Three years ago...

Charlotte POV

I almost feel self conscious as I approach the monstrosity of Summerton with each passing second. Key word: almost.

The way I dress isn't the problem. Instead, I'm much more concerned about the way I act in front of others. I'm entering a new world of court.

The king's court is a dangerous game to play. Many lives have been lost over small missteps or mistakes. Every High House has at least one or two cases, however obscure or old they may be. Even House Titanos can recall such instances.

But despite wanting to be away from danger, the excitement of this game amuses me. Although I haven't been there yet, part of me secretly aspires to be one of those leading players. My cousin Mareena told me once that she could not bear being in the spotlight of so many. It seems I share the opposite sentiments.

However, being a leading player in love is out of the question. Love in court is a purely political matter, meant to create ties and alliances within families. If the strongest bond in the Silver world is the blood we share, then the second strongest bond is marriage. Everything else is nothing more than dust. As Aunt Nora once told me "smile on the front, knife in the back."

I am thankful to have a friend who's arrived before me. Adeline Lerolan has filled me in on enough gossip that one could consider me an expert in current affairs in both politics and of course, love. She dropped a small hint about the Crown Prince Tiberias the Seventh during one of our conversations. According to her, Tiberias has already charmed more than half of the women in court, each one vying to be the leading female.

Such a coveted position is something many girls dream of. But I don't want it. I would rather be remembered as one of the most dazzling woman to have ever walked in those halls, than a no-name lovesick girl. Rather than fighting over a man, men will fight for her. And she will have many options to choose from rather than being an option herself.

Adeline also advised me to dress appropriately. By "appropriately" she meant "dress as nicely as you can, but don't be too blinding." I picked out something the day before that fit these categories well. Because I'm arriving in the spring, I made sure to add some sort of flower on my gown. And this specific dress was one I had made myself. My cousin Mareena and I suddenly had an goal of making a dress. I'm sure she has it somewhere, hidden away in her closet. She put chrysanthemum flowers on her gown. The flowers I put on mine were lilies. Back then I was as pure and innocent as one. Now, not so much.

The dress is purple, sleeveless, with a high collar. It's also pinched at the waist, giving form to my upper body. The rest of it, comes down in multiple layers, the flowers visible below the last layer. It's see through. I also curled my dirty blonde hair and the locks fall onto my right shoulder. There's a simple brooch made of gold, silver, and amethysts on the left side of my head, glittering in the sunlight as I step out of the transport. My eyes look up to finally view Summerton in all its splendor.

"You should know the protocol by now right?" Uncle Ethan asks as he steps out of his carriage. "Don't be nervous."

"I shall not fail following your instructions Uncle," I reply calmly. "And yes I am familiar with protocol. All shall go smoothly."

"Good," Aunt Nora says as Uncle helps her out of the carriage. "Make them remember."

"And they'll never forget," I whisper. "I am of Titanos blood. I do not run from challenges."

I don't wait for my parents. Instead, I walk up the stairs on my own. The guards at the entrance open the heavy gate for me to pass through. They're strongarms and their ability makes them stronger than any human being, hence the name.

"Lady Charlotte has indeed arrived at court," a voice says behind me. "How wonderful indeed."

I turn my head to find the Samos magnetron girl looking at me. "Greetings Lady Evangeline."

She bows in turn, her dress made of pearly white metal moving as though it were fabric itself. "I thought the rumours were false but it turns out that you really are here."

"I presume you have a reason to talk to me."

"Not much," Evangeline replies. "Though I would congratulate you on your arrival here at court. Sadly, some are not privileged and arrive on time, not a little earlier."

Arriving before the age of sixteen is a benefit. It means that you are mature enough to integrate yourself within society. If invited by his Royal Highness, the king or queen, it is similar to an order. If the recipient chose to refuse, it would be a great shame to do so though no one in their right mind would think of such things. Since Evangeline is from House Samos, her family is slightly higher than mine. Naturally, the royal family would want to ally themselves with the powerful. It was also believed that Evangeline would win the Queenstrial though I believe that I have a fighting chance. I have bested Evangeline before. The competition would take place three years from now which gives me enough time for her to train, and for me to surpass her. I won't do Queenstrial for love, but for duty.

