The Rose That Blooms In North
Chapter 27: The Premiere Danse
The Crown Prince's Palace was indeed not as big as the Main Palace. But the palace was still very large and luxurious. The distance was also quite far from the Main Palace so to go there they had to ride a horse or horse carriage from the Main Palace. Anna felt much more comfortable being in the Crown Prince's Palace as there were not many people living there. There were only Xavier, Eleanor, and the maids and servants and bodyguards in the Palace. At least Anna could be at ease as she would not meet either King Vlad or Empress Selena and her sons at the Palace. Especially Prince Ludwig.
That day from sunrise to sunset Anna was busy following Xavier who had started to return to his daily routine schedule. But thanks to her busy life, Anna became aware of Xavier's routine while in the Palace and the various political and economic conditions that occurred in various regions in Nordhalbinsel. During Xavier's meeting with the Duke and Count, Anna listened to everything they talked about. Secretly, Anna studied the conditions of the various regions and tried to remember everything.
Most of the major problems of Nordhalbinsel are the flow of water and food. The Winterthur region, which covers the northern area, has many Tower-leavers witches and a Grand Duchess who is also a witch, the Mother of the Crown Princess. So the region did not experience any shortage of water or food because the witches could use their magic to overcome that problem. But in other regions such as Richterswill, Engelberg, Lautern and Iseltwall to the South and East, they lack witch power so that the witches assigned there are exhausted due to excessive workload. So that they can not grow magic plants quickly which affects the decline of food for the people.
In contrast to Schiereiland which has four seasons that always come with regular, and are more often exposed to sunlight, Nordhalbinsel only has winters all year round. In Schiereiland, Anna had never heard of anyone complaining about water and food. High rainfall throughout the spring and summer makes the water always flow profusely throughout the year. Schiereiland has many fresh and never-ending water sources from both rivers and groundwater in the mountains. Even in winter, the waters of the Scheine do not freeze. For foodstuffs Schiereiland is never lacking. All types of plants can grow well in different regions of Schiereiland. There are so many plants that can be used both the fruit, seeds, stems, leaves, roots even until the flowers can be eaten. Anna understood a little why Nordhalbinsel was trying to conquer Schiereiland. Schiereiland was like a land of dream heaven rich in natural resources when compared to the frozen land of the dead belonging to Nordhalbinsel.
Nordhalbinsel was able to survive this long by trading with Westeria. That is why the King as much as possible maintains good relations with Westeria. Although not as fertile as the soil of Schiereiland, Westeria also has four seasons and warm weather in addition to winter. Nordhalbinsel also imported plant seeds from Westeria to be developed in the Planting House of each region by the witches. That is why the existence of witches is so valuable to the people of Nordhalbinsel.
“I rejected this plan!” Xavier said at his last meeting in the afternoon. He threw in a proposal put forward by Duke Richterswill. From the look on her face Anna knew that the plan must have been so bad that it could have made Xavier so angry.
“Your Majesty, please reconsider. Many of our people are starving now. By taking over all the agricultural produce of Schiereiland and hiring them as slave laborers, we can revive our people.” Duke Richterswill.
Hearing that, of course Anna was angry. His people will be made slaves and their agricultural products will be confiscated. How could Anna not be angry. If she could, right then Anna wanted to directly slash the Duke's head with her sword. But Anna couldn't do that. So he simply held back his emotions with his hands clenched on his sword grip.
“After we have taken over the Kingdom of Schiereiland, the people of Schiereiland are also our people. And you want to make them slaves, sacrifice their labors to fill our stomachs? Is that all you can think of, Duke?”
“We have no other choice—“
“Ada.” Cut Xavier. “Always there are other options. If you stop piling food in your personal warehouse, Duke Richterswill.” Xavier said as he stared intently at Duke Richterswill who was beginning to break out in cold sweat.
“A-what do you mean—“
“And if you do not charge a large fee to the people who want to learn magic in the Tower, Count Iseltwall.”
“Your Highness, I don't..“ Count Iseltwall who was sitting next to Duke Richterswill also looked agitated.
Xavier turned his head towards Count Lautern who had been silent since, “You think I didn't know that you set a very high price for water in your territory, Count Lautern?”
“I-it... I can explain it, Your Majesty.“.
Xavier sighed. His forehead wrinkled and stared intently at the three Duke and Count before him.
Anna watched in silence. Waiting for Xavier to do something to stop their plan. To save his people. Because right now, in his current position, he had no power to do anything.
“Duke Engelberg, hand me the data I asked for.”
