Chapter 56: Chapter XXVI Salute-2

That is why, for the rest of the morning, we did nothing but watch movies in the screening room. Time flew quickly because of it, Sarina making ridiculous comments through the films which made me ultimately laugh more than I should have. She loved pointing out director flaws, and that made me realize how imperfect even the best movies were. Perfection couldn't be achieved. Not really. Before we realized it, a few servants interrupted us to touch our appearances up for the festivities. We were then ushered outside where Ian was waiting patiently for us, and now I began to feel a bit nervous. If this was anything like the state ceremonies on my parents' birthdays, then this was going to be a lot more stressful than expected. However, if that was the case then we wouldn't not have been escorted in limousines but rather in carriages. Luckily, it seemed my parents realised that although my coming of age was important, my coronation topped that. There were three different cars: one for my parents, one for the twins and one for Sarina and me. She seemed a little surprised when she realized we each had our own individual limousine, but laughed it off sheepishly when she had to remind herself about my status. It was funny seeing how her thought process worked. The ride was a long one, our conversations taking on the strangest of turns. We talked about Toro and how he hopefully got along with my handmaiden for the day. We talked about where I first adapted my love for rose flavoured items, eventually moving to Sarina's love for cookies and cream. She told me how she started gymnastics, and I told her how I began ballet. Although, our talking went a little sad there. I missed dancing. I immediately knew when we neared the park, the crowd's loud voices washing over the kingdom like a tidal wave. We entered a back entrance to the park, everyone crowding at the front. A large open square was cleared, audience sitting around the square on pavilions. Above one of the pavilions stood a balcony, leaning over the square. Three thrones sat on top of it, and it was then that I realized that the twins would not yet be making a public appearance. It eased my heart a little. Speaking of which, we were all in an enclosed room behind the balcony. The twins headed over to Sarina and my side, their clothes not as formal as expected of princes. "We'll be at the top of one of the pavilions," Bartholomew said a bit cheekily, addressing Sarina. She nodded in understanding. "Thank you... Cornelius?" she seemed sceptical. "Bartholomew," he shrugged, not at all bothered that he was mixed up with this twin. The only way I could tell the difference between the two was by looking at their hairline, Bartholomew's being a little more retracted than Cornelius's. Still, I occasionally mixed them up as well. "Sorry, Highnesses," Sarina apologized, but Bartholomew merely dismissed the notion with a flick of his wrist. He sighed and turned towards me. "Good luck out there," he told me, and I was a little surprised to hear those words from him. From Cornelius it would be natural, but Bartholomew was cheeky and rarely wished anyone luck when his twin could just do it for him. I smiled and brought the twins into a hug. "Don't worry about it. This is just like what I went through in Spain, except here I can actually understand what people are saying and no one is being killed by bulls," they seemed to find amusement out of it and after wishing me luck once more, they headed away. Sarina turned to me and quickly brought me into her arms, surprising me at the quick action. "I'm not quite sure what you're going to do but whatever it is, I wish you well!" she squeezed me tightly before releasing me, showering me with her bright smile. She headed after the twins out of the room, leaving me with my parents and a few guards surrounding the room. Wireless microphones were fitted into our clothes. I was a little fidgety, but after my experience in Spain, I was a lot calmer. I was good with handling surprises now. My parents were introduced by the trumpet introduction, their bodies stepping elegantly into the spotlight on the balcony. I heard the surrounding people, honouring their Majesties by singing the national anthem in union. I stood watching from the side-lines, barely able to see anything from my angle. I could see Royal Guards surrounding the balcony and the entirety of the square, a portion of the massive square filled up with soldiers. If I had to guess I'd say there were about two thousands soldiers there, which meant that this was either a regiment or a brigade from the army. Now I felt nervous. This was a lot worse than Spain. "Be seated," I heard my mother's command, numerous sounds indicating the audience surrounding took their places. She stared over them for a moment before nodding slowly, looking towards my father in signal. "Ladies and gentlemen of the United Kingdom. I thank you all for joining our celebrations on such sort notice. We had not expected for the Princess to be revealed so early to the public, and not under these circumstances," a few chuckles rang from the crowd, myself feeling embarrassed at this. "Nevertheless, we are here today to officially introduce the only Princess of the Kingdom and to honour her eighteenth birthday today, the age of maturity," my father shortly summarized, not wishing to drag out a long speech. "Without further ado, I introduce to you Her Royal Highness, Princess Melanie Anabelle Darlington the Forth," I took that as my que, heading out into the spotlight. I was deafened by the many voices, the entire regiment of soldiers saluting me at the exact same time. It made me marvel at their discipline. I stood gracefully, my chin a little up and my posture noteworthy. I could see my mother nodding slightly at me with a smile, proudness on her expression. The crowd all bowed respectfully, the large band I had not previously seen also saluted although a little struggled with their large instruments. This was basically a pintsized version of my parents' birthday pageantries. After a few more formalities, none of it including me speaking to the public, the three of us took our places on the thrones. Mine was considerably smaller than my parents', but because this was my birthday celebration, I was placed at the front of the balcony. The mass band played music in the background, their beautiful sounds warming my heart. The colonel of the regiment began to march the regiment into the middle of the square, their synchronized movement almost creating an optical illusion. I was even more surprised when the band began to march to the sides of the square, their movements identical even though they were splitting up. I felt proud of my country. The colonel took charge and began to shout out various commands, the regiment following them instantaneously. They walked through one another, changed their weapon arms, uncloaked themselves and more; all while doing them synchronized. I was thoroughly impressed, and I could see the crowd was to. This was the quality of British Royal Guards. The band and the regiment's movements went up to an hour, and I began to debate how hot they must be feeling after all that tedious labour. I respected them and I told my parents that, giving me proud nods in reply to my comment. I could tell they practiced quite a lot for this. At the end of the event I was struck with even more surprises, such as the Royal Air Force sending a flyby right over our heads. I was truly amazed and to end it all off with something that made me feel unworthy of it, the regiment performed a forty-one gun salute including four canons. I felt truly honoured. "Let's return to the palace for the banquet," my father said at the end, following my mother and me as we stepped from the balcony. I felt like I was on a happy high, not caring for his words as all I could think about is how special I felt. A portion of the army and so many spectators came today for a performance entirely just for me. There was nothing that could make me feel connected to the kingdom than this. "Melanie!" I heard calling and saw Sarina entering the room with the twins in pursuit, her face revealing how she felt about the heat as I saw her glistering. I could see my mother give her a quick glance and it took me a moment to realise why my mother would do that. It was probably because she called me by my name. "That was amazing! The Royal Guards really are amazing! I have so much more respect for Ian now," she told me honestly, shaking her head a bit in astonishment. I chuckled at her reply, taking her into my arms for a quick hug. "Your Majesties, the cars are ready," a guard appeared, bowing his head. Nodding, my mother took the lead and we all followed her outside, full of excitement after the brilliant display of loyalty and talent.