Keziah
I'm so nervous. This is Art Appreciation Day during the Foundation Celebration week. My tutors felt that after six months of lessons, I should debut at this major kingdom event! I mean, I know I'm ready. I was already a renowned artist in my last life, and I still haven't shown them all of my skills. But for some reason…
I keep my clenched hands behind my back, trying to stop myself from clenching my dress as I stand next to my two entries into the art contest. I'm participating in the painting and sculpture categories. I don't expect to place in the overall contest portion, but I should get good placements in the individual categories.
Standing here being judged for my work is both freeing and constraining—freeing because I'm showing my real self, and constraining because many are mocking me behind their smiles, probably thinking this is a new ploy to gain Prince Halcyon's attention. It has been amusing to surprise them when I answer their questions about art and my work professionally but redirect them when they try to provoke me.
After a few more hours, the voting is over, and the winners will be announced along with an auction of the exhibited artwork. Once my work is picked up by the organizers, I walk with Callie to the area where the winners' announcement and the auction will occur.
After settling near the front, the organizer of Art Appreciation Day, His Royal Highness Prince Cyrus, gets up on the stage to thank us for participating in the various activities. As he talks and waits for the tallying of votes to finish, I swear he glances at me a few times.
In this life, we haven't become closer than acquaintances and for a brief time, schoolmates before I chose to be privately tutored in my endeavors to be worthy of being Halcyon's wife. I wonder if we can become close friends in this life. I always enjoyed our correspondences in my first life.
At first, he only wrote to me about matters that would affect our relations with our neighbors. Then over time he started inquiring about my life in the palace. I would inquire about his travels in return. From there, I found a confidant and friend who I told all my secrets to since I was no longer in contact with my family or my friends. I know he considered me as much a friend as I considered him. Maybe at some point during this celebration I can figure out a way for us to start our friendship anew. The thought brought a smile to my face in anticipation of future debates and time well spent with a like-minded friend.
"Before we announce the overall Art Appreciation Day contest winners, let us first reveal the winners for individual categories. Gentlemen, if you will."
With a wave of Prince Cyrus's hand, large boards were rolled into the space one by one, crossing in front of the stage. The first, second, and third places were displayed in large print, while the remaining names were listed in regular-sized text.
Since I was near the front, I could see that I placed 4th in both sculpture and painting. I did well for this to be my debut in the art world. Placing in the top five is good and within my calculations. I don't want to appear average, but I also shouldn't aim for first place right out of the gate.
I'll slowly improve my foundations and showcase my skills. Even the abilities I acquired in my last life won't be enough for me to claim Premier status in both art forms. I'll have to keep pushing and expanding my horizons so I can be considered the best of the best in my fields.
"Congratulations, my lady, on placing in the top five as you aimed for. This time next year, you could be a real contender for a top-three placement. Do you wish to stay to hear who the overall contest winners are?" Callie spoke with pride and admiration.
Since I was seated at the end of the row, I quietly pulled Callie up and guided her away. All the while, I felt eyes on us, but I did not turn back to see who was watching.
"No, I would prefer to go hear Amias's recitation of his and Mother's works. If we go now, we will not have missed much."
We hurried off, not knowing that our actions would become the subject of gossip we would hear about the next day at the Foundation Day breakfast table.
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"So, I hear you have taken up a new hobby, young Keziah of Casimir. Congratulations on placing well in the contest and your successful debut into the art world."
Lady Rowena of Dahlia, a Premier of Painting and sister to Her Majesty, Queen Lucina, addressed me. I couldn't help blushing and feeling a bit shy at being acknowledged by a leading figure in one of my fields.
"The honor is mine to be praised by you. You are a beacon to painters with your amazing works, especially to us female painters. Also, this isn't a hobby, milady. I'm following in my grandparents' footsteps. My goal is to continue the legacy of being a Premier Artist. My specialties will be painting and sculpture."
I said this with external calm, but inside, I was sweating bullets.
This was the first time I had shared my plan of action so openly. I was sure they had all been talking about me behind my back and that all kinds of rumors had been circulating. Well, with every noble household and the royal family present, I would be able to firmly confirm which rumors were true and which were false.
Lady Rowena hadn't taken her eyes off me since she first spoke. She sipped her tea before continuing.
"Yes, with a talent like yours, it would certainly gain you fame and fortune should you pursue it as a career. From the works of yours I saw yesterday, I could see you joining the Premier ranks in the future. However, I can't help but wonder when you will have the time to hone your craft on top of royal spouse lessons. You have to sleep and eat at some point."
She smiled with a hint of calculation. Others laughed and muttered amongst themselves. My family kept eating, letting me handle the conversation as I had asked them to.
I knew they would prod and test me here, so I came prepared. I had requested my family to let me manage such conversations, as long as they didn't get out of control. I squeezed my mother and Amias's hands under the table and gave a wink to Father and Quinn, who were seated on the other side of Mother.
"You are correct, milady. With everything, I would hardly have time to rest and eat. That is why I am only taking noble lessons and tutoring with my art instructors. I will be pursuing art and doing my part to support my family. Thus, I don't have time to pursue anything else."
Everyone paused as they processed what I had just said. The looks of confusion that appeared would have been comical if I weren't aware of how big a deal I had made of my pursuit of Prince Halcyon over the past three years.
Confusion was understandable. I would have to be patient and let my actions prove the truth of my words. The chuckles and quiet laughter were a bit unexpected. Mocking, sly words of congratulations and wishes for a fruitful art career on my journey to becoming a Premier were given and received.
I kept a gracious smile on my face, knowing that, in the future, their words would hold truth. I accepted the mockery now as the price to pay for forging a new image in their minds. I would show them in time.
I would not sacrifice or be distracted by love ever again.