Standing proud in front of me are the members of the royal family. The king and his wife Queen Lenora Mae Vandeleur sitting elegantly on their thrones. Exuding a sense of absolute authority, leaving no room to question who they are. And on top of the kings head was the beautiful crown I remembered from my childhood, only this time it was real and shone brighter than its illustration on the gates of the capital. Standing in front of them were their children; first prince Azar Edgar Vandeleur, crown prince Soren Lore Vandeluer, first princess Persephone Lilith Vandeluer, second princess Runa Lovelust Vandeluer, and third princess Soraya Rae Vandeluer.
"You summoned me your excellence?" I asked. Maintaining a bow.
"Raise your head child." The queen spoke tenderly. "You must be scared and confused. But do not worry you will be safe and well cared for here."
"I will?" I asked.
"Yes, you are family after all and family looks out for one another." She walks up and hugs me briefly staring into my eyes. The same emerald shine as my own.
"Family?" I looked around at the other faces each demonstrated a certain a different type of fear and annoyance. Like the queen was the one who orchestrated this whole thing without their opinions and they are now forced to deal with her decisions.
"Yes, I guess she never told you. You mother is; was, my younger sister. And as her sister she would have wanted for me to take care of you. In her stead. I'm sorry that it took this long to find you."
I didn't feel like she was lying. I could tell that her feelings were genuine and that she really loved my mother. For whatever reason hearing that made all of those feelings swell up inside of me and burst out. For the first time in my life since I was a baby who didn't know any better, I cried. As I sobbed she pulled me in closer and stroked my head, assuring me that everything would be okay and that I didn't have to be alone anymore.
And I completely believed her.
"From now on, you are a member of the royal family. As such, you represent us; you must conduct yourself in a way that suits that of a noble." The king interrupted. "You will begin taking etiquette, history and dance classes promptly. Your instructor has already been chosen."
"Yes sir." I said pulling myself together. The queen broke her grip from me and smiled before returning to her seat.
"Father, mother; personally I don't think she should be welcomed to the family in such a way." Prince Azar said.
"What do you propose?" The king huffed.
"Well she'll be coming of age in a few months, why don't we hold an induction ceremony and officially crown her there. That would also take care of introducing her to the noble families we are closely related to." He said.
"Why, that is a splendid idea my son." The queen said.
"I'm glad you agree mother," he smiled. "Father, do you agree?"
"I don't see why not." He voiced blankly.
"It's settled then. There is a lot to prepare so we should all be on our way." Prince Soren added, ending the meeting.