The eclipse was about to fill the sky above. Darkness was about to consume the world for a time. The lunar eclipse was a significant time of their era. Of course, the start of the eclipse meant one thing.... the start of the succession ball, which was known to last for several or more days and nights. Royals, nobles, and citizens from all over would gather, arriving to be part of the festival, the ball, the ceremony. There was one true importance to it. At the end of it all, on the very last night, the king himself would choose amongst his heirs, amongst his children, who would succeed him. It would be known, far and wide, who would become the next ruler, the next king or queen. That is the start of the story that was about to begin.......





Elizabeth managed to prepare for the day ahead. The day had been a busy one for her. From the arrival of sunrise, she had to be present at meetings and any decrees her father had made. She had settled disputes and various other arguments. The dress makers kept asking about what clothing she was to wear for the ball. Citizens asked for favors, for help with various matters. The princess had to be involved with whatever matters of state were to be dealt with before the ball. Her day was quite the busy one. But now, with the arrival of the lunar eclipse and the start of the balls' first night, things would finally settle down. A sigh would escape her as she made to prepare for the ball. The first night was predicted to be chaotic, and that very prediction was her own. Men were already pursuing her in order to have a chance at being king, should she be the one chosen by her father to be the crown heir, the one to inherit the throne. 



"I can only hope that they let me be, if only for tonight."



With that thought spoken out loud, she looked at herself in the mirror one last time. Her dress was fine. Her hair was done up well, not a hair out of place. There was not a speck of dirt or dust anywhere. Nothing in regard to a mess upon her person was to be found, to be noticed. Elizabeth cleared her throat, and she made to truly calm herself. The princess had to save face in front of others after all. She could only hope that her siblings would do the same, but she did not count on that happening anytime soon. With another sigh, the young woman, the female royal, left her chambers and made her way down to the main hall. The princess was to be present when the guests arrived, to greet them all, along with the others, with her siblings. The candles just barely kept things from being too dark to enjoy themselves, noted the princess as she entered the main hall, where she would wait.