The Pillar Of Nebuwah

Duty as Royalty

"But...." I began as the two women before me tightly tied the corset around me. I was sure I was going to choke any moment now and I hoped it wasn't in front of the guests.

"No buts young lady , you need to realise that you going to be in front of hundreds of ministers and ambassadors,  Kings and Queens of all the kingdoms of Yesta. You cannot afford to go up there in rags !" Mum said. She gave me a loving smile but it faded when Queen Apolla came in.

"Good evening , my lady.", said my mother and I as we curtsy. I looked up at the hard gaze of the cold blue eyes glared at me. I looked down on the floor shivering at her hard gaze.

Even though , my father accepted me as his biological daughter. Queen Apolla refused to do so, she listed various reasons for Father's misconception of me being their daughter.

"Now , Now don't stand like that Esy. You can't slouch infront of those people of high class." Mum said as she straightened my back by giving me light push.

"I agree. You really need to see those princess of Braceland,  so lady like and poised that you yourself are shocked !" Queen Apolla said as she ordered the maids bring in the stays.

I am sure that the first thing I'll do as the Queen of Aramanda will be to abolish these hypothetical laws of clothing. Honestly, I really need air, I can't breathe and I really hope I do not faint because these ministers , ambassadors , Princes , princesses , Kings and Queens better know that I am not a weakling !

"There !" Mum exclaimed, looking at me after they were done. I stood still for them to take a good look at me and judge my appearance.

The two maids who were called Alicia and Alice brought before me a long mirror to look at myself. I observed my long gown that gracefully swept the ground unlike it's wearer who was the clumsiest person in the world.
  
The emeralds green gown had tiny white stones embedded in them. It's stylish fashion made me cringe because I'm not a fashionably sensible person and it made me look like one.

My long frizzy untamable hair was neatly tied in a bun which was held back by a few pearl white fake roses. My hair was adorned by my little tiara that signified my status of a princess. On my ears hung a long beautiful silver earing that shine brightly in the light.

I looked tall , thanks to my high heels but I if I would be honest , heels made my feet hurt and standing in them was painful. To me being short is much better than enduring pain.

"Come,  it's time to go. Leah, I presume I'll see you at the ball." Apolla told Mum as she asked her maids to find a dress fitting for Mum in her closet.

She took hold of my hand and walked me to screen which is the part of the throne room but it was never seen since there was a curtain as a barrier. Each our names were to be called out as the curtains parted partially for only one person to walk out.

My name was to be called towards the end, when Father , Christopher,  John and Apolla were all called out. I felt queasy and my hands were slowly turning cold , it was even starting to sweat and my name hadn't even been called.

"Hey Es." John said with a smile. He looked quiet like father if you'd ask me,  with his skin brown , somewhat like mine and his chocolate brown eyes , he was exactly like Father.

"Hey !" I said as enthusiastically as I could but to be honest I could really do with some reassurance.

"Nervous ?" He asked looking at me with a glint of understanding for which I grateful for knowing very well that had it been Christopher he would have laughed at me.

I nodded in reply as I swallowed a hypothetical lump on my throat so as to express my nervousness.

"It's okay you know. It's your first time in a situation such as this but you'll get over it soon enough." John said with a loving smile and I felt much better.

He have my hand a gentle but reassuring squeez and left to join Father who stood to my right. Christopher stood to Father's right so I could barely see his face but to be honest I'm glad I didn't because if I did he'd look at me and laugh.

The trio looked noble , wise and self confident unlike their sister/daughter who looked like she might fall down any second. I couldn't help but admire their dominating look which looked imposing and commanding.

I took notice of their chins which were raised high , they posture was erect and their eyes flashed no sense of emotion. I tried to imitate them as accurately as I could knowing very well that all my actions of imitation were to be more lady like than theirs.

I refused to imitate Queen Apolla because , she had a more of a submissive look on her face. It was one adorned with grace and natural beauty and I knew very well that my face wasn't like hers so imitating her was out of the question.

A trumpet sounded and I knew that it was time for me to make my appearance,  after my parents and syblings of course.

The first to step out was my father who with a very imposing look walked towards the audience and stood towards the right. His name was called out and he gave a slight bow which almost didn't even look like one.

The next to go was Queen Apolla, who with her graceful look and gentle bow caught the hearts of many men as I could see them sighing. Queen Apolla grasped onto Father's arm and walked down the stairs , her long gown sweeping the ground.

Christopher followed suit slowly walking down the stairs with his calm composure. Many princess sighed at his very appearance,  I wondred what they found in brother that made him popular among women.

John gave me a reassuring smile and continued his way down the stairs. I once again heard a number of sighs from a couple of princesses. I must say I was surprised that I was the only one in the family who didn't have the best of looks.

I knew I was next but I also knew I wasn't exactly prepared to go. I needed time but I sucked in a wave of fresh air. I knew very well that I was the reason for their arrival , I was the reason why these men and women were here and I needed to make an impression.

They say that one's first impression lasts longer and I knew I'd better get done with it before I changed my mind and so with a pull of a rope and parting of the curtains I was revealed to the crowd.