─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
The only sound I could hear was the sound of my own heartbeat. It was getting harder to breathe by the second. Countless eyes stared at daddy and me as we walked through the doors. Then, within seconds, everyone bowed down. Not a single face was shown in front of us.
I looked up at daddy. With a stern face, he looked at the bowed bodies. The large room grew silent, waiting for his next move.
"This is your moment. Walk up to the middle of the ballroom and state your name and status. But, do not worry, they dare not lift their heads while you speak unless they wish for me to end their lives short."Daddy whispered as he crouched down to my level.
He patted my shoulder as reassurance.
I walked to the middle of the ballroom and caught my breath. I'd never been in a space that made me feel so small–or so plain. Crystal chandeliers spiraled down from the arching sky-blue ceiling, illuminating the glimmering golden walls and a floor so polished it looked like an iced-over lake. It wasn't just the ballroom. The women sparkled like a box of jewels, shades of emerald and ruby and amethyst swirling before me; the men wore their suits that fitted their status as nobles.
Nervously, I looked down at my dress.
As I looked around the surrounded bodies, everyone was perfectly still - not a single movement as if they were statues.
I exhaled softly.
"Let's make this quick." I whispered.
"My name is Amara Luz De Giovivonia, Imperial Princess of Giodivonia. First, I would like to thank everyone for celebrating this joyous day of the day of my birth and my first recognition debut." I announced loudly and clearly without a sign of hesitation.
Seconds later, I heard footsteps approaching behind me.
Daddy grabbed my hand and smiled.
"Everyone, lift your heads. As emperor of Giodivonia, I now declare Imperial Princess Amara as part of society on her birth and recognition debut. Enjoy your stay. Let's commence the ball." Daddy declared with a strong, passionate tone.
Everyone around us lifted their heads one by one, clapping their hands. The sounds of their endless applauding echoed through the room, loud as thunder.
We walked to what seemed like the emperor's throne.
"This was your mother's throne. You can sit here." He explained as he pointed to the smaller, gold throne beside his overly large throne.
"They all fear me far too much to take a glance towards our direction, child. Relax. It will be alright." Daddy randomly replied as he crossed his legs, fixing the gold cuff links on his suit sleeves.
"I have three questions."I shyly replied while looking down.
"Speak."
"Well, when did you get here? No… Why are you here?"I asked, turning my body on the chair, looking at him.
He placed his elbow on the armrest, placing his head on the palm of his hand as a sign of boredom. Then, without moving, he averted his eyes at me, displaying an emotionless expression on his face.
"Those are already two questions, so I will answer one. I will keep it short and simple. I arrived yesterday night. However, I leave tomorrow morning."
Damn it! Why did I mention the first question? Now I only have one question left.
"Can you please answer the other question?" I questioned, using my cute tone and puppy dog look.
He glanced at me once again and showed a disgusted face.
"That was your third question, and the answer is no. So do not ever present that ugly face expression to me again. Thanks to you, my appetite is gone now."
This bastard! You cannot count that as a question! What's wrong with my face?! If my face is ugly, then that makes your face ugly as well!
I jumped out of the chair and pouted, looking in his direction.
I furrowed my eyebrows and walked away.
"Whatever, douche bag. I will just grab some desserts and sit somewhere far away. FAR FAR AWAY."I mumbled as I made my way to the extensive tables filled with food.
Where is Isaiah, anyways?! He should be here with his siblings, right?
"If it isn't her imperial highness, the Princess of Giodivonia. The rumors are false, I presume." Two tall boys with hazel eyes said with a snarky tone.
These boys must be the twins from the duke and duchess. Shit. Okay, let's play it cool. Just nod, grab your desserts, and book it.
"Yes, I am the imperial princess. Thank you for celebrating my birthday and my…."
"She looks human. She is quite pretty as well. Rumors are rumors, I suppose." One of the twins interrupted as he circled around me with his finger on his chin.
"Indeed. And to think everyone believed she was a cursed monster, hidden in the tower."
"Why, yes! The shadow tower, was it? We heard you were abandoned there after birth. How dreadful." Both of the boys continued as they laughed.
I could feel my face turn red from embarrassment.
The rumors were partially true, after all. I did live in the tower for the first three years of my life. I was considered a monster by my father after my mother passed away from childbirth.
My hands began to tremble.
"How dare you speak ill-mannered about the imperial princess of this empire. Should I let his majesty know that you two are badmouthing the princess in public, loud enough for everyone to hear? Do you both have no shame? He would take this offense as treason. Who knows what he would do." a familiar voice came from behind me.
I quickly turned in the direction of the voice.
Isaiah, you finally came to the rescue!