For centuries, the royal family of Aridia has hosted The Choice, the competition where the eligible daughters of the Nobles of Aridia, come together to vie for the hand of the heir to the throne. This year, Prince Carlos is the heir to the throne a...
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Thankfully, I was whisked out of Prince Carlos' arms and found myself back in the hands of Lord Amancio. Prince Carlos' words set an unnerving feeling in my stomach and my mind couldn't help but run in circles, wondering what he meant. Was it really possible that if I was caught at the royal wing I could be killed?
"What did he say? You look petrified," Lord Amancio couldn't help but grin.
I told Lord Amancio everything, from the library to Prince Carlos' words at the ball. Lord Amancio's brows furrowed, deep in thought. "Don't pay any attention to Carlos, he doesn't quite know how to speak to women."
"Isn't there a whole course on that for royals?" I rolled my eyes.
"You are right," Lord Amancio laughed, his grey eyes twinkling. "Ever since Queen Clemence died when the Prince was about 4, he's always been distant and a tad bit cold. But once you get to know him, he's an amazing person."
"That's the thing- I won't be getting to know him," I sighed.
Lord Amancio raised an eyebrow quizzically. "You don't want to win Prince Carlos' hand?"
"I was practically forced to come here, Lord Amancio. It's quite obvious I'm not a proper Lady. I have no interest in tea parties, I'd much rather be out climbing a tree than dancing in here. Besides, Prince Carlos seems to me like an evil young man whose acquaintance I don't think I ever want to make," I huffed.
Lord Amancio looked stunned. "I've never heard any Lady speak that way, everyone wants to be betrothed to Carlos."
"Well I'm not everyone," I refrained from pouting as I was very much aware that my annoyed expression had caught the eyes of many.
"You're right, Lady Madeline. You're a different specie of Lady," Lord Amancio chuckled. "But I'm sure you're excited to hear that tomorrow we'll be out riding."
"We? As in you and I?" I asked, eyes wide.
"No," Lord Amancio chuckled again. "The Ladies and the royal family- and me. The Ladies aren't allowed to have private meetings with other Lords until after The Cut. But since you have no plans of staying till then, I guess we'll never know." Lord Amancio winked before bowing and walking off, leaving me standing baffled in the middle of the ballroom.
***
The relief I felt when the ball came to an end cannot be described in words. My muscles ached like I'd just finished battle, my head was pounding as Lord Amancio's and Prince Carlos' words ran through my head, causing me to wonder. I collapsed on my bed, not even bothering to take off my ball gown, though I was certain I had broken half of my 24 ribs.
Nonetheless, I was still excited at the fact that the next day, I could go outside and ride a horse. I missed Ace more than anything back home and I was definite no horse could compare, but any horse would have to do.
