Chapter 7 Gilded Chains

• AURETTE EVIGHEDEN ROOSEVELT
• “You’re so beautiful, Your Highness. One could never grow tired of looking at you,” Wanda said in awe as she gently combed my hair.
• I smiled at her in the mirror. “Thank you. But it’s you who cared for it—especially my hair.”
• After our conversation earlier, I had decided to start preparing. In just a few hours, the royal banquet would begin. According to Wanda, guests were slowly arriving, most of them from the kingdoms of Vulon and Ruilux, while others came from various kingdoms.
• We both turned toward the door when it suddenly burst open without a knock. It revealed Her Majesty the Queen, wearing a tight red dress that hugged her waist. Her face was perfectly made up, especially her lips—bright red.
• I quickly stood and bowed next to Wanda.
• “What brings you here, Your Majesty?” I asked after bowing in respect.
• Her eyebrows rose as she stared at Wanda beside me. She slowly walked toward us in silence, then pushed the still-bowing Wanda back with the edge of her closed red fan.
• I gasped and quickly grabbed the hem of Wanda’s dress to keep her from falling from the force of the Queen’s shove.
• “Who gave you permission to stand beside a noble? You may be the princess’ personal attendant, but you must always remember that you’ll never be her equal! How insolent! Get out of my sight!” the Queen harshly scolded.
• I couldn’t believe what I just heard. Just because of that, she would hurt Wanda?!
• I was about to speak up to defend her, but Wanda discreetly tugged at the edge of my dress.
• “I understand, Your Majesty. I’m sorry,” Wanda softly apologized, walking away with her head bowed. Before she left completely, she turned to me and gave a faint smile, a sign that she was okay.
• I took a deep breath and looked at my mother. “What brought you here, Your Majesty?” I asked again firmly.
• Her eyebrows raised. “I’m just checking on you. I know you’re against this idea, and I’m just making sure you’re not hiding anything up your sleeve. If you are, don’t even try because you will never succeed.”
• I gulped. My heart started racing. Did she know about my conversation with Prince Maedric? Did someone overhear us and tell the Queen?
• “I w-won’t do that, Your Majesty…” I muttered.
• “Good. Never, ever bring shame to the House of Roosevelt, Princess Aurette. You won’t like what happens if your father and I are forced to take action ourselves,” she said meaningfully. “Anyway, this is your gift from Prince Maedric Valdric Cosux. It’s a good thing you’ve gotten along with the prince—once you move to Vulon, everything will be easier for you.”
• The Queen handed me a small blue box. My eyes widened slightly; I didn’t expect to receive a gift from the Prince of Vulon.
• “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
• “Always remember, my daughter. You’re doing this for Ruilux. Your loyalty must show tonight. Understood?” She reminded me.
• I nodded. “I understand.”
• After that, she left my room without a word. I quickly walked to the door and locked it before returning to my bed to open the box. Inside was an expensive perfume. I grimaced slightly and sniffed it.
• “To be fair, it smells nice,” I whispered.
• But I knew that wasn’t the only thing inside. I removed the soft fabric under the perfume and, just as I suspected, found a folded yellow piece of paper. I didn’t waste any time and opened it quickly.
• “Everything is set, Princess Aurette. I just need your decision right now. A servant with ash-gray eyes will come to your chamber. Give her your response to this letter.”
• That was all the letter said. I took a deep breath. My palms were cold as the seconds ticked by.
• Aside from me, I had also told Wanda about Prince Maedric’s escape plan. At first, she couldn’t believe the prince was helping me, but eventually she said she would assist with the plan. She knew the danger she might face by doing so, but she promised me that she would never let herself fall into the kind of situation I feared.
• I was born in a golden cage. I smiled, bowed, and obeyed. But tonight, if I step outside... I might finally be free. Or I might fall. Either way, at least I chose.
• ༺｡° .ᘛ𓆩♡𓆪ᘚ. °｡༻
• “And of course, we also welcome the Princess of Ruilux, our beloved Princess Aurette Evigheden Roosevelt. Tonight is a tribute to our alliance and the beginning of a new chapter in our history!”
• After the master of ceremony announced that, I slowly descended the grand staircase of our palace. I could feel countless eyes fixed on me. It was the first time I’d experienced this, but honestly, I felt nothing but the weight in my chest.
• I wanted to run. To find a quiet place and escape my responsibilities. I wanted that so badly, but I couldn’t.
• The one who met me at the bottom was the King Gunter himself. He was smiling as if he hadn’t ruined lives with his greed for power.
• I looked around the banquet hall, hoping to see my brother—but no matter how I strained my neck, I couldn’t spot him.
• “He’s still in Reasal,” the King suddenly muttered while smiling at the crowd. “You’re looking for your brother, right? He’s not coming. He’s busy.”
• I lowered my head at his words and didn’t reply. I turned my gaze away, swallowing the lump in my throat.
• If only Brother Gunter were here—he would never allow this to happen to me.
• We stopped at a platform with five seats. In the center sat King Korigo, with Queen Yun beside him, smiling at me, though it was clearly forced. The king had me sit beside Queen Yun, while he took his seat beside my father, and my mother sat beside him.
• We were now at the front, facing the large crowd of noble guests.
• Among the many eyes watching, I met Prince Maedric’s gaze. He looked at me intently, as if reminding me of our plan. I nodded slightly.
• The ceremony had begun. Honestly, I couldn’t understand anything being said; my mind was consumed only with the hope that the plan would succeed.
• I sat quietly in my seat until the old King of Vulon approached. He smiled as he extended his hand toward me.
• “May I have this dance, my princess?” he asked.
• I forced a smile and took his hand. “Sure, Your Majesty,” I softly said.
• We blended into the crowd, dancing to the gentle music. The king’s eyes were heavy with drink.
• “Are you okay, Your Majesty?” I carefully asked.
• I hadn’t noticed how late it had gotten. The ceremony where I’d officially be named King Korigo’s concubine hadn’t happened yet, as it was scheduled for the final part of the event.
• “I’m good, my lady. Thank you for your concern,” he chuckled, still swaying. “You are every bit as lovely as they described. I look forward to taming that fire in your eyes.”
• I forced another smile. “Fires that are tamed too early tend to die, Your Majesty,” I answered meaningfully.
• While dancing with the king, my gaze drifted to Prince Maedric, who was also dancing with an unfamiliar lady, not far from us. But he was looking straight at me, as if waiting for me to look back.
• “It’s time…” he mouthed.
• The anxiety in my chest surged at his signal. This was it, the sign I had been waiting for.
• I cleared my throat. “Uhm… Your Majesty, may I use the restroom for a moment? It’s quite embarrassing, but I just wanted to retouch a little so I can look even more beautiful when I become your official second wife,” I softened my tone even more to make it convincing.
• He laughed loudly. “You already look beautiful to me, but if that’s what you want, who am I to stop you? Just don’t be too long—we’re moments away from the main event.”
• “Sure, my king.”
• Once I was away from the crowd, I finally breathed freely. Instead of heading to the restroom, I walked toward a quiet place in the palace seldom visited by nobles.
• I held tightly to the hem of my gown. Each step was firm—no noise, no hesitation. Even with my heart pounding wildly, I didn’t stop. I knew this was my chance.
• If I escape… I will be free, right?