Duke Edric Engelberg, who still had family relations with the young General Tyros Engelberg, the Eastern Regional Guard of the Nordhalbinsel kingdom, came forward to hand over a stack of papers to Xavier.
“This is proof that can destroy your family and reputation. If you don't want what happened to the Winterthur family 23 years ago to happen to your family, you better stop your plans now.”
Duke Richterswill kicked the table and stood up, “We are only loyal to His Majesty and will only obey His Majesty. You're not even a king yet but you've dared to threaten us who are older than you?”
Anna was just about to come forward to draw out her sword, but Xavier hurriedly gestured to stop and shut up. Anna re-sheathed her sword. Although he actually wanted to draw his sword against the person who dared to make his people as slaves. But Anna had to entrust this matter to Xavier. Although Anna does not fully trust Xavier, she believes that Xavier is a good leader and puts the people first.
“Anna, bring the box here.”
Anna immediately obeyed Xavier's words. Xavier had been carrying the little golden box all day and left it to Anna. Anna was curious about the contents of the box, but Xavier asked her not to ask and that Anna would find out later. Apparently the box was needed at a time like this.
Xavier opened the golden box. Inside was a Dragon-shaped royal seal made of gold with a red colored gemstone as its eyes. Xavier showed the stamp to Duke Richterswill and his followers, Count Iseltwall and Count Lautern.
“My rule is the King's order. You better keep your attitude while I'm still being nice.” Xavier.
Duke Richterswill and his followers stared at the royal seal in surprise. And so is Anna. Anna knew what it meant if a King had given the royal seal to his successor. The king will soon give up his throne. In other words, King Vlad was most likely dying at the moment.
“How can—“
“The King gave it to me yesterday." Xavier. “So, what punishment should I give you?”
***
After the tense meeting, Xavier seemed more relieved. Anna noticed that even for Xavier himself, confronting the nobles who opposed him was no easy matter.
The three nobles were not immediately punished because Xavier had not officially become King despite already holding the royal seal. But at least they won't bother the people of Schiereiland as they planned. They also promised not to do what they had done before. Xavier also intends to provide scholarships for prospective magician students who cannot afford to increase the number of royal witches and send emissaries to go to Westeria to renew the trade agreement.
Anna also gained an advantage by following Xavier to various places in the Palace. He became aware of various places in the Palace that he did not know before because Sebastian the Chief Servant of the Palace did not introduce him to those places. But of the many places they traveled or visited that day, Anna did not see any place where Queen Isabella and Crown Prince Alexis were locked up.
"Thank you, Anna. You worked hard today. The party starts at seven in the evening. Rest first, there's still three hours left before the party starts." Xavier said as they walked out of his study.
"Isn't there still one more schedule?"
"It was only a weekly tea ceremony with the King's Wives and Sons, not a formal one. I don't actually want to come either. Imagine, a tea show filled with my stepmother and stepbrothers. And I'll be the only one who doesn't come with my mom." Xavier shuddered in horror. "It's too much to face them. But since His Majesty asked me to come in his place, I must come. You don't need to come because there will be a lot of bodyguards from the Main Palace coming.”
“Then, Empress Selena will also be present at the event, right?” This time Anna's forehead wrinkled in worry without realizing it.
“True.”
“Are harmless—“
“Are you worried about me?”
Anna remained silent. That's a very simple question. Is he worried about her. Since when did Anna start to worry about him, Anna herself was unsure. Probably since Xavier saved his life that night. Maybe since Anna started being her personal bodyguard. Ever since he learned that there were many people who wanted Xavier's death. Even Anna herself was so angry at what had happened to her and her kingdom that she wanted Xavier's death. But that was before Anna knew him.
Xavier smiled bitterly at the answer. That was not the answer he wanted to hear. “Do not worry. The Empress would not attack directly especially when there were many people around. Some of the Concubines and Princes were also on my side. So I'm gonna be fine. Rest.”
"Okay, Your Majesty."
Xavier was about to turn away but considering there was something he had to say to Anna again so he came back. "You're coming to the party as one of the invited guests, so you're not coming to work. Wear the pretty dress you want. I've asked the waiters to prepare some dresses that you might like. They'll be taking her to your room soon. See you at the party."
***
Some of the dresses referred to by Xavier turned out to be more than twenty dresses that were brought directly by the Royal dress designer. All the dresses were very pretty and the kind of dresses that Anna had never worn in Schiereiland. There are different styles of dress between Nordhalbinsel and Schiereiland. If at Schiereiland, they have four seasons and the clothes worn will be adjusted to the season. Most noble ladies in Schiereiland would wear dresses with tight corsets with very small waist sections and wide-expanding sections of skirts. Schiereiland dresses are a model of ruffle dresses with many ornaments in the form of lace, additional folds, to the gemstone so that the weight of a dress can reach one kilo or more. If the weather is hotter than usual as in summer, they will wear dresses of the same type but with lighter and thinner materials and reduce additional accessories in their dresses. If the weather is colder, they will wear an extra inner layer as well as a fur coat so that the dress will become heavier.
