Within the Xenon Empire, the standard of beauty had always been defined by blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. Aris, however, stood out with her brown locks and equally brown gaze, a deviation from the established norm. She couldn’t help but think that Lady Violet, with her shimmering blonde hair and ocean-blue eyes, would be the favored choice of the crown prince over her.

Aris confided her thoughts in her father, saying, “I know I’m not ugly, but Lady Violet is blonde and has blue eyes.”

Her father nodded in understanding, replying, “That’s true.”

Curiosity getting the best of her, Aris pressed further, “And what about the crown prince’s mistresses? Are most of them blonde?”

Her father affirmed, “The majority of them are.”

With Aris’s spirits lifted by her father’s reassurance, Ian couldn’t help but smile. She had a valid point. “You’re right.”

Unspoken apologies were offered to Louison as they both settled into enjoying a leisurely high tea.

***

“You’ve been invited to the palace?” Lucine exclaimed with excitement, barely containing her joy. It was unbelievable; Lady Aris hadn’t even made her debut yet, and she was already receiving invitations. “But what about your attire? What will you wear?”

Lucine began mentally sifting through her lady’s wardrobe, filled with dresses pretty enough for everyday wear but too modest for a royal palace visit. Most palace women adorned themselves in exquisite gowns with low, swooping necklines.

“You should schedule a fitting for a new dress first thing in the morning, my lady!” Lucine urged, concern evident in her voice.

Aris agreed, saying, “I was thinking the same.”

“In that case, you really should get some rest,” Lucine advised, watching Aris burning the midnight oil as usual. “I suggest postponing all your classes for now. You’ll need at least a week to prepare for the palace.”

The preparations for the palace visit were extensive. Not only did Aris need to be dressed to the nines, but Lucine also had to match her lady’s elegance. No matter how extravagantly a lady dressed, she’d surely face criticism if her maid appeared shabby and unkempt.

“Take a break!” Lucine insisted.

“Well… alright,” Aris relented, closing her books with a faint smile. Since she had decided to postpone her classes for a week, there was no need to rush through tomorrow’s homework. “I really should finish this, though…”

“It’ll be fine! You’re always so diligent; missing one day of homework won’t matter.”

“True,” Aris replied, relieved. The prospect of avoiding history classes for a whole week excited her, though she tried to conceal her glee. She feigned a heavy sigh before settling into her bed.

“Shall I turn off the lights, my lady?”

“Yes.”

With the room now dim, Lucine exited, leaving Aris to her thoughts. She gazed up at the ceiling and murmured, “What’s going to happen to me now?”

She had labored tirelessly to change her fate, but now everything was taking an unexpected turn. Who could have foreseen that she would be chosen as a candidate for the crown princess position?

“I must be cautious,” she whispered to herself. The idea of becoming the crown prince’s wife sent a shiver down her spine. The prince, known for his multiple mistresses, might grant her the respect her position demanded, but it wasn’t what Aris desired.

Furthermore, marrying the prince meant she would eventually become the empress, a role filled with countless burdens and responsibilities that would never allow for a peaceful, leisurely life she yearned for.

“Besides,” Aris chuckled to herself, “I have a soft spot for the male lead.” He was loyal to the woman he loved, attentive to her every word, and unwavering in his belief in her. What a remarkable man!

Unfortunately for Aris, there were still two and a half years left before she could meet him. She had to make it through those years safely. She decided she would keep a low profile at the tea party, take a walk through the Spring Garden, and leave.

There was just one flaw in her plan. If the emperor wanted her to become the crown princess, then the crown prince would certainly approach her. What would she do then?

After racking her brains for a suitable answer, she closed her eyes. It was late, and she was getting tired.

I’ll figure it out tomorrow.

Aris fell into a deep, peaceful slumber.

***

The week flew by unnoticed for Aris, consumed by a whirlwind of fabrics, jewels, and shoes.

After numerous visits to the capital’s finest dressmakers and much contemplation, Aris settled on a breathtaking white gown adorned with a delicate ribbon. Its neckline gracefully exposed her collarbones and offered just the right amount of allure, perfectly in tune with the latest fashion trends.

