Prince William moved like a hawk.
His eyes fixed on every of Elira’s movement.
He needed something, strong enough to humiliate her and draw the king’s attention away.
It’s been a few days since this thought came to him, but she seemed flawless for any accusation.
William was so deep in his thoughts that he didn’t notice his door open.
“Whenever the crown prince acts like this, it just shows how powerless he would be if he ascends the throne” the queen said appearing behind him in his chamber.
William turned around, he wasn’t expecting a visit from her, but that’s ok because right now, he needed her now.
“You didn’t inform me of your visit mother!” He said softly.
“You’ve been restless.
Even at the dining you seemed distracted.
Tell me prince William, do I need to interrogate you before I learn of your misery” she raised a brow and William chuckled.
“I have missed your lecturing mother” he smiled, making the queen sigh before lowering herself on the chair across the room, while he came closer and stood beside her.
“I don’t want it to happen” he said after a brief silence.
The queen’s face turned cold.
She knew what he was talking about and she doesn’t want it too.
“Father shouldn’t have agreed” he continued and queen Elzier shook her head “Don’t blame your father,William.
He did what he had to do” she looked at him.
“He just wanted to protect his family and his kingdom.” “Then we have to stop it” he said and queen Elzier stared at him in shock.
“Elira can not take my sister’s place.” “I’m afraid there’s nothing we can do, William.” “There is, mother!
We need something against Elira.
Something to make her not worthy.” William said and stood up.
“William you can’t do that.
If we get caught, we would be in danger.
This is not something to joke about.” Queen Elzier wasn’t having it.
She couldn’t take the risk again.
But William was adamant.
And he turned towards her with an innocent smile.
“And why should we get caught” he asked and approached her gently.
But the Queen shook her head.
“William….” “Mother!” He yelled with frustration.
He was running out of patience with her disapproval.
“Mirelle has locked up herself ever since father gave his order.
She is the rightful princess of this palace and yet father became bias.
Zareth is a great king, and it will benefit us more, mother.
Mirelle is hurting and you think she won’t do worse if she doesn’t get what she wants” “I’m afraid!” She said and he sighed.
He knew why she was afraid.
But the past has already gone.
The queen’s memory flashed back to 5 years ago, and also to the king’s deathly warning “Never do it again” he had said before pulling her into his arms.
She can not risk repeating such familiar things again for fear of what may be her fate.
“William, let’s just forget about it…” “That has been years mother!
And besides you’re not involved in any of it.
Just leave everything to me and I will also make sure every action would be clean” he assured.
Eyes bright with missions and the Queen couldn’t help but sigh deeply.
Then she looked at William.
“Mirelle’s birthday is coming up soon.
I have a plan” she said and William nodded.
**** **** Elira sat in her chamber drowning in her fantasies.
Her eyes were closed as she lay on the bed with a wide smile playing on her lips.
It’s been three days Adrian made love to her, but she’s been thinking about it more often.
Elira felt every bit of it as she kept thinking of all the things he had done to her making her cheeks red like cherry.
She hadn’t been able to look him in the eye after that night but she fantasize him whenever she is alone.
Thoughts of how he had treated her body lived lively in her memory, making her blush harder.
Elira was still lost in her wild thoughts when a knock brought her back “Come in” she said although knowing who it might be.
The door creaked open, Rosa and Lillia stepped in.
Their faces held a smile that confused Elira .
“Did something happened?
Elira inquired , a smile forming on her lips too.
“Yes my princess!
The queen invited you to princess Mirelle birthday party” Rosa said Elira’s face dropped.
The queen!
Invite her to the party being held in the palace?
Strange!
Seeing her reaction, Rosa came closer.
“I know what you’re thinking about my princess and trust me we also found it strange, but I don’t think she meant any harm”.
“Don’t you think so?
I have never been invited or allowed into any occasion and you think this is just an invitation” Elira wasn’t convinced.
She was troubled, she sensed something was off.
She hasn’t been to any occasion held inside and outside the palace after Mirelle’s claim against her.
Her father had once allowed her to attend a ball held by the nobles, but she had been humiliated very brutally.
She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.
“It’s going to be fine my princess” Lillia said “I hope so” she muttered .
(Two weeks later) The sun cast its golden glow over the kingdom of Elarion as the kingdom buzzed around with excitement.
The servants were busy putting things in order,adorning and decorating the halls for princess Mirelle’s birthday.
The air was thick with scents of sweet fragrance of flowers.
And the grand banquet hall.
