Author's Note: The story about to be told is based of an actual ceremony that happened every morning at the palace of Versailles, during King Louis XIV's reign, the "Rising of the King".
*7:45 A.M., Versailles palace*
Sky-blue eyes gazing in wonderment around me, I sat down weakly in a luxurious chair, moon-blonde hair caressing the material.
'Why me', I thought in despair, 'why me?'
Then it came in a flash why I had to be present for the morning ceremony. Mother (named Maria) was sick in bed, and Father (named Anthony) was away on a business trip. My older brothers Mahieu (meaning 'gift of god') and Marlon (meaning 'wild falcon'), both aged 16, had already woken up and gone off hunting with the rest of the prestigious hunt club.
'Sometimes,' I thought with disgust, 'being 13, the youngest sibling, stinks, even if you do belong to one of the most richest and powerful families in France'.
Oh, my apologies. I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Celeste Chantelle Adalicia, a member of one of the richest...I'm sorry. You already heard that, haven't you? My name means 'heavenly singer nobility' which I think is suitable because everyone has called me an angel when I sing, but I don't know why. Maybe it has something to do with my looks, sky-blue eyes, moon-blonde hair, and creamy pale skin; perhaps both my voice and looks, but I'll work on that minor issue later.
Smoothing my morning gown, a simple bright blue silk print with slightly puffy sleeves and white edging and ribbon, I thought about the ceremony I was going to take part in, the "Rising of the King". A brief rundown of the ceremony goes as follows: 7:45 A.M. - royal fire starters, watch winder and wig maker enter the room (the wig maker brings the King's early morning wig), 8:00 A.M. -valet officially wakes the king (who pretends to sleep still) and the two top doctors and the King's nursemaid enter the room (the maid gives the King a kiss), 8:15 A.M. (the part that I'm scared about) - the most privileged nobles and priests come and watch King Louis get dressed.
It is said that to be a member of that group is the highest honor in the palace. Well, it might be to a 25 year old man or something, but definitely not to a 13 year old girl who has to stand in her Father's place.
However, a small fact lightened the load on my back a little. When King Louis heard that I was to stand in for my Father, he had instructed one of his personal guards to escort me to his bad chamber at 7:45, so I won't be late; which is why I was currently sitting in a chair in the royal bed chamber, watching the fire starters and watch winder do their craft.
The wig maker was standing behind the marble fence erected between the King's bed and the rest of the spacious room. Like him, I was on the same side as he was, although I was sitting, not standing.
"Celeste, my heavenly angel, how are you this fair morning?" The wig maker (whose name was Ames) asked, gliding over to my winged chair.
I smiled at the young looking yet middle-aged man. Ames' name means 'friend' in French, and he lived up to that name completely. I fondly think of him as my Uncle; I can tell him my problems, and he'll listen to me. Besides, I always know where to find him: his wig shop.
"I've been worse Ames. A little tired, but willing to stand in for Father."
"That's my girl, always doing her best." His face suddenly clouded. "But why couldn't one of your brothers come?"
I glanced down, not meeting his storm gray eyes. "Mahieu and Marlon were already at the hunt club when Father came to tell us yesterday he would be leaving on a business trip. Mother was sick in bed so she couldn't go, and my brothers were out of the picture, so Father chose me."
"Don't worry my dear; the ceremony is not as boring as you might think. And if you listen closely," he said winking, "the conversations are very interesting."
Glancing at the clock that the winder had just finished working on, he smiled. "How time flies my darling. It's only a mere minute until the clock strikes eight. Sit tight Celeste, the ceremony is about to get a little more interesting."
