Royal Rebel
The One
★CRESCENT CASTLE★
Princess Roxanne paced across the expensive Crescent Hall, her casual morning gown rustling with each step. Her personal maids, Emma and Sophia, trailed behind, taking note of her instructions.
Roxanne
Place the silver candelabras on the main table, Emma, And Sophia, ensure the florists arrange the roses and lilies precisely as I specified."
Emma
"Yes, Your Highness."
Sophia
Shall I confirm the seating arrangement with the royal secretary, Princess?
Roxanne
"Not yet. I want to review the guest list once more. We can't have any...unpleasant surprises."
As she spoke, a team of palace staff bustled around, setting up tables and chairs. Roxanne's gaze swept the hall, envisioning the evening's festivities.
Roxanne
"Move the orchestra to the far end, near the windows. And remember, the King's table should be positioned centrally, with clear views of the hall."
A liveried servant approached, bowing.
Cleon
"Your Highness, the chef requests your approval for the evening's menu."
Roxanne
"Send him to me. I'll review the selections."
The servant bowed and hurried off.
The chef, Monsieur LeFleur, approached Roxanne, bowing low.
Monsieur Le Fleur
"Your Highness, I've prepared the menu for your approval."
Roxanne
"Ah, Monsieur LeFleur, your culinary skills are renowned. I'm eager to see what delights you've prepared."
As she scanned the menu, her eyes widened.
Roxanne
"Oysters, venison, and the Everwood specialty, sugar-glazed swan? Impressive."
Monsieur Le Fleur
Thank you, Your Highness. I've included a few surprises to impress the King and Prince of Neverland.
Roxanne nodded, making notes.
Roxanne
"Excellent. Ensure the sugar-glazed swan is served during the prince's welcome speech. And what's this?"
She pointed to an unfamiliar dish.
Monsieur Le Fleur
"Ah, Your Highness, that's a new creation – champagne-infused strawberries with cream. A delicate, romantic touch."
Roxanne's cheeks flushed, but she maintained her composure.
Roxanne
"Charming. Include it in the dessert course."
As Monsieur LeFleur departed, Emma whispered,
Emma
"Your Highness, shall I arrange for the prince's favorite wines?"
Roxanne hesitated, her thoughts drifting to Prince Castillo. What did she truly know about him?
Roxanne
"Yes, Emma. See to it. We must ensure our guest feels...welcome."
Sophia handed Roxanne a small note
Sophia
"From the royal seamstress, Your Highness. Your gown is ready for fitting."
Roxanne
"Schedule the fitting for this afternoon. I want to ensure perfection."
The sound of footsteps echoed through the hall, growing louder.
Emma
"Looks like we have company,"
Emma whispered, nodding toward the entrance.
Roxanne turned, a smile gleamed on her face.
Princess Red sauntered into Crescent Hall, her attire raising eyebrows. She wore bum shorts and a bra, flip-flops on her feet, and her hair tied in a messy bun.
"Good morning your highness." Everyone bowed but Red didn't respond.
Roxanne
"Morning Red, glad to see that you joined me today in planning the royal banquet."
Red
"The Queen's orders, not mine."
Red said, flopping onto a nearby chair.
Red
"Do your thing, don't bother me. I've got no suggestions."
Red rolled her eyes.
Roxanne turned, her expression composed.
Roxanne
"You can actually help, you know. Maybe there are great suggestions you might have, you never know."
Red
"Honestly, you've been planning these events for years. You're the perfect princess, after all. Just do what you always do."
Emma and Sophia exchanged uneasy glances.
Roxanne
"I genuinely want your input, Red. Plan the banquet with me, let's do something together. Just this once, please."
Red
"You know why I can't, Roxy. They'll mock me. 'Princess Red's disastrous banquet' will be etched in history."
Roxanne
"That's not true, Red. You're capable. And I'll support you."
Roxanne's voice rose.
Red's tone turned bitter.
Red
"Easy for you to say, Miss Perfect. You can do no wrong. But me? I'm the reckless one, the outcast."
Roxanne's frustration boiled over.
Roxanne
"Stop playing dumb, Red! You know exactly what I mean. In their eyes. You're the rebellious one, that's why I want you to plan this – to show them your potential."
Red
"Potential? You think they see potential in me? Ha! They see a failure, a disappointment. And you're just pretending to be interested to ease your guilt."
Roxanne
"What's your problem! I'm trying to help, to give you a chance."
Red
"A chance to humiliate myself? No, thanks."
Roxanne called, gripping her elbow.
Red glared at her, and she quickly put her hand down.
Red rolled her eyes and.....
