After the maids finished up with me, they let me look in the mirror. I frowned at my reflection.

I didn't even recognize the face that stared back at me. For some idiotic reason, they decided to put makeup on me. The makeup emphasized the curves of my eyes and was a bit too flashy.

My hair was curled and put up in an impressive large bun. There appeared to be more hair in that bun than I thought was actually on my head.

A maid smiled at me, "What do you think?"

I responded in a disturbed tone, "I look like one of those little girls in a beauty pageant reality TV show."

The maid nodded excitedly, "I'm not sure what a reality TV show is, but I'm sure you would win a beauty pageant."

I titled my face to see every detail. Well, it's true that this does make me look a bit cute and maybe even a bit older... But that's not the problem!

Who in their right mind would put makeup on a 7 year old?! This is messed up.

The maid nodded proud of herself, "I've never met someone with such difficult hair before. It's like it has a mind of it's own."

I nodded and sighed, "I know. I hate it. I can't stand how flippy it is."

I reached my hand up to pet it, but the maid grabbed my wrist quickly. She spoke in a serious tone, "Please refrain from touching it. If you touch it, I think it may fall apart."

I forced out a laugh and nodded my head. They stared at me with such starry eyes, proud of their work. I feel a bit guilty, but knowing me, there's a high probability I will touch it at one point and mess it up.

The maid bowed, "The other's are waiting. I will go show you to them now."

I nodded and followed her. She opened the door and jumped at the sight of a man with a scary aura. "Eek!"

I glanced over and smiled, "Bertram. Have you been standing outside the entire time?"

He nodded, "Yes. Your father instructed me to stay close to you."

I frowned, "Seriously? Even in the Royal Palace? Isn't that unnecessary?"

He shook his head gravely, "No. There could be assassins."

"Bertram... I doubt there will be any assassins."

"You never know Young Miss."

"Are you really planning on never leaving my side the entire time?"

"Of course."

"What about when I am asleep?"

"Then I will stand outside your door."

"All night?"

"Yes."

I sighed, "Bertram. That's no good. You need to sleep too."

He nodded to me, "I can sleep while standing up."

"What? Like meditation or something?"

"Yes."

I sighed in exasperation, "What are you? A cultivator or something?"

"Cultivator? What's that?"

I frowned. I'm not going to explain that genre now.

The maid looked at us hesitantly, "Excuse me, but we are running late."

I nodded at her, "I understand. Let's go."

We walked down the everlasting hall and came to a room. When I walked inside I noticed everyone sitting down in an uncomfortable silence.

My father's eyes lit up, "Baby girl! What happened to your face?!"

I smiled at him, "The maid put makeup on me. Don't I look pretty?"

He started crying, "Yesss! You look so pretty. But how can you grow up so quickly?! Please stop growing!!!"

I forced a smile, "Daddy. I can't just stop growing because you ask me to."

He wiped away his tears and looked to Bertram, "Well? How did it go?"

Bertram gave him a thumbs up, "No one attempted to kill her."

He gave him a thumbs up with a serious face, "Good job."

I stared at the both of them in annoyance. Why do they have such a weird friendship?!

A servant bowed, "The King is ready for you now. Please follow me."

My father, mother and Bertram led the front. Me, Dante, and William followed behind them. I glanced around then turned to William.

"Where's your mother at?"

"She's already waiting with my father. Don't you know the etiquette of meeting with Royalty?"

"There's etiquette?"

He frowned, "Please tell me you are joking."

I nodded, "Of course."

I'm not. What the hell does he mean by etiquette? I thought you just bowed or curtsied. Is there really more to it?! I'm too proud to ask now though.

Sigh. I wish Lona was here now. She would explain everything to me so that way I could quickly forget.

But no. They made Lona stay back because they had more than enough maids here at the Royal Palace. I was going to argue but Lona mentioned she's been wanting a vacation so I relented.

I noticed that William was still staring at me. I frowned, "What?"

He looked a bit shocked that I called him out. "Nothing. I was just wondering why you're wearing so much makeup."

I smiled smugly, "Don't I look so mature and cute with it?"

He frowned, "I don't like it."

I glared at him, "Well I don't care what you think." I turned to Dante, "Dante~ How does it look? Aren't I cute?"

He glanced at me, "Weird."

"Dante! You're supposed to say it's cute!"

"Oh. It's cute."

I frowned at him, "We need to work on your social skills." I sighed, "But I agree with you. I feel like a clown with all this makeup on."

William raised an eyebrow, "Then why did you let them put it on you?"

I looked at him with a serious expression, "If I didn't, I think they may have killed me."

He frowned, "They wouldn't have killed you."

"You didn't see how serious they got. It was a bit terrifying."

We arrived at a large wooden door that had two giant lions carved into it. I recognized the lion as the symbol of royalty.

