Already Engaged to the Crowned Prince.

Chapter 3.

     Lady Silver had called upon the Red Flower village for the first part of the ceremony. Only six kids were inducted with their scrolls from this village and it took about thirty minutes for them to get through, and were then moved to new seats that represented where they would be in society. 

In fact, everyone that was in attendance today, was seated by social status and money. Anyone who might be in royal standing, was seated higher up and in fancier and more comfortable chairs. Whereas, the lower income citizens were seated in the back on ground level, on hard chairs that were uncomfortable when sat in for long periods of time.  

Today, there were only four villages in attendance. The first two villages called to the stage went by rather slowly for Mary. She was itching with anxiety and anticipation. The clapping of applause after someone was inducted, were unheard in her ears, only the sound of her rapid beating heart and rushing blood to be heard. It was because of her high anxiety that Mary had to let go of Dalton and Cecily's hands that she had been holding since the ceremony started. Her palms were getting sweaty, which she tried to subtly wipe off on her dress. 

"Next in todays ceremony, we will be calling on the Briar Rose village." Lady Silver announced in her loud voice that had a slight echo to it in the large room. 

Mary's heart lurched forward and she could feel it as it seemed to plummet into her stomach. She felt so sick with nerves. 

"Mare, you really don't look good. Do you want me to go get someone?" Dalton asked as he placed his hand on Mary's thigh. Concern and pity was all Mary could see in his gaze and she hated it. Growing up, Mary had always been sickly, she had really bad anemia and thus why she had to take pills everyday. 

"I'm fine, I'll be fine. I just want to get this over with. They will be calling you first Dalton, you should get ready and may the stars shine in your favor." Mary smiled weakly at Dalton, changing the subject. Dalton offered her a small and reassuring smile. 

No sooner than she had called it, Dalton's name was called to the stage. They went by age in the ceremony, oldest to youngest.  Dalton rose from his seat and approached the stage as directed previously. No one clapped in the beginning, you weren't supposed to. You only clapped after he was introduced into the society as a new member. A congratulations to a new life. 

Dalton was now on the stage and standing beside Lady Silver who had to stare up at him because of his height. "Good evening Lady Silver," Dalton greeted as directed earlier. "My name is Dalton Jay Cal." She smiled at him in approval. "Dalton Jay Cal, it is with great honor that I introduce you into this beautiful kingdom as..." there was a long pause. She reached over and grasped the scroll that was for Dalton. Clearing her throat, Lady Silver began to read again. "A knight at the castle!" 

A loud roar of excitement burst as people cheered for Dalton. He smiled proudly, squaring his shoulders. This was the first big placement that had happened today. So far, everyone else had weak placements, which was common. It was rare that someone was placed from a small village to a higher placing. This was big exciting news, that somehow, as Mary glanced at Cecily, she knew wouldn't be the last good news heard tonight. 

After the commotion died down, Dalton exited the stage and made his way to where he would now be seated with the people that have the same occupation as him. On his way, he passed by where Mary Ann was seated and shot her a both excited and nervous smile. No doubt those nerves were meant for Mary Ann herself. Once seated in his new chair, the ceremony continued. 

The next oldest of their small village group was Cecily, who was called to the stage. Standing up, Cecily smoothed out her dress and her hair. She was making herself as presentable as possible, though Mary thought she already looked absolutely beautiful. Cecily's heeled shoes clacked on the concrete of the ground, the sound loud in the quiet room as she made her way to the stage.