She declared and strode out of Crescent Hall, leaving Roxanne speechless.
Upon entering her suites, Red was greeted by her personal maid, Mara.
Mara curtsied.
Red flopped onto the plush couch.
Red
"Mara, I need a distraction. Prepare my bath and bring out something stunning, I want to go out.."
Mara
"Already done, Your Highness. Your bath is ready."
Red entered the bathroom, surrounded by steamy warmth and the scent of rose petals.
As she soaked in the tub, Red's thoughts drifted from the argument with Roxanne to the evening's possibilities.
After her bath, Red wrapped herself in a plush robe and settled onto the couch as Mara applied a flower scented body cream on her body.
She selected a provocative outfit: a fitted, red mini-dress that hugged her curves, its hem barely covering her thighs. A matching lace bra peeked from beneath the dress's low neckline.
Red slipped on black, high-boots that reached her mid-thigh, the heels adding inches to her statuesque frame.
With a final glance in the mirror, Red grabbed her small, silver clutch and left her suites.
Without informing anyone, Red made her way to the palace garage.
She chose her favorite car, a sleek, black sports car, and slid into the driver's seat.
As she drove out of the palace grounds, the cool evening air rushed through her hair.
Freedom.
Red accelerated, the palace disappearing into the distance.
The city lights beckoned, and Red's rebellious spirit thrilled at the prospect of a night without protocol or expectations.
★EVENING ★ 7 PM★
Crescent Hall transformed into a dazzling spectacle. Roxanne's meticulous planning paid off. Crystal chandeliers refracted light, casting a warm glow. Fresh flowers adorned the tables, and the orchestra's melodic tunes filled the air.
Guests began arriving: esteemed council elders, chiefs, and nobles. They mingled, exchanging courteous smiles and conversation.
Roxanne was in her suite, standing before the mirror, her mother, Queen Lauren, beside her.
Roxanne's gown shimmered: a floor-length, silk masterpiece in soft, sky blue. Delicate lace trimmed the neckline, and intricate embroidery danced across the bodice. Her hair cascaded down her back in loose, golden waves.
Queen Lauren
"You've made me proud, Roxanne. Tonight, enjoy yourself."
Roxanne
"Thank you, Mother."
Queen Lauren
"Your hard work on the banquet is appreciated,"
Roxanne's curiosity surfaced.
Roxanne
"Mother, why the sudden arrival of King David and Prince Castillo? It's been ages since they last visited this place."
Queen Lauren
"It's a surprise, dear. Don't worry."
Queen Lauren's smile hinted at secrets.
Roxanne's eyes narrowed.
Queen Lauren
"Trust me, Roxanne. All will be revealed in time."
Queen Lauren's gentle tone brooked no argument.
Roxanne nodded, though her mind whirled with questions.
★
Prince Rudy, the youngest sibling, adjusted his cuff links in front of the mirror. Satisfied with his appearance, he grinned.
He walked out of his suites, entering the opulent hallway.
Coincidentally, Princess Roxanne and Queen Lauren emerged from Roxanne's suites nearby.
Roxanne
"Hey, little brother! You look stunning tonight!"
Roxanne's eyes sparkled.
Prince Rudy beamed, his bright blue eyes shining.
Rudy
"Thanks, Roxy! You're breathtaking, as always."
Roxanne
"And you're always handsome, every day. Aging backwards, I swear!"
Rudy chuckled, his messy hair ruffling.
Rudy
"You're making me blush, sis!"
Roxanne
"Don't get too bored tonight. I know state affairs aren't your thing."
Rudy
"I'll find ways to entertain myself. Don't worry!"
Rudy grinned mischievously.
As they approached Crescent Hall, the orchestra's music grew louder.
★Minutes Later★
The room fell silent as King Charles entered, his regal presence commanding attention.
"Long live His Majesty!" The assembly echoed, rising to their feet.
Queen Lauren, Queen Daphne, Princess Roxanne, Prince Rudy, and the council elders stood, awaiting the king's signal.
King Charles settled onto his golden throne, gesturing for the assembly to be seated.
To his right sat Queen Lauren, with Queen Daphne on his left.
Princess Roxanne took her place beside Prince Rudy at the long dining table.
Council elders occupied their designated seats.
As the room quieted, King Charles's gaze swept the hall.
King Charles
"Where is Red?"
He asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Roxanne exchanged a worried glance with Rudy.
The king's frown deepened.
King Charles
"Send for her. I want all my family present tonight."
"Immediately, Your Majesty." A liveried servant bowed.
The servant hurried off to locate Princess Red.
The hall remained silent, anticipation building.
