Social gatherings has never been my thing I prefer the comfort and joy of my own company. If it weren't for the fact that I was ordered to attend the queens birthday like the rest of the royal guards, I wouldn't have bothered and if it where to be someone other than a member of the royal family I would gladly decline and face the punishment. However this one I can't go against because it was the kings order for everyone to be present to celebrate the queens birthday. And here I am walking to the throne room where the celebration is to be held with an unusually quiet celeste walking beside me.
King Alaric despite his calm demeanor is someone no one dared to go against not just in Ataraxia but the neighboring kingdoms as well. His prowess in the battlefield is known all over and never stops to strike fear in the heart of anyone who hears it no matter the number of times you might have heard it. That is someone I never ever want to offend.
To think that I a daughter of nobility is attending the birthday of the queen not as an esteemed guest but a member of the kings guard is something laughable.
Ionia why don't you like gatherings? given your background social events shouldn't be that much of a deal to you. I heard celeste asking me.
My background you say celeste, which background exactly. The one in which I happen to be the prodigal daughter of the noble fallenvale family or the fact that my father gave me away to the king to join his female fighters.
I'm sorry my friend if I brought back unpleasant memories with my words.
It's okay I'm not going to die or something. To answer your question its not that I hate social gatherings believe it or not gatherings are part of what makes up our society. I just happen to be weary of other people and since I've been branded unapproachable I tend to be a pariah in any gathering at all. I don't mind since I love my own company anyways. However with the singing and dancing and chatting that goes on in gatherings I can't find peace even when I'm not involved so I tend to not go at all. It's not as if I will be greatly missed or my presence felt.
Hmmm I understand you. I'm the only person you've spoken to ever since you joined us. Sometimes I still feel as if I don't know you at all as if there is a huge wall dividing us.
I only talk to you because you don't have any malice or drama associated with you I love my peace of mind and hate dramatic situations.
We are here l said as a guard pushed open the door to the throne room.
A viridian rug runs from the throne for a few meters before coming to an end, while matching banners with embellished tassels droop from the walls. Between each banner hangs a small chandelier, a few of them have been lit and in turn illuminate the mosaics of powerful creatures below the vast colored glass. Windows are covered by veils colored the same viridian as the banners. The curtains have been adorned with intricate embroidery and gilded linings.
A lavish throne of gold big enough to sit the members of the royal family according to their ranks sits within a pagoda of sorts within this hall and is adjoined by two similar but undecorated seats for visiting dignitaries. The throne is covered in nothing but labyrinthine motifs and fixed on each of the front legs is carved rose. The dense pillows are a light viridian and those too have been adorned with ornate sigils.
The rest of the room is filled with countless rather plain looking marble benches all of which are facing the throne. Those of higher standing can instead take seat in the exuberant mezzanines facing the throne.
Joining the other members of the guard at the place reserved for us celeste and I sat down and waited for the royal family to come grace us with their royal presence.
Looking up my eyes met with my fathers who was seated at the place meant for the nobles of Ataraxia. Funny how we both have the same color of eyes a striking blue color. Fortunately for me that is the only thing we have in common. At his side sat my stepmother and siblings and they all are looking at me in disdain. Smiling at them as I'm sure it will irk them and my stop mother will be furious and uncomfortable I smiled the more enjoying the fact that my presence even though the damage won't be much will at least cause them indigestion or if the gods are on my side one of them might choke on their food.
Are you okay? asked celeste
I'm fine l can't wait for this to be over and done with.