A night of dreams

Ordinary women in the town of Willowbrook were rarely invited to the palace events. The only time this class of women were invited was if they had committed treason or had found favor in the king's eyes.

The morning sun timidly peeks through the sky's veil as the atmosphere takes on a subtle softness. Gentle light dispersed across the landscape, casting a diffused glow on the world below. The air felt cool and refreshing, carrying a touch of moisture that leaves a subtle dew on surfaces.

"This day doesn't feel like a good one" Emily said as she sipped on her tea while sitting at the rooftop of her house where she could view all of what was happening in her surroundings.

Scanning through the environment, she heard the drum roll announcing the arrival of the king's messenger and immediately fear enveloped her because in the street she lived, there was no woman of high class so who could have committed an offense amongst women of her class this time? She sighed, her eyes fixed on the carriage that carried the king's messenger to see whose door he would stop by.

Emily sighed again when the messenger stopped at her door. Her heart almost stopped beating and she knew the message was for her because she lived only with her younger brother who was just six.

Shuddering as he rushed up to her, he said; "the royal messenger is here to see you" his eyes moistened because he knew what fate awaited most of the women of his sister's class who had failed to adhere to laws governing the town.

"A carriage!" She rose to her feet and ran down to get the message. "Will you return?" Her brother questioned with red eyes as she was about to open the door. She nodded, giving him hopes and turned the door knob.

She was handed a letter that had the king's seal and a big silver box. Emily's curiosity increased as she collected the package and went back into her house. Her brother was elated that she wasn't taken away. He hugged her and went on to continue watching cartoons while Emily went to her room to check out the content of the letter and the box.

"An invitation to Willowbrook's gala night!" She exclaimed after reading the letter. With one eye shut she untied the ribbon and lifted the cover of the box. She was amazed to see a beautiful gala gown folded delicately. It had the color of moonlit skies and under it was a sparkling jewelry that shimmered like stardust. She gasped as she tried on the gown. It was her perfect fit.

"What's going on?" She asked and sank into her bed thinking of possible events that could make her receive such a gift and an invitation from the palace.

---

The night of the gala came quickly and a carriage had arrived from the palace to pick her up. She looked exactly like the night sky, breathtaking was an understatement.

"You look amazing!" Came a compliment from her brother when she stepped out of her room. He sounded like a kid who was complimenting his crush for the first time.

"I will be back" she said with a smile and planted a kiss on his forehead leaving him to the nanny she had hired as she made her way out to join the carriage that awaited her. The people who saw her gasped in awe and professed how lucky she was.

Even with the luxurious dress and friendly treatment, Emily scanned her heart for possible offenses she may have committed. Taking a deep breath, she took a comfortable position as a cool breeze swept through her smooth face raising her long blonde hair.

Arriving at the palace, she was greeted by the crown prince who looked lost in her elegance. She gasped as the prince offered his hands to help her down from the carriage despite the number of guards that stood in wait.

"Your majesty" she bowed like every maiden would and he bowed in return asking her to walk side by side with him. His charm was enough to sweep any girl in Willowbrook's town off her feet. He was every girl's dream.

As they proceeded to the grand hall, her breath caught in her throat. The room was adorned with lavish decorations, magnificent chandeliers illuminating the space with a soft golden glow. Elegant masks adorned the faces of the attendees, adding an air of mystique to the evening.

As the music swelled and the dance floor beckoned, the prince asked Emily for a dance. Their gazes held a knowing and while at it he revealed his desire to have her as his wife and also revealed how he's been watching her from afar. She laughed at first and whispered to his ears "so you've been stalking me?" The prince smiled and said "not in that manner".

"Why me?" She asked again. "You have all it takes to be my queen" he responded and planted a kiss at the back of her palms taking a bow as the music came to an end leaving her dumbstruck and face flushed.

While the king gave his speech, she remembered with pleasure the moment from when she had arrived at the palace to the dance she just had with the prince. With every step and thought, she felt the magic of the night seep into her soul.

Hours melted away as the night wore on and Emily's heart felt light, filled with joy. The Willowbrook Gala had become the backdrop for her own extraordinary experience. Emily realized that she had not only attended a special event but had become a part of something greater, a tapestry woven with the threads of dreams and wishes.

As the night came to a close, Emily bid the prince farewell, promising to write back to him concerning his request. With gratitude in her heart, she exited the grand hall. All eyes on her including that of the king who supported his son's choice of a wife despite the fact that she wasn't a royal.

Few days later the prince received a letter from Emily and immediately gave a command after reading the first line.

"Ring the royal wedding bells, a wedding will be happening soon".

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