AVERY

  After that incident, I busied myself with the books I brought and stayed in my room until sunset. Just then, there was a knock on my door and a servant announced that there would be a small gathering in the banquet hall to welcome the guests.

  I looked at Meylin who was smiling down at me. She said, “Well, Your Highness. I think it’s time for you to get ready.”

  I sighed, “I assume the gathering will not be as small as the servant had said.”

  “Sure, but now is your time to interact with the nobles and royalty of other lands, Your Highness,” Meylin stated, making me close my book and sigh once more.

  “I am starting to think that my mother told you to let me outside this room even once during this event,” I grumbled, standing up from my seat and heading towards the connected bathroom of my chambers.

  Meylin only chuckled as she trailed behind me, “No. She did not tell me anything, but I’m only telling you that as your friend.”

  I just smiled and got ready for the banquet. Meylin made sure to bathe me properly with the oils and soaps that we brought. I tend to get headaches and nausea when I use different scents of oils and soaps, so I made sure to bring the ones I use at home.

  After bathing, I got dressed in a simple yet elegant lavender-colored gown with little flower patterns that were embroidered on the hem of the dress. Meylin brushed my hair and placed a small clip with a white rose design. She also did my makeup and made sure I looked decent at the very least.

  I stood in front of a full-length mirror and admired my appearance. I twirled and smiled, “This is amazing, Meylin. I don’t… look like myself at all.”

  Meylin stood beside me and smiled through the mirror, “It is natural that I will make Your Highness look the most beautiful at the banquet later.”

  I smiled, and then a thought suddenly popped into my head.

  What would I do if a lot of men approached me? I do not want to be the center of attention nor do I want to interact with such beings. I despise womanizers and flirts who boast of their riches.

  As if sensing the worry I was feeling, Meylin took my hand and made me face her. She looked determined, “If you are worrying about despicable men approaching you, do not worry. Sir Richtan will be there to observe and be your guard for the evening.”

  I smiled warmly at her and nodded, "I am relieved that he will be there. I am getting anxiety just from imagining the amount of people that might crowd me later."

  "There is nothing to worry about, Your Highness. You will be amazing," Meylin smiled and escorted me outside my room.

  The halls were lit beautifully and it was so bright that I thought I might go blind. The king of this land is truly showing off how wealthy and powerful their kingdom is.

  The walk to the banquet hall was long, but it wasn't unpleasant. When we reached the big wooden doors of the hall, I swallowed thickly and clenched my hands into fists.

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  It's alright, Avery. Your mother and father are inside. We can go straight to them once we enter.

  I mentally encouraged myself as a guard announced my arrival along with the opening of the doors. I was blinded by the shining chandelier for a moment and once my vision cleared, I noticed everyone's eyes on me. I couldn't help the blush that was creeping up my cheeks.

  I took a deep breath and scanned the room for my parents. I could feel everyone's eyes on me. I then saw my parents talking to a man in a white suit adorned with different kinds of gold jewels and accessories. When I walked closer, I heard my father's hushed voice.

  "I... do not have anything to offer you of value, Your Majesty. My kingdom is nothing but small."

  The king laughed, "Don't be ridiculous! You have great lands that would cost a lot of fortune!"

  Then, my Mother's eyes met mine, and she smiled softly and politely, "Your Majesty, may I introduce my daughter, Avery."

  The king turned and his bright blue eyes met mine. His lips curved into a sly smirk, and he took my hand in his and kissed my knuckles, "It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Princess. My name is Ferhann Melodius."

  I felt a chill down my spine when his lips touched my skin. I forced a polite smile, "It is nice to meet you, Your Majesty."

  "I must say, King Aurelius. Your daughter is quite the catch. Do you accept marriage proposals?" King Ferhann said, a domineering smile plastered on his face.

  I paled at his words and immediately looked at my father, who looked like he was about to pass out. I was about to say something when my father spoke, "Marriage proposals are welcome, Your Majesty. However, my daughter and I have not spoken about that topic just yet."

  King Ferhann laughed out loud, "Then, maybe another time. I shall offer that once more when the princess is ready."

  He looked at me and I stared at him blankly. He bowed and said, "Enjoy the banquet, everyone."

  The prince left, and I looked at my father. Shock and panic were evident on my face, "Father. You must not marry me to that man. I... I do not want to have a miserable marriage."

  "I will not allow it, my dear. But..." My father looked around with sad eyes and then finally looked at me, "King Ferhann has threatened our kingdom and I... for once, do not know what to do."

  My eyes widened in surprise. I could not believe my ears. I knew the man was ruthless and a womanizer and the thought of marrying that man made me feel sick in my stomach.

  My parents and I stood there for who knows how long until I decided to grab a drink. I took a flute of champagne and headed to the empty balcony. Leaning against the ledge, I downed the drink in my hand and sighed softly.

  Why would he want our kingdom? We don't even own a lot of gems and mines. What could he probably want?

  As my head swarmed with thoughts, I noticed a man on the balcony next to where I was. I recognized him as my next-room neighbor. He was wearing a black suit with silver accessories on his chest. His hair was slicked back, and he was holding a goblet of red wine. His jaws were clenching, and his face glowed under the moonlight.

  I propped my arm on the ledge and rested my chin on my hand. I mumbled to myself, "If you weren't so rude, I might have fallen in love with you."

  The man turned to me and our eyes met. I was shocked and immediately turned to look in the other direction.

  I traced the rim of the flute I was holding when I felt a warm breath bush against my neck, "Were you enjoying the view, Princess?"

  I felt goosebumps on my skin and I immediately turned to face the man. However, I lost my footing and was about to fall. I braced for the impact, but I did not feel the cold hard floor. My eyes, which were shut tight, slowly opened, only to be met with wide crimson eyes.

  How did this man get here so fast?!

  I realized that he had caught me before I fell. His thick arm was on my back and his other hand was holding onto my wrist. My cheeks immediately burned from embarrassment and I straightened up, letting go of his hold on me.

  "I apologize. You surprised me, so I... lost my balance," I said, moving an inch away from him.

  "You are one clumsy princess," the man stated.

  I looked at him, offended, "Pardon? I was... I was about to fall because you startled me," I retorted.

  The man smirked at me. Not the kind of smirk that was boastful. Rather, it was enticing and... playful.

  "Then, I guess you had better be on your guard always, Princess," the man left after saying those words, leaving me stunned.

  I... promised myself that I wouldn't ever want to meet that man again, but... I'm guessing fate had other plans.