Before the Masquerade

2 0 0
                                        

The castle was wonderfully decorated with all types of decorations. The gates had been open for nearly the whole morning. There were festivities and entertainers all around. The royal guests hadn't yet arrived but the council members all gathered to share a toast and have a horah before their parents and other kings and queens arrived. Jkdek was personally invited by the Marked royal family, but was always asked to attend by Cristel. Cristel made sure that certain people were invited. Like Akxfo, Oglm, Seyoek and Nim for example. Cristel wasn't in the room, but the council made sure to go ahead and make sure Amilia was in the room with them.

"A toast to the princess." Jkdek said raising his glass of champagne. The rest of the royals raised their glasses to Amilia as well. Amilia smiled and nodded her head.

"Is this such a big deal? Not like it's a coronation or anything."

"It may not be, but it is a party, quite a big event."

"Do you not drink?" The mothman asked.

"Oh, no, I'm not old enough."

"What do you mean?"

"You have to be twenty one to drink."

"Oh come now, your majesty, you can have a little champagne."

"E ns dg xzkmk dknm fwkb." Amilia looked at Chelminize in surprise.

"Really?"

"Rko."

"Wow, well, yeah, wow."

"We are royals, we have been drinking since we have been five. You know, if your parents are hosting a party or attending another event somewhere else. You just do it, it's a part of the culture."

"Well, I mean you don't have to..."

"I suppose not, but still." Soon they all heard a knock on the door.

"Mind if we steal the princess away from you?" It was Qeqqkm, except this time she was dressed up.

"Of course, go right ahead." Amilia went over to Qeqqkm and they started walking down the hall together.

"It's nice to see you again, Amilia. Our 'feyyfk' group wanted to throw you a vkoyetnf of our own."

Amilia laughed, "I don't want to bother you, but I don't think our council is so 'small'."

"Perhaps not, but we are no royalty."

Amilia laughed again. They continued to walk, until finally they reached the room. When Amilia walked in noise makers rang and balloons along with glow sticks dropped from the ceiling. Amilia didn't think the masquerade was such a big deal, but apparently it was.

"What is all this for?"

"It's for you."

"For me?"

"Yeah, you're holding a ball in your kingdom."

"Well, technically Cristel put this all together."

"Yes, but this is your first ball, quite an achievement."

"Is it that big of a deal?"

"Of course it is." Hmeo paused to take a sip of her drink. "We attend balls like this all the time. It is important to our kings and queens that we attend every event we are invited to, plus, you are the princess. So you get to host a ball for not only your people, but for your allies too."

"I've never been to a ball held by your family before." Jlssiek started. "My kingdom was allies with your family way back during the war. My grandparents attended a ball your parents held. The king and queen at that time let them use their castle. My grandparents have always told me stories of the amazing parties your parents threw."

"Oh, I had no idea. That's quite a reputation."

"Eh, don't think of it that way."

"Are you guys drinking wine?"

"Just a little bit, yes. Did you want some?"

"Oh, no, that's alright."

"Are you alright?"

"Just a little nervous, that's all. I've never been in this situation before." They all stared at her. Then Dedg spoke, "That's the beauty of it. You get to try something new. It's not everyday the council just gives someone a kingdom. They know you can do it." Amilia smiled at his comment and nodded her head. Soon after there was, once again, a knock on the door. This time it was Cristel.

"Sorry to interrupt, but the ball has to begin sometime." Amilia nodded her head and then left the room with her mother.

"Is it starting soon?"

"Yes, about an hour or so."

"That's still a lot of time."

"Well, yes, but I wanted you to meet the other royalty. You know most of the descendants of the royals themselves, but you have yet to meet the kings and queens themselves. Plus there are three kingdoms here that were friends of your father and I. And you nor Nsefen have met their children or rulers." Cristel looked to Amilia, she grabbed her hand and squeezed it hard. "There's nothing to be worried about. I have met the most recent rulers, and their descendants. They are extremely nice, I know you will like them."

"I'm not worried about that."

"You're not going to offend them or mess up, I promise. Besides, I won't leave your side." Cristel let go of Amilia's hand and turned to her. This time she extended her hand to Amilia. "Are you ready?"

"Nope." She grabbed Cristel's hand and they both walked into the room to meet the royals.

Marked: Part 2; The WrongedWhere stories live. Discover now