----------------------------------------
After lunch, we travelled the short distance from the Prince’s Palace to the Royal Palace where we will hold the engagement banquet - still clad in the same clothes we wore earlier.
As was customary, all the nobility were invited to enjoy the lavish party thrown for our sake. This will also be the first time that I’d be formally introduced to the public as the Prince’s Consort.
The moment we entered, I could feel the piercing stares of everyone. I had to reassure myself that I should have no issues since I came from nobility as well. In the novel, a lot of ladies resented Amelia due to her becoming the Prince’s wife, but no one really badmouthed her publicly because of her high social status as a Duke’s daughter. In this world, if you happen to offend someone of higher status, the effects would be detrimental. You could either be stripped off your title (only happens if you offend the Royal family directly) or be shunned in society. Being shunned means you’ll lose good marriage prospects or even business partners so it’s still a bad consequence.
As a consort, I’d be expected to socialize in order to build relations for the benefit of my husband, the future Emperor. It’s a rather daunting task, but I promised myself to be careful. The novel-Amelia was too trusting, which resulted to her demise. I refused to end up like her, so I asked my mother to help me brush on my socializing skills. My mother is an expert when it comes to calling out bullshit and making thinly-veiled insults that often resulted in her winning an argument.
I was brought back to reality when I felt Caelum touching my hand, his expression worried.
Smiling, I steeled my resolve and gave a reassuring nod.
It’s showtime.
----------------------------------------
During the carriage ride after lunch, Caelum discussed our plan of action. We want to spend as little time as possible under public scrutiny and then head home early without being disrespectful. Since Caelum knew most of the high-ranking nobles, we agreed that I’d let him take the lead to introduce me to those important people. After that, we’d wait for the coronation, do the first dance as a couple (to this, he blushed), then head home with the excuse that we’re tired.
I voiced out my worry of not being able to socialize properly, but Caelum reassured me that since this event is held on our behalf, I didn’t need to stress about offending the high-ranking nobles.
“Plus,” he said, “most of our time will be spent on the coronation. The high priest is known to be rather wordy in his speeches.”
I left it at that.
----------------------------------------
As promised, Caelum expertly navigated us towards the important people that we needed to greet. It quickly got exhausting after the fifth person...I never realize how tiring it was to smile. I now have so much respect to the royal family to be able to do this all the time. Unlike our ducal status, royals cannot skip a banquet. If the Emperor or Empress cannot attend, the duty falls to the Prince or Princess in order to represent the royal family. How bothersome.
The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Thankfully, it was time for our coronation.
The purpose of the coronation is not for the prince, but for me. Basically it’s just a ceremony to crown me as a consort. I will now be recognized and properly addressed as the Princess Consort...a huge difference from a mere daughter of a Duke.
Seated on the prepared mini throne, we listened as the high priest spoke of the values that the crown represents. It was a rather dull and boring speech to the point that I almost fell asleep. The only thing that kept me awake was the subtle, playful hand squeezes I gave to Caelum. Several times he caught my eye in warning, but I paid him no heed. Of course, I’m not worried since I know our appearance to the public remained regal and stiff.
It was time to put on the crown.
Honestly I was expecting a tiara at best, but this...this in front of me is a full-fledged crown fit for a queen. It didn’t have that weird cap part since I’m only a consort, but the crown was still covered in exquisite gemstones all over. It was also freaking heavy.
My outward appearance remain serene and dignified as ever, but inside I was already yelling obscenities. I mean, how can you even move with all this dead weight on your head. Please, please, give me a tiara next time.
The high priest made a grand sweep of his arms.
“Her Royal Highness, Amelia Elizaveta Camille Barrett-de Kertesz Deschner, Princess Consort of Stagglen.”
All around me the nobles kneeled, including the high priest as well as my own family. Only the royals stayed seated in their throne. They did, however, gave me the nod of approval (Emperor) and an encouraging smile (Empress). The princess was absent as she is not yet allowed to attend banquets due to her young age.
While they all paid tribute, all I could think about was ‘My name is such a mouthful to say. I feel sorry for the high priest’ also ‘this crown is annoyingly heavy as hell.’
----------------------------------------
“How do you feel?” Caelum asked quietly as we did our first dance together.
We desperately tried to ignore the enchanted stares and romantic sighs of the nobles. Come on, don't you all have anything better to look at?
“It feels like a boulder resting on my head.”
At my blunt reply, he chuckled. “Well, good thing we can go home in a few minutes. We’ll just use the excuse of us being children.”
As soon as the music stopped, we gracefully hastened our way towards the royal couple to ask for permission to leave.
“Oh of course, dears! You must be pretty exhausted so you can go. By the way, you’ll be sleeping together in Caelum’s bedroom.”
Caelum reddened and was about to argue when I pulled the sleeve of his suit. I murmured, “Let it go please, I’m so tired…”
Keeping my posture in impeccable form while enduring the weight of the crown has taken its toll. At this point, I’m so tired I don’t care where I’d sleep.
Taking pity on me, Caelum nodded and led me to the exit.
Just as I climbed on the carriage, his arm stopped me.
“Wait. Let me remove the crown. It’s bothersome, right?”
Even if Caelum was several inches taller than I am, I had to bend dpwn for him to completely grab ahold of the crown. I heard an audible grunt then my head felt lighter than ever. I sighed in relief.
“You wore this heavy thing on your head while dancing?”
There was a hint of respect in his tone. Thinking nothing of it, I merely nodded my head and climbed on the carriage. I really want to sleep now, but it is rather rude to sleep first before the prince so I endured it.
I was hardly awake by the time the maids assisted me in changing clothes. They suggested to untangle the braid, but I insisted on just removing the flowers instead. I know for a fact that my hair is long and thick, so it’d take even longer to untangle it. Right now, I want to sleep. I just needed to sleep.
I barely even graced his highness a decent good night before succumbing to unconsciousness.
----------------------------------------