Three Days

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At the dining sat the royal family of Atlank with the maids serving various dishes on the table. King Gabriel's eyes moved to each one of his family and he cleared his throat, getting their attention

"I received a letter from Seaton. Brenda, the crown prince has taken interest in you" Brenda looked up from her meal in shock

"That's amazing!" Greta squealed "Of course my daughter would get his attention"

"The crown prince doesn't want an engagement, he wants us to finalize the wedding right away" Gabriel continued

"No engagement? Father, isn't that too fast?" asked Neera

"What are you saying Neera? Your sister is going to get married to the crown prince of Seaton, the second highest in the four kingdoms. You should be happy he doesn't want an engagement. My dear daughter..." she turned to Brenda with a smile "I'm so proud of you"

"Thank you, mother" Brenda said with half a smile, her eyes moving back to the food on her plate

Orchid could very much tell Brenda was unhappy. Did she not want to get married to the crown prince?

"So, when is the wedding?" Greta hurriedly asked, excitement written all over her face

"In three days"

"Three days?" Brenda and Neera asked in unison. Both shocked

"Three days? Then we better start making preparations. Come on, Neera. Join your mother" Neera nodded and left the dining with her mother

"Anything to add, Orchid?" Gabriel asked

"What if there is? Would my statement be of any importance? Excuse me"

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Two days passed by in a flash. Once again the palace was as busy as ever, Greta took it upon herself to plan the event so as to make it splendid

"Orchid dear..." Greta sweetly called. Orchid rolled her eyes before turning to Greta

"Yes, dear mother" she also said with a smile

"Oh dear, I don't think the ribbons here are enough. Could you help me get some?"

"But mother dearest, they are so many maids available in the palace. Why must I go?"

"All the maids are pretty occupied, they've been assigned various tasks for you sister's wedding"

"But-"

"Listen to your mother, Orchid. You should also lend a hand in the ceremony" Gabriel spoke up, leaving no room for Orchid to protest

"Excuse me" Orchid said and walked out of the living room. Ava was about to follow but was stopped by Greta

"Where are you going? Stay right there"

"Mum, why did you send her away? They are a lot of free maids in the palace" Neera who sat by her mother, softly asked

"I just needed a reason to get her out of my sight, her mere presence irritates me" Greta answered "You there..." she pointed at Ava who worriedly stood still. Orchid had left on her own and knowing her fully well, she wouldn't have the guards accompany her "Take these ribbons, dispose them. They're of no use anymore"

"Yes"

"Oh and after that, join the maids in taking care of the decorations. You can't just stand still all day trailing after Orchid"

"Y-yes"

.

Orchid's eyes scanned the shop, searching for the ribbons. They were various colours and she had no idea which one to select for her dear stepmother

"Miss, our ribbons are of fine textures, directly from the north. Shall I pack that up from you, miss?"

"Oh...yes" Orchid nodded, her slender hands reaching out to the ribbon

"Miss, be careful. They are pins-" Orchid hissed when something pricked her finger "Oh no, I'm so sorry miss. I tried warning you before-"

"No, it's okay. I'm fine... pack this up for me"

"Alright miss. This way please " Orchid went along with the shop keeper

An unknown man stared at her, his head tilting to the side. His red eyes trailing her

"Thank you" Orchid took the bag from the shopkeeper and turned around to leave. But stopped when she felt a strong, uncomfortable gaze on her. She turned her head and saw the man, he didn't hide his gaze instead he stared directly into her eyes and she took notice of them. They were red