Royalty

One

Princess Rowan
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Light blue eyes. Dark wavy hair. My reflection stared back at me from the floor-length mirror. My chambers were quiet. All the maids had left me to my thoughts after they'd finished their work.

This work consisted of dolling up my face, taking out the curlers in my hair and securing me in my gown.

The turquoise dress was mixture of darks and lights, especially in the ruffled skirt. The torso was covered in a layer of floral lace and was a rather snug fit.

My silver crown they had placed upon my head was fashioned to look like intertwined twigs with little aqua flowers sprinkled here and there.

It was my eighteenth birthday and my father, the king, had arranged a ball in my honor.

It was meant to be a celebratory gesture. Or at least that is most likely what he was intending. Though I suspected this was also meant to give me an opportunity to find a worthy suitor. He was constantly on my case about finding a husband.

My father was beginning to talk more and more of when I would take over as queen. I knew this time would come and it didn't scare me as much as I thought it would. I suppose I felt I was prepared.

My father had taught me all there was to know concerning the kingdom and my mother had taught me poise and composure. She had been a wonderful queen and mother. Her death had come as an enormous shock.

My father always said I looked just like her and that always made me smile. My mother had been stunning and I was glad that I had inherited many of her traits like my dark hair, thick lashes and pink full lips. My eyes came from my father.

I gave one last glance at my reflection before turning towards the door.
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Before entering the hall, I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the onslaught of well-wishers and distant family members I pretended to know but honestly couldn't remember a thing about.

I stepped out onto the grand staircase lined with massive pillars that lead down to the hall.

The trumpets rang out as I descended gracefully down the stairs, running the the lessons my mother had taught me through my head. Hold your shoulders back, head high, drift, as if you are floating down the stairs. Smile.

"Presenting Princess Rowan of Iris." announced the guard standing stiff as a board next to me.

Applause roared across the hall, loudest over in the corner where I saw my friends. They even started whooping. I struggled to contain my laughter. I felt others wouldn't look too kindly at me laughing at their applause.

I curtsied daintily in recognition of their applause and was immediately bombarded with people.

It took nearly half an hour to get through all of my relatives and guests. Finally I made my way over to where
my friends had gathered.

"Happy birthday your Hiny-ness." Braxton grinned at me. I rolled my eyes but gave him a hug.

"ROWAN HAPPY BIRTHDAY." a familiar voice screamed in my ear. Thankfully the music and voices drowned out this unholy screech.

I turned around beaming to look at
my best friend Waverly.

"WAVERLY!" I screamed back just as loud, squeezing her in a hug.

"Bloody-" Braxton began as he covered his ears hastily.

"Ah ah ah," Waverly scolded, "No cursing in front of your future queen."

Braxton cocked an eyebrow, moving in closer to Waverly. Her face flushed

"I thought you liked it when I swore." he said in a low voice, a smirk rising on his face.

Waverly smiled then gave a look of nonchalance.

Shrugging she said "I can't seem recall to ever saying that."

I watched the scene with amusement.

"I also seem to remember that you love to dance." he said before tugging her onto the dance floor where they were quickly enveloped by the swirling dresses.

I giggled before realizing that this had left me entirely alone in the corner.

Bugger.

My eyes searched the crowd looking for someone I knew.

My eyes landed on a man who looked to be around my age standing at the other end of the hall.

He had brown, soft-looking hair and a very handsome face. His shoulders were muscular and his suit made him look incredibly sophisticated and strong.

I realized I was staring but couldn't seem to tear my eyes away.

My heart skipped a beat when his eyes lifted to where I stood. He raised his eyebrows when he realized I was staring at him. I immediately looked around as if interested in the pillars that lined the golden walls. I knew staring for too long was risky. I cursed myself for being so silly.

Just then I felt a tap on my shoulder.

To be continued...