The library of the palace had rarely seen such activity. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating dust motes that danced like tiny sparks over the polished wood floor. Between the towering shelves of leather-bound tomes and royal decrees, three girls huddled around a table, papers spread like a map of forgotten dreams.
Cinderella, Anastasia, and Roselin leaned over the scattered documents, the careful handwriting of their father still clear despite the years. Ledgers, contracts, supplier lists, and notes on clients were laid out before them. The air smelled faintly of parchment and ink, mingling with the excitement of planning something new.
"We need to start by reaching out to the employees first," Cinderella said thoughtfully, tapping a name in one of the old ledgers. "They know the trade. They know the customers. They can help us get started without repeating past mistakes."
Anastasia nodded, flipping through another file. "Exactly. With their experience, we won't be starting completely from scratch. We can also figure out what supplies are still available, and who we can trust for fabric and tools."

Roselin, who had been quietly taking notes, spoke up. "And once we have the team, we can assign roles based on their skills. Some are tailors, some are weavers, some handled accounts. If we organize efficiently, we can relaunch faster."
They spent the next hour working through names, schedules, and priorities. Each suggestion built upon the last, ideas bouncing back and forth. They even drafted a plan for contacting former suppliers and drafting agreements. Anastasia's modern insights on business strategy merged seamlessly with Cinderella's intuitive approach and Roselin's methodical record keeping.
Finally, after making a list of the first contacts and steps, Anastasia leaned back and stretched. "This is good progress. Let's go meet the employees tomorrow and start bringing people together."
Cinderella smiled, gathering the papers carefully. "I can't believe we're actually doing this."
Roselin chuckled. "I can't believe to get this dream like opportunity. My father would be proud. Thank you for everything."
The three of them left the library, excitement in their steps, already talking about the next steps on the way to their work.
Halfway down the corridor, Anastasia was suddenly stopped by a sharp voice.
"Anastasia."
She turned to see the Queen herself standing with a small, expectant smile. The weight of royal attention made her heart skip, though she bowed immediately.
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"I need you for a moment," the Queen said gently but firmly. "Come with me."
Anastasia's mind raced with questions as she followed, leaving Cinderella and Roselin behind. Whatever awaited her could not be guessed, but she felt a strange mixture of curiosity and unease as they walked down the palace corridor together.
The Queen's private chamber was bathed in the soft golden light of the evening, the warm glow reflecting off polished wood and velvet drapes. Anastasia followed silently, unsure of what to expect, her hands folded neatly in front of her. The air smelled faintly of jasmine and old parchment, comforting yet formal.
"Please, Anastasia," the Queen said softly, gesturing toward a chair, "before we begin, I want you to forget about rank, status, and all the courtly titles for a moment. Let us speak honestly, genuinely."
Anastasia nodded, meeting her gaze. "I understand, Your Majesty."
The Queen took a moment, her hands resting gracefully on the arm of her chair. "Our son has... informed us that he is in love with you, and that he does not wish to continue the trial for the bride selection." She paused, watching Anastasia carefully.
Anastasia inhaled deeply and replied firmly, "It is true, Your Majesty. Adrien and I... we love each other. There is no doubt about it."
The Queen nodded slowly, then her expression softened with concern. "I see. But tell me, how can I be certain that you will not be overwhelmed by the scrutiny, the endless judgment, and the whispers that accompany loving a prince?"
Anastasia's lips curved into a small smile. "Honestly, Your Majesty, I have already did something to be criticized for. I fell in love with a guard... a man named Kit." She paused, watching the Queen's sharp eyes widen slightly. Anastasia continued, "I know you understand who I mean."
The Queen's lips pressed into a thin line, realization dawning. "My... Son."
"Yes," Anastasia said, her tone calm and confident. "I wasn't afraid of being criticized for falling in love with a guard. And now when I know who he really is, I am not afraid of loving a prince either. I know myself, and I know my feelings are genuine. My confidence comes from understanding what I want, not from others' approval."
The Queen's gaze softened, but another concern surfaced. "And your sisters... you have chosen a path for them, unusual for women in our society. Aren't you worried about the negative perception of them taking on work meant for men?"
Anastasia laughed lightly, the sound carrying warmth. "I am aware of the consequences, Your Majesty. But I also know there are far more people who value skill and hard work than mere social status. I want my sisters to have lives where marriage isn't a necessity. They can live happily, take care of themselves, and care for our mother-without being tied down by society's expectations."
The Queen sat back, memories stirring. She remembered her own youthful resolve to challenge expectations, a resolve that had faded over time. She had found a supportive partner, yes-but she had also forgotten the strength she once held. Seeing Anastasia reminded her of that fire.
The Queen reached for her desk, retrieved a letter, and handed it carefully to Anastasia. "Take this to the written address," she said, watching Anastasia with a gentle smile.
Anastasia looked at the letter, puzzled but obedient. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said, bowing.
The Queen added kindly, "You may leave now. And please... ask someone to tell Adrien to meet me here with his father."
With a respectful nod, Anastasia turned and left the chamber, the letter clutched in her hands and her mind racing with the Queen's unexpected trust.
The royal chamber doors opened quietly as Adrien stepped inside with the King beside him. Both had arrived quickly after receiving the Queen's summons, though Adrien's restless pacing earlier had already revealed his nervous anticipation.
The Queen stood near the window when they entered, the evening light outlining her calm figure.
"You called for us," the King said, settling into a chair with casual confidence.
Adrien remained standing, his posture straight but tense.
The Queen turned toward them.
"I have spoken with Anastasia."
Adrien's shoulders stiffened slightly.
"And?" he asked before he could stop himself.
The Queen watched him for a moment, then allowed a small smile to appear.
"I like her."
Adrien blinked.
"She reminds me of someone," the Queen continued thoughtfully. "My younger self. Determined. Honest. Brave enough to think differently from the world around her."
The King leaned forward with interest.
"She speaks not only of love," the Queen added, "but of responsibility, independence, and protecting the people she cares for. A rare combination."
Adrien's eyes brightened with hope.
"I believe," the Queen said finally, "that Anastasia is the best girl for you... and possibly for this kingdom."
Adrien released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
The King laughed warmly and stood, giving his son a hearty pat on the back.
"Well done, boy! Finally you successfully inherited my special talent."
Adrien tried to look dignified despite the grin threatening to escape.
"You see?" the King continued teasingly. "All those years of avoiding marriage, and suddenly you bring home a girl who impresses the Queen herself."
A sharp look from the Queen cut across the room like a silent arrow. The King stopped mid sentence. He cleared his throat and straightened immediately.
"Yes... well... excellent choice," he finished more carefully. Adrien hid a smile.
It was a strange truth of royal life. The King ruled the kingdom, yet the Queen ruled the King with nothing more than a glance. Not authority. Understanding. Not power. Love.
The Queen returned her attention to Adrien. "There is still a matter to resolve," she said seriously.
Adrien nodded.
"The five candidates who came for the trial." Her voice carried firm responsibility now. "They deserve honesty and dignity. If this situation is mishandled, it could embarrass the crown and insult their families."
Adrien's expression grew determined.
"You will speak to them yourself," the Queen instructed. "Explain the situation in a way that preserves their honor and protects the reputation of the royal family. Take responsibility for your choice."
Adrien nodded without hesitation.
"I understand."
The Queen studied him for a moment longer. Then she allowed herself a satisfied smile. "Good. Then prove that the man Anastasia loves is also worthy of her, becoming a true king."
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SIDE NOTE: Next chapter will be really hard. The reactions from the other candidates.
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