The Birthday Party

King Evan has kept the matter of captive ships under wraps so that the people won't panic. The whole castle was filled with laughter and charters, and guests had started to fill the main hall. Even though the whole matter was kept hidden, still many months were muttering about the matter in a hushed tone.

"Celebrating the princess's birthday in this dire time, what is our king thinking?" One of the guests was clad in silk yellow clothes. The shiny belt was wrapped around his waist to keep the robe in place. With him were three other people, two men, and one woman, all of them were dressed in luxurious clothes.

"Huh, it isn't something new, the king has always doted on the princess and it won't be surprising if he makes her the Queen one day. " Commented someone.

"I do agree." Some of them agreed with the statement.

Despite this kind of talk and chatter, the atmosphere was lovely.

Soon someone announced the presence of the royal family. King Evan and Queen Doris made their way from the grand staircase after Benji and Silja showed up at the top of the staircase. Silja was wearing a dark blue long dress which has.

The Corset bodice of the dress was embellished with silver threads and the finest pearls found from the Atlanea ocean. The heart-shaped neckline was deep Enough to show the glory of Silja's assets. The soft tulle A-line skirt was made from a few shades of lighter Colors from the upper top. The skirt was finished with a horseline hem.

Silja wasn't much a fan of accessories so she only has the pendant she received as a present from Meera on her neck. Since the chain was so long she has circled it two times around her slender neck. The silver pendant was going very well with her dress. Her long red hair was braided in small braids and opened from the back of her head.

With just a simple touch of makeup, she was looking like a breathtaking maiden giving a pure and gentle vibe. They slowly descended the stairs and came down.

No matter what people like to say about her, they will agree that if they had a daughter like her they would also dote on her like King Evan was doing.

As soon as Silja walked down from the Staircase people started folk around her. She became the attraction of Many suitors and middle-aged people who have sons of marriage age.

After almost everyone gave her wishes for her birthday Silja got some time to breathe but which was very short-lived as soon the dance music started to play and Benji asked her for the first dance. All the young people found their dance partners and came in the middle while the other people decided to become the audience.

Silja and Benji stood in front of each other in the middle of the two rows of men and women.

As the music started couples bowed to each other and soon the dance began. The music played was not loud but very soft and slow. Silja hooked one of her hands with Benji and they swirled together. Repeating the steps a few times and then they match their rhythm with each other. The music started to pick the speed. Silja entertained a few more guests after the dance ended. Even though she was wearing a smile all the time on her face, she wasn't enjoying anything in this birthday celebration. So as soon as she found a chance, Silja sneaked away from the crowd to find her peace. She wasn't very fond of social gatherings. Instead, she preferred to stay alone with her books or just spend time in the garden or her balcony looking at the vast ocean and hearing the sound of ocean water crashing against the hard rocks of the high castle walls.

"We have to take action soon." Silja was walking in the quiet corridor when she heard a familiar voice which she hadn't heard in days. Her footsteps automatically stopped as she slowly inches closer towards the closed door from where the voice was coming. Her lips curled up in a smile.

"I understand but what other choice do I have?" She heard her father's voice.

Silja, whose hand was about to push the door open, stopped as she understood what was going on inside.