How To Rewrite History

I have once been on a horse carriage during a visit to Germany, sightseeing the famous castle Neuschwanstein of King Ludwig. During this time's ride, I was even more curious since the journey from the Duke's manor to the Royal Palace would lead us through the capital. The streets were well maintained, the air fresh and clean, and the townsfolk went through their daily life methodically. You could see that these were peaceful times in this country and the Royal Family's smooth reign was thanks to loyal and able subjects like my father, who did their utmost to keep the borders safe from invaders.

The people knew who the Duke was, even though most of them don't even know how he looked. All they knew was that Duke Rubin and his wife were able and dignified, so wherever our carriage went, once people recognised our house's emblem, they would show appreciation by bowing and greeting. That made me a little bit timid, to be honest. Some children even cheered and followed us for a while. But their enthusiasm couldn't be blamed; they wouldn't see Duke Rubin's carriage that often. Father would more than often mount his steed or take a neutral coach, but since I was accompanying him, he chose the Duke's official carriage. It was big and could fit our whole family comfortably. Most important, it was very well cushioned. Even though the streets were plastered with cobblestones, I didn't feel the bumpiness much. Since it was just the two of us, we took each a bank and sat opposite of each other to watch the liveliness outside.

Father didn't say anything the whole ride. He behaved as if we were on a stroll and not on our way to meet the Royal Family. He never told me to act or do anything special in front of the King and Queen regarding the engagement. On the other hand, I was quite nervous inside. Things were different since we were summoned instead of storming into the Palace ourselves. Dahlia had begged her father to help her, and so it was Duke Rubin who went to meet the king. But I had not tried to do such a foolish thing, and now we were still on our way to the Palace.

Even as a Duke Father has to follow orders and summons of the King. He could reject, but that would put him into the opposition which would make the Royal Family wary of him.

Since Mother was of royal blood, Eric was standing in line for the throne, even though a plenty lot of people had to drop dead before he could take a seat comfortably. Of course, Father had never considered that seriously. He had ambitions but was not greedy. Being a Duke was already enough. I guess as long as Father and Mother were together and their children were healthy, even being rural farmers could not dampen their mood in the slightest. People were watching them with eagle eyes, but there wasn't even a speck of dust on them to be found. So the only reason we were called into the Palace could be because of the engagement, but since I wasn't making a ruckus, why were we being called?

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The Marin Palace came straight out of a fairytale and was build at the centre of the capital. Or let's say the whole capital Florence orbited around the Palace, which could be accessed from four main entrances: the North, South, East and West Gates (all of them leading into the matching named main streets which extended in a straight line through the whole city into the suburbs). Otherwise, it was well protected by tall walls, with beautiful high towers and fluttering flags in the wind. Everything was clad in white, from the interior to the exterior, from it's wayward ways to its windy passages - every nook and cranny was covered by white sandstone which seems to add an elegant and noble aura to everything — as if shrouded in holy light. Here and there you could find some blotches of vivid sky blue (since it's the colour of the Royal Family) and blossoming greenery, but of course, everything was white since that's the standard colour scheme of a lovely romance novel. Hey, don't blame me for this narrowminded setting, back then, I could have chosen pink for all I care, so watching this mindblowing image, I felt rather proud as if I was the sole architect of it all.

By the way, white sandstone was the primary building material of this kingdom since it's one of our natural resources. Because it was easy to carve on, our buildings were rich on decorations and laden with ornaments, there were even statues made from sandstone instead of marble. Almost every public building was made out of this material; even the prison looked like some sort of Mediterranean spa if you just took a casual glance at it. Not the slightest bit intimidating. I can say this because we've been driving past it and I had even complimented on the beautiful structure and artistry before father explained its function.

Anyway, since the Royal Palace was a feast for the eyes, I had almost forgotten our purpose for being here until I felt my father's supportive hand behind my back who gave me a little push forward. "Don't be afraid; I will take care of everything." So once again, I had been positively misunderstood. I nodded with a thankful gaze. It's Gods welfare that Dahlia had inherited her father's noble aura and her mother's beauty. That way, even if I go full retard inside, outside she would still be as beautiful as a Lotus atop mud. This family's exhilarating looks were a cheat.

I will go and show this terrible ex-fiancé just what he is missing out on until his intestines turn blue from regret!

"The Duke of Highmount and Northwall and Miss Rubin!"

After being announced, together with Father, I entered the hall where the King and Queen were already awaiting us. They were seated on the throne, watching us intently.

Father and I curtsied upon arriving.

"Long live Your Majesty the King. Long live Your Majesty the Queen."

"Both of you may rise." the King said while the Queen got up and came to my side instantly.

"Poor child, you suffered because of my stupid son," she said and gave a reassuring smile. If I remember correctly, the Queen was indeed supportive of Dahlia at first. Dahlia's mother and the Queen were friends, so it was natural she would have a good impression of Dahlia. Only because Dahlia has repeatedly made mistakes made the Queen realise that such a woman might not be the ideal wife for her son. The Queen was of the same age as Duchess Rubin and had blond hair that was a shade darker than mothers. But since the weight of a whole kingdom lied on her shoulders, she seemed slightly older and not as cheerful as her friend. Still, she was as graceful and dignified as one would expect from the Queen.

The King, on the other hand, was less predictable. He was exchanging pleasantries with Father, but never said a word about the engagement. Probably, to him, this was considered a women's affair? He was in his mid-forties, his hair had the same colour like gold, light blue eyes and a straight figure even sitting. But next to my frosty looking father, who never smiled, he seemed even... amiable? Since Leon was my book's protagonist, his looks were outstanding and so were his parents'.

"I don't deserve your concern, Your Majesty." I bowed even lower in front of her, avoiding to show disrespect or being overly familiar. Although I've met with her over tea many times and had a good relationship before, now we are just subject and Queen. I am not her future daughter in law, and neither am I a child anymore (even though Dahlia was still 14 this year). The Queen went quiet and exchanged a glance with her husband. I guess she didn't expect me to be so calm about it. She probably expected me to cry and fall into her arms or beg her to bring me justice like I would have done so if I was still the Dahlia of the novel.

Before anyone could say anything, another announcement rang through the hall:

"His Royal Highness, The Crown Prince!"