Chapter 3: Opportunity 2 years ago.

The next morning, the warm sunlight streaming through the windows awakened Sofia from her restless slumber. She rubbed her eyes, feeling a mix of exhaustion and anxiety. As she sat up, she was greeted by a cheerful face - her personal maid, Emma.

Emma's bright smile and sparkling eyes were a stark contrast to Sofia's gloomy mood. "Good morning, Your Highness!" Emma chimed, her voice dripping with enthusiasm.

Sofia couldn't help but laugh at Emma's antics. "Emma, what's with the cheerfulness? You know I'm being forced to marry some stranger today," Sofia said, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Emma's grin faltered for a moment before she launched into a ridiculous dance, waving her arms and making silly faces. "Oh, don't worry, Your Highness! You'll find your true love among those handsome princes. And if not, well, you can always escape with me to a life of adventure and piracy!" Emma declared, striking a dramatic pose.

Sofia giggled, despite herself. Emma's silliness was just what she needed to lift her spirits. "You're ridiculous, Emma," Sofia said, shaking her head.

Emma beamed with pride. "Hey, someone's got to keep you smiling on your big day! Now, shall we get you ready for the royal ball?" Emma asked, already moving towards the wardrobe to select Sofia's outfit.

Sofia sighed, feeling a pang of nervousness. "I suppose we have no choice."

Emma opened the wardrobe, revealing a stunning gown that sparkled in the morning light. She carefully lifted the dress out and laid it on the table, smoothing out the delicate silk fabric. Next, she retrieved a collection of exquisite accessories from the shelf: glittering earrings, a delicate silver chain, and a pair of high-heeled shoes that shimmered with intricate embroidery.

With the outfit prepared, Emma approached Sofia, who stood frozen, lost in thought. Emma gently patted Sofia's shoulder, trying to rouse her from her reverie.

Sofia's eyes fluttered back into focus, and she turned to Emma, her expression still distant. "Yes?" she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Emma's expression softened with concern. "My princess, it's time to clean up. We need to get you ready for the royal ball." She called out to the other maids, who had been waiting patiently outside the door.

The maids filed into the room, each carrying a specific task: one held a delicate porcelain basin, another a pitcher of steaming hot water, and a third a selection of fragrant soaps and scented oils. Emma supervised the preparations, ensuring that every detail was attended to.

As the maids began their work, Sofia's thoughts drifted back to the past. Two years ago, when she was 19, her parents had given her the opportunity to find her own fiancé. They had promised to accept anyone she chose, regardless of wealth or social status, as long as she truly loved him.

But Sofia hadn't taken the opportunity seriously. She hadn't been ready for romance, and her sheltered life within the castle walls had left her with little experience of the outside world. Now, her parents had taken matters into their own hands, arranging for her to choose from six eligible princes.

The weight of her situation settled heavily on Sofia's shoulders, and she felt a pang of regret for not taking her parents' offer more seriously. But it was too late now; the royal ball was mere hours away, and Sofia's fate would soon be sealed.