(Orphanelia Blackus POV)
So today's the day that I am to perform for the King of Windor and his closest friends… Why must Mother torture me so?...
*Flashback to a week ago:*
"Orphanelia, you'll never guess what I, your amazing mother, managed to set up for you!" My mother calls as she walks into my room.
Oh, no… Not another one of her stupid ideas to get me out and seen by people… Does she really think that it'll be this easy to find someone to marry me?...
"In a week's time, you, my darling daughter, shall be on stage singing and playing your wonderful instruments for King Richard of Windor. Not to forget: Chancellor Eigen of Fendel, President Paradine of Strahta, and many of their most trusted of advisors and companions. I am positive that more than just a handful of them would have some handsome sons that are just dying to marry a talented girl such as you…" She tells me.
"B-b-but Mother!... H-how do you ex-expect me to do that?!" I stammer and attempt to control my breathing and pulse. "I-I've already told you that I am not going to marry until I-I'm ready! Th-there is still much I want to do before…"
"You ungrateful bitch!" Mother spits like venom. "You are going to be 20 years old in a matter of months! If ever the best time for you to be married, that time is now!"
She approaches and smacks the back of my head roughly before storming out of my room.
*End Flashback*
"Orphanelia Blackus?" A voice asks outside my changing room's door, cutting through my thoughts. "King Richard would like to speak with you regarding your performance. Is this acceptable?"
"Y-y-yes…" I stutter and hastily finish tying my curly dark brown hair into a low ponytail. "It is fine…"
The door opens, revealing a very nicely dressed, blonde-haired young man.
"Orphanelia, my friend Sophie has been pestering me to find out…" The King starts kindly, but trails off when he sees my face. "Are you feeling well? You are extremely pale… I mean, I have been told that you are naturally pale, but you appear almost sickly. Shall I send for my friend, Cheria Lhant?"
I cover my face and attempt to turn away.
"I-I-I am well, sir… Th-there is no need to worry…" I try to say without stumbling over my words, only to fail miserably.
"No, I refuse to let you upon the stage if you are unwell. It would be unjust of me to force you to perform in such a state." King Richard insists and moves closer. "Here, let me check if you have a fever."
"Y-Your Highness, that is unnecessary… I-I am just dealing with some stage fright, is all…" I tell him and shift away.
"It seems more than just a little. Are you positive that you will be okay to perform?"
"Y-yes, sir. I am Orphanelia Blackus and I shall be preforming for the gathered tonight regardless how I feel… It is Mother's will… If I disobey her, I-I… don't want to think about that…" I say to the King, but without looking at him.
W-why is he still here!? I cannot calm myself enough to even play my simple clarinet piece with him here… Why does the King of Windor have to be so handsome?... And caring, too?... Wait! What the hell am I thinking? It is wrong to think of our King in such a way...
"Disobey your mother? What do you mean by that?"
"I-It is nothing, sir…" I try to dissuade him from asking more questions. "I-I have to… finish preparing, now…"
Though King Richard still appears concerned, he grants me privacy by stepping out of the changing room.
