Potestas

Lillia, a young girl is to be married to an older man, named Alexander. Her parents were in a marriage like this, and despite their marriage not being great, they decided to arrange Lillia's marriage in the same way. They've been preparing her to meet the man they've chosen for years, and when that day comes Lillia's nervous as can be, and Alexander's as silent as can be.
~
Knowing they'll only be a few minutes more, only makes my nervousness more potent. I can almost feel the distance between us closing in, and I feel even less in control of my appearance. I close my eyes tightly, trying to center myself as my mother always taught me to do. What's real? What can I hear?
The crackles coming from the fireplace - erratic, yet slow at the same time. Comforting in the sense that its familiar.
The soft footsteps of the cat across the room, as she most likely walks to go closer to the fire. I know in a few moments the footsteps will pause, before a quiet thump will be heard, as she jumps into my mothers lap.
Then, the low rumble of my fathers car can be heard, and I open my eyes suddenly.
"They're here." My mother says, and she stands up before the cat can get to her. She picks her up, and sets her on the chair my mother had been just sitting in. "Lets go greet them." She says, and walks out the door knowing I won't be far behind her.
I stand up, feeling my hands shake slightly as I do so. I quickly force them to relax, and follow her out the door.
"Remember, he's an important man. Don't embarrass us, Lillia." She says, before opening the door.