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. The door moved wide open as Father guided me into the bright room. Compared to the dimly lit corridor the hall was quite bright and it took me a few seconds to adjust to the light.
We were going to walk down the staircase and then onto the dance floors to have the first dance. Right on cue I heard the announcer announcing the rest of my family. "Announcing Her Majesty Queen Charlotte Avery, His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Brandon Avery, His Highness Princes Christopher Avery and His Highness Prince William Avery," he announced. I noticed that Mother was clinging onto Brandon's arm as they walked down the stairs behind us.
Everyone's gaze was watching me as we walked down the stairs. Some of them don't look very friendly. I had one arm on my father's arm and the other gently lifting my dress a little so I could walk without falling. As soon as we reached the dance floor, all the nobles either bowed or curtsied whilst greeting us saying "Greetings to Your Majesties and Your Royal Highnesses," they chorused.
Father gestured for them to get up before escorting me to the middle of the dance floor. Everyone had automatically formed two lines right beside us, leaving the middle for us to dance to. I noticed Mother and my brothers were also in the lines watching us.
Father brought me to face him and smiled gently. "You can do this relax, we have practised many times. Just pretend there's no one here. It's just me and you in the dancing room ok?" Father asked as I nodded. We got into position, he placed one of his hands around my waist and the other one with my hand. I placed my hands on his waist and intertwined with his hand. "You ready?" he asked as I nodded. Father then gestured towards Klein who asked the royal musicians to begin.
The piece they were meant to play was a slow and jolly waltz. As soon s the song began, Father began leading me through the chores. As I danced around with him, I noticed that Lexi was giving me little signs of encouragement. I saw Ryan smiling at me as well. There were also other nobles around my age,ando I faintly remember seeing their faces in the documentary Mother gave me about the nobles around my age. She did this in the hope I would have more friends.
"See, Camilla you're doing perfectly well," Father commented when we were reaching the end of the waltz. "Yeah," I mumbled as we finished the dance. As soon as the music finished, Father let go of me and bowed whilst I cursed. As we finished I heard Father say "Well done my dear, that was amazing,". I turned towards the crowd and did a short curtsy as a thank you for watching. This was against royal protocol because I'm not meant to curtsy to anyone apart from people in the royal family. Although the crowd looked at me disapprovingly, they didn't say anything.
"I would like to thank you all for participating in my daughter's first ball since her return. I hope everyone has a fabulous time. And don't forget to step foot outside at least once to see the fireworks," announced Father. He held out his arm for me to hold on to and led me back to where my siblings and mother were. "Congrats my dear," Mother announced handing me something to drink. It tasted a bit like champagne. "You looked marvellous out there Princess," commented Uncle Robert as he bowled. Igesturedd for him to get up and thanked his compliment.
Standing behind Uncle Robert were Damian and Lexi. "Greetings Your Majesties and YourHighnessess," they chorused. "Ignore the formalities, sweetheart. You look even prettier than the last time I saw you," addressed Mother to Lexi. "Thank you, Your Majesty," Lexi thanked as mother raised her eyebrows. "Thanks, Aunty Charlotte," she quickly corrected. "Much better," mother announced. "This must be Damian," Mother guessed whilst looking at him. Damian bowed and introduced himself. "They look quite similar, but you are not her," she whispered looking sadly. I'm guessing she's thinking about the late duchess. I rrememberthe book said they were good friends.
This sad aura was interrupted when Ryan came towards us offering his congratulations to me. "Happy birthday Princess," he stated while offering greetings to the est of the group. "You youngsters should go and enjoy the party," ordered Father "Brandon watch over your sister and brothers,". "Yes Father," agreed Brandon. I guess that was the cue for us to move away as our parents had to socialise.