Maria seemed to be the most attentive in the room. It was a skill she developed over time. Be there, but not really there. Though she was physically in the room and in the moment; Mentally, Maria was lost in her own thoughts. Everything was passing over her, like in a dream. Her memories were now reality, and reality a mere memory.
Russia was, (coming back to reality for a moment), a modern state. Free of Imperial rule. It had been since Nikolas' murder. The President of the Federation rose, stepped to the centre of the room in front of the throne. He bowed his head at the neck and then moved to stand in front of a microphone, to deliver a speech.
Maria was already lost in her memories of Nikolas and the Russia she once knew. It was alive once again. As Maria conscienciously blinked, her sub- conscience transported back to the time she was a girl of six- teen. A woman due to marry.
Like a movie playing back, in her minds eye, she saw it all again. She felt it all again. Being that woman the royalty of Europe all wanted to claim.
In that blink, in that second, she was taken back to relive the life she knew would end up the same way. This was why she couldn't bare Tikhon. His reminder. It posed the "What if" possibility.
*****
Maria was to be presented to the court that very night. She was anxious, a little afraid, and a little nervous. It was somewhat daunting to be in front of all those prying eyes, that didn't care about her, per se, but what connection and advantage she provided. At six teen, however, her time for marriage had come. She had to choose. Maria couldn't do anything about it all now. The royalty of Europe had already begun to flock into Copenhagen.
Young Maria was always told not to show fear, but, instead, to maintain a commanding aura. At least, in this venture, there was still some dignity to hold on to. Duty first, self second. It was the way of Royalty. For the people, you do what you have to. Think of yourself only once you have done what you are supposed to. It seems like a virtue lost to us, nowadays. However, the practice of such an ideology would make Maria famous in the up- and- coming future before her. Of course, she had no idea about this.
Maria was close with both her parents. On that day, however, she became a woman. She got ready, with the help of the maids. The last thing she was told: "Don't forget what you must do first for the people, from your heart. Then look after yourself." This was the first time that Maria would put that to practice. She didn't want to marry, but she was going to. Maria, in her stubborness, forced herself to believe: Duty first, self second.
The satin white dress she wore was similar to the one she was wearing at the moment, sitting on the throne. It had a floral theme, and was floor length. Maria was striking in it. Her black hair was long, straight and neat. Her blue eyes; Gentle, kind, but steeled. Maria was a picture of beauty. She made her way to the entrance of the ball- room in the Yellow Palace of Copenhagen. Her father and mother were already waiting for her. This was to be her first entrance to a formal event, alone.
The guards at the doors bowed as her parents made their way into the ball- room. The guests had parted in anticipation of their entrance. They all bowed in respect to the King and Queen of Denmark. Maria's parents sat at the high table. Right in the centre, where else!
Maria's heart beat ever faster. Now it was her turn. She composed herself, and breathed deeply. The guards looked at her, waiting for a sign. The orchestra had stopped. The King and Queen were seated. Maria breathed again. The guests now waited on her. None dared move a muscle. The intensity rose. Maria, her ice- blue eyes steeled, stared into the one of the guards eyes. He looked taken aback. He didn't know if he'd done anything wrong but watching her. She softened her gaze. Smiled gently. Nodded slowly and shortly. The doors opened again for the Princess.
c. John Apotsis 2008- 2009
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