Raised From The Wild-Chapter 36: A Grand Welcome
A stylist helped Amaya change into a traditional Lireyan gown. Her beautiful brown locks stood out when they were twisted in a sophisticated chignon low bun instead of the usual updo hairstyle where the bun is gathered on the top of the head. A few strands of her slightly wavy hair were left freely hanging to frame her oval and symmetrical face. The stylist cut the length of the strands so they perfectly hugged the side of her face. A small tiara was perched on top of her head.
"You are the most beautiful princess I have ever seen in Lireya." The stylist complimented her.
"Thank You!" Amaya replied politely.
When Amaya went out of the changing room, all the people in the plane were mesmerized by her beauty. She was wearing an ombré crimson purple gown that featured a strapless bodice with a sweetheart’s neck, a closed back, a beaded waistband, and a floor-length ball gown skirt. Silver appliqués of alternating length radiating from the waist to midway through the skirt’s length and butterflies adorning the hemline added a charming appeal to the gown.
Marx’s heart thumped wildly and his breath was caught in his throat when his gaze landed on the young woman who has turned his world upside down.
Prince Ibarra looked at the young princess before him for a few minutes. She was more beautiful than Danaya. She reminded him of the grand wedding that he had with her. He wed her twice. The first time was when he deceitfully replaced Ibrahim as the groom in the simple wedding that was only attended by his and her family members.
He held another wedding ceremony for her a month after. It was a grand wedding that the entire country of Lireya witnessed and celebrated.
Ibarra was brought back to where he was when he heard murmurs of how beautiful his first daughter was. But Amaya was not his daughter. No matter what, he and his brother looked the same. He will take care of his daughter like she was his own. He owed it to his twin brother.
The entourage alighted from the royal aircraft at eight am. There were a lot of officials and paparazzi waiting for them on the tarmac.
There were also soldiers wearing their gala uniforms standing in position. Amaya was amazed by the sight that welcomed her. But when the royal band raised strange-looking things in their hands and started to play the Lireyan National Anthem, she was startled she almost jumped. She was scared. The sound was too much for her and she instinctively covered her ears with her hands.
"Stay still and stand straight. Remove your hands from your ears. That’s the Lireyan National Anthem and your action is an insult." The Crown Prince berated her. His voice was deep and loud so she heard him clearly over the clanging of the cymbals and beating of the snare drums.
Amaya straightened her body and put down her hands back to her side. Amaya wanted to cry. It took her a lot of effort to blink away the tears that clouded her eyes. The paparazzi noticed her small actions and snapped photos.
Marx rushed to her side and took her hand and squeezed it gently. He ignored the side glare that the Crown Prince gave him.
"Are you alright? You will adjust to the loud sound soon. That’s the Lireyan Royal Band and they are playing Lireyan National Anthem. They are holding musical instruments. The one on the left is holding the cymbals. Next to them are the trumpets and the snare drums." Marx explained gently to her.
Amaya felt the warmth from Marx’s hand. She briefly looked at him. Her eyes conveyed her gratefulness. She was thankful that there was someone who understood how she felt at the moment.
When her ears adjusted to the noise, she realized that the sound was very pleasant but just too loud. She became curious and studied how the soldiers before her, played the instruments. After some time they stopped playing. The song has ended.
Crown Prince Ibarra made a short speech. He thanked everyone for the warm welcome and he introduced his long-lost daughter briefly. Amaya curtsied to the delight of the crowd.
Ibrahim’s golden coffin was brought down from the airplane. The Lireyan Flag was draped over it. The crowd that has gathered on the tarmac bowed their head in silence for five minutes.
Six soldiers carried the coffin to the awaiting vehicle. It was a military truck with an open platform on top and decked with baby’s breath, white lilies, and yellow chrysanthemums. The coffin was drowned in a sea of flowers and four honor guards, one from the navy, one from the army, one from the air force, and one from the police stood stiffly at the four corners of the coffin.
Ibrahim’s portrait from three years ago was placed in front of the vehicle and Amaya can’t help but feel nostalgic as her eyes lingered longingly on the painting on the coffin.
Prince Ibarra started walking towards the vehicle that would take them back to Asteria Palace.
Amaya had difficulty walking because she was using a stiletto. She tripped on her long skirt a few times.
"Hold on to my arm." Marx offered her the crook of his arm which Amaya accepted happily. "Why did they let you wear high heels?" He frowned.
"I don’t know. I also didn’t know the shoes is difficult to use." Amaya complained.
"You will get used to it later on."
Amaya was walking slowly so they fell behind. Prince Ibarra has already reached the vehicle. It was beautifully decorated with different colorful and fragrant flowers. Prince Ibarra was frowning and he was getting impatient as he waited for Amaya.
Amaya saw the scowl on the crown prince’s face. She hastened her steps but she tripped again. Her grip tightened on Marx’s arm.
"Take it slow or you’re going to hurt your feet."
Amaya estimated the distance that she needed to walk and If she continued she will definitely sprain her ankle. She bent down and took off both of her shoes.
"What are doing?" Marx was horrified
The paparazzi were also shocked but they did not forget to snap photos.
"I’m going to twist my ankle if I continue wearing this. I don’t like that because it will take a long time to heal."
She studied the shoes in her hand. She snapped off the pointed heels of the shoes and put them back on her feet.
Marx was speechless.
The crowd was dumbfounded.
