Chapter 6 - The engagement

I took one of the glasses, and Phillip took the other. I could see when he quickly turned his glass of wine, drinking it all in one gulp. I felt dizzy and preferred not to drink. We left the library and went to the ballroom. From the top of the staircase adorned with flowers that went all through the great room, where everyone was dancing, eating, and drinking. There was much joy in the air, but I was just confused and not cheerful.

I gave the glass of wine to the hand of one servant who served the guests. I was a little pale and scared by my recent discovery. Phillip went to my father and waved for me to go in his direction. I crossed the hall toward my father and Phillip. Before I could reach them, Phillip pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, knelt down before me, in front of my father, and opening the handkerchief – there was an engagement ring with a big diamond – asked: "Your Highness, would you marry me?" I saw my father's support when he put his hand on Phillip's shoulder, with his gesture of approval, and stared at me, waiting for the answer.

I took a deep breath because now everyone was looking at us, and the ballroom, so full of sound, was now silent. I coldly replied: "Of course, if it is the will of my father." A smile of joy on the king's face arose, and Phillip quickly stood up to put that beautiful diamond ring on my finger.

After dinner and several toasts, I was so dizzy and confused with everything that I didn't drink even a drop of wine – all the nobility gradually left, and those who were left retreated to the guest rooms. The prince was going to sleep that night in the castle and also went to his room. I headed to my room just before my father said goodbye to everyone.

I was too frightened and confused and couldn't sleep at all. I walked through the castle's halls. I knew that I wouldn't need to go back to that house tonight. He was there. Sleeping in one of the guest rooms. Anna found me and took me back to my room. "Your Highness must rest. You can't get away tonight." I asked her in which room my fiancé was. "Your Highness, don't do anything wrong. Tomorrow you will see him at breakfast. Calm yourself," But I needed to know, and Anna helped me with my curiosity.

I waited till all the sounds were gone in the castle. When I was sure that everyone slept, I walked through the corridors toward the room where Phillip was sleeping.