Chapter 1 The forgotten princess’ story

My name is Alicia Roselyn Von Heist. I am the third child and youngest daughter of the current King of Alvannia, Edward Von Heist. I have two older sisters and one younger brother. And I am the only illegitimate child.

My mother was a maid in the palace. My father the king was infatuated with her beauty. She had platinum blonde hair and silver eyes. All of her features I have inherited.

My mother was kicked out from the palace by the queen after knowing of my father's relationship with her. After a few months she knew she was pregnant with me.

She brought me up by herself. We had a simple and poor life outside the palace but we were happy. But one day everything changed when my mother got sick.

I was five years old then, still a young child. My mother was bedridden and her life was draining away in front of my eyes. That was when he arrived, my father the king.

My mother begged my father to take me in as his child. Because this was my mother's last wish my father obliged. I saw my mother's last breath and that day my father took me in the palace as his 'adoptive' daughter.

Arriving in the palace I learned that I had two older sisters. Veronica, who is two years older and Elizabeth, who is a year older than me. I also have a younger brother Richard, who is two years younger than me.

My life in the palace wasn't easy. My two elder sisters loves to bully me, my stepmother the queen does everything to make my life hard. Also my father the king is indifferent towards me.

The only ones that are good to me were my younger brother Richard, who is always by my side playing with me and general Robert, my step-siblings' grandfather and the father of my stepmother the queen.

Nine years have passed by and living in the palace as a third princess was not easy. The people of the kingdom of Alvannia doesn't know much about me. I wasn't able to attend parties and balls with my siblings. I was the forgotten princess of Alvannia.

But that changed when my 14th birthday arrived. It was custom that a daughter from the royal family needs to be presented to the public, hence a grand ball is held in the palace. All the high class families of the kingdom of Alvannia are invited for the reason to search for suitable suitors for the royal daughter. Even royalty from neighboring countries are invited to attend.

General Robert has fought with my father and stepmother to give me the royal custom given to daughters of the royal family, he said it was my birth right. Even though grandpa Robert isn't my flesh and blood he has loved me as his own granddaughter.

After some nagging and fights, my father agreed at last. And the day of the grand ball has arrived. I was dressed with a beautiful royal blue gown that accented my platinum blonde hair and silver eyes. This was the first time I have worn a beautiful dress.

Looking at the mirror I was so much different from my usual self. The usual me wore the hand-me-downs of my sister. They give me dresses that are out of date and were faded. I don't wear make up and my hair is always tied in a bun or a ponytail. I can't out do my sisters in beauty, I have to always look haggard when I am with them.

But now I look so beautiful. My hair was styled with beautiful hair ornaments. I am wearing make up and jewels. It was though I am looking at a stranger and not myself.

'Knock knock' there was a knock on the door.

The door opened and a maid entered and bowed in front of me.

"Your highness, all the guest have arrived. His majesty the king has called for you." The maid said.

"I understand. I will be there shortly." I said to her.

I look at the young lady in the mirror once again and take a deep breath.

I lifted my skirt and exited the door.