From all the celestial families' descendants that reside within Mariejois, there is only a single family who does not follow one tradition within the Holy Land.
The tradition to kill 'those' lowly creatures whenever they would cross a pat...
Within the palace dining room there sat the two queens of the country. Both of them busied themselves preparing for the tutor of the only princess of the family. Athena took her role as the social graces teacher while her mother-in-law, Alynna agreed that she would tutor her granddaughter different kinds of table etiquette fit for a royalty.
Hmm. . .you're ready now for Helen's tutor in your task?
The queen dowager told the current queen as if she's asking her about the weather.
Hai, giri no haha.
Replied the reigning queen while perfectly patting her attire in a neat manner.
Two consecutive light knocks came from the door's entrance. The sound made the two queens turn their heads simultaneously as they heard Helen's voice.
Queen mother? Queen dowager? I'm coming in.
Before any of the queens would have replied, the princess presented herself inside and gave each of them her greetings. Right after, she took her seat at the opposite side of the table.
The only princess nods her head to her mother and grandmother.
Okaa-san, obaa-san. Who will I go first to begin my tutor?
Almost automatically, Alynna replied.
You'll have table etiquette with me first. Then after an hour and a half, proceed to the ballroom for you to have your lesson there with your mother.
Right after the queen dowager's explanation, Athena stood up from her seat as she went to the door and turned back.
I'll be waiting in the ballroom for you, Helen.
Hai, okaa-san.
Came the princess' reply.
After the present queen went out of the room, Helen's lesson with the queen dowager began. While the young princess had her lesson in the palace dining room, Athena walked her way towards the palace ballroom. Once she pushed the gigantic door as she was entering the room, she saw the room itself hardly ever had any changes or was it her mother-in-law ordered that none should be moved nor touched.
She really knows me well. The current queen sighed.
Little by little, she heard a reminiscent sound of melody that seem to play on live as if there was a party to begin with. Slowly, Athena let herself be immersed with the classic instrumental sounds that she felt were gathering around her.
Step by step, she remembered the dance she once used to do with her little brother back in their olden days.
Ototo. I wonder how he is now. Athena wondered. I hope he's leading Alabasta into a progressive country.
The queen held both of her arms out as if she had a live partner in front of her. A familiar hum of a waltz song came from her as she reveled in it like a comfortable blanket. Quiet as a mouse, she turned herself around as her imaginary partner twirled her to match the sound that was playing in the background by her head's counting.
A lot of things ran inside her mind that she hardly ever noticed the king entering the room.
Until now she still loves to dance, hmm. . .let us see if she still remembers 'our dance.' The king mused to himself.
With the queen closing her eyes as she was dancing, she felt that her partner slowly became alive and physically present. She urged herself not to open her eyes for her not to mess up her moment.
Alexander smiled to himself as he guided her while holding her waist and palm with great gentle and care.
So she still remembers?
If it were to be seen by a third party's point of view, it is as if both the queen and king were dancing on their first wedding. Their movements were beautiful and romantic, making it seem like they were the only ones left in their own world.
As Athena felt her imaginary music coming to its end, she danced the last steps and stood still at the last beat. Taking her time she unraveled her eyes that revealed her husband, Alexander was her partner after all.
The queen gave him a sweet smile as the king did a gentle one in return.
I see you'd never forget our dance after all.
She laughed softly and smiled before she replied. Of course not, I'd never dare forget about it.
You're still the most graceful dancer I've ever met.
Yet you would love to flatter me so much, Alex.
The husband caressed her face gently as he was searching for permission coming from his wife. She grants his wish as she closed her eyes to welcome his own lips against hers.
Right after their kiss ended, a creaking sound coming from the gigantic doors of the palace ballroom came to be which revealed their youngest daughter, Helen.
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Okaa-san, I'm ready for our lesson.
Both couple turned their heads toward the ten-year-old princess. Alexander lets his wife's hand free from his hold as he kissed her cheek and did the same to Helen before he went out of the room.
