In My Possession

Chapter 30-The Day of Choosing

I kept my eyes closed as a the stylist carefully applied my makeup in the silence. Even she had picked up on the tension in the air. The entire palace was silent today, the servants careful not to make a sound as they went about cooking and cleaning in preperation for today's feast. It seemed even the animals were quiet and the elements still. The only sounds were the occasional rustling of my dress as the Hairdresser turned me. I felt something dance across my eyelids but I felt no pressure to twitch or squint my eyes up. There was no more unbearingly heavy pressure on me anymore. I had come to a decision.

I felt a tapping on my arm and I opened my arms to see a mirror being held up for my approval. I cocked my head to the side, staring at the image there. My eyes had been covered in shimmer and my lips coated in a bloodred lipstick. My face had been made flawless except for one thing.. I grabbed a tissue and wipedof the liipstick, instead just slipping on some chapstick . The stylist frowned in disapproval but nodded. A hand came to cover my face and I felt a cloud of hiarspray envelop me. The hadn came away and  I shook my head a little, letting my curls loosen.

I took a deep breath, smoothing down my dress and grabbing a bottle of water, taking a dainty, queenly sip. I faced my stylists who had been working two hours on me without stop.

"Thank you." My voice came out strong and resonated in the air. The three just bowed respectfully but I didn't feel uncomfortable with the gesture, it felt natural.  I walked out of my bathrrom and grabbed a long silver package, holding it carefully in my arms. There was the quietest of knocks and a head poked in and gasped when he saw me. Hayden fully entered the room, bowing.

"You look lovely, My Lady." He said humbly and I gave him a smile of appreciation.

"Thank you, shall we proceed?"

"As it please you." He said formally, offering his his tuxedoed arm to me. I slid my arm into his and we exited my room, I didn't turn back fully knowing that had been the last night I would ever spend in there. We walked down the hall, our feet sinking inot the thick carpet. There were no servants in the halls, they were all either in the Throne room waiting for our arrival or busy in the kitchen.

"Hayden, you are the King's brother aren't you?" I asked and I could feel him stiffen, his breathing hitched.

"Few know that." He said simply, not asking how I'd known.

"You were born to be a King, you deserve more than this." I said as we stopped in front of the large doors. He gave me a sad smile.

"I chose to stay as a servant. I could have left. It was my decision." He explained softly he, staring at me meaningfully. "Although I know that decision has affected others."

"All choices have consequences." I whispered, my gaze unwavering

"And do you understand the consequences of your decision?" He asked. I nodded slowly.

"I do."

"Then let us go." He signaled to two manservants who swung open the heavy brocaded doors to reveal the Thorne room. I gave my self a second to take it in. There was a domed ceiling, paintings of angels covering it. Pillars lined the walls, gold twisteing around them. The floor was an intricate celtic design in scarlett and gold interrupted my a white carpet that lead to the focus of the room-the Thrones.

They were breathtaking, Solid white gold with backs that went up the ceiling, Legends and myths immortalized in the pictures engraved. Scarlett cushions sat beneath the Queen and King who wore solemn expressions. They were both dressed in white as were all the other guests. The Three Princes stood to the right, each stunningly different.

Ethan, who had never put any pressure on me, who was always looking out for me. Who had promised to always be my friend no matter what decision I made.