CH.5 His Highness wish
"If only you knew her. She is wonderful," said Prince Edmund to the commander of the royal guards and also his best friend.
"At least you found out what your mysterious lady's name is?" he asked.
"I found out, but I got so drunk at the dragon festival that I forgot her name." the prince sighed.
"She probably won't be as memorable as you said," the commander laughed. "Just like all those beauties before her."
"It's not just about her beauty. I'm talking about her soul.
She's so wild and kind. She cares for injured animals.
She cares about the world. She's so smart and also so passionate.
There's a bright flame burning in her heart that I can't resist. It's not just about her beauty.
Of course, she's gorgeous, like the stars in the night sky, but I want her all.
Every bit of her. I want her to be mine. "
"You should be careful," the commander told him. "You sound like you're in love."
"And maybe I am." He smiled mischievously.
"But apparently not enough to remember her name." The commander returned his mischievous smile.
Prince Edmund rolled his eyes. "I remember it was some kind of flower," he said.
"There are many flowers in the world," said the commander. "Her name could be literally anything."
"I'll remember. I couldn't have gotten that drunk."
"But you obviously was."
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Prince Edmund had a dress rehearsal for the upcoming ball. The tailor prepared all kinds of cuts and the finest fabrics, from faraway lands, in all the colors of his family. Blue and white for his mother's family and black, red and gold for his father's family.
"I like this modern cut. Long trousers with a short jacket," said the prince.
"It's a bit too modern for my taste," said his father, the king. "You should look like a prince, a future king, not some kind of rebel."
"I think it's time for a change," said Prince Edmund.
"Traditions should be followed, Edmund," the king told him. "You are undermining the centuries-old roots that have built this kingdom."
"I don't want to disrupt the traditions of our ancestors, dear father. I believe that traditions should be observed, but they shouldn't apply to clothing. People are looking ahead, and so should we. Show people that we are keeping up with them."
"But you are no ordinary man. You are the Crown Prince, Edmund. And as the future king to whom I will one day give my throne, you must represent a certainty to your people that they can always turn to and rely on without fear."
"I can do that."
"Then prove it to me," said the king. "You are like a bird, Edmund. You fly here and there. You don't think about the future. Which reminds me that I should clip your wings. You sneak into the city too often among the people. Did you think I wouldn't notice?"
"Not at all, dear father. But I want to get to know my people. From behind the walls of this palace, they are only like figures in a painting. So far removed from reality. I want to get to know their lives. To understand their traditions. So that I can be a good king to them."
"It's dangerous out there. They attacked the royal carriage last time. God knows what they could do to you if they found out."
"People don't even know what their prince looks like. If I don't have guards following me around, I'm safe."
"But the risk is still there."
"Our people consider us to be haughty snobs who only care about themselves and the gold in the treasury. I would like to prove them otherwise. Therefore, dear father, I ask you to invite everyone to the ball. The people, noble and common."
It was a well-thought-out move to disguise the true reason for the invitation to the general public. He wasn't expecting everyone, just that one person, one girl.
"We will hold a masquerade ball where I will choose my bride and our people will witness it."
"But it won't be visible who it is under the masks."
"That's what I'm all about. Every lady gets an equal chance."
"You should marry a princess," his father, the king objected. "What can an ordinary girl bring to our kingdom?"
"Mother comes from a simple noble family. What did she bring to the crown?" Prince Edmund objected back.
"That was different," said the king.
"Because you loved my mother at first sight?
" Prince Edmund gave him a questioning look.
"You want me to marry an unknown princess, but I want a woman I will love as you love my mother.
Not just for her beauty and the gold she can bring us, but for her mind, heart, and soul.
I want a woman who will understand her people. Gold is not everything."
"Is there any other reason behind your decision, son?" the king searched for a hidden meaning behind his words.
"I only want to please our people and fulfill your wish, dear father. Do I want that much?" he replied.
The king thought about his request for a moment. Finally, seeing the pleading look in his eyes, he granted it.
"Let it be announced that a masquerade ball will be held in the palace, at which the crown prince will choose his bride," he ordered the servants. "All the maidens of the kingdom are invited."
The prince smiled contentedly. His eyes sparkled. He only hoped that she would come.
"I would suggest a golden lion mask, like in the family coat of arms," said the court tailor. "A red brocade jacket with a black waistcoat and a white silk shirt. And the finishing touch would be golden buttons in the shape of a lion's head. A beautiful detail."
The king's face showed that he didn't particularly like it, but Prince Edmund was delighted.
"I like it. I hope you make it to the ball."
"Of course, Your Excellency. The royal family has always come first for us."