Roaring 20s Royalty

Chapter 2- I am Ready

I slipped on the matching black heels to accompany my dress, then stood before the mirror in my room to observe my outfit.

The dress itself was black, the irregular colour of My families dynasty, and covered from head to toe in intricate gold embroidery.

"It looks absolutely wonderful on you, Ma’am." My maid complimented me in the same formal tone as usual.

I threw my hair back over my shoulders and adjusted the diamond necklace at my throat, ignoring her words entirely, "Remember that when I've said my words I need to be brought straight back here to get changed. By the Lords if I have to spend one minute more at these forsaken anniversary dinners I may just go insane." I pointed at the perfume bottle on my dresser across the room.

The maid, by the name of Jurgelda, fetched it and brought it to me, squirting some of the scent onto my neck and wrists, "Of course, Ma'am. However I must advise you that while I cannot deny your wishes, it was requested by your mother that you remain present until the Crescent has been raised for the nation once again. It is the Kingdom's 500th anniversary after all, Ma'am." Her accent was thick, Northern with a heavy twist to it.

Many Northern folk ventured East for work, as it was where many of the world's successful Kings and Lords resided who may be looking for servants.
I sighed and observed myself in the mirror for a moment, making sure that everything was indeed in order.

Satisfied, I took my evening gloves from the dresser, "I understand, Jurgelda, however my wish stands. The people attending frankly do not deserve my presence, and more so, I do not care to give it to them. I am ready."

Jurgelda opened the door for me and took up following me close behind. We said nothing more after that.

Technically it is forbidden for maids to speak to the royal family or any associated Lords without being spoken to first. I, however, didn't care for this ruling too fondly. It only succeeded in making the maids seem robotic, distant. I felt almost bad for her, unable to dress up for events such as this. I knew she wanted to, as she'd asked before to be let off duty so as she could. That was something my mother was very strict on.

Maids were not allowed to dress up from events and steal the attention away from the royal family.

Again this only made them seem inhuman, but I didn't doubt that's what my mother was trying to do.

The clack of my heels echoed far down the desolate hallways. The walls were covered in paintings and golden detailing. Far down at the other end of the hall stood a massive double door. I knew that only just beyond that was stationed an inescapable social gathering of incredibly tiring people.

I took a breath and prepared myself for the moment this calm silence was shattered by the droning din.

Two guards stood either side of the door, their wooden bolt action rifles tipped with bayonets glinting off the chandelier above. With a bow, they each took a handle of the supersized door, heaving it open with mild effort. I nodded elegantly my thanks. Even with all my disinterest at the royal ways, I never lost respect for those who kept me safe either way.

The sound erupted like thunder. People covered every square inch of the ballroom before me, suits and dresses of the highest quality. Large, colourful feathers, velvet covered hats. It all promised grandeur. It was disgustingly lavish.

Then the dreaded yet inevitable happened.

Everyone I could see stopped their conversations, turning to face me with gasps and excitement.

"Princess! Thank you for your presence tonight!"

"Princess Nova, its so lovely to see you."

"Why, Princess I cannot help but admire your garments!"

Of course I was forced to smile and nod to every word as I hastily made my way through the parting crowd. I tried to air politeness but it was easier said than done. I knew my parents would be talking with the most important people at the front of the ballroom near the stage. I could glimpse my father's face through the crowd which parted reluctantly, everyone trying to converse with me.

Jurgelda walked behind me carrying the very end of my dress to stop it getting trampled.

My Mother's eyes met mine the moment I entered the clearing. She stood in alongside my father and two others, a man and a woman.

"Nova, my daughter, thank you for gracing us with your presence at long last!" She greeted me theatrically, with a tinge of sarcasm and irritation.

I curtsied before her and her guests, "Thank you, mother, I expect this evening shall be one to remember. Congratulations on the Kingdom's anniversary." The fed-up tone in my voice was uncomfortably noticeable.

"Why dear it is your celebration as well, me and your father can hardly take all the credit." She turned to the other two who stood beside her, "Nova, this is Lord Joseph Murkyavich and his wife, Lady Alina Murkyavich. They will soon be gaining vassal control of the Norog-Velk region up North. We've decided that it'd be easier to manage if it had its own authority."

My father nodded and spoke, "Besides, having an agreement with the Murkyavich family name can never hurt one's reputation." He smiled at the Lord.

"Likewise, my Liege. Your name holds mountains on its back in your Kingdom, if it was not already clear. We couldn't be more honored for this opportunity." Lord Murkyavich sucked up to my father.

"It is lovely to meet you, Lord Murkyavich. I trust the people will welcome you openly." I smiled at him.

He certainly looked the part, him in a classy black military dress and his wife, Alina, wearing a dazzling golden dress with a large bow upon its front and ruffles down its back.

"I appreciate your generous thinking, Princess Nova. But of course people rarely take well to new rulers being instated out of the blue. It is to be expected, but I shall do my best." He dramatically bowed, throwing his left arm up in the air behind him.

As we laughed fauxly, from up on the stage began a sweet symphony, a quiet sound at first, sneakily filling the room to all the far corners. The band began to play.