Chương 38: Arla

That day in the evening everyone received an invitation to attend the ball. The royal family has arranged a ball dance party for all the royal ladies who have come from different countries to take part in the bridal ceremony.

The ball was arranged so everyone can meet each other and form relationships. But in actual fact, everyone knew that it was the start of the competition.

Silja noticed that the yard they were staying in had started to fill with noble ladies and daughters and sisters of lords.

It seems the prince will have quite a good number of options to choose from. Silja, who was sitting on the balcony of her room, was listening to Mira talking about how ladies and guests were coming one after another from everywhere.

She could hear the voice of the carriage coming and going frequently.

"So many ladies are here to take part," Mira commented as she heard one more carriage entering the area.

"Marrying the eldest prince of this Kingdom means a chance to become the queen in the future. The woman who will win will not only bring fortune for herself but her people too," Silja told Mira.

"All the families from all around will want a young woman from their family to win the heart of the prince. It was one in thousands of opportunities," Silja had her eyes closed and her head resting on the back of a chair.

"I have heard from all the maids working here telling me how the prince has a very bad reputation with women. Anyone who will marry him will suffer in the future. Why would any woman is willing to marry a man like that," Mira said with disgust.

"It is very good that we are just here to fill in the place," Mira let out a sigh. Her princess was a priceless gem and she didn't want her to marry a man who has a bad reputation and will probably use her as a political pawn.

"Isn't this how it always works Mira, marriage between the kingdoms will always be a political move rather than actual affection between two people who are marrying," Silja took a long breath.

"Yes, but it's good that we don't follow these things in our kingdom.." Mira was talking but she suddenly stopped.

"Princess.." Mira looked up at Silja.

"What is it?" Silja could see the clouds of worry in her eyes.

"Even though your father has not forced you to marry the dragon prince, but he still sent you here. Alone. What will we do if these people will try to force you to get married?" Mira asked. Hearing her question Silja didn't answer immediately. She thought for a bit before saying.

"If father has sent me here he must have some plan in his mind. And I trust him that even in the most dangerous situation he will still think about my best Interest before anyone else," Silja replied with confidence on her face.

Yes, she believed her father. She knew how against he was sending her here, but if he changed his mind there has to be some reason behind it.

This wasn't just a matter of her will to marry anyone. She wasn't a normal girl but a princess and her fate were attached with her kingdom and vice versa.

One step wrong and they might perish together.

"And forcing us to do something, we will so who is capable of doing that," Silja said in firm voice.

"It will be a disaster if you have to marry the Prince of the north," Mira murmured under her breath.

Silja looked down at the girl and then looked up. Sinking deep in her own land of thoughts.

As the night fell Silja decided to meet and check on all the people who came with her.

So she decided to visit servants' chambers.

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This novel is a contracted work with W e b n o v e l . c o m. If you're not reading ' Mistress of enchanting dragon ' on W e b n o v e l, it has been stolen. It's very heartbreaking to see pirates profiting from my hard work. Please support the original author,(Dream_blue98).

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"We are very comfortable here, your grace," one of the soldiers replied. All of them have given good accommodation and there were also arrangements for food and other facilities that a normal servant should get. The good thing was they were living with human servants of the castle. Which keeps them at ease. Silja breathed a sigh and then asked one of the servants.

"Where is sire Brandon?" After they reached the castle she hardly saw him.

"Sire Brandon has gone to take a look around the town," informed one of the men.

"Hmm, inform sire Brandon that I want to meet him after he comes back," Silja said and was about to return to her chamber when she saw a girl standing in the corner behind all the maids.

"You, come here," she recognized her as a maid she took from Gwen.

The girl didn't look up but gingerly took a step ahead as all other maids encouraged her.

With small steps, she walked forward.

Silja observed the girl before ordering her to follow back.

In Silja's chamber, she was sitting on the sofa while the girl stood in front of her with her head lowered.

Silja observed her and saw some of her wounds were healed properly.

Compared to before, the girl was now properly covered in clothes that looked oversized on her. Mira must have asked their maids to help the girl.

Silja observed how a girl has a very small voice and she keeps her mouth shut unless she is forced to speak.

Her head hung low all the time and her toes curled in fear.

"What is your name?" She asked. She has yet to know anything about the girl. The girl shrank at the question but didn't say anything.

"I'm asking you something to answer me," Silja asked again in a more softened voice.

"What is your name?" She repeated.

"Sl..slave.." the girl replied in a small voice that barely reached Silja's ears. But one word was enough to shake their heart. Silja felt that she had heard the most absurd thing.

'Slave…?

"Look at me first," Silja said.

"I'm not asking you about the name that lady Gwendolyn gave you. Tell me your real name that was given by your parents and your family," Silja held herself together and asked.

The girl looked at her with confusion in her eyes.

"I...I don't have family, I don't know any..any other name," she replied in a hesitant voice.

Looking at the girl who was not even older than fifteen her heart ached.

If she was in Atlanea she would've to live a better life. Good food, a house, opportunity, and family.

Before entering the north she has just heard about how cruel the dragon land can be but seeing that herself a small seed of disgust started sprouting in her heart.

No matter how big the kingdom is, if the people living there are not happy then there is no meaning of success when the king gets to the battleground. It's all in vain.

Silja looked at the girl while Mira had tears in her eyes.

"You're no longer a slave, nor is Gwen your master any more. I have taken you under my wing and you are my people from now on. I will give you a name," Silja declared.

Silja thought for a bit before replying.

"From today onwards your name will be Arla. If someone asks for your name you will say, Arla, which means a free woman." Silja said with a soft smile on her lips.

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