"Then perhaps you would be able to educate me on your ways of life Lady Evangeline," I say, acting humbly. It's all for show. "It would be a great honour for me to learn from you."

"Teach you?" She almost scoffs at the idea. "Learn on your own. First hand experience will always be the best."

"As should be expected of me." There's no bite to my words. "Court will start soon and I wouldn't want to be late. Neither should you."

"Go on," Evangeline sneers. "No one will take notice of you. You're just a lady from House Titanos, a House with no outstanding achievements. You cannot compare to my family."

"Then my time has not been wasted," I reply. "Why would someone waste their words on someone they consider to be lower? I see it as a one way deal."

She bristles at my words but I just walk on, ignoring her. Perhaps she doesn't think time is precious, but I do. And I would not like to spend it on a person who only looks forward for meaningless arguments. After all, I'm not here for her. I'm here for court.

When I enter the large hallway, I already find a variety of women there from different houses. I can pick their colours among the sea of dresses. Lerolan, Rhambos, Welle, it almost looks like a human rainbow. Or rather, it looks like a multicoloured painting of sorts.

"So you really came."

I turn my head around to see my good friend Adeline. "Greetings Lady Adeline."

"Greetings Lady Charlotte."

We stand facing each other, almost as though we've been frozen in time. I don't know what to do and neither does she. Then, a smile breaks out on both our faces, the formal version of ourselves falling away. "It's great to see you here Charlotte!"

"It's great to see you here too Adeline," I reply, hugging her. "I have at least one companion in this place. I'm not completely alone."

"And you aren't!" she replies. "I have so many more people I can introduce you to. How are you feeling right now?"

"A little nervous," I admit, clutching my gown. "But I'm sure all will go well."

Like that, we strike up a conversation. She'll let me in on the current gossip of court life and drop in the occasional question of how I'm feeling. Adeline also gives me a couple pieces of advice to keep in mind for my first time here. But sadly, we're cut short by the entrance of the king and his family.

"I'll see in a bit," Adeline says, sending me a wave. "Do your best."

My curtsy is shallow and I merely nod my head, but there's no time for a reprimand. I quickly hustle to find my place behind my uncle, watching as each family goes up to do their daily greetings. Then, I realize my hands are shaking. What if this doesn't go well?

But this has to go well. I've prepared myself just for this moment! And it will go well, I'm sure of it. I channel my inner confidence to soothe my doubts, which grow with each passing second.

I walk forward with my uncle, keeping a respectable distance from behind. Aunt Nora doesn't follow us. Without her presence, I feel exposed to the rest of the court and I notice a few girls whisper to each other, their eyes on me.

Ignore them, a voice in my head says. Focus.

"Greetings Your Majesties," Uncle says, dipping into a bow. I do the same, dipping into a curtsy instead. "Your humble minister has arrived."

Much to my surprise, the king laughs heartily at Uncle's words. "You certainly love joking around with me." Tiberias taps the armrest of his throne. "Welcome back Ethan. I'm sure the front has been kept well."

My uncle lifts his head meet the king's eye. "Yes it has."

Recently, the attacks near the Choke began to grow more and more frequent. It seems as though the Lakelands are intent on getting whatever scraps of land from our country. Their desperations are obvious, now seeing that we have had more than four victories at the front. About a month before today, Uncle was called away for battle but thankfully he returned after two weeks there. Four victories in two weeks. Now that's what I call quick progress.

"And I see you've brought a visitor."

"Not so much a visitor, but perhaps a new addition," Uncle says. "This is my eldest ward Lady Charlotte Titanos,"

He look at me briefly before turning back to King Tiberias. I walk forward on my own, my steps even. Only confidence will radiate from me today and any sliver of fear or doubt will be crushed. Somewhere in the crowd, I hear someone snicker, most likely Evangeline and her trio of friends. But I show no acknowledgment of her presence. As long as I show no reaction towards her, there is nothing she can gain out of it.

