welcome home, princess

Crown could hear the great hall alive with music and chatters and next there was quiet, and this was her cue to let her know it was time to meet the rest of Tahu. 

Hours of getting prepared had ended with her in a pink ball gown that was adorned with heavy designs, with lace and a beautiful beadworj that glistened when she moved. It's corset was so tight she thought she was going to pass out while the layers of silk and tulle created a voluminous skirt that swept the floor.

The crier announced her arrival as the large double doors that had been the only thing separating her from them swung wide open.

A hush fell on the crowd. She didn't want to move but she had to. Right at the end of hall was a large heavily decorated banquet table and behind it sat her new family and she could see the seat meant for her.

"I'd stand at a spot you can easily see me. When all else fails, focus on me and you will be fine." Eli had told her moments earlier in the carriage. So her eyes searched for her but instead it settled on Zaccai, god, he was beautiful, dashing and intimidating if she allowed. Her eyes locked on him as she started to move.

Crown could hear the gasps and whispers as she did. She got the end of the hall and was greeted by King Zadok and Queen Lieve. The other royals were seated to her left and right in a similar setting, and she could feel their eyes on her. Despite the discomfort it brought her, she had to get through the night, one moment at a time.

The King stood to give a formal introduction as she took a bow.

"Everyone one of us in this room are gathered here for one reason alone, to celebrate my son on his new accomplishment, and a beautiful one if I may add," he paused to laugh. "But mostly to celebrate a special and bold soul amongst us tonight, the only one of her kind in all the lands of beasts in over half a millennium." He raised his cup to a toast as everyone who had a cup in their hand followed suit. "My daughter in-law and wife to my son, the youngest ever defender of the seat of power and order, Princess Crown Zeror." He looked down as he raised his cup to her, giving her his best look of approval, as did the Queen.

Zaccai came out from behind the table to come take her hand then, placing a gentle kiss on it, he quietly thought that she had never looked as beautiful as she did now. 

"Welcome home, princess." He said.

Crown plastered her best fake smile yet. "Thank you, your highness," They both turned to the tables where the other royals sat and curtsied before heading to their seats.

"And with that, let the celebrations begin!" King Zadok announced taking his seat.

"It's lovely to see you again daughter in-law, tell me did my son give you trouble at all since you got here?" He spoke over Zaccai to her.

"He's been. . .kind sir."

"Look at her, already out to protect your image son. If you ever need help getting him in line or you just want to ruffle his fur, come find me." He said with a light tone.

Crown smiled at his words. "I'd be sure to remember that your highness."

"Good. Good. Do enjoy the celebration."

"I believe I will."

A group of dancers came out to perform, there was child who read out a poem in adulation to their marriage. Crown tried to enjoy it all.

The orchestra began playing a waltz, and the guests started to take to the dance floor. 

"Let's go."

"Go where, I do not know how to dance. Have you forgotten in a hurry our wedding."

"Just come with me, either you dance or not. You have to mingle with the guest. It's customary and polite."

She stood up reluctantly allowing him lead her to the dance floor.

As the night wore on, the royals came to introduce themselves one after another. Crown recognised Lanai Keros and greeted her more happily than she had intended. Then she met Bani Ai and could sense trouble, along with something familiar

"Have we ever met before?" Bani asked her as he took her hand to greet her properly.

"Why would our paths ever cross?" Crown looked confused.

"Just a thought."

"Why would you even have such thoughts?"

"It's nothing little princess."

"Don't you ever address her in such manner again." Zaccai warned stepping forward as Bani took a step back.

"Ah, calm down royal Prince, no need to have your claws out in the presence of such beauty." Bani paused then said quietly, "Welcome again to Tahu, Royal Princess Crown." He took a bow and blended back into the party.

Without warning Zaccai took her hand in his and squeezed. She found it oddly comforting, with people coming up to her, either to say a welcome or take a closer look at her, she was starting to feel uneasy.

"You are to avoid Bani Ai wherever and whenever you cross paths with him." Zaccai whispered to her.

"Why?"

"Do not ask, just do as I say?"

"Is this you slowly taking away my right to make my own decisions."

"You do not have the luxury of that in this situation, just do as I say." He said flatly.

"No. I will not do as you say, in fact—" She violently snatched her hand back. "—I need some space and air." It was then she saw Eli and headed towards her, letting her need show.

"Where have you been?" She queried.

"I'm sorry princess."

"I feel suffocated and nervous too." She complained like a child would.

"Right this way, but we can't be gone for long." Eli led her out of hall by the side and into a stoned balcony that was carved around the building upward like a snake latching on to its prey.

"I need water Eli." Crown said after a few moments of silence.

"Stay here, I'd get some. Please do no move."

"Do not worry, this garment is heavy enough to keep me in place." She assured with a small smile.

She looked out into the city now dotted with lights from the streets or homes of people. It looked so peaceful and picturesque.

"Will I ever belong here?" She thought but her thoughts were cut short when she heard voices above her from the balcony. She recognized one of the voices but not the other. It was Bani Ai. She frowned at the thought of him

"Did you meet the new princess yet?" The strange voice asked.

Crown's interest spiked at the sound of that and walked quietly towards the place it came from.