The doors swung open, and a herald announced,
"His Majesty, King David of Neverland, and His Royal Highness, Prince Castillo!"
The assembly rose, bowing or curtsying as the royal guests entered.
King David and Prince Castillo proceeded down the hall,
Upon reaching the throne, King David saluted King Charles.
David chuckled.
King Charles stood, a warm smile spreading across his face.
King Charles
"David, my old friend! It's been far too long."
Charles chuckled.
The two kings embraced, their affection evident.
King Charles
"Welcome to Everwood Palace,"
Prince Castillo bowed to King Charles.
King Charles's eyes crinkled.
King Charles
Ah, Castillo. You've grown into a fine young man."
Castillo
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Castillo
Prince Castillo smiled.
Roxanne's gaze met Prince Castillo's, and she curtsied.
Prince Rudy echoed her greeting.
Queen Lauren and Queen Daphne welcomed King David and Prince Castillo with gracious smiles.
The hall resonated with greetings and well-wishes.
King Charles gestured to the vacant seat beside Roxanne.
King Charles
"Please, Prince Castillo, join us."
As Prince Castillo took his seat, the servant returned, whispering to King Charles.
"Your Majesty, Princess Red has not been found."
King Everard's brow furrowed.
★
Castillo stepped outside for some fresh air and checked his phone. Missed calls from his mom. She couldn't join them because she had an important meeting out of town with the town's women.
A sleek sports car sped into the compound, catching his attention. Castillo looked up from his phone.
The door swung open, and a fiery figure emerged.
Red marched towards the castle, her expression thunderous.
Mara's urgent words still echoed in her mind: "The king sent for you, Your Highness. He's not pleased."
Red's boots clicked on the marble floor as she entered the castle. She collided with Castillo at the hallway's entrance.
Red
"Watch where you're going!"
Red snapped, eyes flashing.
Castillo steadied himself.
Castillo
"Hold on, is that Red??"
He asked no one in particular.
Red stormed into Crescent Hall, her entrance commanding attention.
"Your royal highness." The council greeted.
King Charles's expression remained stern, but his voice was measured.
King Charles
"Red, glad you could join us."
Red curtsied, her gaze avoiding her family's.
Queen Lauren intervened.
Queen Lauren
"Red, dear, take your seat beside Prince Rudy."
Red's eyes locked onto Prince Castillo, now seating beside Roxanne.
Her scowl deepened.
The orchestra resumed playing, and the banquet continued.
King David's voice carried across the hall.
King Charles
"Tonight, we celebrate unity and friendship between our kingdoms."
King Charles
King Charles and King David stood, their presence commanding attention.
King David's voice boomed.
King David
"Tonight, I come bearing momentous news. My son, Prince Castillo, shall succeed me to the throne of Neverland."
The assembly applauded.
King David continued.
King David
"As Prince Castillo prepares for his reign, he seeks a worthy queen. And I have deemed it fitting to choose between the two lovely princesses of Everwood."
Red's eyes locked onto Castillo, she subconsciously bit her lower lip. But when she saw his gaze fixed on Roxanne, disgust etched on her face.
Roxanne's gaze met Castillo's, and she smiled demurely. Castillo's eyes remained fixed on Roxanne, mesmerized by her beauty.
Red rolled her eyes, noticing the prince's gaze.
King David
"Prince Castillo shall spend the next few months getting to know both Princess Red and Princess Roxanne. May the most suitable queen rise to claim the throne."
The room erupted into murmurs and speculation.
🗣️Princess Roxanne should definitely be the queen.
🗣️This shouldn't even be debated.
🗣️Princess Red is definitely not the suitable one.
Red clenched her fists under the table.
All eyes on Roxanne, again. It's always Roxanne, there's literally nothing special about that shameless sister of hers, she thought.
Red
"Finally, the main event."
Red turned to Roxanne, glaring dangerously.
Roxanne's eyes narrowed.
Red
"Don't waste your time trying to get to know him, Roxy. You already have his coin. I'm out of here."
Red stood, pushing back her chair.
Red's abrupt departure caused a stir.
Queen Daphne made to call her but the king placed a hand on hers.
King Charles
"Let her be."
King Charles said and Queen Daphne nodded.
Castillo's gaze lingered on Roxanne, aware of Red's departure.
Roxanne's cheeks flushed.
Castillo
"Seems like you're sister's kinda hot headed. Will you do the honors of showing me around?"
Roxanne
"Of course, your highness."
Castillo
"Fucking drop the title."
She nodded and they stood up.
Castillo held her palm, interwining it and they both walked away.
King David
"Someone seems to have caught his attention already."
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