CHAPTER 1

“You are looking beautiful, Your Highness.”, Sera, the lady maid said as she tied the last lace of the corset and stepped back, I kept my book aside and glanced at the mirror that another servant placed before me.

The blue eyes on my pale complexion sparkled as I pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. “You may be right today, Sera.” I said with a small chuckle and watched as the rest of the servant girls run around trying to finish getting me ready for breakfast. I opened the book of maps, again and sighed as my fingers traced the map of Valadora.

Sera adjusted the crown on my head as she continued to complement me, her words went through me just like everybody else’s, it made no difference to what I felt. “Is something wrong, my lady?”

I gave her a small smile. “Is my beauty the only thing that you see, Sera?” I asked her to stand up and sending everyone away expect for Sera who walked beside me to the dining room. I looked at her, waiting for her answer. “Please be honest, I don’t want to hear another set of lies early in the morning.”

“No, my lady. You are Princess Erza of the Kingdom of Valadora. You are compassionate, knowledgeable, and possessing uniquely wonderful qualities. There are people who might even say you can be arrogant of your power and beauty at times.” She said with a cheeky smile. “I apologize for my words.” She said with a small bow.

I shook my head. “No, you are right, I can be arrogant at times.” She opened the door and let me inside before closing it behind her. “Good morning, Father.” King Nicholas of Valadora looked up from the scroll and smiled at me.

“Good morning, Erza.” I kissed his cheek before taking my seat at the table. The butler came in and filled my plate with fruits and freshly made scones. Taking a bite, I noticed Father’s eyebrows scrunch at the scroll he was reading.

That only happened when he was worried about something. “What is in the scroll, Father?”

He shakes his head with a small smile. “It is nothing of importance to you, my darling.” When I tried to ask him again, he just raised his palm. “Like I said, you do not have to worry about this. Just enjoy your scones.”

The door opened and my brother, Prince Emerson, walked in greeting my father. He kissed my cheek before sitting down beside father. “Morning, Izzy.”

“Morning brother.” I said with a small sigh. They talked about the upcoming meeting with the ministers for the approval for the new school in the town and the addition of new weaponry, considering the loss of almost quarter of the weapons when they conquered the kingdom of Nepela.

I wanted to comment on the weapons but kept quiet knowing that, whatever I say will be sidelined like always. “I wanted to speak to you about the message we received from the guards of the treasury, after breakfast, son.” Father said passing him the scroll.

I shook my head disappointed, “I just asked you what was in the scroll, and you did not care to answer me, father. I can also help.”

“My dear, you are a princess and incredibly beautiful one too. It is the duty of us, men to protect you from the affairs of the kingdom... You must only prepare yourself for becoming a queen to your future husband and taking care of your children.”

I shook my head. “But I want to be part of the politics, even I am capable of the running the kingdom. I know every stretch of Valadora just like you, father. Even more than brother. If you would just let me out of the palace court for….”

“Izzy, you know that we keep you inside for your safety. And you are always into those books of yours, why do you want to be involved in things you will not understand.”

 Feeling no longer hungry, I stood up scraping the chair against the floors, making my father glare at me but then it turned into a look filled with sadness. “If only your mother was alive. She would have taught you how to become the ideal queen, just like she was.”

I had reached the door by then when I turned and looked at him, “I do not want to be an ideal queen, who sits beside her king and watches as he rules. No, I want to be the queen who rules the kingdom. I do not think mother would have understood my pain if she were here.”

“Sister.” My brother said warningly. Ignoring him, I walked out of the doors and saw Sera rushing to come near me.

She walked beside me quietly, knowing from my silence that I was not feeling the best now. Being the most beautiful woman in the kingdom, was harder than anyone imagined. It is difficult to watch people adore you for your beauty and nothing beyond. The words coming out of your mouth would not have influence, because a princess was to just sit and pamper herself while a charming prince takes her away to be a bride.

As I walked towards the garden, I saw the kitchen where everyone was busy with their chores, everyone seemed busy, the busiest place in the palace after the combat ground. Since father and Emerson will be discussing matters only of relevance to them, I might as well use my knowledge to release some of the pent-up anger. I know what I need to do. “Sera, I think I am going to rest for a while. Make sure no one disturbs me until...” I looked at the dial in my hand and smiled. “Until noon.”

“Yes, your highness. Do you want me to get you any herbs from the infirmary?”

I shook my head. “I will be fine, thank you.” As soon as she left my chamber, I closed the doors and walked towards the wardrobe with a small, determined smile on my face, a knock on the door made me stop.