A loud man shouted, "Now introducing Lord Kane, Lady Sharon, Prince William, Seri, and Dante."

I rubbed my ears as I passed the loudmouth. Why did he have to scream our names? Isn't that overkill?

I followed absentmindedly and stopped walking when I noticed everyone else did. Everyone bowed, "Greeting to your highness."

I was too enthralled by the sight of the room to pay attention to what was happening. The room was almost entirely made out of pure gold. Every decoration looked like it would costs thousands.

I couldn't help but fantasize seeing all the expensive decorations. I bet I could be so rich by fencing everything here. I wonder if they would notice something missing.

I felt someone jab me. I glared at William, "What?"

He looked horrified and angry, "Bow!"

"Bow? Why?" I asked honestly confused. I felt him grab my shoulder and push me into a bowing position.

He whispered hurriedly, "Because the King is in front of you!"

I glanced up in a bowing position and noticed a handsome and exquisite man sitting on a throne. He was sitting in a laid back position staring at me with sharp golden eyes.

He had gorgeous long black hair that was pulled back. On top of his head was an expensive gold and bright red crown that my fingers were itching to steal. He was dressed in a red and gold suit that looked like something straight out of a history book.

If one didn't know he was a King, they could probably guess it by the authoritative air around him. I wasn't the least humbled in his presence and met his eyes unwavering.

The King smiled and chucked, "Ah, Kane. Your daughter is really interesting."

My father spoke hurriedly, "Please don't take any offense, your highness. My daughter is just in awe of your greatness. She's never experienced something like this before."

Ah. Isn't he such a smooth talker? I'm afraid he's wrong though. I've never respected authoritative figures and I won't start now.

I sized the King up. Oh yeah, I could definitely take him down.

The King spoke, "Relax Kane. I'm not offended. It's the opposite."

My father seemed to breath a sigh in relief, "I am relieved to hear that, King William."

"Huh? King William?" I glanced over at William, "I thought your name was William."

He blushed slightly, "It is! I was named after my father."

"Ohhh. So you're Junior."

He glared at me, "No! I'm William the fourth!"

"Hmm. The fourth? How uncreative."

William's face turned red in anger, "It's not uncreative! It's an honor!"

"Sure. Whatever you have to tell yourself."

William went to argue with me some more, but was interrupted by the King's laughter.

"Ha! Kane! Your daughter is too interesting. I've never seen my son so animated before. He's usually so quiet, yet your daughter has gotten him to argue with her so easily. How interesting..."

William blushed and looked down at his feet. I glanced at him. Is he usually shy in front of his father? I can't imagine it. He's usually so loud and annoying around me. Not to mention earlier he was going on and on about how great his father is.

The King looked at me, "Seri. What kind of person do you think my son is?"

"Hmm? What kind of person? Well he's a bit annoying. He's always nagging me and acting like my grandmother. Not to mention he's always commenting on my eating habits."

My father, mother, and Bertram immediately turned white at my answer. William's expression flashed between anger and embarrassment. Dante looked oddly satisfied.

I looked between them, "What? Did I say something wrong? It's the truth though..."

The King broke into rambunctious laughter, "I've never encountered anyone so honest! Hah! Usually people compliment the Prince endlessly, yet you insulted him! How interesting!"

Queen Luna, who sat next to the King, pouted at me, "Seri. Do you really not like William that much?"

I smiled at her, "Just because he's annoying doesn't mean I dislike him. Even though he comments on my eating habits, he still gives me his slice of cake. He's also the one who saved me when I fell into ice so I know he's dependable. Plus, it's really fun to tease him. He has the heart of a pure maiden."

William blushed more at my response. Queen Luna smiled as if pleased by my answer. I hate complimenting the brat, but I can't let think I actually hate him. That would be a little too mean.

The King looked over at the man who was standing close to his chair, "You were right. She really is an interesting character."

I followed his eyesight and felt my blood turn cold. Simon stood next to him staring at me with a large sadistic smile. My eyes shrank back when I noticed him.

Why is he here? Augh. Just one glimpse of him is enough to knock 10 years off of my life.

My father bowed, "I would like to thank both General Simon and King William for saving my daughter that night in the red light district." He nodded to the servants who brought over gifts, "As thanks I have prepared my company's famous aged Cognac to show my appreciation."

The King smiled, "How wonderful! Your company makes the best alcohol. I will gladly accept this."

My father smiled, "I am happy to hear that."

Simon looked at me with a suspicious grin, "Did you ever find out what your daughter was doing out in the red light district that late?"

My father coughed dryly, "Well... That's.. Well."

My father was clearly too worried to bring up such a taboo subject. Simon's eyes never left me as he smiled so frighteningly.

Seeing Simon's eyes full of superiority, I felt my pride swell in my chest. I glared back at him.

You think you can intimidate me you bastard?! You think you can win against me?!!

Well buckle up b*tch.