Chapter 1: I Saw Her Walk Down The Aisle

4th Princess's Room

"Amelia, sister. You look wonderful in your wedding dress", 10-year-old Iris pushed the door open while the royal attendants also marveled at the beauty of the bride. "Your hair is still sticking out. Don't tell me that you've sneaked out to pick berries again", Amelia, an 18-year-old princess with auburn brown locks and scarlet eyes chuckled. "Come on, let's fix you up", the gentle-natured princess invited her. "By the way, there were a lot of people in the palace hall a while ago", Iris sat down on her sister's lap and had her hair brushed off. "Iris. You have to learn a lot of things from now on. Plus, you also have to take care of your younger sisters in the future", Amelia had a mix of sadness in her tone as she comb long golden locks. "You've got father's hair. Good for you. It adds up to your image", Amelia gave a short laugh.

"Father promised to take me out at the market to buy my own necklace as well. You and sister Xyra also got one, right?", Iris informed. "Oh, yeah. Not just me and Xyra. The other sister also had theirs. Too bad you weren't able to meet them. Make sure you also wear a nice dress when you go out to meet princes from other countries. You don't want to be the only one left out.", Amelia sighed. "Hmmm? Why do you sound like you're also going away? Father gives me instructions when he heads out", Iris tilted her head as she faced the bride. Amelia had a nervous laugh. "The truth is I'm going to get married to a prince from another kingdom. It'll be miles away from here. I think we won't be able to see each other that much", Amelia patted Iris' head. "You will also be taken away like Big Sis Erika?", Iris was referring to the 2nd princess. "Well, I heard that India has so many spices. Food will be delicious there as well", Amelia cheered her up.

Palace Church

Royalties are all gathered in the place. The priest officiated the wedding with the blessing of the King. "For the peace and unity of both Kingdoms", the priest poured oil on their head.

Xyra, the 15-year-old princess watches the whole scenario with disdain in her eyes. "You've got a pretty pendant", Iris' eyes are glued to the green gem. "Is this something you would be happy for?", Xyra looked into Iris' eyes in boredom. The golden princess flinched with her sister's strict eyes and sat up straight. "These pendants are chains to us. This means that whatever happens, we will just be tools for political matters. Look at how pretty it hides monstrous intent. That's what these weddings are like", Xyra said while watching her older sister recite her vow to a man 10 years older than her, and she hadn't even met her even once in her lifetime. Amelia has all the right to protest but being a good-natured sister, she chose to carry the burden that might be passed to her younger sister. She looked back at the two princesses and smiled painfully.

After the wedding ceremony, the King opened the banquet. Musicians all over the kingdom were given the privilege to render a piece for the newlyweds.

Outside the Palace Gates

Xyra and Iris are standing in front of the carriage. "Amelia", Xyra reached out for her hand and dropped jewelry. "Are you sure? This is... your gift from the eldest", Amelia was startled to see a hairpin. "As long as you take good care of it", Xyra pouted and held back her tears. "Isn't father coming?", Iris looked around. "You have to address him as King when you are outside the palace", Amelia lectured. "Iris is young and adventurous. Can you give her a little help?", Amelia looked at Xyra. "Are you really... going to leave?", Xyra had teary eyes. Amelia cupped her face.

"Whatever happens or even how far I travel, we will always be sisters", Amelia leaned her forehead to Xyra. "That's why... I hope you also are good to Iris", Amelia patted her head. The carriage started to move. "Father didn't come because he might drag you out", Xyra gave a proper bow to Amelia. "By Sister!!!", Iris shouted and waved. Xyra knocked the back of Iris' head. "You don't shout in public, brat", Xyra said in a calm voice.

Two years after...

Forest next to the Palace

"I knew it was really refreshing here", Iris carried her basket and started picking berries. She walked around as if it was a royal garden in which you can be lost and later found by the maids. Iris hopped around and saw various herbs and flowers. She went further and saw a silhouette of two people. Iris sneaked further and saw her sister talking to a man who was around his '20s. She was able to recognize Harvey, the redhead royal tutor's son.

Iris accidentally slipped and fell on the river. Xyra heard a familiar scream so she ran after her. "Iris!", Xyra panicked and tried to jump as well. The man held her waist and jumped in her stead. The cliff isn't that high so he carried the princess and lifted her up. Iris got some wounds on her knee. "What are you doing here?! I told you many times, right? You should be at the palace with the royal tutors. That way...", Xyra calmed down when the man held onto her shoulder. "She's just a child", Harvey, the man hushed the girl. Iris cried from the pain in her knee.

Xyra used her handkerchief to bind the wound and put pressure on it to stop the bleeding. "You can't even handle such pain like this. How are you going to make it in the future?", Xyra carried Iris on her back. "In exchange, you won't tell anyone about me here", Xyra flushed.

6th Princess Room

Iris cannot sleep due to the pain in her knees. She walked through the corridor and tried to ask the King if she could sleep with him. The door was half open.

"Are you sure you want to do this?", Victor, the King asked with a gentle voice. "Whatever is noble, whatever is right. I shall obey for this kingdom", Xyra bowed. "You've grown up to be a fine lady, I believe your mother will be pleased to see you bloom", Victor smiled. "Father... I...", Xyra hesitated to say that she has someone she loves. "What is it? My princess?", Victor asked. "I... I'm more than honored to be a part of this family", Xyra gave a bow and then left.

Victor was about to run after her but she already disappeared. "Where did she get that fast legs of hers?", Victor facepalmed. "Father", Victor heard an innocent voice. "What is my precious daughter doing here?", Victor invited her inside his room.

"I wonder why Xyra was acting weird. She's always the one who opposes my suggestions", Victor sighed. "What are you talking about a while ago?", Iris asked. "Well, there is a proposition from a neighboring kingdom", Victor opened the curtain and watched the moon. "She's going to get married as well?", Iris had a sad look in her eyes. "Yes, Iris. It's truly saddening right...when people leave", Victor gave a weak smile. "Then, I will stay here forever with you so that you don't get to feel lonely", Iris hugged his father's waist.

Chapter end.