Giovanni

Chapter 23

Giovanni Ellis:

"What the hell am I wearing?" I grumble to Rayan and he laughs.

"What do you mean?" he pauses to fix the sash "Its traditional."

Sighing and looking in the mirror I frown. I'm wearing a black and red uniform looking get up. Black pants and shirt with a weird set of buttons on both sides of the opening, a black belt tightly around my waist, A gold and red sash, black gloves, black shoes, and don't even get me started on the weird looking shoulder pads with the rope thingies hanging down.

I tug at my collar and look towards Rayan "Why can't I wear something more like that?"

Rayan looks down at himself and grimaces "A guards uniform" He tsks "It's uncomfortable trust me."

"Do you think this is an anyway comfortable?" I grumble back and he shakes his head.

"No but I do know that bullet proof vest are heavy and I wear one everyday." He tugs at the vest as he often does "this one is the one we have to wear for events because it is the best one. That just means it's even heavier."

I push him jokingly "I'd rather that then whatever the hell this is."

Rayan laughs and then get serious again. "Okay Giovanni. Tonight is hella important so I'm going to brief you before I leave." He waits for my response and I nod. "Tonight is your make or break. This is the time when the people are first going to see you and first impressions go a long way."

"How many people are going to be at this thing?" I ask him nervously

"Relax," he says "It's a small party. Only about 375 in attendance but there will be cameras."

I choke on my spit "375?"

"That's small around here," He jokes and then realizes my mood. "It's fine. Thora will be with you the entire night."

Nodding I let out a breath. This whole confidence thing is not only hard it's absolutely draining. Rome wasn't built in a day. Maybe I bet off a little more than I can chew with this one. No. If I am going to do this I might as well just jump all the way in.

"Okay. So you and Thora together will have six guards surrounding the areas you two go. If you feel off or threatened at all inform one of them by raising your right hand and once it's fully raised make a fist," He demonstrates " The guards will swarm and get me. You will meet Thora at the doors and you two will both be announced at the same time."

He grabs my arm and makes me stand next to him. On instinct I rip my arm from his grasp but he says nothing about it. "When they announce you two then you are to stand on the balcony and look over the crowd. This part is important," Rayan stresses "Smile and wave. Look at the people below and the cameras and wave. Once they start announcing the King and Queen you clap like everyone else."