14 Moving In

With the ten consort candidates chosen, the rest of the princesses were sent home to their family. Everyone left home with a chest full of gold bars and a treaty of alliance with Drakin.

Some were disappointed to know they were going home, while others were reliefed. All ten consort candidates who remained were given the Crescent Lodge as their new accommodations.

Located within the inner palace grounds, the Crescent Lodge was often used to entertain esteemed guests. Only those who have earned the King's favor would be allowed to stay there. Each candidate had their own room with an attached bathroom.

There were still many other rooms for different activities in the two storey building, waiting for them to explore.

"Look! There's even a horse stable and an archery ground set up!" Ida gasped excitedly as she looked out of the window.

A smile formed on Sierra's face as she saw the stable and shooting grounds. She had not been able to ride horses or train since she left her home.

She was itching to go outdoors.

"I came here first!" a voice protested from upstairs.

It rang loud and clear in the lodge. Sierra and Ida who were on the ground floor could hear it. They looked at one another in confusion, wondering who it could be. As they walked up the stairs towards the second floor, they heard what sounded like a slap followed by someone falling to the ground.

Realising someone could be hurt, Sierra quickly rushed up the stairs to see what was going on. She followed the source of the voices and found where it came from. One of the room doors were wide open and in it was Princess Agnes and another princess who was in tears.

"What is going on?" Sierra asked as she entered the room.

She immediately crouched down to check on the princess who was in tears. Sierra could see a bright red mark on her cheek. She took out a handkerchief and handed it to the crying princess before standing up protectively infront of her.

Sierra glared at Agnes, sending shivers down her spine.

"Why did you do that for? Aren't princesses supposed to have good manners and compassion for others?"

Agnes folded her arms as she tilted her head upwards, exuding an aura of someone who should not be messed with. But Sierra was not about to back down just because of that. In fact, she hated people like Agnes, who always wanted to have things their way.

"I want this room since it has the best lighting. She over there," pointing at the crying princess, "Did not like that so I put her in her place."

"I... I saw the room first. I... came into this room and claimed it first! Why do I have to let you have it instead?!" the crying princess argued.

"Liar!" Princess Agnes screamed as she pointed at her, "I came in here first!"

In a fit of rage, Agnes raised her hand, ready to slap the crying princess across her face. Sierra stepped in front of her and grabbed onto Agnes's hand before she could deal the blow.

"Such unsightly behavior. Over a room no less? Are you sure you're a princess, Agnes? Or perhaps you're just a hooligan?" Sierra tightened her grip on Agnes' wrist.

Agnes screamed in pain as if Sierra had broken it. She let go of her wrist, causing her to fall to the ground. Sierra knew this matter would not rest until Agnes got what she wanted. But even if that was the case, she was not about to let her have it so easily.

"What's your name, your Highness?" Sierra said as she offered a hand to the crying princes to help her up.

She looked up at Sierra, surprised by her kindness. She took her hand and thanked her as she got up on her feet.

"My name is Myra," she introduced herself.

"Princess Myra, I think it's best you let Princess Agnes take this room," Sierra said with a sigh.

She gave Myra a wink before turning around to continue speaking, "I don't think you would want a room with a rat for a pet, now would you?"

The moment Sierra mentioned the word 'rat', everyone in the room tensed up.

Taking full advantage of the situation, Sierra pointed at a random corner of the room and yelled, "Over there!"

Without even looking in the direction she pointed, Princess Agnes shrieked at the top of her voice and leaped up. She clung to one of her maid's arms, only for her to scream in shock as well.

It was like a chain reaction, as one screamed after another. It took everything in Sierra not to chuckle, knowing they were screaming at nothing. She continued to play the part, pointing at another corner.

"It's scurried over there now!" she exclaimed, faking the fear in her voice.

Sierra widened her eyes in shock as her hand began to shake, "It's... It's..."

"Where is it! Where is it?!" Princess Agnes yelled impatiently as she stomped her feet on the ground.