But in Nordhalbinsel, noble women were allowed not to wear corsets. The dresses worn also do not have a skirt that expands wide. Nordhalbinsel dress is made of thick material but is very comfortable to wear and more accentuate the original body curves of the wearer. The dresses are so long that they can sweep the streets but look very graceful when worn by the Lady.
"Please be chosen, Miss." Said the waiter who brought the dresses.
Growing up as the King's Daughter, Anna loved beautiful dresses, jewelry and parties. Although Anna hated corsets and heavy dresses really made her tired all day. So when he saw the typical Nordhalbinsel pretty dresses that are not heavy when worn and do not need to wear a corset, he was tempted to try the dresses. But right now, more than the pretty dresses before her, she just wanted to see her mother and sister right away. And the party tonight will be his chance to go secretly looking for his mother and sister without being discovered because later tonight people will be too busy partying.
"I'm not—“
Anna was just about to reject those beautiful dresses when suddenly someone knocked on her bedroom door. Anna opened it immediately. Standing before her, wearing a dress more beautiful than any dress she had ever seen, Eleanor Winterthur.
"Anna, I'd like to ask you a favor."
***
"His Royal Highness Crown Prince Xavier Fils du Roi Nordlijk del Norte le Grand and His Highness Crown Princess Eleanor Liliana Grimoire-Winterthur entered the room."
It was a warning that he had to watch. Anna moved her legs steadily. It felt like it had been a very long time since he had last stepped into the party hall. She wore a long, sparkling white dress decorated with diamonds and the exquisite Sapphire gemstone and sparkling high heels made of solidified ice and crafted by magic so that it was not melted and did not feel heavy. Her heart was pounding, afraid to make a mistake because this time she was about to enter the dance hall as Eleanor Winterthur.
A few hours ago, Eleanor came to her in her room for help. It was two hours before the party. Eleanor immediately took him to the Crown Princess's room and begged Anna to come to the party as her because there was a very important urgent matter that made the Crown Princess unable to attend the party. That night Xavier plans to announce their wedding plans, so Eleanor can't let Xavier come alone. Seeing Eleanor pleading with him to her knees before him left Anna with no other choice but to comply with the Crown Princess' request. Eleanor, an expert in transformation magic, transforms Anna into a very similar person with long, well-groomed blond hair and beautiful icy-blue eyes. So here she was now, entering the party hall as Eleanor with Xavier was beside her.
Everyone at the party stopped everything they were doing. Their eyes were fixed on Anna and Xavier who had just entered the room.
"Dear guests, I thank you for attending tonight's party. The feast was held by His Majesty with his generosity as a celebration as well as a tribute to those who had fought to save the citizens of Montreux from the plague. But his health has been poor lately due to exhaustion, so His Majesty cannot attend the party this time." Xavier said to the whole party audience, most of whom were soldiers and noble families.
There was a voice that worried about the King's health when Xavier mentioned the King's condition.
"There is no need to worry, because at this time His Majesty is being treated and his condition is getting better." Xavier hurriedly added. Then Xavier turned towards Anna who was becoming Eleanor, she smiled gently at him and extended her hand politely, asking for her permission to hold her hand. Anna received the helping hand and let them join hands. Anna smiled awkwardly. She hasn't even practiced smiling like Eleanor.
"Although so, His Majesty asked me not to delay this announcement. So I am going to announce it now that next week, I, Crown Prince Nordhalbinsel will soon marry my fiancee whom I love dearly, the woman who is beside me at this time, he said, Princess of Grand Duke Winterthur, Crown Princess Eleanor Liliana Grimoire-Winterthur."
Everyone was delighted with the announcement. Everyone applauded and congratulated the couple Crown Prince and Crown Princess of their kingdom. Anna and Xavier began to descend the stairs to approach all the invited guests and for the first dance.
Xavier was beside Anna, holding her hand and guiding her footsteps slowly, treating her as gently as possible as if she was a fragile flower. Anna wonders if the Crown Princess' relationship with the Crown Prince is really as good as it seems or not. If the relationship between the two is indeed very good, Eleanor should not leave the dance and make Anna who is only a personal bodyguard of the Crown Prince become her to accompany her fiance especially on the day of their wedding announcement. In Schiereiland, the royal dance is of great importance to members of the royal family. So Anna wondered what was more important than this to Eleanor. But if looking at the way Xavier treated Eleanor so gently and politely, Anna knew that the relationship between the two was pretty good, at least for Xavier.
