Hera's Big Day

Good morrow everyone. It is time to announce the best day in which it ever was. That is my day of birth. I'm so happy to finally be eighteen. 

"Hera darling it's eight in the morning let your father and I get some more sleep. We have a busy day ahead of us."

But mother it is my coronation day. We must rise early. Every minute wasted is a day less in the sun of the greatest day. 

"What was that my sweet Hera." Her father King Philip grumbled

"Oh heavens you've woken your father."

The servants arrive. "Your highnesses it is time to begin the ceremony."

Hera runs to halls of the palace where the staff are beginning to prepare. Silver plates cover a third of the long dining table. Bouquets of white roses are placed decoratively in giant vases. A few of the maids wipe the floor clean.

"Don't be too haste with the cleaning. What if I were to fall?" Hera complains

The group of maids all cower. They apologize in unison. 

She rushes out to the gates towards the townspeople. Bouts of cheering and compliments emerge from the crowd.

"Hera! Hera! Hera! You're the most beautiful princess!"

Hera blushes. She walks closer to the entrance. The guards wait for the command of King Philip and Queen Beatrice to open the gate. They pull apart the gates of the slightly rusted over steel fence. An aggravating metal creaking sound occurs. A crowd of all types of people young children, women, and men are escorted into the palace. 

Burly heavy chested men stampede over the crowd making their way to the buffet. Less built scrawny boys follow after. Women all awe over the beautiful architecture. The glowing chandeliers, the giant windows, and the cascading stairs. Hera looks at the people ogling over the food and the palace. She scoffs. 

She sees a young boy that looks her age with dark brown hair. He has tattered clothes and a hole in his loafers. Her mother calls her over for a toast.

"Now settle everyone. Once the feast has finished. We will carry on to the coronation of my daughter Hera. Go ahead and dig in."

In a whisper "Have these people not eaten. Why do they look so famished?" asks Hera

"Don't be idiotic my sweet Hera. The people of this town live well because of us. Is it not because we are so gracious that they feast."

"True mother, I mean Queen Beatrice."

Hera goes back to watch the different type of civilians. She sees the strong blacksmith type drink beer and shred up the meat. The weaker men such as merchants or farmers take small pieces of bread from the table and are wary. At a first glance, the women seem to get along. They make compliments about one's makeup and attire. 

"I just adore your gown. From whom did you have it stitched from?"

The ladies laughed haughtily

Anyone with a brain could tell it was a lie. Her gowns appeared to be drapes from leftover flour sacks. That and her dowdy appearance made her an easy target. She oddly however took it as genuine interest.

"Oh, this is just some rubbish from leftover pieces. But you are all so kind."

The dame that seems to be in charge made movements with her eyes insinuating their next plan. The other women followed. The rest of the sequence played as if it were steps in a book. One of the girls tripped her purposefully. While the others spilt wine on her.

"I am so sorry Heather. I did not mean for my glass to spill."

Heather smiles "That is all well. Will you excuse me?"

Hera follows Heather into the bathroom. She finds Heather in tears with wine stains all over her dress. She meant to only glance, but she was spotted by Heather.

"Your highness. I apologize you have to see such a lowly peasant in such a state. You are so kind and gracious for even inviting all of us to the kingdom."

Hera smirks "I am. I truly am. Let's first clean you up." 

She hands Heather her handkerchief and makes her way to the exit. 

The royal persons such as duchesses and dukes all gather in a secret hall away from the civilians. 

"Why must we be together with those impoverished people? Why did the queen suggest for equality?" 

"It is one day my lord. Please have patience for the great Queen Beatrice." says the Duchess of Everwood

"Very well" he answers.

Duke of Everwood was a prideful man. He wore a blue tailcoat with a ruffled long-sleeve blouse underneath. His wife the Duchess was beautiful to match his ego. She adorned a blue dress with ruffle sleeves. Her hair was in ringlets fastened with a hair pin. The two of them suited each other well. There were other high officials as well but only of the status of a Lord. Similar to their status the Lords kept a quiet profile. There was only one Lady she was married to Lord Neville. 

Hera saw the friends of her father located in an other area from the people, and wondered why they were in a different positioning. Her thoughts were interrupted by her mother, and she ignored her question. In front of her was a crowd of people seated and standing. There were few royalty compared to title less people yet the quantity with the most people stood. Royal families from all over filled the seated areas. 

She walked towards the front of the stage. Queen Beatrice took the crown from the special pillow and placed it on her head. Everyone cheers from front to back.

"My Queen." Chants are heard from all over the palace.

 "Silence." Queen Beatrice announces the beginning of the courtship ball. In the rules she allows anyone to attend. The procedure is allow people regardless of class to find their partner. The age requirements involve anyone from 18-25 to join in.