Lara

CHAPTER 1: THE ACTRESS OF THE WEST KINGDOM (1)

LARA’S POV

“If you want something in life, remember that you have to work hard for it. Remember that, but if there was no need for you to do so, and you will still have it, then you’re a lucky ass bitch.”

I don’t know why in all the hell of the things I will remember right now; it really has to be my stepmother’s motto in life upon reading the script, I have to memorize and learn. I don’t even know what has gotten into me for me to remember the exact words she had, but I also don’t know why I suddenly can’t get it out of my mind. It’s funny how that motto perfectly suits my role for the months ahead—a gold-digging b***h who has it easy in her life.

Acting is something that I gave myself a chance to do because I was bored, and now, I’m literally everywhere, from the movies to commercials to even radio dramas when they wouldn’t see my face. The fruit of my own way of escaping boredom has led me into this world of show business and the 24/7 field of cameras with no guaranteed privacy.

The context of my stepmother’s motto is often thrown at me for being on top of the life that I have. I mean, how can anyone really control their jealousy over something that I had? Was it simply because I was trying not to be bored? Jealousy is a vile thing that can eat anyone, especially when they know that they are jealous of talent.

I simply got here because I was bored, but that is not necessarily what made me stay. I freaking hate losing and not being the one to be on top of what I started, and I made sure the people know that alongside my unbelievable backstory. Some liked the honesty, and even those who hated knowing how honest I can get cannot really hate me for what I have to offer.

Hard work does pay off because I am tangible proof of it. I am living proof of having everything I want in my life because I work my ass off for it.

“You seem to be in deep thought, Lady Lara,” my make-up artist for today said.

I chuckle and grin. “I just really can’t believe why they keep on giving me the lead role for everything.”

The artist grins, too, and starts brushing my hair off my face. “You know that everyone loves you, Lady Lara. You are way too natural for everything.”

I am natural. How many times have I heard that already? It’s not that I don’t like hearing people say that, but it bewilders me how they see me from their point of view.

“We were just talking about how you are meant to be in front of the camera. You have the looks and the talent!”

Acting and modeling and being in front of a camera almost twenty-four-seven have indeed become all too natural for me to do. It wasn’t easy, but it isn’t directly challenging either. Both acting and modeling have been my life, and the best part of it is that it gives me the sources to do everything I want in my life. The only downside is that I will forever be tangled in this showbusiness and in this field where I will never be guaranteed my own privacy. Still, I love where I am today, and I doubt it will change.

But there will always be a thing that will refuse to go on my own easy way. If it’s added with the one thing that I despise with all my willpower, I always want to force things to happen of my own accord.

One good example of what I am talking about is the woman who just entered the room like she’s the oddest ball to be here. I hate how this woman will take everyone’s attention because she doesn’t “fit in.”

Lady Dandelion. A running candidate for the Crown Princess of the West Kingdom.

I love it when things go in my way. I love how I can simply do my best and work hard so that nothing’s going my way, and then I’ll have everything that I want without questions being asked. I like to continue living my life this way, but there is really someone that will prevent me from doing so.

Perfection is something that I naturally have.

But the world doesn’t accept perfection that openly. It will forever choose a “pure” heart.

Out of all the things, that’s the one I don’t have—and I loathe everyone who has it.

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The West Kingdom of the country of Asrael has a tradition to find a crown prince/princess to be paired for the royal heir to the throne. This tradition is not unusual and has been done for countless generations of royal heirs who have not found a partner by the season of their coronation. It was the responsibility of the royal family to ensure that the royal heir would sit down to the throne with his or her partner for life.

This tradition is done in a very relaxed way—literally open for anyone from the whole kingdom, even those from the other kingdoms who pass the qualities needed. This way, the royal heir will have the chance to meet people and hopefully find their partner before the coronation. Passing the required qualities is easy, but it will take a lot more to pass the evaluation for one to become an official part of the candidates for the crown prince/princess.

Today’s tradition is being done by looking for a crown princess for the royal heir Crown Prince Rydall.

Now, being a well-known actress not only in our kingdom but to the whole country—I have been asked a million times to pass my own requirements and join the tradition. Some are already claiming that I can easily pass to be the Crown Princess. Some are arguing about banning me from entering. People get to meddle in this chaos of whether I should join or not as if it isn’t supposed to be done in my own free will and want.

To be the crown princess…

To be a part of the royal family…

Since I was a kid, aside from the stepmother who was the one who basically raised me, I still got to meet my own real mother. She also has a saying that I don’t know why I can’t forget.

“The world only favors the kind.”

I could join and, yes, quickly pass the evaluation. Still, I already know to myself that I will never ever be the chosen one to become the crown princess.

The world favors the kind, and I am not kind, nor do I not have the pure heart they need.

Unlike this tiny dandelion flower lost in my very own field.

I excused myself and walked to Dandelion. She looked very relieved upon seeing me, and I gave her a smile. Oh, how I hate seeing this woman.

“Lady Lara! I have some great news!” she says like a giddy kid for showing off her new toy.

I already know that this is about her being accepted to the evaluation and being part of the running candidates for the search for the crown princess. However, I still smiled as if I did not know anything. I was expecting that that is her great news—I was mistaken.

“I know you already know that I passed the evaluation, but, hear me out, we can meet Crown Prince Rydall tonight!”

I’m surprised and confused at the same time. How can I ever wipe this woman’s smile on her face? “We? You mean you and the other candidates?”

She giggles. “No, silly! We, as in us. You and me! Of course, yes, the other candidates will be there, but that’s not the point! I really mean that we, together, can meet Crown Prince Rydall!”

I honestly don’t know what I will say to that. I can only laugh and seriously say, “and why would I want to meet him?”

Of course, this woman will think I am kidding. She laughs. “You have to be there with me, okay? Everyone will bring their plus one, and I will have to go with you!”

The director calls out for everyone, and that’s the sign that Dandelion should leave. Thankfully she did, and I was free to do what I had to do.

The world only favors the kind, but I can have everything I want.

I hate the kinds of Dandelion, and I will continue making her life the living hell like I always do. But this time, I will let her know that I am the one doing it.

It’s my time to pluck any unnecessary flowers in my field.