She was every bit as graceful and elegant as a Princess should be. Dalton was astonished at how this young girl from town had transformed into a woman of nobility over the course of a couple hours. However, as she daintily looped her arm through his own, Dalton could feel a slight tremble to her fingers. He almost felt guilty for scrutinizing her so shrewdly when they first met that morning. Sure, Dalton still thought that she didn't belong here, but he had to admire her courage and silent strength. Whether he approved of it or not, this was her place now. As they walked down the corridor leading to the ballroom, Dalton glanced at her from time to time. At the way she held her head high and proud, the elegant glide in her steps, the subtle curve to her lips, even the healthy glow on her high cheekbones. Melanie definitely held an air of royalty to her. If his memory served him correctly, Dalton remembered reading in her documents that her parents had been of noble birth, bureaucrats that served the royal family. It was in her blood, whether she realized it or not. That definitely explained a lot.

He was suddenly roused from his musings as he felt her grip tighten slightly through the cloth of his uniform. Glancing over, he noticed Melanie's features were scrunched into an anxious expression, even though she tried hard to hide it. Placing his free hand over hers that held his arm, he gave her what he hoped was a reassuring smile. [b][color=paleturquoise]"Deep breath, Your Highness. You'll do fine."[/color][/b]

Dalton released her hand as they reached the doors to the ballroom. Allowing her a moment to calm her nerves, he pushed open the doors. The murmuring din of voices became a cacophony of sound. In that same moment, Sir Albert approached them to take over. It was his duty as second in command to introduce Melanie to everyone in attendance while Dalton surveyed the area. He caught a fleeting glimpse of her nervous gaze directed at him before she disappeared into the crowd. The poor girl must be suffocating but he couldn't help but think she would be fine. She seemed to have a strong personality and wouldn't allow herself to break so easily. Knowing she was in good hands for the time being, Dalton made his way around the perimeter of the ballroom, observing the attendees and keeping his eyes open for any suspicious activity.

After roughly a half hour, nothing catching Dalton's attention, the endless stream of conversations suddenly died to a quiet whisper before disappearing entirely. Knowing it must be time, Dalton turned his focus towards the front of the room where the stage was located. Catching sight of Melanie climbing the steps, he stood in the background of the crowd to keep an eye on things. Everyone held baited breath, anticipating the words of their future heir to the throne.