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The Porcelain Crown


By Hope Batista
























Chapter 1


The ballroom had never looked more extravagant. Sparkling chandeliers hung elegantly, looking like stars in the black night sky. 
I could hear the tink of champagne glasses already.
Tables lined the exterior edges of the room, the most divinely delicious hors d’oeuvres placed atop them. I inhaled the scent of butter and chocolate, some of my most favorite things.
The room glistened in the setting sunlight, golden hues making it all look ethereal. 
I followed Miriam, the maid I had befriended years ago, into the chaos of it all, watching as all the help scurried about. Everyone was preparing for our annual Founding Day ball, celebrating the founding of our beloved nation, Veloire. Guests were set to arrive in a matter of minutes, and Mother always made sure things were set to polished perfection. 
Nothing short of it, not for the Queen.
I watched as my stunning mother swayed into the ballroom, her sapphire satin gown with golden embroidery flowing behind her. Every step she took demanded attention, and servants bowed as she crossed the room.
“Seraphine, dear! Oh, how beautiful. You are an image this evening.”
Mother grabbed my hands and her soft smile lines calmed the chaos of the goings on around us.
“Thank you, Mother. Miriam and Eloise finished my gown this morning. Isn’t it a dream?”
I did a little spin to prove my point.
The dress truly was a dream. It looked like it was made of roses, with soft tulle fabric water-falling down, embroidered flowers covering my sleeves and swimming down the skirt.
My maids were simply gifted.
Mother tucked a loose strand of brown hair behind my ear, looking to tidy my updo.
“Divine,” was all she said, before walking towards the balcony to monitor the crowd piling in through the gates.
The Founding Day Ball was a ticketed event. Only the wealthiest individuals were allowed entry, as the tickets were incredibly expensive. There were numerous guidelines for any

The Porcelain Crown By Hope Batista Chapter 1 The ballroom had never looked more extravagant. Sparkling chandeliers hung elegantly, looking like stars in the black night sky. I could hear the tink of champagne glasses already. Tables lined the exterior edges of the room, the most divinely delicious hors d’oeuvres placed atop them. I inhaled the scent of butter and chocolate, some of my most favorite things. The room glistened in the setting sunlight, golden hues making it all look ethereal. I followed Miriam, the maid I had befriended years ago, into the chaos of it all, watching as all the help scurried about. Everyone was preparing for our annual Founding Day ball, celebrating the founding of our beloved nation, Veloire. Guests were set to arrive in a matter of minutes, and Mother always made sure things were set to polished perfection. Nothing short of it, not for the Queen. I watched as my stunning mother swayed into the ballroom, her sapphire satin gown with golden embroidery flowing behind her. Every step she took demanded attention, and servants bowed as she crossed the room. “Seraphine, dear! Oh, how beautiful. You are an image this evening.” Mother grabbed my hands and her soft smile lines calmed the chaos of the goings on around us. “Thank you, Mother. Miriam and Eloise finished my gown this morning. Isn’t it a dream?” I did a little spin to prove my point. The dress truly was a dream. It looked like it was made of roses, with soft tulle fabric water-falling down, embroidered flowers covering my sleeves and swimming down the skirt. My maids were simply gifted. Mother tucked a loose strand of brown hair behind my ear, looking to tidy my updo. “Divine,” was all she said, before walking towards the balcony to monitor the crowd piling in through the gates. The Founding Day Ball was a ticketed event. Only the wealthiest individuals were allowed entry, as the tickets were incredibly expensive. There were numerous guidelines for any

Enchanting Woman with short brown bangs
she wears a white crop top 
she also wears paisley print leggings

godly energy glowing in her eyes

They have returned from a epic battle

Enchanting Woman with short brown bangs she wears a white crop top she also wears paisley print leggings godly energy glowing in her eyes They have returned from a epic battle

A corrupted paladin with cracked armor and glowing red eyes standing in a field of dead warriors

A corrupted paladin with cracked armor and glowing red eyes standing in a field of dead warriors