Everyone is nervous during their first time here, even the best of them. I am no exception. But like all others, I knew it would come and I prepared myself for this day. My face is as still as water and there is no hint of fear on the outside.

"Your Majesties," I say curtsying. "It is an honour to finally be presented to you and wish you all every joy and happiness."

The king merely nods his head and sends me a warm smile. "The last time I saw you was when you were no more than perhaps five or so years old? You may not have remembered me since I only viewed you from afar."

"Forgive me Your Majesty, but my memory is not as good as yours," I say, lifting my head. "But perhaps you did see me. What did you find?"

"I saw a beautiful, pure child who would blossom into a lady with many charms," he replies. "And I was right. You were also highly perceptive when you were young."

"Thank you for your kind words," I reply. "I hope I have not disappointed you."

"I expect great thing from you here Lady Charlotte," His Majesty says. "Welcome to court."

I nod briefly. "I will certainly give my all."

The king smiles once more and proceeds to exchange a few words with my uncle about some small matters almost casually. It seems as though Uncle and His Majesty are good friends or at least have a healthy minister-king relationship. After what seems like forever (which was actually a couple minutes) King Tiberias waves both of us off.

Of course, I go to one side and Uncle Ethan to the opposite. It's the way to distinguish the parents from the children and a place where ladies of different Houses can mingle with each other. Since I'm new, I'm met with an onslaught of other women who give their greetings to me. I'm almost amazed that everyone can be quiet enough.

Once I'm there, Adeline takes my hand before introducing me to a plethora of women, similar to my age. They all greet me politely with biting smiles and sharp eyes. I do my best to be polite. Soft knives are the best tools to use in the Silver world. They cut more deeply than any physical knife crafted by the best magnetron.

"That was quite an entrance," Adeline whispers as she leads me away. "Did you rehearse that?"

"Did it look like it?" I send her a smile. "If it did, I'm thankful that my skills in keeping my emotions in check are good. If not, I'm glad I could act in the moment."

"Those tips came in handy did they?"

"They did."

The conversation starts up again. It continues for so long that my sense of time begins to lose its focus. What seemed like hours suddenly feel like minutes. It's that quality that Adeline has. Time distorts itself around her.

Somewhere, near noon, I pull myself away to give my eyes a rest. Although my friend is not ugly, staring at one thing only will make your eyes strain itself. I keep an ear out for whatever she says while noticing the superior architecture of the Whitefire.

And that's when I notice him.

The Crown Prince has been watching me.

The information I have on Cal is by no means short. Physically and mentally. He's the heir to Norta. He has a brother. And he's a tall, muscular person with amber eyes and black hair. The usual. Even if you haven't met him, you'd probably know the description. It seems shallow but it's something that all the girls want.

His brother Maven is beside him, his head kept low. I actually seem to prefer him to Cal. From the information I have on him, I can tell that he's quiet, intelligent, and very most often left behind. I almost pity him. Maven doesn't speak unless spoken to (or unless necessary) and spends his observing the surroundings like other idle Silver are. A very lonely child indeed. But probably the most sensible out of the two.

I don't glare at Cal, but rather regard him with a neutral look. No smile, no frown. It comes easy to me since I don't have any feelings for him unlike the other girls around. The amount of maturity couldn't fill a teacup.

But Cal smiles. It takes all my effort to keep my eyes in place and I switch my gaze back to Adeline as though nothing happened. The next time I look back, it looks like he's curious.

Court ends at around noon.

"I will see you tomorrow won't I?" Adeline asks. "If you can of course. It can always be tiring on your first day."

"I'll do my best," I reply with a bright smile. "I survived today and I can definitely do it again."

"Okay!"

I curtsy deeply before taking my leave. I hope to get back home quickly. And hopefully I don't have to run into the Crown Prince on my way out.


Cal POV

As soon as court is over, I heave out a sigh. Thank goodness there aren't any stupid girls following me around. I hate it when they do that. It's like I have little to no privacy in public anymore. Moments of peace are rare and I've learned to treasure every second I get of it.

