The Scarlet Lillie

New Faces

Chapter 15
My father and I had rehearsed this entrance many times, so when we arrived at the doors, I had no question on what we were supposed to do.
We paused behind them, and waited. I could hear the announcer clearly, even from another room, and so could the doorman. When they heard their cue, they pulled the doors back.
"I present to you: King Peter and Princess Scarlet!" He bellowed. I counted to three and stepped forward onto the balcony overlooking the ballroom.
I stopped a step behind my father so he had a moment to smile at our guests. Then, he opened his mouth to speak.
"I do not know about you, but it doesn't feel like my daughter is sixteen. Why, it rather feels like just yesterday I was tucking her into bed and checking for monsters in the closet. But, alas, that is not truly the case. For my little girl is not little anymore.
"Tonight, we shall honor her sixteenth birthday. For today, my little girl is woman." He turned to me, holding out a hand, and guided me to the edge of the balcony.
At first glance, I felt as though I was addressing the whole kingdom. As realization set in, though, I let out a sigh. My father outdid himself, again. Half the kingdom must be in here.
I put on a smile anyway and curtsied before my people.
"Thank you all for coming to celebrate with me. I hope this can be gathering of joy and laughter." I encouraged. The orchestra took that as their cue and began to play as the audience applauded.
My father placed his hand on my lower back and guided me towards the stairs.
"Father," I whispered. "According to tradition, because I am not currently engaged to be married, I am to dance with every eligible bachelor that has attended this ball."
He only chuckled. "Do not worry, my dear; tonight is your night, so do as you please. I will not ask you to anything you do not wish to do on this, a very special occasion."
I looked up to his hazel eyes. "I thank you for your generosity, but I must say it is hard to simply change our customs."
We reached the final step and he stopped me. "Did you learn about the other custom we have?" I shook my head in response, not being able to dig up any other customs for the princesses sixteenth ball. "'The king and father of the princess shall decide who his daughter waltzes with.' Thus, I decree that you shall dance with any man you choose."
I couldn't help but smile. I didn't know if he was making this up or not, and I wasn't about to question it. I gave my father a quick kiss on the cheek- my way of thanking him. Then, he let me walk forward into the crowd on my own.
As princess, I had made it my duty to know every face in the kingdom. So, I was not surprised when my childhood friend showed up in front of me.
"Your highness," she said with a curtsy. "I come to wish you a happy birthday and to congratulate you on coming of age. Now you and I can talk about boys without you getting nervous."
I rolled my eyes. "Good evening, Emily. It's been too long since the last time we visited."
She nodded, her long, curly, black hair bobbing with the motion. "Far too long. You've gone and grown up without me." She said, examining my luxurious gown.
Emily, herself, was donning a gown the shade of evergreen. The lower part was obviously made up of several layers, however the top was made of silk. The top consisted of a sweet heart neckline, but lighter, see through fabric covered the remaining parts of her chest and down her arms. She had on a pair of emerald ear-rings and had a green lace choker around her neck. A diamond encrusted ring sat on her finger, showing she was a married woman.
"Do you like it?" She asked, noticing what I was taking an interest in.
"I do. However, I would not have expected this from you. Your style has changed, yes?"
She sighed, glanced around us, and pulled me to the side. "My husband is very modest. I had to bother him for almost two hours to get him to let me wear something like this."
I nodded. Emily was only two years older than myself, but that was also how long she had been married. Her wedding had been the last occasion we spoke with each other in person. Edwards' role in society kept the pair overwhelmingly busy, so Emily and I have communicated via letters.
Her father was a high Duke, so she was betrothed to another family's eldest son once the parents realized how well the two got along at only age six. The two didn't exactly love each other, though they were close friends. I attended the wedding myself.
"You are happy, though?" I asked, seeking confirmation.
Emily nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Yes. Princess Scarlet, I have some exciting news."
"Princess Scarlet." I turned to find Edward, Emily's husband, bowing respectively towards me.
He hadn't changed much since I'd last seen him, though his brown hair was trimmed to a lightly cut style.
"Sir Edward, how nice to see you again."
"Likewise, milady. My wife has not spoiled the news yet, has she?" Edward positioned himself beside Emily, looping his arm around her waist.
"She and I have only been speaking for a few moments." I informed him. "I am curious, though. What has happened?"
The two smiled at each other and exchanged excited glances. "Scarlet,-"
"Pardon me, Princess." I turned once more to find a new man bowing. He was an old man, probably polling in at forty years old. His previously blond hair was now mostly grey, and wrinkles overpowered his face. "I hope I was not interrupting anything important."
I turned to my friends, who jumped in the conversation. "No, not really. Go ahead, sir." Edward encouraged.
"Alright then, thank you. Milady, if you weren't already aware of who I am, my name is Prince John of Syndrle."
I curtsied. "I apologize for not recognizing you sooner, your majesty."
The man smiled. "Do not think twice about it. My brother is currently on the throne, and he has two sons. The eldest is, of course, preparing to transcend the throne. Fortunately, the youngest was able to travel with me this day. I wish now to present him to you. Princess Scarlet, I give you Prince Aragorn of Syndrle." Stepping to the left, the elder made a sweeping gesture.
A young man looking to be around 17 emerged from the crowd, wearing a simple white suit. He was quite handsome, if I should say. He had golden locks that were neatly cut, a freshly shaved look, and had green eyes that shone with curiosity, as though he was always searching for more knowledge. His skin was well tanned, and I could tell, even through his clothes, he was well toned.
"Milady." He said, bowing. "It is surely an honor to meet you. I have heard many things about you."
"I would dare to hope they were positive." I said.
"Of course, milady." He insisted, seeming frantic. "Everyone in my kingdom speaks only of how kind you are. I-"
"Aragorn. Don't be foolish and just apologize. You are embarrassing yourself." His uncle hissed.
The young prince nodded. "I am-"
"You don't need to apologize, your majesty. No harm has been done." This time, the prince blushed.
"Thank you, milady. Would you-" he began, but his uncle would not have it.
"Princess, I can see that my nephew has forgotten how he is to behave towards women and towards princesses. I'm sorry but we'll be going now."
"Prince John, I beg your pardon but I can not find any reason for you to go. Prince Aragorn, you have done nothing wrong. In fact, I know I, as the female, should not be asking this, but would you accompany me for a dance?" I put in coolly.
The young prince look from his uncle to me, uncertainty on his face. In my peripheral view, I could see Emily and Edward both silently encouraging the young man to take up my offer. Making his choice, he held out his arm and smiled.
"It would be my pleasure, milady."
I turned to my friends. "I do hope to see you again before the night ends. If you would kindly excuse us." I said, looping my arm through Prince Aragorn's.
The couple, along with a reluctant visitor, bowed respectively as I walk into the crowd.
I knew not who this man was, but I was surely eager to find out.