Surprises Galore (III)

"Your Imperial Majesty, the army leaders of Louvaros are waiting outside," whispered Steward Kavi.

"Excellent, start the ceremony."

The party was led into the hall by another official. The young men and women that marched in behind their leader were all immaculately dressed in their lightly armoured uniform.

A few whispers from the younger nobles went through the crowd as they started showing more interest in the procession after Velia. Not in their usual blood and grime covered state, the soldiers were a sight to see.

Kamaria was busy gesturing to her attendants behind her fan without looking at the group as they marched in. The burgundy robed officials on each side bowed to the soldiers as they stood to attention.

General Kasabien and his lieutenant general paid their respects to the emperor before taking their place a few steps down from the throne, next to the Imperial Minister of Defence and Imperial Grand Commander.

"On behalf of the Empire, we thank the army of Louvaros for their contribution in the latest campaigns and tireless work keeping our borders safe. Due to the leadership of you young men and women, we all can rest easier at night," announced the head advisor. 

The commander of the imperial army nodded, and the soldiers bowed.

"It is with pride that you are all issued with parcels of land and a promotion of one rank as a reward for your efforts. Imperial Princess Kamaria, please step forward to issue the edict to the newly promoted Officer Ulfric."

Kamaria was stunned for a moment when the Advisor called her name, not knowing why she was chosen to issue the edict. It was Velia who was always chosen for such occasions seeing as she was the empress's daughter and therefore a first rank princess. 

The three older princesses never dared to question this and neither did their mothers.

No wonder her mother suddenly showed up and insisted on her being dressed in a more intricate outfit than usual even having an entire afternoon of getting her henna pattern done.

When Kamaria stood up to accept the edict scroll from the head advisor, she was not the only person who was surprised making the hushed whispers intensify.

Her siblings had barely noticed that she was not in the procession when they entered but she had their attention now and that of the audience.

As the empress consort's daughter, she was barely ever seen.

Then again being the youngest princess and being sickly from what most had heard, she was likely to be tightly protected. It was really one of the few times people could freely observe her even from a distance.

All eyes landed on her as she walked, the dress trailing behind her as she descended the steps. The embroidered patterns of her silk chiffon kaftan with long fluttering sleeves, echoed the shimmering stars on her dress and crown.

Half-tied waist length braids that transformed from black to silver halfway to the curly edges swayed with each step.

For those who were lucky enough, they could even see the beautiful bronze highlights as her chestnut skin sparkled in the sunlight.

It was a marvel to behold in the afternoon light, making a few people sit up including Urien who had been wondering about her whereabouts.

Would he really be lucky enough to marry this captivating young woman? His mother didn't miss the reaction and was highly satisfied with his choice.

Besides the fact that Kamaria was pleasing to the eye, her status was among the best without being too prominent.

The empress glanced at her husband who was intently watching his daughter with such pride and joy in his eyes. Being included in such ceremonies was something of a social debut for her. 

The empress had not thought that her husband would keep such a decision from her as it was her who decided social events for all the women in the palace and other internal palace matters.

Velia turned to her mother with a look of protest, but the empress quietened her with just a glance. How dare her daughter almost embarrass her as if she wasn't dealing with enough.

The Commander almost smiled as Kamaria walked past them while Minister Vilaro glanced up at his sister with a questioning look and then back to the young woman.

Consort Johari could barely hold back the tears as she looked at her daughter finally debut, but she kept her composure while Scholar Tusi slightly raised an eyebrow from his position.

The young woman would always be a silly little girl to him and the moment her name was announced, her position as a background character in the play was changed. Avoiding it was impossible now and there were fewer ways for her to exit the stage.

Kamaria was handling the sudden attention as best as she could since she had no choice about being drawn into this mess. As she approached, there was an officer on one knee in front of the steps with his head down. 

Her attention turned to the matter at hand. Ulfric? Was this the rumoured Blood Wolf? She paused a step above him and readied her voice.

"I, Imperial Princess Kamaria of the second order, issue this edict on behalf of his Imperial Majesty, our Emperor confirming that none may overturn his mighty word! He confers unto thee the rank and title Lieutenant Colonel Sorin Ulfric, arise!" she announced in a clear voice with every word beautifully articulated. 

When Sorin looked up, the first thing he saw were intricately decorated henna hands holding the silk scroll. Looking up further, the sun rays behind the princess caught on her bright dress giving the entire person a warm glow.

The star and moon halo crown only served to confirm her existence as a celestial being as it glittered when she tilted her head.

Both stood frozen for a few moments until they realised they were not supposed to make eye contact and shifted their gazes as he accepted the document. 

Seeing him was the last thing she has expected. Was he the ruthless soldier she had heard about? The same one who had been catering to all her little food whims the entire night of the festival? 

The man who had listened intently while they shared meaningless gossip about the most trivial things?

She didn't know whether to laugh, be embarrassed or be worried. While trying not to think about it any further, she gracefully lowered her head to him and then made her way up the steps again.

"Trouble, trouble," she said as soon as she arrived at her seat and the girls instantly paid attention to her.

"Look at the officers," she insisted. Lili and Raisa looked up and almost gasped out loud.

"Do you think he'll talk about seeing us that night?" asked Raisa.

"Don't say something like that. You're just inviting misfortune upon us," said Kamaria, lightly hitting Raisa with her fan.