Ten minutes later, Emily stood with her family in front of all the people who had decided to attend the ball - so basically, the entire kingdom. Emily still marveled at the fact that she didn't faint dead away in front of a crowd like this. She guessed that the thrill of performing for the kingdom had long since passed. She watched as her mother stepped forward, smiling graciously, her arms making an 'all of you' gesture, her sleeves fluttering gently with her movements.
"I would like to thank all of you for taking the time out of you're busy lives to partake in this most marvelous occason. On behalf of my family, I would simply love all of you to please enjoy yourselves to the fullest, for this celebration will not just effect us, but all of you as well, in the best way possible."
At her impassioned speech, everyone erupted into cheers. Emily clapped, mostly out of politeness. She allowed her mind to wander. Usually, it was the king who would have given the speech. But Emily's father had passed long ago, leaving the kingdom to be run by her mother. It was also part of the reason why everyone had been so agreeable of the wedding; knowing that they had a new king next in line once they're queen had passed put them all to ease. She was interrupted of her daydreaming by an un-lady like jab into her ribs. Her mother was looking at her disapprovingly.
"Emily, need I remind you of you're manners at such an important event? The other kingdoms are being introduced."
Emily nodded numbly, and her mother swept away, satisfied that she had done her motherly duty. Once gone, Emily let out a breath she hadn't been aware of holding. Her mother had been nagging her in not so subtle ways that she was not happy with her single status. Granted, it didn't really matter whether or not she was married, but what would people think if she didn't seem to care about her second daughter? A bad reputation was one of the things she tried her hardest to avoid, and she was not going to let Emily make her look bad. Emily shook her head slightly, ridding herself of the negative thoughts. True or not, she did need to entertain her guests, no matter how trying it would probably be.
She stepped forward, towards the royals that her mother was already making fast work on. Every now and then, she would make gestures at Emily's general direction, and everytime she did, Emily felt herself getting sicker. As she approached them, she could hear the lull of conversation, as they all ceased in chatting and judged her. She could practically feel they're eyes roving over her, figuring out where she stood and what she was worth. And all she could do was stand by and let it happen. She glanced at her mother, and could see what she wanted in her eyes; 'Humor them'. Emily immediately threw herself into the role of charming princess. She swept into a graceful curtsy, looking at her guests under her eyelashes and giving them an alluring smile.
"A pleasure to make you're acquantance, Queen Sylvan. King Rollock, you're looking quite handsome; My, Queen Miranda, that shade of blue is very flattering on you."
She was laying it on pretty thick, but they were lapping it up. Automatically, they all fluttered around her, complimenting, yet, at the same time, having a double meaning to all of they're comments;
"Oh, Emily, you're hair looks absolutely stunning; you must have spent a very long time getting it just right." Or, "My, my, Emily, working to keep you're perfect figure, aren't you. I admire you're dedication."
The longer she spent with them, the more smothered she felt, until she had to fake a light headache and excuse herself for air. But that wasn't the only reason for her need to leave. She knew her sister was going to make her grand entrance soon, and when she did, Emily didn't want to be there to see it.
Okay, first I want to say a few things. 1) I'm sorry my chapters seem so short and choppy; I'm low on time. I promise to make them longer in later chapters! and 2) I know you people are out there and reading this. I would appreciate it if you could at least leave a comment. I'm sorry if I sound pushy, but I need to know what you guy's think of this so that I can work to make it even better! That being said, please enjoy this chapter and I hope to have the next one up tomorrow!