A girls' party is being held. Of course, many maidens have filled the area around the royal palace. Nivea and Seri had also arrived there. Seri remained trailing behind Nivea's body, even though Nivea was seen chatting with some girls she knew.
Nivea did not want to be separated from her personal maid.
Nivea, Martha, Gabriela and Catherine, who are the daughters of the count in the western region, were enjoying themselves. They were chatting near the stairs in the palace. There was occasional laughter among the four girls.
"I think you should know something."
"What is it, Martha?" Gabriela asked, accompanied by the curious faces of the other two friends.
"Daniel and I are in a relationship right now."
"Wow. Really?" they asked in unison.
"Is the Daniel you're talking about the son of Duchess Valerie?"
"Exactly Miss Nivea!" replied Martha.
"Daniel is a friend of ours at the college, miss." added Gabriela pointing to Nivea.
"Even Martha and Daniel were friends in elementary school." Catherine continued.
Making them laugh together again.
"Is he your childhood love, Miss Martha?"
Martha nodded with a shy smile. And of course provoked the others to laugh again.
"We are so happy to hear that you, can be united with your love Martha!" said Catherine.
"That's right. We are happy for you, Miss Martha."
"Ah, Miss Nivea! I seem to recognize that white gold necklace." said Martha with her eyes fixed on Nivea's neck. Of course, her two friends looked there too.
"Ah, that. Hahaha. You could have been a lady! Do you want me to say it?"
"Hahaha. Do you really like that necklace, miss?" asked Martha.
"Of course, Miss Martha! You can see that this pendant shows my initials. And... I got this necklace from Matias."
Martha smiled, followed by Gabriela's question, "What does that mean your brother, Martha?"
"Of course Gabriela!"
"Yes, we are good friends." Nivea added.
The soft music was still playing, setting the scene for the event. After enjoying the snacks served by the palace servants, His Majesty called the attention of all the girls in front of him.
"Good evening ladies of the land, we are very grateful for your presence here. You look enthusiastic and graceful in the feast we are holding for the girls this that we have organized for the girls this time. Soon my son, Prince Edmund will choose one of you as his future companion. The girl he will choose later, of course, is based on the background of education, talent, and a good family background. I hope those of you who are here can accept Prince Edmund's decision later with support and joy."
A momentary pause. They waited for Prince Edmund to come forward to speak. The man who wore a white tuxedo that night looked even more handsome than usual days. His black hair was neatly parted. He had captured the hearts of all the girls in the country. Except Nivea. And then it was time for Prince Edmund to announce the girl of his choice. With gallantly, he stood beside his king. In front of everyone.
"With great respect and gratitude to you, the beautiful girls in this land. I have indeed chosen one of you to be my future consort."
All the compact girls displayed a twinkle of brightness on their faces. Of course anxious, eager to know who was the lucky girl who had been chosen by the prince.
"He is very handsome, Miss Nivea."
"Hmm. That's right miss. I think both my eyes are still normal. But he is quite stupid."
"Huh? What miss?"
"Ah, no! No, Miss Martha." Nivea shook her head and chuckled, hoping that Martha wouldn't hear her stupid words.
"And this choice of mine is purely my own. Based on certain criteria. And my choice is ....."
The faint voices of the girls in the center became louder and louder. They asked each other who that girl was.
"That girl is the daughter of the duke Eduardo Del Castano."
Nivea was stunned, ignoring the sound of applause that began to thunder waiting for her name to be mentioned by Prince Edmund.
"Miss Nivea Del Castano, I respectfully request you to come forward. To stand beside me."
"What did he say? Miss... Hey, Miss Nivea! Hurry up and get over there. The prince has chosen you." Martha, who was standing beside Nivea, tried to rouse the girl from her reverie.
"Eh? What?" Nivea finally turned to her.
"Step forward there, miss! The prince has asked for you."
"Ah, well, Miss Martha."
With hesitant steps, Nivea tried to pull herself together. Pretending to be ordinary and continued to walk towards Prince Edmund. And at that moment, all eyes were on Nivea.
Prince Edmund smiled with satisfaction, finding the girl he liked standing next to him. With that smile he looked deeply into the face of Nivea's face.
"I will introduce you. Can you receive me, Miss Nivea?" he said in a whispered tone. Only the two of them could hear each other.
Nivea sighed, "Alright prince, I'll give it a try."
The prince rounded his eyes, quite surprised to hear that. "Alright. I will announce it."
Nivea could only remain silent. Occasionally throwing a faint smile at everyone.
"Well, I introduce Miss Nivea Del Castano to you all. This beautiful girl has agreed to be my maid of honor. I look forward to your full support so that in the future everything can run smoothly."
Seri, who had been standing near Gabriela and Catherine, looked unconcerned by Prince Edmund's decision. His decision to choose her was, of course, expected. And that Nivea was willing to accept it, was not a surprise to her. She knew very well why Nivea was forced to accept Prince Edmund.
As for Martha, she was actually quite disappointed about it. She couldn't bear to imagine how her brother would react if he found out that the girl he really liked had become the prince's maid of honor.
The girls' party was over. Although they did not become Prince Edmund's choice, they were still happy to return to their homes. Except for Martha, none of them seemed to mind the prince's choice. They would not dare to object to the royal family's decision.
"Hahaha..."
"You startled me, miss. Why are you laughing all of a sudden?"
"Of course I'm satisfied that I'm acting."
"Hmm. You've gotten good at lying, miss."
"Huh, that's right Seri. If I meet Matias, I will tell the truth."
"The truth?"
"Yes! About why I was forced to accept the proposal."
"Ah, why do you have to tell Mr. Matias that?"
"Of course I have to tell him, Seri. I don't want him... him to misunderstand. I don't want him to think that I really want to accept the proposal."
"You're afraid Mr. Matias will get jealous, miss?"
"Huh? What did you say?"
"Oh that. Hahaha. No, miss. It feels like the night is getting colder, doesn't it? Here, miss, put on your coat!" Seri changed the subject by handing over a black furry coat into Nivea's hand. They were still on their way home.