Following Hearts

Pre-Ball Jitters

One week later, the palace was bustling with activity as the royal family and their staff prepared for the Coronation Ball. Floors were polished, banners were hung, and enough food to feed seven armies had been prepared by the kitchen staff for the occasion. The Ball was traditional in Adaia; it served as a way to formally introduce a soon-to-be King or Queen to the country. It was also the last formal event the current ruler would preside over, with the exception of the actual coronation. The event was always televised and often celebrated by citizens of Adaia as well as the royal family. No one missed out on the Coronation Ball, especially this year. With news of a possible royal marriage, the press and the public would be paying more attention to the event than ever before.

    Amelia sat upon her bed, examining her hands with worry. With the Coronation Ball upon her, her assumption of the throne was mere weeks away. She knew she was ready to lead her kingdom, but there was still so much that she was unsure of.

    Will my kingdom trust me? Will I be able to mend the relations between Nevani and Adaia? What if I fail?

    "You better not be picking at your fingers again," Portia ambled into the room carrying a large pile of silken fabric. "Or I'll have to put you in a straight jacket." She joked.

    Amelia laughed and put her hands behind her back. She examined the fabric Portia was holding.

    "What's that?" She questioned.

    "Your dress, for the Ball." Portia laid the gown out on the floor and began to pin various sections. "Just a few last-minute adjustments before you try it on."

    "Thank you."

    "No need to thank me, I'm simply doing my job."

    "No, I mean, thank you," Portia looked up from her work. "Sincerely, for...well, everything."

Portia stood and sat beside Amelia on the bed.

    "You nervous?" Portia asked as Amelia played with a strand of her hair.

    "A little." Portia raised an eyebrow. "Okay, a lot."

    "You have nothing to be worried about." Portia placed a hand on Amelia's shoulder. "I've watched you grow up from a tiny, little baby into the beautiful young woman you've become, and I don't have a doubt in my mind that you will be the greatest Queen Adaia has ever seen. Have faith. I know I do."

    "Thank you." Portia grabbed the dress off the floor and handed it to Amelia.

    "Now stop thanking me and try this gown on."

    And so Amelia did. She gasped when she looked at herself in the mirror. The cream colored dress had beautiful lace designs covering the bodice. It hugged Amelia's body in a way that made her feel statuesque and goddess-like. The long silk skirts trailed behind her, reminiscent of a wedding gown's train. With lace-covered sleeves and a high illusion neckline, the gown was dignified and regal.

    "Is this-" Amelia began.

    "Your mother's coronation gown. Yes, it is."

    Amelia felt tears well up in her eyes.

    "I can't-I can't believe-"

    "Me and the other maids found it in your father's closet a few months ago. He kept it after your mother passed: something to remember her by. But it was such a shame to let a gorgeous dress go to waste, so we sneaked it out of his closet and revamped it a little. With a couple of adjustments and alterations, we were able to restore it to its original glory."