When they returned to the fairy palace, Princess Ophelia ran straight to her chamber in tears. Queen Faeloria hurried after her. Within minutes, news spread across the palace: the princess had cried, perhaps the king had rejected her.
"Ophelia," Queen Faeloria called softly as she approached the bed and sat on it. The princess sat up slowly, her eyes red and swollen.
"Mother… the king didn't even look at me once. Am I not beautiful enough for him?" Ophelia's voice trembled.
"No, my dear. Don't say that," the queen said gently, brushing her hair. "You're very beautiful. And you don't know, maybe the king was captivated, and he wants to announce you as his bride in front of everyone."
Ophelia sniffed. "Is… is that why he said my gown was beautiful? Because he looked at me?"
"Yes," Queen Faeloria answered quickly. "King Malum never expresses himself directly. That is simply how he is. Now wipe your tears. We must prepare for tomorrow's banquet."
The queen stood up to leave, but paused at the door, her back still turned.
"Choose any maid except Celeste to accompany you to the palace."
Ophelia blinked in confusion. "Mother, but Celeste is the only one who can take care of me properly… she's the one who makes me look beautiful."
Queen Faeloria clicked her tongue in irritation. "Are you truly this clueless? Do as I say."
With that, she walked out, leaving Ophelia bewildered.
**********************************
Meanwhile, in the Underworld
The sudden announcement of a banquet and bride selection caused chaos throughout the realm. It was shocking enough, but what startled everyone the most was the rule:
This time, the candidates' main maids would be the ones presenting them.
**********************************
At the Brookleaf Home
Celeste and her mother were tidying the house when the door flew open.
"Celeste! Mrs. Brookleaf!" Faye burst in, breathing heavily.
Both Celeste and Iris jumped in shock.
"Faye! What's wrong? Why did you barge in like that?" Celeste asked, quickly putting down her cleaning tools and rushing toward her friend.
"Faye, you scared me" Iris muttered, pouting.
"I...I'm sorry, Mrs. Brookleaf," Faye said, still catching her breath.
"Faye," Celeste repeated firmly, "what happened?"
Faye took a deep breath. "Something big. According to what I heard, Princess Ophelia was rejected by the Royal King. She even cried her eyes out when they returned to the palace."
Celeste and her mother froze.
"Are you serious?" Celeste asked, shocked. "Why would the Royal King suddenly reject her? He was the one who chose her as his bride."
"Celeste, I'm telling you the truth!" Faye insisted. "And there's more, there's a sudden banquet tomorrow. The bride selection is happening right there. High-ranking families and royal daughters from the fairy realm are allowed to participate. Ahhh, if only I were born rich…"
She rambled on, then suddenly remembered something.
"Oh! And apparently, the king announced that each daughter will be presented by her main maid tomorrow."
"What!!" Celeste gasped, turning to her mother, whose expression had suddenly darkened.
"Why the main maid?" Celeste muttered. "That's so sudden… and strange."
"Which means…" Faye said dramatically, "you're going to the royal palace tomorrow." She pretended to look jealous.
"But the princess gave Celeste a break," Iris said quickly. "They can choose someone else."
Faye squinted at Iris, unimpressed.
"Mrs. Brookleaf… it's like you don't know how much the princess depends on Celeste, especially in situations like this."