"Brother you look really handsome today," I declared as he thanked me. "Camilla, you look really pretty today. The dress suits you," he remarked. "Thanks, Brandon," I mumbled. "How are you feeling right now?" he asked. "Quite nervous and excited to be honest," I replied. "I'm sure everything will be ok. Just act like how we practised a few days ago. Remember the most important thing today is for you to enjoy yourself. After all, it is your birthday. Everyone here is here to celebrate you," assured Brandon whilst we walked inside Father's palace.
We walked into the palace from the back entrance and headed down corridors to a door leading to the Opal Hall. As soon as we reached the door I noticed father, mother and my other brothers were already waiting for me. "Your Majesties," I treated whilst curtsying. Father gestured for me to get up, "Camilla, in front of family there is no need to keep to those formalities," he ordered as I nodded. "My darling, you look stunning today," mother commented. "Thank you," I blushed.
"Mother, you look as gorgeous as ever," I complimented. Mother and Father were wearing matching clothes. Mother had a pretty red dress on, her hair was tied in a bun with a butterfly pin holding it in place. Her dress was a v-neck slit dress. It suited her. She was also wearing a red mask that had flowers on both sides. Her white gloves were as long as mine, up to the elbow. Whilst father's white gloves only went to his wrist.
Father was wearing a red blazer adorned with his official badges and robes. He had many badges that he received from his father, my dead grandfather. Alongside Father was also wearing a garter sash and garter star. "And father looks quite dashing as well," I muttered earning smiles from both of them. "You sure know how to sweet talk," Mother uttered. "It's not sweet talk if it's the truth," I retorted. Everyone laughed easing the anxiousness in my stomach.
I then turned to my other brothers and began to compliment them as well. Because they were still the direct heirs to the throne, at every royal ball the princes were expected to wear their official uniform. Their official uniform came in many colours. There was also a royal uniform for princesses which consisted of a blazer in a chosen colour with a neck order and star whilst wearing pants. I could choose whether or not I wear the official uniform or a dress. I could also wear a dress with the neck order. But because it was my birthday ball I chose not to wear the official uniform. But one rule we had to follow was always wear white gloves no matter which event we attend. I'm not sure why though.
Christopher was wearing a dark green blazer with black trousers. He had some badges but not much. I remember he would get more when he came back from the wars he fought in. William was wearing a navy blazer with black trousers. He didn't have many badges compared to Brandon. Christopher and Willliam didn't have to wear the garter sash and garter star because they weren't of age yet. After they come of age they are required to wear it. They were also wearing white gloves but shorter ones compared to me and mother.
"My dearest brothers all look handsome today. I'm sure many ladies will be swept off their feet by you guys," I cheekily teased. "However handsome we are, we cannot compare to you. Today you are the centre of attention," exclaimed William. "Exactly Camilla, who knows you might be using up your dance cards very quickly*(1)," mumbled Christopher. "Haha, I'll see who dares to dance with my darling sister," muttered Brandon ominously as we all laughed.
At this moment the footman bowed and interrupted us saying, "Your Majesties and Your Highnesses all the nobles have arrived. It's time for your entrance,". "My dear, are you ready?" Father asked holding his right elbow for me. "Sort of," I stammered as I linked my elbow with his. "Relax, just imagine it's me and you having a father and daughter dance," suggested Father as I cracked a smile. The announcer would announce Father and me first as Mother and my brothers followed behind us.
Father gave the announcer a look as the footman opened the doors. "Announcing His Majesty, King Leonard Vince Avery II and Her Royal Highness, Princess Camilla Rose Avery," announced the announcer.
Glossary:
1. In Theodian high society, each person has three dancing cards to be given to 3 people only. After their dance cards are used up, they are not required to continue dancing. The ladies can choose who their dance cards are given to. You only have dance cards when you debut into high society. Camilla hasn't had her debut so she's free to do whatever she wants at balls.