The Remembering

Princess Katalina Shane

I let out a loud sigh, and she looks at me, furrowing her brows. "Do you have any tips for me to survive dinner with them? Or even better, do you know a way I can get out of it?"

She lets out a small laugh and shakes her head, "No skipping dinner, but if you want to blend in, you kind of ruined that the moment you changed from the princess ball gown into your warrior outfit."

I do a little twirl for her and let out a grin, "Well, who doesn't like a warrior."

We stop in front of the dining-room door. "Your mother won't" at her words, my smile drops. "Look, just try to be civil, and don't let anyone walk over you. Defend yourself, but never start a fight."

"Does it really get that bad?" She nods, I straighten my back and motion for the guards to open the doors.

They open both doors, and I am greeted by the sight of a divided room. The women of age were trying to talk up the single nobles, and the married couples spoke in small groups that frequently seemed to change.

My family was already there all together as my Father talked with one of the generals.

As I entered the room, people turned to look, and while the men looked me over, the older women looked horrified of my attire. I put on a poker face and walked straight up to my parents with as much grace as I could possibly muster in me.

My little sister notices me and runs up to me, I pick her up and spin her around, causing us both to start giggling. With a final spin, I put her down, and we hug each other. "I missed you, Lamy."

She giggles at her nickname. "I missed you to Lina."

I hear someone clear their throat in front of me, and I open my eyes and see my mother's angry face in front of me. I let go of Melany and stand up straight putting on a gentle smile. "Hello mother, you look beautiful this evening."

She looks me up and down and takes a deep breath. Oh no, here it comes.

"What in the world are you wearing?" I open my mouth to respond but she puts up her hand and continues talking. "I understand that you were raised with commoners, but I sent teachers. You should know what is expected of you. First, you arrive dressed as some sort soldier, and now you look like you are from one of those southern tribes. Must you embrace our lineage in front of our royal court? You will go to change at once."

She stares at me expectantly. I tighten my fist in an attempt to calm the burning rage within me.

"I'm sorry if I'm a disappointment mother, but I will not be changing." I do a twirl to show off my gown, and I can see that my Father has a broad smile on his face. "What I am wearing is culturally accurate. As I'm sure you know, Father is from one of those southern tribes. In Fact, he was a chief's son."

I turn to look at my Father. "Grandad is lovely, you have his smile." I look back at Mother and continue speaking. "So please, can you drop it so that we can try an enjoy dinner lake a normal family?"

Zariah let's out a snort and then covers her mouth. Mother glares at her manners and nods. She then walks over to the table and sits front and center. Dad at her right and Melany at her left. I decide to sit next to Melany and let Zariah sit next to our Father.

Soon after, the nobles join us, and the table fills, but the seats closest to us are all empty.

"Are we expecting more company?" I look towards Mother who was whispering to my Father.

She turns to me and says, "Yes, those royals that you refused to meet at your arrival are going to be here for the next couple of days."

And just like that, the door opens and what was to be my future in the palace falls apart.