A Royal Banquet
Music fills the grand hall as Amelia and I roam around the banquet looking for a good spot with a view of the staircase. We pass Benjamin by the musicians' stands. It looked as though he was studying their sheet music.
The Royal Families will be entering soon! I drag Amelia's arm behind me and we make it to the edge of the staircase. “Perfect you will be the first thing the Prince sees.” Amelia whispers in my ear. I try to ignore her but can’t hide the red tint on my face.
“It isn’t every day we get to see the King of Tartarean.” I tell her but keep my eyes transfixed on the door. After a few minutes the music stops and the door opens. King Eloquen walks in with his wife on his arm.
“King Eloquen and Queen Iverna” A elvish guard announces and descends the staircase. When they get to the bottom the Queen smiles at me and continues through the room to her seat. Next to step out is Elau, I can feel my smile get bigger, but I can’t help it.“Prince Elauthin” Elau continues down the stairs and when he sees me gives me the slightest nod. My heart flutters in his discrete acknowledgement. The doors shut and a few moments later open again, “King Verlock and his uncle the abdicated King Iress.”
“Wow” Amelia whispers, and I feel completely numb. I have always idolized this man. He enters the room in a long black fur coat. His hair just as dark falling to his shoulders and a big scruffy black bear. Intimidation somehow oozed off of this man. His Uncle was an older gentleman, with short grayed hair, his clothes very similar to the king. All black but he somehow seemed less scary. King Verlock makes eye contact with no one but strides right to his seat, but the older man and I lock eyes as he takes his last step. A weird sensation covers me, almost as if I recognized the man. Like I’ve known him or I should know him. He looks away and moves across the room to his seat.
“Are you okay, Nic? You look pale.” Amelia snaps me out of my daze.
“Yes, I’m fine.” I utter, and the doors open for a final time.
“King Frederick and Queen Louisa” They make their descent smiling and waving then head to their chairs. We all start moving from our spots when one more announcement is made. “Princess Maeve” A young woman walks through the door and looks like she is glowing. Her dress is pure gold with the most beautiful embroideries I have ever seen. Her blond hair flows down to her waist in soft curls. As she walks she looks as though she is floating.
“I didn’t know they had a daughter.” Amelia says as shocked as I am.
“Me either. I guess they have decided to announce her.” The crowd cheers as she takes her final step and she floats over to her seat.
“Thank you all for coming. We are taking strides to change history and I am more than honored that you all would be here to witness it. But now is not the time for politics. Please enjoy the night! Music!” King Eloquen raises his glass and the music starts back up. The crowds disperse and the dance floor begins to fill. The members of the Royal Families leave their seats and begin to mingle with the crowd.
“Now’s your chance, go find your friend.” Amelia says and disappears to get Luke to dance with her. I take a deep breath and walk through the crowd looking for Elau. I cross the rooms and stand in front of his chair but he is already lost in the crowd. I hold my hand up to block some of the ridiculously blinding light and manage to see the back of his head. I walk in his direction and get a few feet and realize he is holding his hand out to Princess Maeve.
“Would you honor me with a dance?” I hear him ask.
“I would love to.” Ugh, even her voice is wonderful. They walk together to the dance floor and wait for the next song to start. I turn around and walk away. Hmm, what is this feeling? It’s like a bubble of anger in my chest, but a little bit of sadness. I don’t know. I walk past the crowds and to the outer balcony for some fresh air, and escaping the party lights.I lean against the rail and take a deep breath.
“It’s okay, Nic.” I tell myself.
“I’m sure whatever is troubling you will be over in a breeze, young lady.” A voice comes from my right and I look over to see King Iress leaning on the balcony rail a few feet away from me.
“Oh, your Highness, I am so sorry. I am intruding on your space. Please forgive me, I will leave you in peace.” I say bowing and picking up my dress to leave.
“No need, you seem to need just as much fresh air as I do.” He chuckles and motions for the rail next to him.
“Are you not enjoying the party, your Majesty?” I lean onto the rail beside him.
“Now I Abdicated a long time ago, please call me Iress.” He looks down at me and smiles. Something about his smile is comforting. “And I never was a big fan of parties. Too many lights, too many people, and drunk ones at that.”
“Well Iress, you sure are right about that.” I giggle and take another long deep breath.
“What about you? Shouldn’t a lovely young woman as yourself be enjoying the party?” He raises an eyebrow at me.
“You’re right. I should be. I’m going to push away these silly feelings and experience the night I’ve been dreaming of. It’s not every day I get to go to a banquet in Dellum.” I encourage myself.
“Enjoy your night, dear….Oh I never got your name?”
“Niccola Adgolor” I respond and he reaches his hand out to me. I take it and give it a firm shake.
“Pleasure to meet you Niccola.” I release his hand and head back to the party. I’m going to enjoy my night. I grab a glass of wine from a nearby table and finish it in one sip. I place it back down and grab another. I’m going to really enjoy the night.