Supper with the Queen

As they prepared to leave, Lucian and Aeliana made their way back through the palace halls, only to be stopped at the entrance by Queen Celithe. The Queen stood tall, her hands clasped before her, and her violet eyes gleamed with a knowing look.

"Oh, are you leaving so soon, my dear?" she asked, her tone as smooth as silk. "I was sooo.... hoping you would join me for a meal before you go."

Aeliana hesitated, glancing at Lucian, who gave her a subtle smirk. She turned back to her stepmother, shaking her head politely. "We wouldn't want to overstay our welcome, Mother. There's still much to prepare for back home."

Celithe waved a graceful hand, dismissing her concern. "Nonsense. Come, we have much to discuss—unless, of course, you are far too busy with your queen."

Aeliana blinked, caught off guard. "I…" She glanced at Lucian again, but his unbothered demeanor offered no help. With a resigned sigh, she nodded. "Of course, Mother."

The Queen's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Splendid. This way."

At the dining table, the tension between Aeliana and Lucian was palpable, though they masked it with polite smiles. Queen Celithe, however, was in her element, pouring tea and directing servants with effortless grace.

"I was thinking," Celithe began as she set her teacup down, "that the announcement of your engagement deserves a proper celebration. A ball, to be held on the flourishing borderline of the Light and Dark lands. It would be the perfect stage to declare your union to the world."

Aeliana nearly dropped her fork. "A ball? Mother, that really won't be necessary. Everyone already knows of our engagement."

"Yes," Celithe said, her tone amused, "I've heard from Elder Thalorin himself. He wasn't particularly thrilled about it, but he did mention the news. However, a formal announcement would solidify this union in the eyes of both realms. A mere whisper among the courts won't do for something of this magnitude."

Aeliana and Lucian exchanged a look, their shared disbelief unspoken, but loud enough to fill the room.

"That would be too much," Aeliana tried to protest, her polite smile strained. "We've already taken up so much of everyone's time and energy—"

"Nonsense!" Celithe interrupted, her voice light but firm. "I've already spoken with Lucian's closest kin, and we've made all the arrangements. Everything will be ready in two days."

Lucian raised an eyebrow, his amusement barely contained. "Two days? Efficient."

"Naturally," Celithe said, pleased. "It is my duty to ensure this is done properly. After all, this union is about more than just the two of you. It represents the hopes of both our people."

Aeliana placed a hand on her forehead, muttering under her breath, "Of course it does."

Lucian leaned closer to her, his voice low and teasing. "I think your mother just hijacked our engagement."

"She does that," Aeliana whispered back, exasperation evident.

Celithe's sharp ears caught their exchange, and she smiled knowingly. "You'll thank me later, I'm sure. Now, enjoy your meal. You'll need your strength for the festivities."

The couple shared another speechless glance, both silently resigning themselves to the inevitable whirlwind that was Queen Celithe's determination.

The afternoon sun filtered through the towering stained-glass windows of the palace dressing chambers, casting a kaleidoscope of light over the rows of dresses arranged before Aeliana and Queen Celithe. The Queen sat regally on a cushioned chair, her sharp eye assessing every gown that the attendants brought forward.

"You must be flawless," Celithe said, her tone firm but warm. "This ball will set the tone for your reign—and for the peace you hope to create. The crowd will look to you as the embodiment of this union. So, the dress must be perfect."

Aeliana sighed softly, holding up the hem of the latest gown she had tried on. "Mother, I'm starting to think perfection might not exist."

"Nonsense, child. Perfection is simply patience." Celithe gestured toward the attendants. "Bring the next one."

The first dress shimmered like molten sunlight, made of silk that seemed to flow like water as Aeliana moved. The bodice was encrusted with golden embroidery in the shape of ivy vines, and delicate cap sleeves rested on her shoulders. The skirt flared out dramatically, its layered tulle catching the light with every step.

Celithe tilted her head, unimpressed. "Beautiful, yes, but too bright. You're not a beacon; you're a bridge between realms. Something more balanced."

The second dress was daring and bold, in a rich crimson hue that matched the roses of the Dark Lands. It's off-the-shoulder design emphasized Aeliana's collarbones, while the fitted bodice accentuated her figure. The skirt flared out dramatically, with a slit that hinted at her legs as she moved. Tiny black gemstones glittered along the hem, giving the gown a mysterious edge.

Aeliana turned to Celithe, arching an eyebrow. "This feels… like it's meant for someone else."

Celithe laughed softly. "Indeed. You're representing unity, not just the Dark Lands. The red is too singular."

As Aeliana stepped behind the screen to change again, she glanced at her stepmother, curiosity tugging at her. "Where did Lucian disappear to, by the way? He was supposed to help with these decisions."

Celithe's lips curved into a sly smile. "Oh, I sent him off to his kind. The Light Kingdom doesn't stock the dark colors he so loves. He needed to be fitted properly, and I certainly wasn't going to let him stand here sulking through this process."

Aeliana shook her head, muttering, "Figures."

Finally, the attendants brought out a dress so magnificent that it immediately silenced the room. Aeliana's breath caught as she stepped into it.

The gown was a masterpiece of subtle unity between light and dark hues. The base was a shimmering, stunning silver that seemed to glow like moonlight, and over it, a delicate overlay of translucent midnight blue fabric cascaded like a waterfall. The seams of the bodice were adorned with intricate embroidery of stars and constellations, made of tiny gemstones that sparkled as she moved.

The skirt flowed endlessly, pooling around her feet like a starry night sky, with hints of silver vines creeping through the midnight blue.

When Aeliana looked in the mirror, she gasped softly. The gown enhanced her platinum blonde hair, making it appear almost luminous. Her fair skin glowed against the moonlit hues, and her delicate features seemed to radiate a regal grace.

Celithe rose from her chair, her violet eyes gleaming with approval. "There it is. Flawless. This is the dress that will make them remember you forever."

Aeliana turned, smoothing the skirt as her heart raced. "It's… perfect," she admitted, a rare moment of agreement with her stepmother.

"Of course it is," Celithe said with a proud smile. "Now, my dear, you're ready to show the world what it means to be a queen."