7 The Lady in Training - 6

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I walked into My mother's room.

"The 4th prince has arrived." I heard the maids tell her. The maid came back out and bowed to me.

"Apologies young master, your mother is-

"Ill, sick? Busy? What excuse will she use this time.." I said bitterly. The expression of the maid turned fearful as she quickly kneeled.

"y-Young master! Please do not be angry! Your mother has been taking care of the houses. She has not rested well in a long-"

"Alright! Tell her to rest well." I stated sarcastically before storming off to the back of the courtyard. Near one of the many dead trees that were there. My mother was considered the "forgotten queen" as my father- the king- continues to reject her existence. Even on an important day like this, he never once visited her after the incident. I chuckled bitterly before drawing my sword to cut the tree in half. It was the only way I could release my anger without hurting anyone else. Feeling a presence behind me, I quickly spun around and pointed my sword at-

"M-Master! Please spare this humble servant." Bo fell to his knees and bowed. I sighed and put my sword away.

"You are lucky your head was not an inch further," I smirked coldly. "Or else I would have-"

"M-Master!" he begged, holding his head. "The ladies in waiting are all at the entrance, the ceremony will begin soon! You must hurry."

I rolled my eyes and walked towards the exit of the courtyard. Bo quickly rushed to my side as we left. I paused and took one last glance at my mother's manor before leaving.

*

Arriving at the front of the palace, I watched as carriages pulled women dressed in expensive clothing, their faces packed with makeup as pale as the whites of there eyes. Some wearing none but having naturally pale faces. I grew tired of the same pretty women who were brought into the palace. But I still held some hope after all one person could make all the-

I dragged my eyes lazily upon the crowd of pale women. Just as I was about to turn away. A girl dressed in a soft yellow exited her carriage. My eyes widened with curiosity. Her skin was dark, much darker than anyone of the other ladies. She had plump lips and a soft nose, her gaze was focused on the ground but even from afar, her long lashes shuddered delicately as she tried to continue gazing at the ground. Suddenly, I watched as a younger lady dressed in maids clothing rushed up to her and walked by her side. She turned to the girl, slightly stunned, but a smile making its way to her face. I could bother to pay attention to any of the other girls, this one had managed to work her way into my heart by simply walking. I watched as she continued her walk up until the first step up to the palace. She stood in the line along with the other girls. I motioned for Bo to come. He quickly rushed to my side and bowed. I pointed to the unfamiliar girl.

"Who is this girl over there in the yellow gown?" I asked. He looked up before scratching his head confused.

"Apologies your majesty, I believe she is from a noble from outside of the kingdom. I am not familiar with her either." He answered. I squinted my eyes, even Bo could not recognize her? I couldn't help but become more intrigued with this hidden beauty. As I watched her, I couldn't help but become more hypnotized by her. Her skin glowed like gold almost, as the sun hit her. I quickly turned to my brothers, they seemed to be less preoccupied on her but rather the girl on the other side of the line.

Towards the front of the line, there was another girl, she had defined features and beautiful dark brown eyes. I admit, compared to many of the girls here, she was pretty. But compared to the girl in the yellow dress. I couldn't help but scoff.

"Bo, have some of our men watch over the girl in the yellow. Find out what family she belongs to." I ordered. He bowed.

"Yes, Master." He said, before quickly leaving to complete his task. I continued to eye her as she stood in place, her gaze remaining on the ground.

*

We soon arrived at the palace. My hands were shaking but I knew this was no time for my anxiety to kick in. I had made myself look as presentable as possible but I still couldn't help but feel like something would go wrong. Shaking off the feeling, I checked my dress for wrinkles one last time before I heard the guard knock on the door. I took a deep breath before answering. I opened the door and carefully exited the carriage.

From the moment I stepped out of the carriage, I noticed the other girls staring at me. It was to be expected. I had dark skin with straight black hair. If anything, I would be shocked if they didn't. Thankfully, I had been exposed to staring from a young age, even in my world, some people stared at me from time to time. I tried to think of something else as I walked side by side with the other girls. They all had their heads perking up, I could smell their confidence from a mile away. I tried to remain calm but I could feel my heart rate speeding up. I already knew the princes and queen were staring at all of us. How could they remain so calm? My hands started shaking as I quickly gripped them so they would not notice. I knew I wouldn't last long. When suddenly,

I felt someone grab my arm. I turned to the side a bit to see Bella, she was smiling at me brightly.

"Miss! I am alright! Keep going. You can do this!" she whispered. I wanted to hug her and smile as brightly as I could but I knew this was not the place. She quickly let go of my arm and walked a few steps behind me until we reached the bottom of the stairs. I took a sigh of relief once reaching it. I waited for until the other ladies bowed and quickly copied them. Reciting their words exactly.

"We bow to his highness and her majesty, shall you have long lives!"

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(Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed)