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[indent]There was always some sort of excitement and fear about parties, events, or balls that Imani could never get over. Over the years, she had attended so many with her father back in Utasi, and even more now that she lived with her uncle in Massylii. It was always the same to her; excitement came first, followed by panic, regret, anxiety, and finally, panic again. Imani, no matter how many royal balls, always went through the same cycle. However, this one was even worse than the ones in the past. With the news of her recent engagement to Phillip, Prince of Maris, the media seemed to be buzzing around her, just the tiniest bit more. 

Back in Utasi, Imani had been the invisible princess to everyone-- even the media. She had lived a relatively calm and quiet life, one that she had grown to be accustomed to. Then, out of the blue, she had been thrown into the spotlight when she was names Crowned Princess. Imani hadn't known how to react in the public eye. The poor girl had to deal with criticism from the Massylian public for not knowing her mother tongue. For the first time, Imani now had to be more careful in general. She wasn't invisible anymore. 

Panic. That what was Imani was going through as her ladies in waiting rushed around her trying to twist and pin her curly hair into place. While in Utasi Imani had been forced to flattened her hair and pull it into tight hairstyles, now she was free to just her hair curl up and bounce freely. She had decided on a loose [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ad/75/60/ad7560c73fecee0c1b7eb6334da8f9a5.jpg]hairstyle[/url] with her natural curls and a few decorations on it-- nothing too fancy. Her make-up had been on the natural side with only a red tint on her lips, a little pop of color.

As for the dress, her ladies in waiting had helped choose a long beige [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ad/5f/57/ad5f577466de9c3ad62dbb449e01d1a8.jpg]dress[/url] with a train. The fabric was soft and flowy and light, just like Imani liked her dress. Her only main concern had been the amount of fabric that restricted the way she walked around, but Imani didn't complain. It beat wearing dark colors with leather and furs. Anything but fur was her new motto after starting her life in Massylii. It was too warm there to even consider furs. 

Just enough loose curls and color to remind her she wasn't back in the Pale Palace.

When Imani finally arrived at the palace where the ball was being held, her hands were practically shaking. What if she stepped on her dress and tripped? What if she dropped food on herself or someone else? Would the press be inside the ball? What if-- no. No more what-ifs. She couldn't doubt herself anymore. She had to be certain and confident of herself if she wanted to be the Queen of Massylii one day. 

The door was suddenly opened, making Imani gasp softly before she realized her driver had opened the car door for her and was waiting for her to climb out. After a second or two of composing herself, Imani finally climbed out of the car with the help of her driver. With a small thanks, she faced the large front door of the palace. She could see others climbing out of their cars and walking into the building like they had done so so many times, much like Imani. Yet, she just stood there until she realized she was the only one standing still. 

[color=DAA520]"You got this, Imani Kore."[/color] She told herself before she began to make her way into the building. There she was led to the entrance of the ballroom where the parents and sister of the bride-to-be were greeting everyone who entered. Surprised that the future bride to be was not there herself to greet her guest, she approached the rest of the family. 

She pulled the sides of her full-length dress up enough to do a proper curtsy. While she knew Massylian people did not curtsy, but she was still half Utasi-- and Utasi customs were hard to shake off. Besides, it was royal protocol to greet any royal family like this. 

[color=DAA520]"His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, Her Royal Highness, Princess of Aciras I am Crowned Princess Imani Kore of Massylii, I am grateful for your invitation to the festivities."[/color] She said after her curtsy and looked at the King and Queen, and princess. As much as Imani disliked most royals, she had the obligation to be a polite young woman and show her people she was worthy of the crown. Her country's eyes would be on her for the remainder of the festivities, and Imani had to be at her best behavior. 


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