It was decorated and transformed into a winter wonderland.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled like diamonds , and walls were adorned with garlands of white roses and twigs dipped in silver glitter.
Princess Mirelle sat across the giant mirror looking back at her reflection.
The guests had start to arrive and the banquet hall will soon be crowded with nobles.
She smiled.
And her eyes graze over the ice blue gown which sprawled over the bed.
Her hair has been beautifully styled and her shoes also lay waiting for a fitting.
Mirelle sighed!
She was disappointed when her father had declined her wish of inviting king Zareth to her birthday saying this is not the type of occasion meant for someone like Zareth.
“He is not a man of occasion Mirelle!” King Budegha said.
But her mood has been lifted when prince William promised her a good show today.
“Elira must pay dearly for taking your position away.”Prince William had promised.
“If she wanted my place… She should survive taking it!” She mumbled She had intended to let king Zareth see he had poor taste in women.
But her plans had failed.
“My princess!” A maid called out, holding the dress out for her to put on, and she did.
Pairing it with the shoes.
Her ballgown was big and lengthy enough to wipe the floor while walking.
Her gloves occupied her hand beautifully, and a little silver crown lay on her head indicating her position as the first princess of royalty.
Meanwhile, Elira stood in her chamber, her eyes fixed on the mirror as she looks back at her own reflection.
She is beautiful!
Elira doesn’t need jewelries , fancy dresses or golden hairpins to highlight her beauty.
Her brown long hair was styled beautifully.
It was parted in the middle as the upper hair was tied up in a bun while the lower part was let down flowing behind her back.
Elira already had her dress on but she looks more of a noble than a princess.
She smiled and then shrugged.
She could sense this bad energy rising within her but she just hopes things goes right.
A knock sounded and her eyes darted towards the door.
“Come in” she said, her voice almost inaudible.
She expected Rosa or Lillia but no!
It were the royal servants from the queen’s side .
They held a wooden box, Elira’s eyes were so fixed on the box that she did not even noticed they gave her a slight bow.
They held it out to her and opened it and behold there lay an adorned silver necklace .
Elira was shocked, such an expensive jewelry hasn’t been in her closet or to her reach before and this dread feeling rose within her again.
Something is wrong.
“Let’s put it on you my princess” one of the maids said but Elira shrunk back .
“No!
I’m good!
I can’t wear this” she said “You can’t refuse the queen’s gift my princess, you have to” they urged.
Their voice dripping with impatience and Elira looked defeated.
She turned towards the mirror and watched them put the necklace around her.
Elira closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.
She was tired of dramas and she hope things doesn’t go south.
She did not notice the triumphant smiles the servants had on their face.
**** **** Soon afterwards.
Princess Elira walked into the banquet hall.
Her gaze travelled across the room as she watched the nobles and royals who attended the ceremony danced to the music.
Not being familiar with anyone, Elira decided to stay out of sight.
The king was already present in the banquet hall and he was discussing with men of status.
While the queen,she waved around as she made her way towards elegant women seated across each other.
Then moments later, the king stood up and made his way towards the throne, he picked a light metal and had it come in contact with his raised cup.The sound drew the attention of everyone and they turned to him.
He began speaking, welcoming everyone who honored the birthday of her beloved daughter Mirelle.
Elira just watched, not understanding anything he was saying.
After his long speech, he welcomed his daughter in.
The hall went silent as Mirelle stepped in.
Eyes full of awe and admiration were fixed on her, music played at the background matching her steps and energy.
But amidst the happiness that centered the room, Mirelle’s mood seemed sour.
The king was first to notice as he held her hand to usher her down the golden staircase.
“This is your big day Mirelle, smile” he whispered but she lowered her head.
“The necklace you gave me, is missing, father” she answered back and the king halted for a moment.
“I will recover it, I promise” he said Elira stared from where she stood, she noticed the little display from them and her heart arched.Then a servant walked up to her and placed a drink in her hand.
“I don’t drink” Elira muttered but the maid shoved it in her hand and smiled, “You look like you need one” she said before walking away.
Elira sighed deeply before raising the cup to her lips, she surely needed one.
Not so faraway, an eye watched her intensely not leaving her for a bit.
“She will be intoxicated by the medicine soon, make sure you led her to the prepared room” prince William said.
Soon enough, princess Elira noticed a change in her body, she kinda feels… hot.
Her breath had become rigid and she desperately needed air.
“Are you okay my lady?” A strong male voice was the last thing she heard before her vision began to blur.
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