Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
I frown and look his clothing over. He looks as filthy as his hands. The clock tower tolls in the distance. The party has begun.
“Enough of this, I will do my face myself. You can go.”
I turn back to my mirror, the artist dismissed as far as I’m concerned. He takes his bag and bows as he backs away. His presence forgotten, I flick my wrist.
My makeup is already flawless. However, now gold and bronze paint slashes from my temple across my nose to my left cheek. Another flick and the same paint appear beneath my bottom lip, down my chin.
“See. As elegant and exquisite as any artist’s work.”
“Well done, princess,” Soila sings.
Finishing the look with my diamond-encrusted crown, I stand ready for the ball. “This will be a night to remember,” I breathe to myself.
Chapter 1
Ball & Downfall
Blaise
Looking around the ballroom, I take in a deep breath. Everything is stunning. From the crystal serving trays the stemware rests on as the servers walk around with flutes of champagne to the magical champagne in the glassware that’s bubbling and sparkling with flakes of gold.
Sparks of gold fly through the room, looking like little fairies flying about. I look to the stage and a smile comes to my lips. Dinesh, my music instructor and the kingdom’s minister of music, couldn’t find the perfect musicians to play for me, so he’s using his magic to orchestrate a phantom orchestra.
The gold instruments are adorned with diamonds, making them simply breathtaking as they float in the air. I home in on the violins and smile. Light dances off the diamond-covered bows as they move back and forth across the strings.
The only thing more beautiful is the music coming from them. Father would have loved this. So much magic, so much elegance, all in honor of me.
The guests tonight will not want for anything. I’ve enchanted the walls with my magic, so when someone looks as if they need a drink or something to fill their stomachs, servers will come from the walls to offer refreshments.
I’ve thought of everything for tonight. Exquisite gold fabrics drape the ceilings, walls, and doorways. The room sparkles and shines with diamonds and crystals. No detail has been left unattended.
“Happy birthday, princess.” I turn to find Princess Mona Lisa.
“Why, thank you.”
“I think this is one of the best things to come from the earth realm,” she says.
“Isn’t it? Father was indeed wise to bring this concept to us.”
My father made many trips to the earth realm. He returned with tons of things and ideas. Birthdays are one of the things he brought to us. He loved the idea of getting to spoil me for a day. Gifts and attention all focused on me. Although for us, it does take longer for a birthday to return.
These are the days he longed for. Times to celebrate me. This ball was the greatest way to honor his memory.
“Shall we dance?” I say to Princess Mona Lisa as I look over her teal-and-purple gown.
She looks lovely, perfect for the occasion. Giving a glance around the room, she then turns back to me. I give a little grin, already knowing what’s on her mind.
“I guess we shall. Although, the selection of suitors could be better.”
I give a laugh and tap her wrist with my fan. “You’re just wicked. They’re not all that bad. I’ve heard representatives from a few of the finer kingdoms will make an appearance. I’m quite looking forward to seeing what each prince has to offer and if any live up to the hype.”
“My love, I’m sure none of them will.”
We both burst into laughter. The sound fanning out through the ballroom like its own music. My heart lightens. This is why I decided to go through with this, this is what Father would have wanted.
“We shall see. Come, I do love this song.”
***
Hours pass and I’m having such a good time. I stand with a group of my friends, talking and laughing while drinking champagne. Suddenly, I’m called.
“Princess.”
I turn to find Helenier, she’s the adviser my father brought on right before his death. I believe she was trying to help with the communications between the Kunglig Kingdom and ours. Perhaps another prince has arrived.
“Yes,” I reply.
“There’s someone here with a gift for you. Would you mind coming with me?”
I wave a dismissive hand. “Put it with the others. Thank you.”
I turn back to my friends and go to continue our conversation. Gasps fill the air around the ballroom. I look up and smile. I timed a gold glitter shower with my magic. It’s as if it’s snowing golden snowflakes.
My musing, however, is interrupted. “Oh, but, princess. This one is special. It was commissioned by your father.”
This gets my attention. My father always made sure the gifts given on this day were special. It’s no surprise he’d have something in the works that would transcend his death.