My Black Inheritance

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As I found angles to look at myself from, I wondered how my hand had found itself curiously entangled in my mask, caressing it with gentleness.

What if someone looked at me? But with love in their eyes. For me. Me. A black girl from a different country would be loved by a royal man.

I shook that thought out of my head. Thoughts like those would corrupt your mind. That's what the Queen said to me when I tried to leave the castle at the age of seven.

Could a man ever be in love with me? Impossible.

"No," I firmly declared to myself, "love is not for you. Concentrate on your studies, for that is your true destiny."

"Princess Estelle? The time has come. "A rusty voice came through the door, making me look at my watch to see an hour had truly passed by like the wind.

After getting up, I walked to the door, opened it, and saw that the guard was holding his sword in his hand. He looked at me with a stern face, the intensity of his gaze making it clear that he was ready to fight if I didn't follow his orders.

"Okay," I answered before closing the door completely and following the Knight out.

The more I walked, the louder and more threatening the talking and gossiping became, which terrified me. I hoped that the Knight would be able to protect me from whatever was looming ahead, for I felt completely helpless against it.

The Knight then stood in front of a large door before pushing it, making a loud, harsh, piercing cry to silence everyone for five seconds. The sound of the door opening seemed to confirm my fears and I knew that I could only rely on the Knight if I was to survive this ordeal.

The Great Hall had managed to fit around four hundred people and there were still spaces for air. It glistened only because of the chandelier, which looked immensely resplendent with ornate glass and crystal.

Some stared at me with a feeling of revulsion or strong disapproval when I passed through the crowd. Amidst this grandeur, the disapproving looks made me feel out of place and unwelcome. Others did not even notice me because of my height.

While there was no announcement for me arriving, all of the Queen's biological grandchildren were introduced by descending the grand stairs with their parents. As I watched the grand entrance, I felt a twinge of envy, wishing I too could be welcomed in such an extravagant manner.

Applauds could be heard from a mile away as everyone rushed over to welcome them into the room. I took a deep breath, feeling inspired by the warm reception, and hoped that one day I too would be embraced with such love and admiration.

"It is now time to welcome Her Majesty the Queen!" The general announced, the trumpeters playing their instruments as the Queen arrived. I felt a wave of excitement rush through me as I watched the Queen being welcomed with such grandeur, and I knew I wanted to strive to be just like her one day.

She waved gracefully, looking down at everyone from the balcony and smiling before sitting on her rightfully earned throne. Everyone rose in unison and cheered to honour the Queen, their cheers reflecting the magnitude of their admiration and respect.

For men, they gave a neck bow while for women, a small curtsy was done, including me, so as not to stand out.

She had once again been applauded for all of her dedicated work over the years before she raised her hand to silence them. She smiled and nodded in appreciation, letting her audience know that she was truly humbled by their admiration.

"I am truly grateful for all of you to be able to attend my 50th reign anniversary and I hope this night will be cherished in your heart for the rest of your life,"

"Please enjoy yourself for the night," She exclaimed happily, each and every one of them chanting 'All hail the queen!'.

Classical music that gave special importance to beauty, elegance and balance was played, causing everyone to start talking again.

All of her guests were filled with joy and their spirits were lifted as they celebrated the Queen and the beautiful music that surrounded them. They knew that they were in a special place and that they were truly blessed to be a part of this special night.

For once, I felt socially uncomfortable; unsure and constrained in some manners. Standing against the wall and out of anyone's way, I observed the room's atmosphere. It was clear that I did not quite fit in with the rest of the guests, and I felt overwhelmed by the social interactions occurring around me.

The purpose of an event is to provide amusement and relaxation in various ways. This includes enjoyment for those who need some fun in their lives, refreshment for those unable to speak, and distraction for those whose lives are busy.

Then there was me, excluded from the group. I was not upset because I was already used to this but it still hurts to be alone.

Catherine had been talking to her friends, and the Queen had been talking to some of the guests. There was no way I was able to escape this place due to the guards surrounding the place until after the ballroom dance.

Just my luck isn't it? With no other viable option, I had to take part in the dance, mustering up every ounce of courage I had.

Luckily a waitress, who had some wine in her hands, was walking by me. With a bit of skill or just being clever, I took a glass without her realising.

I sipped on it before soon losing interest in the drink, dropping it at a nearby table.

I then felt eyes staring in my direction, which I had been feeling all night long. When I was able to track them down, his eyes were ones that I had never seen before.

It was a boy about my age. His skin was fair and his hair looked naturally curly but was gelled back. His eyes had really caught my attention though; the way his bright blue orbs reminded me of the sea in Luxor. His suit also made him look smart.

Though as soon as our eyes met, his face burned red, he looked away and vanished into the crowd.

Unconsciously, I raised my hand toward the man's last direction, but then I recoiled because of my situation.

I guess he was just disgusted by my skin tone and nothing else. I could feel the coldness of his stare as he judged me and I realized that my color was the only thing that mattered to him.

Wow, I really got my hopes up for a second. For that a man would love me for what I was. Sadly, I was wrong; his prejudice was too strong to ignore.

Trumpets were heard again to quieten everybody and the man that announced appeared from the balcony like he did before for the Queen's appearance.

"Now to the dance that everyone has been looking forward to, please take your partner to the ball!" The announcer proclaimed.

Even though the dance required the couples to sway and move slowly, everyone's energy doubled when the word 'dance' was uttered.

With everyone getting their own partner quickly, that was when I really felt isolated. It was like an invisible wall was created between me and the other people in the room. I felt like I was the only one who was not included in the fun and I felt so out of place.

No woman had been standing alone but had been joyfully chatting with their male partner. Well every woman except me. Even as I watched the others laughing and having a good time, I felt a wave of loneliness wash over me as I realized I was the only one not paired up.

Great, now the dance that everyone has been waiting for but the dance that I have been dreading for weeks now. I can only hope that I make it through the night without humiliation. . . .