24!

BRIANNA

The ray of the sun hit me as I opened up my eyes, I yawned loudly and had to rub my eyes clearly to be sure I'm in the same room.

“What's going on?” I whispered, looking at the lot of people in my room.

“We are here to get you ready, your grace,” one of the ladies came forward and bowed.

Shit! I have almost forgotten today is the day to stop the King from starting a war, beginning from my death.

“I'm sorry,” I apologize, feeling embarrassed, “that wasn't ladylike,” I said, referring to me, yawning.

She nodded and helped me down from the bed. I walked into the bathroom and saw a pink water forming in the bathtub.

I held my cheeks and gasped, I get this treatment everyday but I'm certainly not still used to it.

I got into the bathtub and rested for a while, I mean if I'm going to be killed, I better take my sweet time in doing so.

I got out of the bathtub and walked out to see some of the handmaids with my robe.

“You didn't have to do that,” I said to them.

“It's their job, your grace,” the one who spoke earlier said.

“No, it's not. I can get my own damn robe,” I practically snapped. They all looked at me, I have never raised my voice or snapped at anyone before.

“Apologies, your grace,” she bowed and the doors of my chambers opened.

“Goddess, you look beautiful just getting out of the bathroom,” she said and I rolled my eyes.

“Too bad, these eyes will be shut by tonight,” I said. She and Trisha exchanged a look and I raised my eyebrows.

“What's that?” I asked both of them.

“It's nothing, we should get ready. Don't want to be late,” Trisha said and left my chambers.

I walked behind Layla and we all headed to the dressing room. I got to the door and froze.

I have never been here, my mother and her friends used to dress up here or prepare themselves for any ceremony.

I haven't been inside since I got here, “Bri, it's okay,” I heard Trisha's voice and I looked up,”she will want you here,” she said and the ache I felt in my heart stopped.

I walked around the room, touching each and every single thing my hands could touch.

“Now I'm ready,” I said and sat on the chair that was labeled, “duchess,”

My hair was the first thing that was touched. As the head handmaid styled my hair, I couldn't help but think of everything that led to this moment.

My first meeting and one-night stand with Liam, my rise in power, the war looming in the kingdom and the prophecy that I am to save my people from evil.

I still find it weird to call them my people but if this is what I have to do, then there is no going back. I'm already here.

“Brianna, your hair looks so stunning,” Layla said as her makeup was being applied to her face.

“So is yours,” I said to her, “My Lady, this way,” the makeup artist said to her and she quickly adjusted. They all call her my lady with respect because according to traditions as long as she is a guest of any ranging royal she is to be treated with respect.

I looked at myself in the mirror and I could hardly recognize the person staring right back at me. The elaborate hairstyle, the makeup. I took a glance at the gown I will be wearing tonight. They screamed royalty and seemed unreal.

The stylist finished her work and I stepped into my gown, “wow,” the whole room gasped at the same time.

“You look absolutely stunning,” Trish said, walking towards me, “so do you girl,” I giggled.

“Your mom will be proud,” she said, hugging me.

“You shouldn't make me cry, it will ruin the makeup,” I said, sniffing.

She smiled at me, “your mom will be proud of you too, Trish,” I said to her and she giggled.

“We have to go now,” Layla said and we all rushed out of the dressing room.

I stopped by the door and looked back, “thank you everyone and sorry for snapping earlier,” I glanced at their confused faces and walked away.

Three ladies were outside and immediately we got down from the stairs, they held our gowns in their hands.

“What are they doing?” I asked, confused.

“They are our personal ladies for the night,” Trish said and I glanced at a young man who just stood where he was.

“And him?” I asked, pointing at him.

“Pay him no attention, your grace,” Trish said and I raised my eyebrows, “she only calls me that, when we are not alone or when a situation is serious. So which is it?

We got into the car and headed for the airstrip. We got into an airplane, not a helicopter this time.

“This belongs to me as well?” I placed my hands on my chest, shocked.

“Yes,” Trish said, giggling.

“If I live tonight, I'm not ever leaving this life!” I screamed and poured the three of us some champagne.

The plane landed and a limo was waiting for us. I could hear the buzzing sounds of music as we got close to the palace.

“That's hardcore!” I yelled so they could hear me as well.

“We party hard as well,” Layla said and I laughed.

We got to the entrance of the palace to see a lot of cameras and what looked like reporters.

I looked shocked and confused, “we have those too,” Trish said as the doors were opened up for us.

The lights from the cameras were all over us immediately and I had a hard time keeping my composure.

We took a lot of group pictures and personal pictures before heading into the grand hall.

“Duchess Brianna and Lady Trisha, Lady Layla,” the Royal announcer declared as we walked into the hall.

Not everyone had seen me or knew what I looked like, there were a lot of murmurs and gasps at the sight of me.

A server passed by me with glasses of champagne, I stopped him and got myself a glass.

“To silvermoon Kingdom,” I cheered.

“To silvermoon,” the crowd cheered and all focus left me.

“How did you know…”

“Everyone loves a good toast,” I cut Trish off.

“His Majesty, the Highest Alpha King and their Royal highnesses, Prince Liam and Adrian,” the annover declared.

Everyone gave their biggest bow as the King and his sons strolled through the hall. Until he was seated on the throne did we all rise.

“We are here today to celebrate a great news,” he started, “we have defeated the rogue army commander!” He yelled and the crowd cheered.

“Now, they know not to come against us!” He said and everyone cheered.

“Another reason why we are here is to announce the betrothal of my eldest son and your future King to his future Luna, Duchess Brianna,” he said and the whole hall went quiet.

“Duchess Brianna?” I heard the King's voice but I couldn't move. How could I? And what the hell is going on?