Chapter Seven

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Calliope's PoV

The mood seemed to have changed within the Wysteria Estate as every single woman gazed up at the sky. The full moon was at its peak, the clouds seeming to part almost symbolically in preparation for the man who ruled over it. The celebration was forgotten and now, each of the women seemingly sending the incredible force of power that was approaching.

"He's right on time."

Ira murmured, seemingly displeased by the Beast King Immortal's affinity for keeping time. It meant spending even less time with her daughter. It meant letting her go and allowing her to leave the safety and confines of Earth realm. It meant living life, for a time, without her daughter by her side as she had always been. Everything was changing and she didn't know how to feel.

"Alright, my love. Its time for you to venture forth into your future. Remember, you are so strong and so brave. You are a Rowenys and that will Never change. I am so proud of you, my beautiful Calli. And you look so beautiful tonight."

Ira chose to place her prejudice aside, to focus on giving her daughter all the support she could as she had promised her. This was not the time to show doubt or anger. Calli needed her to be brave. She needed her to trust her judgement and that was exactly what she planned to do. It seemed to be the right choice as her daughter granted her a radiant and thankful smile.

Ira's compliment was not misplaced.

Calliope looked absolutely stunning in her nude colored, floor-length lace gown that was covered in fantastical embroidery that seemed to shimmer in the light of the moon and the fairy lights that illuminated the backyard and the man that had now emerged from the shadows of the Forest beyond the Wysteria Estate and was now being greeted by Kelsey and her sisters.

The long sleeves were an embroidered chiffon, and the sweetheart neckline showcased her beautiful neck that was adorned with an heirloom golden bell pendant given to her by her grandmother. It was a piece she had always seen on her and her mother growing up- only theirs were a different color.

"This is a symbol of the Royal Family. It is known as The Tree of Life, a small representation of the grand Tree that grows in the middle of Ikraseon and protects all of our people from dark forces. This pendant has been passed down through generations. The one you wear now as you take your position as a Princess of Ikraseon belonged to your great grandmother. She was a warrior, just as you are. It protected her for many years, and I know it will do the same for you. Keep it on you always. Promise me."

Elisen had explained on the first day of her training and Calliope had promised to never remove the family heirloom that somehow made her feel warm and protected. It made her feel closer to the women who came before her, stronger because she somehow knew that they had her back.

Her elven ears were also adorned with golden lace leaf ear cuff jewelry that matched her pendant perfectly. Her waist length hair had been braided expertly by her mother who had taught her how to whilst equally infusing emerald and golden rhinestones as well as white baby breath flowers within the curls loose flowing curls and the braids.

Her makeup had been done by both her mother and grandmother who had stuck to neutral tones. Mascara, a light dusting of golden eye shadow to keep in tone with her outfit, light pink blush to give her cheeks some color and some gloss for her lips. She didn't need much, though. Only enough to enhance her beauty which was saying something considering how flawless she already looked.

"It almost seems as if we are giving you away on your wedding day or your coronation but that will come later, and you can be sure we shall be there. Nothing will stop us, I promise you."

Ira commented presently, granting her a beautiful smile that Calliope returned before she turned to face her grandmother who carefully pulled the hood of her granddaughter's golden embroidered cloak atop her head. It was the final step, almost like a conclusion as they admired the finished product. She truly looked every bit the Princess of Ikraseon that she was, ready to tackle what was ahead.

"Remember this and everything else we have taught you, my sweet girl. Use your training and trust your instincts and nothing else, always. Elven gut feelings aren't the same as everyone else's. We are almost always right when we suspect something. Our gut feelings are fueled by our magic. If something feels off, then it is. Don't second guess yourself. Also, find allies, especially those in a high Aristocratic position. They will keep you informed of what is happening in the crevices of the Kingdom, things even the King himself may not be aware of."

"Don't forget that you are going in with a disadvantage. You are not only an Elven Princess but also a Half Human in a realm that does not take kindly to both of those factions. You will meet opposition, and some may even treat you as lesser than them but do not forget who you are. Do not let them get under your skin. You are not like them. Youa re better. You are stronger. You are born of a Powerful bloodline, and you are the heiress of an Empire. Let the confidence come forward in everything you do, and they will stay far from you. They will have to grudgingly respect you."

"Bide your time, protect yourself and rely only on you until you can truly trust your newly minted allies. Remember that you are not alone. That this is only for a season. We will be working beside you to find a way to reclaim our home and once we do, you will leave the Beast Immortal. You will return home as a hero and rule over Ikraseon as the Crown Princess that you are."

Elisen held her granddaughter's hands in her own, granting her a reassuring smile as she reminded Calliope of all the tactical information she had taken her through at the end of her training. It was important information that would certainly keep her safe in the new realm she would be venturing to.

"And last, but certainly not least, know that we love you so much. Always, my radiant star. Don't get lax when you're over there. Keep training. Grow your magic and soon enough, I know that you shall surpass even me and those who came before you."

Calliope nodded firmly to all that her grandmother had told her, filing the information in the most important of areas within her brain. She knew that her advice was not misplaced. It could mean her survival in the grand scheme of things.

"Thank you, grandma. Mama. I promise that I will stay in touch and apply everything that you have taught me."

Calliope responded in earnest, meaning every word which earned her shimmering gazes from both women as they pulled her in for a much-needed group hug that she returned with just as much gusto. She knew she would miss them both a lot, but she needed to see her mission through. She needed to see where this path would take her.

"Now come, we shall hand you off."

Elisen affirmed, taking her granddaughter's hand in her own as Ira took her other. Together, they walked towards the women who were still seemingly in conversation with the man who was no longer cloaked by the shadows. His otherworldly handsome features were in full display, and he truly was breathtaking to look upon. Even Calliope could not deny the attraction that coursed through her before she stomped it out and reminded herself of the mission at stake.

I cannot get distracted...I cannot forget who he is...

Calliope reasoned with herself inwardly, praying hard that she kept the same willpower through the course of her time with Lucien Gray.

The man in question seemed to frown at something Kelsey said whereas the Head of the Wysteria Estate released a truly amused and loud laugh at his expense. Her sisters were, however, somewhat unsettled by the events unfolding between the two individuals but they said nothing, especially at the sight of the three women approaching.

"Great, we're all gathered. I trust you know Elisen Rowenys, true High Elven Queen of the Ikraseon Empire, her daughter, Crown Princess Ira Rowenys and her granddaughter- your bride- Princess Calliope Rowenys."

Kelsey introduced, earning a subtle nod and slight bow from Lucien Gray as the three women equally curtsied as protocol dictated.

"It is good to see you once again, Elisen. Ira. I believe it has been a number of years since we last met."

Lucien commented, earning a nod from Elisen as Ira subtly rolled her eyes.

"Honestly, not long enough."

She murmured under her breath, prompting a breathy but silent chuckle from Calliope who was close enough to her mother to hear the jibe.

Although they were sure no one else had heard them as Elisen continued on her strained conversation with the King of the Natus Kingdom, Calliope couldn't help but feel Lucien's gaze on her which seemed to know more than they thought. She had a feeling she would encounter this particular look and feeling quite often.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to this King....I must be particularly careful around him...

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