What's worse is that I have to put up with all of it. I don't know what I would give to be in Mavey's shoes. No one really pays attention to him and he has all the privacy he needs. No one is there to bother him about anything. Except Elara, but that's because she's his mother.

Strangely, Maven looks very amused today. And he does his best to hide his smile which doesn't amount to anything big.

"What's so funny?" I ask. "You've been wearing that smile on your face since court ended."

"Well, I've just been reading past Lord Ethan's lines," Maven replies, suppressing a laugh. "He said that Charlotte was his eldest. I'm just wondering who the younger one is. And if you'll claim her as easily as you did so many."

I roll my eyes. "I'm sure Lord Ethan's other ward is also a respectable person. Though I do hope that it isn't the case."

"We'll find out soon. From what I've heard, Mareena is three years younger than Charlotte."

My brother has access to a lot of information that I don't. I don't know how he does it. Even Father isn't sure. Queen Elara probably knows since she's a whisper but I'm certain she won't share his methods with us. Besides, Maven is much smarter than I am. I'm sure he connected the dots much earlier than anyone else in the family.

"Quiet," Father snaps at us both. "If you will respect the wishes of my friend, don't speak about Lady Charlotte's cousin in public."

"Of course." My tone is nothing but obedient. "We'll do as you say."

Something tells me that Maven won't follow the rules. The way he walks away with that skip in his step and that mischievous smile makes me slightly nervous. But no one stops him. He's the youngest and therefore has certain privileges that I don't. For example, I'll do the Queenstrial and he'll marry the one he loves. I have the crown, he's entitled to a life of freedom. Sometimes I envy him, but I also don't.

I follow Father from a short distance behind. I can see where he's going. Father must have some important business to talk to with Lord Ethan of he wouldn't be heading this way. As we near, I hear some snippets of his conversation with someone. Perhaps his niece?

"...first day was fine. Adeline was a wonderful companion."

"She is. Though I will advise you not to narrow yourself down to one person."

"You've told me that advice more than once."

I'm not mistaken. Lady Charlotte stands beside her uncle in an elegant fashion. Her curls are less distinct compared to this morning, but she looks well dressed, her gown glittering in the light. Every inch of her seems perfect.

"Lord Ethan," Father says as he approaches. "Just a brief word with you."

The general bows. "Of course."

"And while, I have a word with Ethan on some matters, son," Father says patting me on the shoulder. "Perhaps you could make use of this time to bond with Lady Charlotte. The newcomer after all," he adds, sending her a knowing smile, one that she returns.

"Of course," I reply. "Lady Charlotte, would you allow me to lead in the gardens? Just for a short while."

I expect her to say yes. Every girl I've done it with has always said yes. And I'm always reluctant to agree. It means spending a good thirty minutes standing their shallowness and their so called "seductions".

"Your Majesty," she drops into a curtsy, "I would be honoured for you to lead me there, however, I'm on a tight schedule today. I mean no disrespect by my refusal."

Amusing. She even refused me. How strange. How different. And I like that about her. If there's one thing I've picked out so far, it's that she's absolutely immune to me and my charms.

"Of course," I reply, bowing my head.

"Perhaps another day," Charlotte says, noting my discomfort. "Your Majesties, I will take my leave. Uncle, the second transport will be waiting here."

"As always." Ethan sends a brief nod at his niece. "Be safe on your way home."

Charlotte drops into a low curtsy before walking away. Her gown swishes as she moves, the waves of her hair drop behind her naturally. The brooch in her hair winks as the light bounces off it. And it's alluring. I'm used to being around practiced women. Charlotte isn't like them. If there's one thing I know about her, it's that she isn't superficial.

"Son." Father voice bringing me back into my senses. I almost jolt.

"I'll take my leave Father," I say, flustered, with a shallow bow. Without waiting for a response, I walk away, my steps light and fast for a person of my build. That must have been embarrassing watching her like that.

This is the first time a girl has made such an impression on me.


A/N: Reviews are welcome!