Chapter One: New Year’s Eve
As the New Year’s holiday approaches, the two kingdoms, Nyssa and Galilee, prepare their annual New Year’s Eve celebration. It is the biggest event of the year, where all the royals meet up and make amends.
This year was hosted in the “Palasset I Nyria,” which is the grand palace in the capital of Nyssa. All the guests make their entrance to the hall, but all the eyes are on the royal family.
Nobles from both kingdoms try to seek and win the attention of this ceremony. Still, they fail to do so as the royals take away all the attention, the king and the queen of the “Palasset I Nyria” step down with their gowns, Michael with his glowing gold eyes and gorgeous red hair, you’d mistake him for his early forties due to how young he looks.
Helena with flowing platinum blonde hair and emerald green eyes, some might say they’re a perfect couple, although others may disagree. Next to step down was the eldest son, who was also the crown prince, Henry Ruthberd.
Suddenly all guests switched their gazes to the entrance, where the first princess, Riley Ruthberd-Megalos made her entrance, with her gorgeous flowing red locks her dazzling lilac eyes, and the beautiful blue gown with puffy hands that embraced her curves and made her shine, Servants and nobles started with awe as the royal family walked to their thrones and seats.
Whispers began filling the room “Where’s Princess Liliana and Prince Lucas” one said “Haven’t you heard… Princess Riley ruined Liliana’s tea party” another noble girl said “really..no wonder she has no manners” Steps approach “I hear bugs talking” midnight black hair and diamond blue eyes, Arya the daughter of the Archduke “forgive us Lady Arya” said one of the girls, Lady Arya raised an elegant eyebrow, her diamond blue eyes shimmering with curiosity. "Oh, pray tell me, what did Princess Riley do at Princess Liliana's tea party? I'm quite intrigued."
The girls exchanged nervous glances before one of them finally mustered the courage to speak. "Lady Arya, it's said that Princess Riley accidentally spilled her tea on Princess Liliana's favorite dress. Liliana was furious, and there was quite a commotion. Some even say that Riley did it on purpose."
Arya listened intently, her expression unreadable. "Accidents happen, and emotions can sometimes run high. But surely, Princess Riley wouldn't have intentionally ruined Princess Liliana's dress. After all, it was Liliana who purposely spilled tea on herself."
The girls hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Princess Riley had always been a topic of gossip, and her mischievous reputation proceeded. However, Lady Arya's calm and measured demeanor made them reconsider their judgment.
As the whispers continued to circulate, the room fell into a momentary lull. The tension was palpable, as everyone anticipated the arrival of Princess Liliana and Prince Lucas. The air seemed heavy with expectations, and the atmosphere was tinged with uncertainty.
The grand doors swung open when the silence became almost unbearable. In walked Princess Liliana, her golden curls cascading over her shoulders, and her emerald eyes sparkling with mischief. By her side, Prince Lucas followed a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
The guests collectively held their breath, waiting for a reaction from Princess Riley. The two sisters locked eyes, and for a moment, it seemed as if time stood still.
Hatred tainted the air as Princess Riley and Princess Liliana's eyes locked in a cold, unwavering stare. The tension that had gripped the room only moments ago grew thicker, suffocating the atmosphere. Whispers ceased, and the guests watched with bated breath, unsure of what would unfold between the royal sisters.
Princess Liliana's emerald eyes narrowed, radiating disdain. Her voice, laced with venom, cut through the silence. "Well, well, if it isn't the clumsy and ill-mannered Princess Riley. I see you've managed to steal the spotlight once again, just as you always do."
Princess Riley's lilac eyes flashed with defiance, her delicate features contorting with anger. "Is that how you choose to greet me, your older sister? Resorting to false accusations? I accidentally spilled tea, Perhaps it's your guilt that makes you see malice where there is none."
Gasps rippled through the hall, but Princess Liliana remained unfazed. "Do not play innocent, Riley. Your little accidents always conveniently happen at the expense of others. I tire of your constant attention-seeking antics. It is time you learn your place."
The tension grew unbearable, threatening to ignite a storm of animosity between the two kingdoms. King Michael and Queen Helena exchanged worried glances, their attempts to foster reconciliation seeming to crumble before their eyes. The crowd watched in tense anticipation, unsure of how this bitter feud would unfold.
Lady Arya approached Princess Riley, her expression unreadable. The onlookers watched as the two whispered in hushed tones, their voices barely audible above the murmurs of the crowd. Princess Riley's face transformed, a mischievous smile forming on her lips.
With newfound confidence, Princess Riley turned towards Princess Liliana. "You think I seek attention, dear sister? Well, let me show you what true attention looks like." She motioned for Lady Arya to join her.
The two princesses, fueled by their shared resentment towards Princess Liliana, began to execute their plan. Princess Riley's lilac eyes glinted with mischief as she addressed the crowd, her voice carrying through the hall. "Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we have forgotten the true purpose of this gathering—to foster unity and understanding between our kingdoms."
The guests turned their attention towards Princess Riley, intrigued by her sudden change in demeanor. Princess Liliana, although taken aback, remained defiant, refusing to show any signs of vulnerability.
Princess Riley continued, her voice dripping with mocking sympathy. "But fear not, dear sister. We shall teach you a lesson in humility and remind you of the importance of compassion." She motioned towards the center of the hall, where a grand table was adorned with various delicacies.
With a flourish, Princess Riley and Lady Arya approached the table, selecting handfuls of chocolate-covered berries. Princess Liliana watched, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.
Princess Riley turned to the crowd once again, holding out a chocolate-covered berry for all to see. "Behold, the symbol of unity and forgiveness!" she proclaimed, her voice carrying a hint of sarcasm.
Without warning, she flung the berry towards Princess Liliana, aiming for her pristine white gown. The crowd gasped in shock as the berry left a trail of dark chocolate across the fabric.
Princess Liliana's face contorted with rage, her eyes burning with humiliation. She opened her mouth to retaliate, but before she could utter a word, Lady Arya stepped forward, a wicked smile playing on her lips.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Lady Arya declared, her voice tinged with mockery, "it appears that Princess Liliana is in dire need of a lesson in grace and modesty."
In an orchestrated act, Lady Arya picked up a new chocolate-covered berry and ate it with a satisfied look. The crowd erupted in a mix of gasps and stifled laughter, unable to contain their amusement at Princess Liliana's humiliation.
Princess Liliana stood frozen, her face flushed with embarrassment and fury. With tears welling up in her eyes, she turned on her heels and silently retreated from the hall, her dignity shattered.
Meanwhile, Princess Riley, having achieved her desired vengeance, felt a pang of remorse wash over her. She excused herself from the revelry and made her way to the palace garden, seeking solace in the quiet solitude.
Lost in her thoughts, Princess Riley found herself surrounded by nature. It was there that she encountered Prince Nikolas of Galilee, a noble and compassionate soul. He observed her disheveled state and the chocolate stains on her gown, his eyes filled with empathy.
Without a word, Prince Nikolas plucked a leaf from the ground and handed it to Princess Riley. "A princess of Nyssa like you deserves only things off the ground".
