The colourful flowers sparkled under the sun as the butterfly danced gracefully among them, and the birds singing consonants to the wind that blew calmly, like Stravinsky's The Firebird was playing. Everything fits together like a story from a fairy tale book. It was surreal. I walk happily like a kid inside a chocolate factory as I make my way towards the library.
Then I felt a gaze from afar. I looked to see who it was. That person's entire appearance was very neat and majestic. His silvery hair swift, slowly as it touched the wind and his red eyes dazzled like a polished ruby on a wedding ring. I look at him for a minute as I was curious whether I know him or not. He didn't smile nor frown at me but simply looked. Then I realized there was a woman beside him. I quickly turned my head and walked away.
"What's wrong with him? He has a beautiful lady next to him but still acts like that."
I thought silently as I walked away, feeling sickened for such behaviour. This type of man never felt grateful for whatever they had. They kept on looking and paying attention to what they're missing rather than what they had. When we started to walk away from them, they would seek forgiveness and give empty promises. Repeated words of saying that they would never do it again. Something I learned about people in both of my life: if they do it once, they'll definitely do it again. So never hesitated to throw away the trash before it smelled all over.
A few minutes before, Prince Leon and Lady Dulcea were walking through the garden side by side. Lady Dulcea looks beautiful, her honey blonde wave as it was dancing to a waltz. Anyone who walked past her would stare in awe. The way she walks, talks, and acts were very noble-like.
"I don't want to be here."
Prince Leon thought as he walked silently. Today was the day he was scheduled to meet Lady Dulcea, as his father the king, instructed. Everyone who walked past them would say that they are a match made in heaven. He looks composed from the outside, but his inner self was about to collapse.
"How long do I have to be here? What a waste of time? Should I just make a run or should I just come up with an excuse? I don't want to do this. Do I really have to do this every week?"
His thought runs like there's no end to it.
"Shouldn't they respect mine and Lady Dulcea thought on this? I'm glad Lady Dulcea is a kind lady. To those who propose this, I wish you good luck, because I am coming for you."
His inner voice kept on playing, trying to comfort him.
"Your highness, I'm sorry if I took your precious time away." Her voice was soft and gentle.
"It's fine," he said.
Then he continued, "Lady Dulcea, I'm sorry for asking, but do you agree with our engagement?"
"Thank you for your concern, your highness. As you are righteous you are benevolent as well, two things that are hard to find in a person nowadays. There's no one like you, your highness. I believe love can grow as we spent time together. So to answer your question, I am more than happy to accept this engagement."
She said as her mouth curved into a smile. Prince Leon, who was trying to get out of this situation, was silent down.
As he continued walking, his mind was about to shut down with boringness. He just followed wherever the path leads to, as Lady Dulcea looked as gracious as ever while admiring the flowers. Then he saw a figure. A beautiful figure that has been on his mind for the past few days.
"Is it really her? Am I hallucinating again?"
His foot was planted to the ground as he continued to stare. She looks so beautiful. He was mesmerized by the person in front of him. Then our eyes suddenly met as it was fate. He didn't realize his ears had turned red.
"Your highness?"
Lady Dulcea asked when he realized he was not concentrating on her. She knew who was that lady was. Then she reached for his arm and linked it with hers.
Prince Leon was startled. He wanted to move his arms away, but unfortunately, Lady Dulcea pulled him happily like she's trying to lead the way. He just followed her silently, but he cannot hide his feelings. His head turned around as he continued searching for a figure that he just saw but already missed.
"Who is she? Why she's here?"
The thought kept circling inside his head. Then he blocked his mind away from all negativity and started believing that if they were fated, they would meet again someday.
I entered the royal library through the beautifully carved door. I took my first step and each step I took felt like I walked on clouds. The antique smell inside the library makes me relaxed. The huge and magnificent windows at the back lead the sunlight in and brighten the inside with their powerful and lively light. Small plants and flowers stood at each corner of the room to give a warm and beautiful feeling. The carpet was thick and comfy inside the library, as to absorb the sound that was made from our shoes. Besides, there are various kinds of tables and there are also a few chairs next to the window for those who enjoyed the natural light.
I walked from one shelf to another just to look around what kind of books they got here. All the books were properly organized. So it makes it easy to search for the appropriate books.
"I like it."
I thought to myself as I was flipping through the pages. I've always had this one habit, that is, smelling books. It's intoxicating.
I'm still standing in front of the shelf looking for a book that could help me prepare to teach the children. As I was about to turn to the next shelf, I accidentally bumped into someone. It was probably my fault because I just turned at the end of the shelf without stopping to look first.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
I bend down to pick up his books that fell over. He just stood there without any words. While I passed him the book, I could see the colour of his eyes that were as red as a fire. It's beautiful and glorious. However, I didn't know why it felt like there was nothing, it seemed like an empty eye. It felt like he wasn't even here. There's no reaction whatsoever from him.
Then he reached for his books and walked away.
"Is he mad? I know it's my fault, but I've apologized. Couldn't he just say something? Now I feel guilty."
I walked as I'm sulking, weak, and dragging my feet.
I found a few books that caught my eyes. So I went to a table nearby to where I'm standing to read it. As I put my books on the table, I accidentally make a little noise. As I sat down, I heard a tch sound coming from in front of me. It was the man from before.
"Argh! What bad luck."
I grunted silently without lifting my head up. I bet if he saw me right now, he would know I'm uncomfortable. I contemplated whether I should apologize or leave it be, and I decided to leave it as I'm scared. I flipped the book page by page in a very silent manner.
As I continued reading, my eyes started to betray me. Maybe because I woke up early this morning. Moreover, I couldn't sleep properly last night because I'm anxious about today. I should shut my eyes for a while.
After a few minutes passed, I woke up from my sleep. The man who sat in front of me was already gone.
"Now when I thought about it, I am noble, would some people think that I am not ladylike? Whatever."
I ignored my thought, as it didn't bother me at all. They all didn't know me and who are they to judge me. People always seem quick to judge others but never quick to point out their own. A judging person judges us, doesn't make them right, but it shows who they are. People always misunderstood me. They would say I'm cold, proud, and snob. When I tried to act friendly, I smiled when they wanted or tagged along when they asked. They said I'm fake. Wherever we are, we lived in a society that will look us up and down before they look into our eyes. Sometimes people would judge because they are afraid someone would notice their flaws, so they judge others to make them feel good about themselves. So ignore them, we're better than them. We should learn to love ourselves so no judgemental comments could ever bring us down.