Platinum hair flowed abundantly on a delicate body. Few can approach the hollow green-eyed Queen Alana. She was silent, creating an inaccessible atmosphere. Even if one could reach her side, it became even more so because they would be blocked by her aide, Callisto, who was always close to her.
Only Callisto and the Chancellor could have a conversation with Alana. Other than them, no one had any right to speak to Alana. The current situation was that everyone had no choice but to wait for the words from the Queen. Many nobles did not talk badly about Alana, even though she had never spoken to or looked at them. Because her appearance was the same as the ancient emperor Lorenzo, who was revered as the wise emperor of the great millennial empire. Lorenzo was said to have had platinum hair and green eyes. The existence of her, Alana, was a testament to her millennial empire.
── Another day began. Early in the morning, Alana, whose hair was combed by Callisto, looked down at her hands. Her hands today were extremely heavy and sluggish. As she looked, she sighed from above, and her breath fell.
“It’s about tomorrow’s ball.” It was a ball held every year at the castle. This year, royalty from other countries were invited. The purpose of the ball was to get to know the neighbouring countries, but it was also a matter of choosing Alana’s husband. Alana did not intend to have a husband, but the Chancellor believed that not having a fiancée for Alana would make the country unstable and the political situation dangerous.
“It’s inevitable. My father is helpless too. In order for you to get married, brute force is the only resort. I’m sorry. You need to attend, but you don’t have to do anything. I’ll respond as usual.” His eyes through the mirror implicitly pleaded to Alana, saying she was not eligible to have a royal husband.
Alana was not a virgin. With respect to marriage, the chastity of royal women was extremely important because of their pedigree. This was because the child born also had the right to inherit the husband’s country.
“I will choose a dress later. Some of them were delivered a week ago. Jewels too.”
“I’ve heard that a new maid is coming today. Why don’t you leave it to them?”
There were already six servants in the area, but the Chancellor had informed him that two new servants would be added, likely because of the influence of the nobility power map. The appointment of servants was the authority of the Chancellor.
“No, no. I’m the only one who knows what suits you. And this.” Callisto’s finger rested on the red mark on Alana’s chest.
“It is other aristocrats who serve the noble you and me. I like the rumours that are born from the mouths of nobility. I don’t mind being rumoured.”
“Callisto, I will let you choose the dress as usual.”
He took Alana’s hand and kissed her, “That sounds good.”
“Let’s have a dress that looks good on you with fabric up to your neck.”
“I wonder if all the nobility in this country will participate in the ball.”
“Of course they will. They are putting their lives to attend this event. Those who want you to remember their faces and those who want to show their strength. In addition, for the young men and daughters, it will be a great place to look for future spouses.”
Alana put her hand on her lap when Callisto’s hand was separated. “I will greet you directly tomorrow. Most of the events I have done so far have been sitting in chairs.”
“I’m not recognised as your aide. I don’t need a greeting. I don’t know what kind of person is hiding. I don’t trust anyone.” Callisto’s finger lifted Alana’s chin, who was looking down.
“Anyway, just be as usual. Okay?”
“…I understand.”
♔♔♔
Alana was staring at her hand while she was dressed. At first glance, it was an ordinary white hand. But she could not move it satisfactorily. Due to her childhood injury, her hands were weak, and she was not good at detailed work. She naturally had a weak physique and often suffered from anaemia and dizziness, which prevented her from going out.
– She no longer felt like going out.
In this closed castle. That was the world of Alana.
“Alana, you look beautiful. It’s finished, have a look. It’s suitable for the Queen of Armenia.” Alana turned her eyes from her own hands to the full-length mirror with her coronet on her head. She was a little more mature than at the coronation, but she was only sixteen. No matter how much makeup she put on, she remained young. Still, the dress was beautiful. An emerald necklace decorated her neck. Her dress was similar in colour to Alana’s hair, made of pearly white fabric interwoven with fine gold thread and delicate embroidery. The pearl decorations sewn here and there swayed with subtle movements. It had probably taken a lot of time and effort to make. But no matter how glittering she was, in her own eyes, Alana looked fake.