Lorelai was in her chambers and jittery maids prepped her hair and smoothed her gown. There was a knock on her door. Her brother had come to fetch her. With only a look the maids bustled away.
"Thank you, your grace. I am humbled." Lorelai nodded and took his arm. They walked to the ball room. When they walked behind the giant curtains, the crier announced their arrival.
"Our Great King Steffan and Princess Lorelai have arrived." The crowd stopped what they were doing, turned, and dropped to their knees. Lorelai knew all this show was for her brother. She'd be more surprised if it was for her. After a few seconds the people rose and began to clap but they seemed hesitant. It was Lorelai's stare.
The princess held her chin up and her eyelids low as she looked out at the crowd, as if she were sizing up each and every pot bellied lord and google eyed lady in the room. It was chilling. The cold lasted only a moment before she smiled and was escorted across the room. There she parted with King Steffan, leaving him to return to his throne, while she stood before her seat that was by a table with gifts on top of it. A servant brought her a glass of wine and she raised it.
"I would like to thank you all for coming today to celebrate the anniversary of my birth. I feel as though today is the day of....change." Lorelai smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. and people clapped before drinking their wine. The music swelled and coupled ran to the floor, hand in hand.
Sir Lawrence applauded the princess and drank ale from a flask in his vest. He looked around, happy to see things going smoothly. The king and queen seemed happy enough but no one had seen Galen in quite some time, though rumor had it, he was back in the castle. He gazed around and caught sight of Isiah trying to blend in with the tapestry. He walked over to him.
"Hello, lad. Not goin ta enjoy the festivities?" Lawrence chuckled, his breath smelling of alcohol. "First we dance, then there's to be a show of some sort and after the princess will open her gifts. I a'ready gave 'er mine. What of you? What did you get our dear lady Lor?"