Anna walked down the stairs slowly. The graceful attitude he had learned over the years had not escaped his memory. How to walk well, how to look at the people around me kindly and smile, Anna still remembers all that.
After descending the stairs, several people were waiting for them, making a line to congratulate them on their imminent marriage. Starting from the nobles, the Consorts of the King to the Princes who were present there one by one congratulated and how long they had been waiting for this happy news. All were there to celebrate the announcement of the royal wedding that had been highly anticipated. All, except Queen Selena and her three sons.
As Anna and Xavier reached the dance floor for the first dance that would open the party, Xavier lowered his head in salute to her. She reached out her hand to invite Anna to dance. Anna accepted, and the music began.
They both dance to the rhythm of music. After the two of them started dancing, the other couple on the dance floor danced. Anna is grateful that the way she danced at Schiereiland with Nordhalbinsel turned out to be the same. So that he didn't feel awkward at all. As Princess of the Kingdom of Schiereiland, Anna was indeed very good at dancing because she had studied it for many years.
During the dance, they were so absorbed in the music that no one spoke. Eventually the two songs finished and they began entering the third song with a slower tempo and smoother movements.
“I already know you're not Eleanor.” Xavier's whisper in Anna's ear during their third dance, when the music is softer.
Anna was surprised to hear that. He recalled Eleanor's request not to say anything to Xavier even if Xavier knew of her plan. Anna tries not to look into Xavier's eyes, which are only inches from her eyes. But it was difficult for Anna to avoid the gaze of that pair of emerald eyes.
Xavier smiles. "It's okay. You don't have to say anything. Elle must have told you to keep quiet and not say anything. He used to send his ladies and gentlemen or even his servants to accompany me when there was an event like this and he was having urgent business. Know it? He is meeting his girlfriend at the moment. He may have told you this, or he may not."
Anna was shocked because Xavier said that so casually as if it was nothing. His fiancee left him to meet other men even more so his lover at an event as important as this and Xavier did not look angry at all or even disappointed.
Anna remained silent. He was afraid that if he said anything, Xavier would know that he was Anna, his personal bodyguard. And Anna is afraid that if Xavier finds out, he might be laid off from his job and eventually all his plans will fall apart.
"Say, where are you noble daughter? You can't be an ordinary waitress because you dance so well. Even Eleanor could not dance this well. At least my legs will be stepped on ten times in one song. He hates formal occasions like this." Remember Xavier while laughing lightly.
Anna did not answer. Of course she dances well because she has learned to dance since she started walking. Dancing is a skill that must be possessed by a Royal Princess in Schiereiland. But Anna couldn't explain all that to Xavier.
"Why are you so tense? I'm just asking. I have no intention of teasing you. As you know, I already have a fiancee and we're getting married. I plan to be loyal to him so as not to be a jerk like my father." Xavier looked at Anna who looked surprised as she said a bad thing about her father who was the King of this Kingdom in the presence of a person he was not even necessarily familiar with. "Oh, don't worry about that. It is customary for people to say bad things about the King. Well, as long as they don't get caught when they say it. Otherwise, their tongues would be cut." Xavier showed his smile again. "But really, my father wasn't actually a bad guy. Not many people know the truth. They only believe what they see."
Anna did not want to hear Xavier's words about King Vlad. Anna felt angry at herself for that day when she saw the King in a short distance instead of the great anger and revenge she felt, she said, anna felt sorry for him. Anna is disappointed that the man who killed her father does not appear to be in a condition that could make her hate him. Anna is angry at herself for pitying the man who killed her father.
"Are you tired? you look a little bit paler, Miss Who's Your Name. Let's take a break." Take Xavier.
Anna wasn't tired, but she agreed to the invitation because her legs were starting to hurt. It had been a long time since Anna last danced and wore high heels. Moreover, the shoes he was wearing at this time were so high that it made his feet hurt. Anna could feel her heels begin to bleed from the blisters. Wearing high heels was a part of his life. But since that incident, because the life he lived was different from the luxurious life in his palace, Anna had never again worn high heels.
They sat and enjoyed the banquet and drank wine. Although Anna did not really like alcoholic beverages because she would usually get drunk immediately after the second glass, but the night was very cold and she wanted to taste the wine from Nordhalbinsel. After they ate a little snack and drank a few glasses of wine, Xavier decided not to return to the dance floor and invited Anna to accompany him for a walk in the palace's crystal Tulip flower garden.
***