The crowd bursts into cheers, but I barely hear them. My knees start to shake uncontrollably beneath my skirts. I don't know how much longer I can keep it together in front of all these clueless people. A scream climbs further up my throat every time Alexanne lovingly smiles at me.
I curtsy, keeping my chin up so the crown doesn't fall from my head. Alexanne places her hand on my shoulder, her nails biting into my skin. She ushers me down from the stage.
I'm grateful to run back to my carriage where I can relax in peace. But, Alexanne pulls me away from the carriage and to the nobles. Of course. She's going to make me speak to every single person here as they express their apologies and their joy that I'm back.
She leads me to the closest noblewomen. Her dress is nearly as fancy as mine
