Μέλη βασσιλικής οικογένειας: Greek Royalty

Coronation

Fear wraveled under the folds of my skirts, the laces of my corset, and the flowers braided into my hair. Fear of embarrasment, fear of something happening, fear of becoming a ruler that everyone you love and follow you will depend on you.
Luckily, my lady let me stand in the window, meanwhile lacing my cream colored corset.
"Andriea, what is your opinion of me? As a princess." I ask, gently. The lacing begins to tighten.
"Milady, it isn't my place to output my opinion." She answers politely. I inhale deeply, brushing my skirt.
"I give you permission to speak your own words, Andriea. What is your opinion?"
"I think you are a wonderful princess milady." She smiled at me, trying to sound sincere, but I knew I wouldn't get an honest answer from any of my servants. A bunch of help they are.
She tugs the lacing tighter and prepares to tie it. I grip onto the window sill as she ties the lacing. I feel enclosed in the corset, as if not even a blade could pierce me. Though, I knew that would not be possible for I was no soldier. Never had I lifted a sword in my life.
"Too tight milady?" She could see my struggle to breathe. I shook my head, letting my blonde curls fall over my shoulders.
"No. Get my dress." I ordered her and she curtsied before scurrying to get me green gown. The silk texture shimmered in her hands as she began to unbutton the top. I turned to my vanity, running my fingers over the amber colored jewels laid out for me to wear. The tiara I was to wear in exchange for a crown was a simple gold tiara with emeralds spread upon the other jewels. I wondered to myself why i must wear these things but suddenly fabric flew over my head, forcing me to tear from my thoughts. It slid on like a robe, wrapping my body in shimmering water of green. 

"Milady..." She was breathless. I walked over to the mirror, tugging the skirt down some, it was tight around my waist. I looked like a nymph from Mother's stories. I smiled. 

"Genevieve. I hope you are almost ready, the Earl of Eirel is almost here. Let me look at you." Mother spoke from behind my chamber doors. I nodded to Andriea. She opened the doors, revealing a robed Grecian Queen. Her red dress stood out among the gold bands wrapped around her arms. I've always envied her in beauty, but in heart I had a feeling I was far more merciful in opinion. 

"I am ready as I will ever be, I guess." I glance into the mirror, fear still washing over me. Today they will crown me with sovereignty and responsibility. I had no idea if I was even ready for what was to come, but there was no turning back now. I slipped my jewelry on and my sandals, then stepped forward, confirming I was ready. My mother offered her hand, bowing her head slightly. 

"Come my daughter, we must be on our way." She smiled at my servant and the doors closed behind me. I shuddered as I heard the doors click and glanced back quickly. That was the last time I will sleep in those chambers. I was leaving my childhood behind.

The Greek palace was full of marble statues surrounding a shallow long pool with candles along the sides. The green marble under the perfect crystal water was almost too perfect. I stepped forward into the light of the candles, my mother at my side. We held a silence that surrounded until we reached the thrones of marble. My father sat in his throne, watching the feast being held among the richest of men and women, young children ran in their playful ways. I wished to know what it felt to have a sibling. Men among all ages ascended upon me to kiss my hand and wish me well. Here and there I caught a single man's eye, but reminded myself I was spoken for. I belonged to another and it was unfair of my restrain in choices, but making the best out of it was the only choice I was granted.

"Dear daughter, could you come here please?" My father beckoned me forth, his hand held out for me to grab as he used to do when I was a young girl. I'd grab his hand with both of mine and he would tug me onto his lap, kissing my forehead and showing me the royal court as they all wished us a happy future and so on. Now, I was grown and I wanted to shrink back to being a little girl and hide in his robes, but that was a childish thought so I pushed it aside. 

"What is it father?" I curtsied at the presence of my king and he smiled, a light shining in his eyes. I liked to see my father smile, he always looked as if he was angry at the world, but I knew it was from aging. My mother excused herself and descended to speak to a group of young women gossiping. I waited for my father to speak and he opened his mouth then closed it abruptly. I could tell he was too proud to tell me how happy he was. Instead, he looked over at my mother's seat, and I knew what he wanted. He wanted me to take a taste of what it was like to sit in the throne of a Queen. I hesitated, unsure, but when I turned to look over at my mother for approval, she nodded slightly, a small smirk on her red lips. I grabbed at my skirts, my palms sweating. It was a white marble throne, simple but exquisite. My head spun as I sat in the throne, my throat clamping shut. I felt higher in the chair, almost as if I had more power in this very seat rather than my own. My father beamed at me, reaching for my hand. He squeezed it softly then let go and the moment passed. I stood abruptly, putting the moment into memory and joined my mother with her gossip. 

"The beautiful princess of Greece. Hello, Your Majesty," Helena, my mother's best lady curtsied and I curtsied back politely. She had a strong suit in sucking up to any royal that crossed paths with her. Truthfully, I felt she had a certain rage or hatred towards me, jealousy perhaps, but I never paid it mind. It was a waste of thought and in my opinion I would never stoop to that level.