At sixteen, this dress might be a touch mature, she mused.

The gown seemed better suited for a young woman rather than a teenager, but Lucine had insisted on it with unwavering confidence.

“I’m famished,” Aris whimpered.

“You can’t eat just yet,” Lucine replied sternly.

“Can’t I at least have a sip of water?”

“No, my lady!”

Lucine’s determination knew no bounds; she was wholeheartedly committed to ensuring her lady would be the most enchanting presence at the event. She even took it upon herself to regulate Aris’s eating habits, permitting only one meal a day to maintain her slender figure. Breakfast and lunch were sacrificed in favor of high tea and dinner.

Why must I endure all of this? Aris lamented silently.

She couldn’t believe she was sacrificing her meals just to look pleasing to some crown prince. What a dreadful situation this was!

Blame fell squarely on the crown prince’s shoulders. If he hadn’t abruptly decided to host his ostentatious tea party, none of this would be happening. And why did he choose to hold the event in the evening? It would have been far more sensible to commence the festivities in the morning and conclude before lunch.

The late starting time resulted from the crown prince’s afternoon appointment, his attempt at accommodating everyone’s schedules.

“You’re not the only one suffering from hunger, miss.”

“Lucine…”

“I’m certain all the other ladies are just as famished as you right now,” Lucine said, offering what little comfort she could. “I haven’t eaten in front of you either!”

“But that doesn’t mean you’re not eating.”

“I can eat because I’m not a lady,” Lucine explained while assisting Aris into her gown.

Aris’s brown hair was elegantly pinned up, unveiling her slender neck and shoulders. The jewels on the bodice sparkled like a sky full of stars, and the skirt flowed gracefully. Aris may have doubted her own beauty, but to Lucine, her lady was the epitome of loveliness.

“All that’s left is your makeup,” Lucine said.

“Right,” Aris nodded weakly.

Skipping breakfast had drained her energy, leaving her feeling more exhausted than ever. She couldn’t help but wonder if she might perish from hunger on the way to the palace, and she cast a plaintive gaze at Lucine.

For a fleeting moment, Lucine’s resolve wavered, but her ultimate objective came to the forefront of her mind. She had to maintain her stern demeanor for the sake of her lady.

“Let’s start your makeup now,” she said firmly.

Aris pouted, realizing her pitiful expression had made no difference.

A makeup artist gracefully entered the room, her presence accompanied by the subtle scent of fragrant powder. “I’ll just give you a slightly paler complexion,” she explained, gently patting the powder onto Aris’s skin.

Aris stole a quick glance at the mirror and was taken aback; indeed, her complexion had turned noticeably fairer. After the powder, the makeup artist applied a delicate coral shade to her lips, followed by an array of pale oranges and warm browns, creating a look that took much longer than Aris had anticipated.

“All finished,” the makeup artist declared at last.

When Aris examined her reflection closely, she couldn’t believe her eyes. The girl she had been just moments ago had transformed into someone youthful and sophisticated.

“Since you’re still young, I tried not to make you look too sultry,” the makeup artist explained.

“Oh my,” Aris whispered, her fingers reaching out to touch her own reflection. She wondered how enchanting she must appear to everyone else.

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the door, and Ian’s voice called out, “Aris, are you ready?”

“Yes, Father.” Aris was unfamiliar with the layout of the palace, so Ian would be her guide to the Spring Garden.

With a quick rise from her seat, Aris donned her coat. The nighttime air still held a chill, and she didn’t want to risk catching a cold on her way to the palace. As the door swung open, Ian, standing in the doorway, gazed at his daughter in astonishment.

“My daughter, you look absolutely stunning.”

“Really?” Aris questioned with an intrigued smile.

Her father nodded in affirmation. While Aris may not possess the usual blonde allure of most beauties, her radiance was undeniable. Aris beamed at her astounded father.

“I’m sure the other ladies will be just as enchanting.”

