"Grandmother, I am very sure of this." I looked at her with all of my courage and unwavering spirit. But my knees gave away. It's been half an hour since I have been kneeling hoping her heart would melt. But I should've known who I'm dealing with. Well, since I carry her blood I am obviously no less than her. Even if my whole body trembles in pain, I won't stand up until she agrees. With my wish.
She slowly raised her eyes to look at me and my heart stopped beating. It was as if the world froze. I finally know the feeling of what they say in movies and books, eyes can kill.
She inhaled deeply and then exhaled slowly. I can feel her blood pressure rising.
"You are the first to dare to use this at such an age." She shook her head. I know she's utterly disappointed at me. No, she's actually disappointed how I had this audacity.
I maintained the silence, waiting for her to continue.
"Have you think about the price you have to pay for this?"
I nodded thrice. She sighed.
"Then tell me the plan. Convince me to agree with you." Her voice softened a little. And that gave me a hope.
I took the chance to stand up and pulled a chair opposite from her.
" So, grandmother, as I've told I want to experience the life of normal people. I will attend Country A National University but not as Princess Charlotte but as Zhu Yan. I know I don't have much experience of life but my heart says this is the right time." I answered earnestly.
"Hmm." She seem to be thinking of something while I felt the temperature getting reduced in the room with each passing minute.
"A normal person. You can never be that. But if you want to be one, you have to cut ties with us, the family." A hint of warning.
"Grandmother, it is not that serious. What I mean is that I just want to take a break from this identity. It will only be for four years. After I graduate I will come back and do whatever you want me to do. Your Highness, I desire to explore life before I take my responsibilities officially."
She stared at me. Her eyes never blinked. I did the same.
"Granted. Remember to keep your words." She then called for the steward.
I almost fell from my seat. This was unexpected. Her agreeing to my request so fast like I had prepared a long explanation to convince her. Did I spend my entire week for nothing!
My widened eyes seem to have freeze at that moment. What was more shocking was she smiled although it was very faint but she smiled!
Before I could say anything, the door knob turned and the steward entered. He bowed twice and stood at an arm's distance waiting for orders.
"Prepare to postpone Princess Charlotte's coming-of-age ceremony. Inform the guests that unforeseen circumstances have arisen, and the celebration must be suspended for the time being. See to it that they are courteously escorted out." She ordered.
"At once, Your Highness." He went back just the way he entered.
"Charlotte, don't forget. Four years."
" Yes, Your Highness." I immediately got up from the seat, bowed, and left the room with my trembling legs afraid that she will take back her words.
____________
In the Banquet hall.
The steward led the Royal Matriarch in the center of the Hall. The chatterings stopped, all eyes turned at the Royal Matriarch. I hid myself somewhere in the second floor where I can see everything happening in the hall. I was ordered to stay back at my room. But like who can especially when I am the main lead of today! Glad that I changed into a server's outfit.
"I am delighted to see everyone gathered here, bringing life and joy to the palace. I have always cherished such ceremonies and hope for many more in the future. Yet, regrettably, the purpose of today's gathering can no longer be fulfilled. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I must announce the postponement of our dear Princess Charlotte's coming-of-age ceremony." Grandmother's voice echoed with both authority and solemnity.
Soon after she spoke, a murmur of surprise rippled through the hall. That was expected. Today was supposed to be the most joyful event of the year of Country M. Every netizen of this country was anticipating for this. My coming-of-age ceremony. As a girl born in the main royal family a decade later, I was renowned in the country even before I was introduced officially.
The coming-of-age ceremony takes place when someone turns 18 in this royal family. Before that, we are not to be seen anywhere. Our name exists, we exists, but yet it is like no one knows us until we turn 18. My brothers also had their coming-of-age ceremonies when they turned 18 and God, they were in the headlines for months. Not only we have to take over our official responsibilities on this day but apart from getting introduced to world like an exclusive piece of object, we also had to select our potential future partner in this very ceremony.
But well, I saved myself from jumping into the fire. Although I only managed to get myself an extension of four years, that's a lot of time for me at least. To be honest, I had no problems with this but as the day of the ceremony got nearer, something within me twisted. I have seen my brothers suffering after going public. And their partners; it was the most painful to watch their relationships. Like how can one just pick someone randomly and decide to spend their future together forever!
I went back to my room after the official announcement. The excitement surging within me can no longer be contained. I just can not wait to start my life as a normal person in a different country far from everything that trapped me since childhood.