The Zariyan Royal Family

Lady Daphne's POV

3 sharp knocks alerted me of Solaris and Naseem's arrival. I exhaled harshly and made sure I looked presentable and then sent a butler to open the door before hurrying to fetch Cordelia from her room. "Cordelia!" I called knocking on her door. "Come in," came the reply. I entered the room and found her calmly reading a book. "What is it Daphne?" she questioned without her eyes even leaving the page. "The royal family of Alynthi are here." "I thought as much considering how you look as if you ran a hundred meter race to get here," was the cool response I received. I rolled my eyes at her casual response before telling her that we must meet them immediately. She raised her index finger in response, took her sweet time finishing the chapter and rechecked the laces on her shoes before getting up to leave.

I walked behind her ensuring that I did not step on her gossamer skirts. It was at times like these that I wondered why Cordelia was not the crown princess. Her posture was immaculate and everything about her exuded grace and dignity. I on the other hand could barely walk 5 steps without tripping. Her long black hair was done up in a bun but a few strands framed her slender face perfectly. The silvery sheen from the gown stood out against her caramel skin and made her absolutely angelic to look at. Her bright brown eyes never missed a thing and her willowy body only made her a million times more desirable. I envied her beauty and riches as a child, but as I grew older and saw the responsibilities and burdens that she had to bear as princess, I stopped and began pitying her. I knew at the age of 10 that Delia needed someone beside her, and I made a vow to be there whenever she needed me.

Deep in my thoughts, I hadn't realised that we had reached the throne room. It was only before we opened the doors that I realised Cordelia's hands were shaking. I reached out and squeezed them. She shot me a tight lipped smile before signalling that the doors be opened. I barely had a moment to pull myself together before the doors were opened and the herald announced that Princess Cordelia and Lady Daphne had arrived. Cordelia entered first and I walked in behind her. She was instantly greeted by Louis, her brother, who shot up both a reproving look for out tardiness. He reached out a hand to help her onto her throne, which she gracefully expected. I tried to walk as elegantly as possible to my small seat beside her. Once I was sat down I examined the Royal family of Alynthi. I first noticed King Phillip in all his golden glory. I'm not joking I mean he was literally golden. His golden crown on top of his blond head made him blinding to look at. His eyes were a bright blue and reminded me of the Zariyan Ocean during the winter. Standing beside him with a hand on her swollen belly was Queen Scarlett, wife of King Charles of Therondia. She was glowing even during her pregnancy. Her long black hair fell to her knees and her ice blue eyes seemed kind but careful. Next to her was Princess Leanne. She seemed to be the most cheerful of the group, a regular ray of sunshine. But something in her bright eyes made me feel unsettled.

I frowned. Where was Prince Edward? He was supposed to be here. I surveyed the room for the prince and found him behind his brother. His tousled black curls were a stark contrast to his porcelain skin which was dotted with freckles. I realized with a start that his dramatic brown eyes were looking at me! There was an intensity in his gaze which made me shiver. His pink lips were curled into a smile and he tilted his head as he surveyed me. I broke eye contact after a few seconds, unable to bear the heat that seemed to come from his stare. Instead I turned to look at Delia in all her regal glory. It was a few seconds before Louis, in his deep velvet voice. "Welcome," he spoke, "To Zariya."

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