The Towering gates of Azula's Palace load ahead adorned with intricate golden design, a testament to the kingdoms wealth and power. The sound of hoves and clattering against cobblestone echoed through the grand courtyard ascariages arrived one by one, each bearing a woman dressed in adorning attires her heart pounding with expectation.
For some, this was a night of Destiny, but for others it was an opportunity to seize.
Seraphine stepped out of her carriage with practice Grace and Elegance,her crimson gown catching the lights of the palace lanterns. Every step she took was calculated and every movements designed to command attention she had spent years preparing for the moments maneuvering through noble circles acts of persuasion. To her, this wasn't a contest, it was a game she intended to win.
" lady seraphine" greeted a steward while bowing slightly.
" take me to my quarters" she ordered ignoring the courtesy of the steward. Not bothering to acknowledge him further, she had no interest in pleasantries. Her mind was set on the price, it was the Prince.
Just behind her, Elira her back stepped onto the marble steps, with her heart hammering against her ribs, but unlike seraphine she had no grand cour carriages, no horses, no eye catching adornment, no rehearsed steps in Custom greetings, she hadn't come for status or power, she had come because of the riddle.
" Are you lost miss?" a guard asked eyeing her travel worn attire,
she adjusted her shoulders and responded
" I am here for the contest"
But looking rather displeased, he frowned and gestured for her to follow him.As she walked through the palace walls, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she did not belong, the other women were adorned in jewels their laughter light and rehearsed.She on the other hand felt like an imposter,but she had come too far now to turn back, she was here to uncover the truth.
A figure in the distance caught her attention, a young noble woman adjusting her gown in the reflection of a window, whispering excitedly with another contestant. Kaelith exhaled deeply. These women were playing a game they didn't understand,they thought it was about beauty and charm, but Kaelith knew better,she had always thought of herself as being the most Smart and intelligent amongst the contestants.
"Miss Kaelith", a voice interrupted her thoughts.
she turned with her expression unreadable
"Your chambers have been prepared "
she gave a curt nod before following the servant inside.
...
Inside the Prince's Study
Prince Ardyn stood by the window, watching as the women arrived. He had expected to feel indifferent, but instead a strange unease settled in his chest.The contest was his mother's idea, a spectacle for the kingdom and a first of its kind,yet he was the one expected to choose the right woman as his bride.
"have you seen her yet?" Queen Monica's voice came from behind him.
He sighed, rubbing the temple"see who?"
"The woman who will stand beside you as Queen"
he turned to face her,with his jaw tight
"you assume she's already among them?"
"of course she is!! the real question is,will you recognize her when you see her?" she patted his back gently while offering a reassuring smile
"I hope you do"
Ardyn didn't answer, but instead his gaze drifted back to the courtyard,where three women stood out among the sea of contestants.
The game had just begun..
...