"Behold our new Queen of Elizeth!" the announcer declared from atop a grand, polished staircase within the royal castle. His voice rang out across the crowd below, echoing through a ballroom glittering with jewels and porcelain.

The noble guests obediently bowed and curtsied as She stepped into the spotlight - their new Queen of Elizeth.

The crown upon Her head weighed heavy, as Her people’s expectant gazes pierced Her fragile frame. Although She towered above them from the height of the balcony, it felt as though Her body had shrunk.

She had awakened that morning, hoping that day was just a bad dream. In one moment, She had been a joyful girl, and in the next, becoming a heavy-hearted Queen. She was too young to ascend the throne, but the duty was hurriedly passed down from the recently deceased King and Queen to their only child. After their tragic accident, the girl became a lonely heir; tasked with protecting a world She didn’t yet understand, without those who mattered. Despite countless lectures and guidance, knowledge could never fill that aching gap a beloved parent left behind. There was no one left who truly understood Her - those who had, existed no more.

There She stood, hands sweating within Her gloves of the finest silk, gazing down at Her people from the second floor. As their eyes scanned her, She felt her cheeks flush with heat. Although She had attended many balls before, things had changed after Her parent’s passing - She had changed. And this was the first ball where all responsibility was on Her shoulders.

After drawing a deep, shaky breath, She forced a stiff smile onto Her pale, powdered face. The people below were dressed in expensive festive clothing, with ladies arm-in-arm with handsome gentlemen in suits. She was the only attendant standing alone, with only Her servants to bring reassurance. Nevertheless, everyone agreed that the most beautiful outfit belonged to Her, as She was the Queen of Elizeth.

Slowly descending the stairs towards the ballroom to meet Her guests, everyone politely kept their gazes on Her. Some with curiosity, some with admiration, others with disdain. With every added pair of eyes, it felt like time ticked slower, turning the short walk into an eternity.

Her trembling legs struggled to maintain balance in the slim heels She wore, making Her grasp the firm, golden railing to prevent a humiliating stumble. All while reminding Herself that this night would soon be over. But although the ball would eventually end, Her own duties had just begun.

When she reached the bottom, time sped back to normal - the music and dancing resumed, and some approached to greet Her, give their condolences, encouragement, or fake compliments - hoping to receive Her friendship just to gain a powerful ally. But it all only reached Her ears, none Her heart. Just like many of the guest’s smiles only reached their lips, but never their eyes. Living in the shadow of her parents, many whispered how She was not worthy of pity nor respect.

All She wanted was to run. But even as Her attention darted to every exit in the room, and She already thought of excuses to leave conversations, She remained in place. For this was Her celebration. The Queen of Elizeth had no choice but to stay.

Throughout the night, Her facade mirrored theirs, and Her responses remained short and polite - a skill honed through years of training. She could not forget that She was the Queen of Elizeth and always had to be at Her best.

People expected all the right actions from an inexperienced girl. She had never been to war, never held a weapon, and didn't even know how to dress herself without the help of chambermaidens. Yet they relied on Her to guide their success. They could lean back and watch as She took command. If She made a wrong move, they would quickly be on their feet and demand punishment, maybe even go after Her head.

As She wandered around the ballroom, She tried to join in on their fun but felt out of place and unwelcome. Here She was, and here they were, existing side by side yet in seemingly different worlds. The people laugh and drink their night away without worries, while Her job is to make sure it can remain that way. They are not the same.

And as the music died out, the last guests said goodnight and took their leave. She watched everyone return to a comfortable home, where they could leave their duties and shoes by the doorstep.

But the corridors of Her home are lined with portraits of former Kings and Queens - none of whom remain. When supper was ready and She headed for the dining room, she passed the grand throne and quickly looked away. Servants trail Her every step, and as the chambermaid shuts the blinds and closes the bedroom door for the night, a candle flickers on its golden stand. It casts a shimmering light on the tears rolling down the girl's cheeks. She is the Queen of Elizeth, burdened to resolve the problems of Her people, until She can no longer carry Her own.