Becoming a Luna Queen

Family first

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Angeline’s POV

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 ‘Wait for the trumpets’ I repeated. Considering the rooms were all soundproof, there was no way I would hear the trumpets in here so I made my way to the golden doors. Once I had positioned myself, I noticed just how beautiful and detailed the golden doors were. Every few years we had tradesman adhere gold-leaf to ensure their upkeep. It was only now I was fully appreciating why father took such pride in their maintenance. The doors themselves were carved from wood. The carvings were of trees, birds and a waterfall that floated into a lake. Had it been painted in colour, the image would have resembled a photograph of a secret garden – something of a hidden oasis. 

 As if on cue, the trumpets sounded, bringing me out of my trance. The doors automatically opened towards me forcing me to take a few steps back as the once murmuring crowd in the Ballroom fell silent. I closed my eyes and inhaled one last deep breath before beginning to walk forward. When I took my first step, I opened and focused my eyes on the handrail ahead of me. As I stepped on to the landing, I heard the clack of my heels on the marble. The trumpets were still blaring, so at least there was some sound ringing through the air. The landing was at the top and centre of two grand staircase. The staircases on either side of the landing draped down to the floor in a curving manner and was made of white marble. A few more steps and I was able to place my shaking, clammy hands on the hand rail. The handrail was also white marble and cool to the touch, something I was grateful for as it seemed to soothe my clamminess, and consequently, also my nerves.

 As my hands fell upon the railing, as if connected to string, the trumpets finished their tune and the MC introduced me to the guests. As I looked on, I could see an array of different colours of fabrics in a sea of faces. I hardly recognised a face in the room besides my own family and some of the serving staff. The MC and the orchestra were situated directly below me so I couldn't see them.

 I had completely tuned out to what the MC was saying, but as the pianist began his soft, soothing melody, it was my cue to join the crowd. I turned to my left and began my descent. I focused on my breathing, taking a step in tune with the melody, willing myself not to be an embarrassment by means of tripping, or worse, falling.

 As I took my final few steps, the crowd began applauding as my father took my hand and motioned me to the dance-floor. As a child, he used to allow me to place my feet on his as we swayed. It was how I learned to dance. I hated traditions like these, but I had no choice in the matter. The only thing that had me in an agreeable mood to entertain tonight was my family. They were my motivation and I wouldn't let them down. I simply couldn't. They are my world.

 "My angel, how are you feeling?” Father asked with a hint of emotion gripping at his throat. We had made our way to the centre of the dance-floor. The moment we faced each other, ready to begin dancing, the pianist ended the soft melody as an acoustic guitar accompanied with string instruments began to belt out our first dance tune. Father and I had spent a few hours trying to find our first dance song. We settled on 'I Loved Her First' by Heartland. What I didn't anticipate was Father arranging for Ed Sheeran to sing the song. Live. I was in complete shock.

"Thank you, Papa" I smiled as we swayed; not really believing Ed Sheeran was actually here. 

"Anything for you, my darling girl' His voice was raspy and barely audible. Emotion was gripping at his throat, hard. 

It was tradition for the first two dances of the evening to be with the parents - a father-daughter dance followed with a mother-daughter dance. 

 "I'm better now since I'm done with those stairs!” I smiled at him and we both broke out with a giggle. With that I felt my body release and relax. I didn’t realise how tense I had been clenching the muscles in my back and shoulders until then.

 “You do realise that tonight you may find a husband?” He asked, his voice now sounding mischievous and I could see the amusement in his eyes. I rolled my eyes in retort.  

 “Yes, I do. If I find someone suitable, Papa. You know just how stubborn and picky I am and I will not settle for just anyone. I just want someone to look at me and love me the way you do Marmi”. As I spoke the last few words, my eyes had found Mother in the crowd.

 Tears quickly began to swell in his eyes, “I’m proud of you, Angel. Never apologise for who you are and what you stand for. You are, after all, only eighteen. There’s time for you to find someone. I beg you to take your time. But I will also understand if you do find your equal tonight. Your Mother was the first woman I laid eyes on and I just knew in that moment then and there, she was the one. My one. My queen. A week later she was here with me, making this our home and planning our wedding. I can only wish the same happiness for you.” He looked down at me and smiled. I couldn’t help but return his smile knowing I had his support.

 I was in the process of giving him a soft squeeze as I was about to respond when mother cut in, “That’s enough, you two. My turn now. You can't have her all night, Lex.” Her eyes were flirting with Father but her tone was strong, authoritative and demanding. Father let out a sign, broke his hold with me and smiled at us. He kissed me on the cheek, turned to Mother and kissed her. As he stepped back, Mother stepped up to me as my new dance partner while the songs were changing. 

Mother and I had settled on 'Always Be Your Baby' by Natalie Grant. When I looked over at the orchestra, Adele was now standing where Ed Sheeran was only moments ago. I couldn't believe it! Once the mother-daughter dance was underway, my siblings joined Mother and me with dance partners of their choosing. It was no surprise to see Gianni hogging Genni. He was so protective of his twin sister. It brought a smile to my face. Soon, our guests were joining us on the dance-floor, too. TO my surprise, the majority were sons dancing with their mothers. 

 “Was that torture or what?" Mother started. I laughed at her. "I remember having to do that when I was your age,” she continued, “I was s**t scared coming down the stairs. But you did a marvellous job and I'm so proud of you, my girl.” She smiled at me, I could see nothing but love in her eyes. I furrowed my brows at her choice of words – mother was never one to swear in front of us – we didn’t even knew if such words were even in her vocabulary. 

 “Language, woman!” I bellowed at her, as she had done to me on many occasions before.

 “Oh right, yes, Marmi doesn’t swear!” She gave me a mischievous smile with a wink. “You’re no longer a child. You are a young, beautiful woman. It’s time for you to expand your vocabulary. Men tend to listen to you when you let one slip.” She was wearing a mischievous smirk, “But be sure, only use it as ammo when you absolutely need to. Otherwise, the words won’t have the same effect.” She winked again at me as I registered what I was hearing. 

 We both then broke out in a giggle. “Also, Angel, about my note…”

 ‘Here we go!’ I thought to myself, full of anticipation and ready to cling to her every word that was to follow. 

 “Did your Father say anything to you during your dance?”

 “Yes he did Marmi, he said I didn’t have to choose anyone tonight if I didn’t believe they were right for me.”

 I was trying to not let the fear get the better of me as the weight of these conversations began to actually sink in. I wasn't ready to leave home yet let alone with a man I had just met. Especially considering it was against royal protocol to have relationships before becoming of age - for men and women. This was new territory and I was beginning to feel overwhelmed. My stomach began dancing to its own tune - one I was never a fan of, consisting mainly of backflips. 

 I looked around the room, looking for Dimitri. When I saw him, he was dancing with Genni. Well, trying to dance. We all swore she had two left feet, she was so bad and uncoordinated. I always felt bad for her. They looked so awkward but it was so perfect at the same. Father had picked Mav up in his arms. Mav was too small to properly dance yet. Father was swirling around the room making Mav laugh. A small laugh escaped me and when I looked back at Mother. I saw she was smiling as she watched our family around us. This was the most content I had felt in a while. Seeing my family happy was one thing, not having Bertha here to disrupt was pure bliss.

 It was in that moment, watching my family when I decided that even if I found my future husband tonight, I wouldn’t let it be known – I wasn’t ready to leave home just yet.