we are thankful." My father said.

"Will do. Now, it is the moment we have all been waiting for. I am going to present your daughter in front of the princes and have a few moments with them." My parents both filled with excitement and let us walk past them. "We will speak to you later tonight."

"Okay! We are so happy for you, Taisa." My mother said. I took a moment to look back at her, letting her know that I was not happy. I turned my head back around to follow Maroon through the crowd without looking back.

We reached a room that was near his office, isolated from the party. My anxieties started to kick in once we stood before the door. The man that I will be forced to spend the rest of my life with is behind these doors.

"Princess, it's alright." Maroon cooed while placing his hand on my shoulder. I took a sharp breath and shut my eyes.

"Please promise me again that this man is good, and that he will not only be good for me but good to me," I begged with my eyes still closed.

"Yes, I promise." Still not believing him, I nodded my head and opened my eyes. He went ahead and opened the doors, revealing them to us. In that first glance, I noticed that most of them showed nervousness towards me by the way they puffed their chests an corrected their postures. Very fine young men, but c'mon. "Gentlemen, Princess Rosewater." Maroon signaled for me to walk through the door and step closer to them. Some of them looked familiar from previous parties, some of them looked a little too young. They all bowed to be in unison politely.

"Good evening Princess." They all murmured together, making it hard for me not to crack a smile. They seemed to be just boys, but there was one that caught my attention. He didn't even show the slightest amount of interest at the moment, making all of my focus go to him. While all of the other men kept their stares and stood awkwardly, his eyes roamed the room like a student in a classroom. I watched as he stuffed his hands in his pockets and let out a sigh.

"Prince Lilac, please step forward," Maroon instructed. To my surprise, it was the man who held my interest the most. It seemed as if he was trying to hold in a laugh as well, sparking my curiosity even more. He made his way to me and bowed his head.

"Princess, it's such an honor." His thick French accent resulted in a smile from me. "I am Prince Roman Lilac, Prince of Allora."