“Really?” Aris smiled. “The crown prince probably won’t even spare me a glance,” she added, though secretly hoping it would be the case.

Arm in arm, they descended the grand staircase. During the descent, Ian cleared his throat and studied his daughter’s appearance. Seeing her in this mature light made him realize that she didn’t look as young as he had thought.

But regardless, he thought, she’s still far too young for marriage.

The two of them entered the waiting carriage, and it set off for the Spring Garden.

***

Upon arrival, a magnificent display of flowers greeted the Horissens at the entrance. The Spring Palace lived up to its reputation—countless lush trees and blooming flowers stretched as far as the eye could see, creating a mesmerizing floral extravaganza. Freesia petals, symbolizing spring, wafted dreamily through the air. The sight before Aris was so breathtaking that she almost felt her earlier hunger and discomfort were worthwhile.

“You can go now, Father,” she reassured him, noticing the worry in his eyes. “I have Lucine with me. Everything will be fine.”

Around them, other young girls arrived with their fathers. They, too, appeared slightly despondent, as if they had been hungry for an extended period. All the girls gazed longingly at the sumptuous feast laid out on the tables. Unfortunately, they weren’t allowed to partake until the crown prince made his entrance.

“Take care,” Ian murmured to his daughter.

“I will.”

With a final glance, Ian departed from the garden. He still harbored concerns, but he trusted Lucine. Given the significance of tonight’s event and the presence of numerous noble ladies, palace guards were stationed around to ensure maximum security. As soon as Aris saw her father’s carriage departing, she made a beeline for the food, but Lucine caught her wrist.

“Miss.”

“What?”

“You can’t eat just yet.”

“Why not?” Aris whined.

“You haven’t shown the crown prince how lovely you look,” Lucine replied firmly.

She wanted the crown prince to see Aris in all her current beauty.

“But I’m so hungry,” Aris protested weakly.

“You’re usually so composed. Just a little longer.”

“I can’t stand being hungry.”

Aris could endure most things through sheer determination, but hunger wasn’t one of them. She gave Lucine her most persuasive puppy-dog eyes. “Just a little bit?”

Lucine’s resolve weakened a tad. “One drink,” she reluctantly agreed.

“I’ll take it.”

Aris swiftly scanned the tables and grabbed the largest drink she could find. Another young lady picked up a beverage from the adjacent tray.

The girl had long, flowing blonde hair and eyes as blue as serene lagoons—a classic beauty. Her dress was elegant, featuring a modest neckline. Though young, Aris was convinced she would grow into an absolutely stunning woman someday.

Their eyes met briefly as they both took small sips of their drinks, savoring the taste.

“Good evening,” Aris greeted, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear and flashing a practiced, dazzling smile at the other girl.

“Yes, good evening,” the blonde girl responded, offering a shy smile. Her smile didn’t seem as well-rehearsed as Aris’s, but it held its own charm. “These drinks are quite delightful.”

Aris observed the girl as she sipped elegantly, embodying the grace expected of nobility. As she raised her glass to her lips, she tucked a strand of her long, blonde hair behind her ear—a gesture Aris couldn’t help but notice. The girl appeared delicate and, much like Aris herself, had the look of someone who had endured hunger.

“To be honest, I haven’t had breakfast or lunch today either,” Aris admitted in a hushed tone. She was well aware that Lucine was keeping a close watch on her, and she dared not even glance at the food before her. “I only managed to get permission to have this drink.”

The younger girl sighed. “Same here. My maids found out I was coming to the palace and stopped feeding me since yesterday,” she lamented, her gaze fixed sadly on her own drink. “I don’t understand why we have to endure this.” Then, her gaze shifted back to Aris. “You’re Lady Aris Horissen, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” Aris confirmed, curious about how this girl knew her name.

“I’ve heard a lot about you from my father.”

“Is that so?”

“My name is Violet d’Essel.”

“Ah.”

Aris recalled that her father had spoken highly of Duke Essel’s daughter. He had praised her golden hair, her incredibly blue eyes, and her beauty, all of which she seemed to have inherited from her father.