Before I knew it, the day of the audience with the king came. I was woken up early in the morning to take a bath, and receive spa like treatment to be presentable enough for the king.

I was nervous the king wouldn't annul the engagement, but I knew it was unnecessary as the crown prince couldn't have a sickly crown princess. On the other hand I was really excited to finally get away from the male lead.

I was forced to calm my self down so the maids could get me ready quickly. While I was getting oils massaged into my skin, I fell asleep from how relaxing it was.

I woke up from Chrysta shaking me.

"Young Miss, you have to get up so we can do your make up." She said in a hushed tone as to not startle me too much.

I said nothing as I sat up in a daze, I knew who the man was in my dream.

Malik.

I instinctively knew that this memory was from the scene in the book where Thea wished to see Alina before her execution. I felt shivers from the eyes in that memory, but something was off, I couldn't hear the name Alina called Malik.

There were so many things that didn't line up, it made me feel uneasy. Before this dream I felt excited to head to the palace, but now I feel as if I'm walking straight into the lions den.

Before I knew it the maids had already finished getting me ready. I looked at myself in the mirror, while the maids all looked nervous watching for my reaction. My hair was done into a braided up-do with ruby flower pins in it. While my dress was a simple and elegant red dress, paired with matching ruby jewelry.

I would have been amazed with how I looked if not for the dream and it's effect on me.

I made my way to the carriage prepared before hand by Maverick. Once I arrived I saw father waiting by the carriage, I hesitated for a second because of my shock.

'Father can clean up good!' I had only seen him in casual clothes while working in the office. He was always put together, but he was really dressed to the T for the audience with the King.

Once I arrived at fathers side a knight opened the door and Father held his hand out for me to use. I grabbed his calloused hand lightly while making my way into the carriage. He wasted no time and quickly got on.

Soon after we quickly departed.