" Oh she is out with stel, they had some business to tend to" Sheila replied and Made as two maids ebtered the room to serve Devin's meal. The maids biwed and fell to their knees beside the table
"So what am I to do today?" Delvin asked as he ate.
"That is up to you. No meetings or inspections today so just rest and read or something" Sheila said and offered Delvin a napkin. He accepted it and continued eating.
When he was done, the two maids took the dishes and left the room. Delvin stood up and looked out his window to the hills surrounding the kingdom. Sheila busied herself with reorganizing some of the books on her shelf.
"I haven't had time to visit this place in a while"
"What place?" Sheila asked. Delvin motioned for her to come join him. She did d and he pointed her towards the hills. "There, the hills. I use to go hunting with my father on thise hills at night." He said
"Why at night?" She asked
"So my brothers wouldn't find out and think that I was favored in any way" he replied. Sheila stood for a while and stared at the hills. Delvin wrapped his arms around her, catching her of guard. Sheila was stunned for a minute before grabbing his arms and trying to pull away. Delvin grabbed her tighter and rested his head on her shoulder
"Didn't you say I could whatever I wanted today?" He asked and grazed her neck with his lips. She gasped and jumped forward, escaping his grip. Delvin grinned slyly, and then turned to the bed. He sat down and relaxed on the frame. " So what do you suggest I do?"
" Sleep, read, choose your outfit for the ball, its tomorrow." She said and walked towards the door still flustered. Delvin smiled as she hurried out of the room.
The day of the ball finally arrived, people of all levels were in attendance. Nobles and royals, masters and servants, all were present to celebrate the new princess.
Delvin sat on his throne, on his right sat Dolores in her white flowing dress, a veil of gold chains over her face. An empty throne stood to Delvin's immediate left, and Belinda sat on a throne after it. Sheila stood beside Delvin in a dazzling silk dress. The guests walked around mingling with each other. Delvin motioned to a man standing at the top of the stairs and he bowe in response.
" By declaration of the king, may the ball now commence" the man said. Music started and the nobles lined up for introduction and to greet the king. After that , the music continued for a while, then the man announced again.
"Introducing the celebrant, God daughter of our king dowager and princes of Colgard, Her Royal highness, Princess Stel Marie Von-Horus." He said and the huge doors beside him swung open. Stel stood at the door way in a bright yellow dress. Her hair was done up in a half ponytail and addirned with gold chains and ruby pins. She slowly walked to the stairs and descended gracefully to the crowd. She stopped halfway and bowed to the crowd. Then she turned towards the throne and bowed to the royal family. Everyone looked at her and marvel at her beauty and grace.
The announcer cleared his throat to direct attention to what he was saying, " the princess will now chose her partner for the first dance." He said. Stel bowed and walked toward the throne she stopped in front of delvin and bowed. Delvin stood up and took her hand, leading her down the stairs to the dance floor. They danced beautifully and the party went into full swing.
The villagers performed various acts and tricks to amuse the princess, but the act that caught her eye was a set of twins that performed on instruments. They played very well and the entire ball room danced along with them. Then came the gifts. Some brought carts of gold and jewels, others wads of fabric. A few brought trinckets and others brought some beauty products. The gifts of higher value were moved to the Treasury on Stel's name, while the others were taken to her room.
The party ended on a gold note. Nobles of other kingdoms invited Stel to thier functions as well. She smiled as she accepted their invitations and well wishes.
After the ball, Stel returned to her room and danced around happily, humming a song to herself. Her maids helped her out of her dress and into a sleeping gown. She sat on her bed to open the boxes of gifts she received. There were perfumes, cans of rouge, bottles of ointments and small pieces of jewelry. She handed the items ti her maid to put in their places. She thought she was done and prepared to sleep when her maid returned with aa small box.
"Your highness, a boy brought this in a while ago. He said he forgot to bring it to the ball. " Stel received it and sent the maid out. Stel opened the box and found another box inside. She opened it and found it was a music box. The music hummed softly out of it. She smiled and watched the tiny couple danced around inside it. She set it down beside her and drifted to sleep.
Belinda paced around her room. A dark shadow trailed behind her as she walked.
"I cannot remain the way" she said and stopped in front of her mirror. "I must become the queen" she added and turned around. Her mind went to how Delvin had danced with Stel at the party. "That blasted child...." She paused "Child? I could have a child. That would seal my position" she said and looked at the mirror. "Hail the new queen" she said and smiled.
Delvin came out of the bath and stood by the tub. Sheila walked up to him and put a robe over his shoulders. He tied it round his waist and walked over to his bed. Sheila walked up to him with a piece of cloth over her arm.
"I will return to my room now" she said.
"Do you really have to?" Delvin asked and pulled her to sit in his lap. She stood up, dusted her skirt and walked out the door. Delvin smiled and watched her walk away.
He lifted his blanket and took off his robe. Then lay down and covered up with the sheets. He shut his eyes and prepared to sleep, then he heard his door creak and turned to look. He saw the siloihette of a woman in a short robe walk into his room.
"Did you change your mind?" He asked and smiled as the figured drew closer. His smile faded when he saw the face was that of Belinda. " What are you doing here?" He shouted as she sat on the bed beside him.
" I came to serve you your highness. I am your only consort and you have not come to me since you became the king." She replied
" Guards!!! Take this woman out of my chambers" he said and two guards dragged Belinda back to her chambers.
Belinda gritted her teeth and tossed about on her bed.
"How dare he reject me!" She asked herself and sat up in bed. "Well your majesty, you will make me your queen" she said and smiled.