Rules and roses

I was enjoying the comfort of my duvet; the warmth hugged my skin so lightly. I was sleeping so peacefully when Madam Beryl came into my room. 

"Good morning, Your Highness," Madam Beryl's voice cut through the haze of sleep, her cheerful tone a stark contrast to my groggy state. I mumbled a sleepy protest, burying deeper into the comfort of my duvet as if to shield myself from the intrusion of morning.

Madam Beryl has been the sweetest thing in my life, always there with a kind word or a gentle touch. She cared for me since I was a day old, stepping in after my mother passed away during childbirth. Her cheerful demeanor and unwavering dedication became the pillars of my upbringing, filling the void left by my mother's absence.

Growing up in the palace under Madam Beryl's watchful eye, I found solace in her nurturing presence amidst the formality and protocol of royal life. She knew me better than anyone else, understanding my moods and preferences with an intuition born of years spent together. Her mornings always started with a bright smile and a warm greeting, like today when she entered my room with sunlight streaming through the curtains.

To me; she is well respected in our castle and is my one and only friend. ''Come on, princess, it's time to wake up. Your father has called you for breakfast."

She said this while pulling away the curtains and letting the sunshine in, which hit my face. ''' I sat up straight and said, "Good morning." I rubbed my eyes, so who is it today, a duke? An old friend?'' Beryl let out a laugh. ''A duke." 'This is the 7th man this month. I can't keep living like this. I don't want to choose the man I marry. I want to find my one true love," I said while getting up from my bed. 'I know your grace, but these are the orders of our king," she said with a sad smile. 'Three maids came into my room, and they helped me get dressed.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel trapped by the expectations placed upon me. I longed for a genuine love, not one dictated by politics and power.

One brushed my hair. The other two helped me get dressed, and I made my way to the dining hall.' As I was walking down the hall, a lot of thoughts struck my head. I take a deep breath and enter the dining hall.

 ''I go inside as two guards announce that Princess Delilah Frost is coming in''. I bow down and smile as I see my father after a long while. Good morning, father, I said a bit too cheerfully, then my eyes lay on a man about in his mid-30s, looking fairly good but still not my type. ''Delilah, my dear daughter, met Lord Benjamin, a potential suitor for you,'' my father introduced. Lord Benjamin bowed politely, and I forced a smile, knowing this meeting was more about politics than my happiness.

My father says it in a calm tone, and I look at him with a look he has seen many times, almost every time he brings a suitor. '' Sure, I smiled, bowed a little, and sat down on a chair next to my father, facing my father. 

' You very beautiful princess—I must say the finest one in the country,'' he said with a grin on his face. I try to hide the fact that I am disgusted by that compliment because I've heard it a million times from every man whom my father wants me to meet.

 ''Oh, that's very sweet of you to say, sire, I say politely. "Oh, please call me Benjamin Ben for short, princess''. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. I look at my father and take a deep breath again.

The servants serve us breakfast, and I eat slowly, trying my best to get this meeting over with. The atmosphere feels strained, and I'm already wishing it was over. Benjamin, who doesn't seem to have any table manners, is shoveling food into his mouth with little regard for decorum.

"So tell me, princess, what are your hobbies? Do you only like ball gowns and stuff?" he asks, mouth half-full. His question is so casually delivered that it borders on rude. I doubt he is a duke anywhere. Despite his casual demeanor, there is something about Benjamin that makes me uneasy.

I take a moment to compose myself, carefully placing my fork down before responding. "Well, Mr. Benjamin, I enjoy a lot of things. Horse riding is my favorite," I say, attempting to keep my tone polite and measured. I can feel my irritation growing as he interrupts, "Gosh, boys are so dumb sometimes."

He looks momentarily surprised, perhaps realizing he had spoken out loud. Recovering quickly, he continues, "Your Highness, I'm a bit busy this afternoon, you know, and I would like to take my leave now. It was nice meeting you, Princess, and I hope to see you again."

My father, who has been quietly observing the interaction, steps in. "Guards, will you please escort him out gently?" he says in a soft tone. As the guards approach to escort Benjamin out, I take another deep breath, feeling a mixture of relief and frustration.

Once Benjamin is out of the room, the tension dissipates slightly. I push my plate away, no longer hungry. My father looks at me with a knowing expression. "I think you don't like him one bit, am I right?" he asks, his voice gentle and understanding.

I let out a sigh, feeling the weight of my frustration lift slightly. "Father, he was insufferable. He barely showed any manners, and his questions were so... crude. I don't see how someone like him could be considered a suitable match."

My father nods, his expression thoughtful. "I understand your concerns, my dear. This was just a meeting to see if there was any potential. It seems there isn't."

I feel a wave of gratitude for my father's support. "Thank you, Father. I appreciate your understanding."

He smiles warmly at me. "Of course, my dear. Your happiness is what matters most. We'll continue to look for a more suitable match."

As we sit there, the remnants of breakfast growing cold, I feel a renewed sense of hope. Despite the unpleasant encounter, I look at my father and then tell him what I wanted to say for a while now.

"Well, yes, you are right, Father. I think I can find a suitor myself; these meetings are not helping me find the one. Besides, I'm not in a rush; I'll find him when I am meant to," I said with determination.

Just then, Madam Beryl came in, holding a silver tray with a neatly sealed envelope. "Your Highness, this just came in the mail. It's an invitation to the Winter Ball," she announced, presenting the letter to my father.

I nodded, feeling a spark of excitement at the thought of attending the ball. "It does sound like a pleasant event. And it will be nice to attend something different for a change."

Madam Beryl smiled warmly. "I'll make sure your finest gowns are prepared, Your Highness. It will be a splendid evening."

With the invitation in hand, I felt a renewed sense of hope. Perhaps this ball would bring a new beginning, away from the forced meetings and awkward breakfasts. I looked at my father and said, "Thank you, Father. I think this is just what I need."

He patted my hand gently and chuckled. "Well, perhaps you'll find your suitor there instead."

I laughed softly, feeling a warmth spread through me. "Maybe I will, Father. Maybe I will."

He smiled at me, his eyes filled with affection. "You deserve happiness, my dear. Take your time, enjoy the ball, and be yourself. The right person will recognize how special you are."

Touched by his words, I leaned in to give him a hug. "Thank you, Father. Your support means everything to me."

As we sat there, the anticipation of the upcoming ball filled the room. It felt like a fresh start, a chance to embrace new possibilities