Containment Of Secrets

Chapter 16

(Mallory's point of view) 

It felt as if the whole world stopped turning when we entered the grand ballroom. All eyes fell upon us as we walked in. Some of the royals I recognized, while others I didn't. I could hear mixed reactions about us as we passed each guest in attendance.

I lead Braxton over toward Tennille and Michael, who stood at the other end of the ballroom with their daughters. The guests start going back to doing their prior activities before our announcement. Music could be heard overhead as waiters carrying drinks and appetizers went around the room.

"This is where we part ways." Michael says, he leads Tennille along with his daughters over to some nearby guests. I feel familiar eyes land upon me as I stood next to Braxton. I look over to the four middle-aged people. Two more should have been there, had a situation been different.

"Do you know them?" Braxton asks, following my stare. It killed me to stand here now facing the past all over, like a ghost coming to haunt me. I quickly look away from them.

"I think it's best if we mingle elsewhere." I suggest. I go to lead Braxton away, but he just places his left hand on my arm, pulling me back to him gently. "Mallory, you have to be strong now. I don't agree with your brother's ways, but he does have a point that I stand behind. You cannot hide forever; life is going to go on whether you want it to slow down or pause. You have to keep going. In order to keep going, you have got to move forward. "

"Great, now you sound like him, just like Michael." rolling my eyes, I pull away from him. I sashay through the crowd. I refused to let the two of them get in my head. I continue walking until I bump into someone.

"Oh! My goodness! Excuse me, My Lady." I hear a polite voice across from me. It was Gertrude, Gretchen's mother. After all these years of putting up with royalty, she has yet to stray away from good manners.

"Oh! My! I am in the presence of a ghost from the past. Princess Mallory, it is an honor to be in your presence." She curtsies, giving me a smile. I hold up my hand in dismissal form. "No need to do that for me, Gertrude. I'm sorry for bumping into you."

"You cannot take all the blame. At least let me take partial credit." Gertrude insists.

"Oh, mother, did you bump into another? -" Gretchen chimes in, walking up to the three of us. She stops mid-sentence when she sees me.

"Why did you not tell me you were of noble blood?"

"It's not something I choose to disclose. Most people cast judgment on me when they know, especially on the fact I don't sit on a throne sporting a ridiculously huge tiara on my head."

"Mallory, you will never be thought of as less in our eyes, you did what you had to do for you. Grief is never easy. Your people would have loved you just the same despite it all." Gertrude says, reaching out to squeeze my hand.

"I'm glad you see it that way, but I never can. I did not want to disappoint the people, Michael, or my...my parents." My throat begins to tighten, getting choked up quickly. The ballroom, once vast, was now getting smaller and smaller. Everything seemed to be closing in on me the more I stand here.

"All my love and congratulations." A voice in front of me speaks. The woman wears a sea green ball gown dress, her blond hair pulled back in a tight bun. Her husband wore a coordinating suit to match her dress. Once she reaches me, she crosses her arms.

"Well, now Mallory, I thought we were way out of silly childhood days. Are you not going to greet me?"

"Amy, it's good to see you." I nod politely.