Her coming of age III

The carriage ride didn't last long. We have already arrived at the palace. And as I've said before, my house is already a castle. But this one right here is God's city! We are still down the stairs, and above is the immense palace. Inside that palace, beyond that main palace, were other palaces of the royal family. This one right here is the main palace where the king holds audiences.

"Aerin?" dad called out. I reached for his hand and then we started to walk up. Though nervous, I was more excited to meet the king.

As we climbed up, I saw many people. I believe they were nobles invited to this event.

"Is that her?"

"Yes, that's lady Melenheim."

"Isn't she the villainess?"

"I heard she had her maids flogged if they pissed her off."

"Oh!"

"I also heard she had this suitor, and because she doesn't like him, she had him bitten with their family's hunting dog."

"Hup!" I gasped upon hearing that rumor. "I did that?!" I whispered.

I looked at them with a piercing look. Though I didn't mean to look like I was about to pluck their eyes and mouth. They immediately looked away. I was just merely stunned and questioning so I narrowed my eyes and frowned. I forgot that even this face's smile would look like a murderer's grin to anybody.

"Duke of Beaufort, Cassius Felarina de Melenheim, greets the great sun of the empire, King Efredus Valia de Theolia!" my father said as he bowed down to the king.

I looked in front of me, it was then I become aware of the king's presence. I haven't even noticed that we had already reached the throne room because I was minding those gossipers.

"I, Aerin Angenas von Felarina de Melenheim, greets the great sun of the empire, King Efredus Valia de Theolia! then I bowed down to proclaim submission to the king.

"Rise, Duke and lady Melenheim." the king replied. "Today is a joyous day for your daughter, Cassius."

"It is indeed, your majesty." dad replied with a smile as he looked at me.

"Aerin..."

"Yes, your majesty?"

"You have grown to be a fine woman. You reminded me of Canaria."

"Yes, your majesty. My father told me I looked like my mom a lot."

"I wish you good health and happiness, dear." the king said gently. I can feel his sincerity.

"Thank you, your majesty." I gratefully replied as I bowed once again.

"Oh, no need for such formalities! I and your father has been good friends since childhood." the king said, even waving his hand.

I laughed at his action. "I am well aware, my king."

"Have fun and enjoy the banquet. Today is your day, Aerin."

"I sure will, your majesty," I confirmed. Lots of people had worked hard to make this joyous celebration a beautiful one for me. I will not let them down. Especially my people who have exerted much effort in preparing for everything.

"Announcing the presence of the crown prince, prince Rolland Aurelio Valia de Theolia."

Our small talk was interrupted when the king's servant announced the presence of the crown prince. After that, the huge golden door opened, and from there emerged a fine young man. Tall and lean, with golden hair so radiant as the sun. He is wearing a black military uniform. His glide is so masculine and enchanting, he's making me intently look at him as he walks towards us. I tried my best to not look as affected and distracted as possible.

The prince stood beside me as he greeted the king. After that, they talked for some time, together with my father. I acted as if I'm listening, but honestly, I'm having a hard time focusing. My mind was only focused on how I looked, and on thinking about the prince.

I was not able to see his face as he was almost near us earlier because I forced myself to act as regal and elegant as possible. I intentionally did not look at him so he won't say that I'm someone who wants attention. In the end, I am now on the verge of getting a stiff neck.

[How pathetic!"] I grimaced silently.

"Aerin?" I was only able to snap out of it when I heard the king call me.

"Yes, your majesty?" I blinked.

"I and the duke will have something to talk about. I will be expecting your fairness at the banquet tonight, yes?"

"I humbly implore your presence, your majesty." I smiled.

"If you may, prince, will you escort the lady?" he added.

My heart thumped. I wished to decline for my own comfort, but I cannot say that to the king.

"With all gladness, father." the prince replied.

That was the moment I turned my head to look at the crown prince. He called him father in front of his subjects, so that must mean they have a close relationship as father and son. I'm quite impressed.

He might have noticed my gaze because he then faced me and smiled.

"My lady?" he offered his hand.

"Thank you, your highness," I said as I took it.

He then kissed my hand. I know that this is one of the customs in the kingdom when greeting a lady. However, since this is the first time I was greeted this way, I somehow flinched a bit. He may have noticed it as when he raised his gaze to meet mine, he has this questioning look, though it only lasted a second.

I just smiled at him. "Shall we?"