Far away from the forest, young Claire was sleeping soundly in her bed. After her visit to the forest, she arrived home late. Then a maid came to wake her up.
"Princess Claire, you should wake up."
Even after trying many times, the princess was not waking up.
"It is understandable you wish to sleep. But King Sebastian is arriving today," Lily whispered to Claire.
Claire suddenly woke up from her bed and stared at Lily for a few seconds. "Is it a joke, Lily? King Sebastian would never arrive here."
Suddenly, they heard the sound of a carriage. Claire stood up and ran to the bathroom. She quickly washed herself and changed into a fresh dress. The dress was pink in color, with the softest texture. Her upper hair had braids, and the lower part was left down. Her lips were pink, and after applying minimal makeup, she was ready to go out.
She stared at her reflection and said, "Blonde hair will go well with this dress. Don't you agree, Lily?"
Lily looked stunned. After schooling her expression, she said, "You shouldn't do this, Princess. The King will notice it."
Claire laughed and said, "The King will never know about it. He never watched me for it."
Suddenly, Claire changed the color of her hair to blonde. Appreciating her beauty, she went out to see King Sebastian and a few councilmen. King Sebastian was the ruler of the neighboring kingdom Mistlake, considered to be one of the greatest lands.
When she went to see King Sebastian, other family members arrived at the gate as well. Celina and Remy bowed their heads along with young Claire, Aurelia, and Merilla.
When Claire raised her head, she froze. The man in front of her was the same man who saw her yesterday in the market. Did he recognize her?
---
Yesterday
Young Claire was walking past the market when a man who looked like a councilman came to her.
He asked, "Where are you going, Princess? Perhaps to your lover? Or running away from your home?"
Young Claire stopped and said, "Why are you asking, mister? Mother told me not to talk with strangers."
She started walking ahead, then turned back and looked at the man who kept standing there. "Weirdo," she said.
Suddenly, the man grabbed her neck. "Where are you going, Princess? Do your parents know? Perhaps I should teach you a lesson first for running your mouth more than necessary."
Young Claire took a knife from her waist belt and struck his hand, leaving it dripping with blood. Her eyes changed to gold.
She said, "Leave if you don't wish to die."
---
Now Princess Claire shook her head in disapproval. Perhaps he told the King about it? He must be an important man to accompany him.
Sebastian watched everyone bowing their heads, but his eyes were fixed on Claire. For a young girl, she was too beautiful — much more beautiful than her sisters. Blonde hair, blue eyes, pink dress.
Sebastian offered her his hand, a smile on his lips, which Claire gladly took. Then he asked her parents " Is she the oldest?" .
Remy answered, "Yes Milord, she's fourteen years old."
Sebastian offered a small smile.
Then they started walking toward the castle.