Finding a Voice

by Bart415

Sequel to Voices Past Present: A voice from the past calls upon the daughter of Garnet and Zidane. The princess wonders the meaning behind the mysterious voice and sets forth on a spiritual journey with her closest friend and Eiko to seek the answer. During which Garnet has begun dealing with a political dilemma brought upon her after revealing her deepest secret to Alexandria.

3. The Sixteenth Dawn

-Chapter 3-
The Sixteenth Dawn

"Today is my birthday, I am now sixteen. When I normally wake up on my birthday I am greeted by my parents. Today was not the case as my trustful maids were the first to greet me this morning. Not that I don't mind at all…but knowing this is my sixteenth, I knew my parents would be preoccupied with the final preparations with Rose for my party along with mother meeting with her pretentious friends, with the exception of her aides whom share her views to heart. Throughout the days leading up to this, I thought back about what my parents said about having to seek a suitable husband to take my hand for the future of Alexandria.

I'm not quite sure what I want in a husband…let alone…a mate of all things. I've been so focused on my lessons with learning how to be a proper princess in the eye of the public that I never really developed any sort of rational feelings for what kind of man I want. For mother, she never thought papa would be her ideal choice…yet his kind heart, willingness to always help her, staying by her side since their adventures together, and most of all…taking care of me as a child were all the ingredients of her feelings for him.

He always had feelings for her, I recall the time she once told me that…after cousin Eiko asked her if she loved papa…it took her much time to give a real thought about it…until the day he came back to her after his disappearance at the Iifa Tree to save my uncle. Knowing he caused so much grief in our world, he still helped him, the same way he still helped my mother when the odds were against him. The moment she leaped into his arms on the stage of the Prima Vista, my mother knew deep in her heart she loved him dearly.

I guess it's one of the reasons why mother always told me I have his willingness to always help. It was clear as rain to her when I was a child. I wanted to help my mother overcome her post traumatic illness, going as far as asking Nadine and Rose of all people. At that time I never really comprehended how the illness affected her, only knowing that she had problems sleeping at night, were the nightmares tormented her to no ends from her past. Having emotional breakdowns at random times, surprisingly never during any meetings she had with her own advisors, dignitaries, and nobles. Then again it was mostly related to her stress and anxiety levels that would cause these breakdowns. I was in some sense the calm to bring her at ease. Which growing up I couldn't really understand but as I am older it all makes sense to me.

My poor mother went through so much in her life, I couldn't believe when she finally told me of her story. At times I cried feeling sorry for her, I guess for her it was her fear of me going through the same life she went through. When she does have her nightmares or breakdowns, I continue to her aide to ease her stress. I love my mother dearly and I would never wish for her to ever feel as if she is a burden to me.

Mother and papa mean very much to me in my life and I could never ask for anyone better than them."

"Beatrix, are my parents attending to their…errands today?"

"They are Your Highness, your mother and father send their apologies for not…following their usual routine for your birthday today."

"It's alright…I expected this would be the case…but I am excited for tonight to see Rose's work."

"I can assure you she worked very diligent and hopes to earn your good graces."

Sarah chuckled as she smiled to the General.

"She's my best friend; anything she does for me is always a wonderful feeling to know she puts her heart in it. I've no doubt in my heart she's done a wonderful job for tonight."

Beatrix smiled.

"Sometimes I wonder if she pushes herself too hard on herself, I always tell her to go easy on herself…yet she persists on giving her all."

"I agree, although…may I ask you something…about her Beatrix?"

Beatrix turned her head to the princess sitting in her oak wooden red cushioned chair that was facing towards the direction of Alexandria before them on the balcony as the princess had her hand on top of Zoe's head who sat beside her on the ground.

"What is it Your Highness?" Sarah looked up to Beatrix. "I…I've noticed she has been acting different…ever since she begun her training to…well soon join the ranks of the army. She seems more exhausted and very…lethargic lately. I've asked her times if I could help her from time to time with any of her lessons as we use to in the past…but…she seems so focused on her time with training. And…well…since then she hasn't called me by my name anymore…is…is she alright?"

Beatrix felt her eye drifting away from Sarah as it found itself staring at the sword behind the throne.

"To be…honest Your Highness…she has been so…so focused on wanting to serve under you when she becomes of age, which well she's not far from becoming. It's only a matter of months before that time comes. I feel as if…she wants to follow in my footsteps the same way I served your mother. She does understand her place but…I've always reminded her that her life matters as well, that there is no shame in wanting to follow another path if she does not feel confident in this one."

Sarah nodded her head as she took her hand off of Zoe's head and placed it on her lap. Zoe moved her head, laying it on Sarah's lap as she looked towards Sarah letting out a small whimper.

"Hmm…I feel as if I am partially responsible for this. To be honest…I do want her by my side…but…I want her as a friend more than a guardian. All the years we spent growing up together…she is like my sister. A sister that I never had by blood. I know my heritage requires much of me when my time comes to ascend to the throne. I understand for her to be your daughter that…many wonder if she will follow your path…"

Beatrix fixed her attention back to the princess, seeing her gentle blue eyes glancing at her with a small smile reminded her of Garnet. She pressed her lips together turning her eye outwards towards Alexandria.

"I may have never spoken to you of this, but…at times I do wish for Rose to consider her options more thoroughly." Sarah tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

"Well…I dun mean to speak of this behind my own daughter's back…yet…long ago she once spoke of wishing to leave Alexandria, to live in Dali as she feels living here is not her…ideal choice."

"It…it isn't?" Sarah blinked in disbelief as Beatrix turned her attention back to the princess.

"Hmm…I must apologize on her behalf…she did not wish to hurt your feelings knowing this is your home." Sarah shook her head. "Nay, to be honest…it…it all makes sense now."

Beatrix arched her eyebrow taking a few steps standing before Sarah looking up to her along with Zoe following along letting out a small panting sound.

"As I've mentioned before, I've took note of Rose working herself beyond exhaustion lately, as if her life depended on it. She seems very reluctant to allow me to help her as we've done in the past. I only mean to help her be at her best. I mean not meddle in your family affairs but I only wish for Rose to be happy with her life. Even if it means for her to leave Alexandria, if Dali is where her heart is set forth…then I would love for her to be where she feels at her best and not confined to a life that may bring her misery and exhaustion."

Beatrix let out a relieving exhale; she smiled at the young princess' words. Admiring her sense of awareness of the people around her, a trait best known to her since childhood. The General found it relieving to know her daughter's closest friend understood of the life that was being sought for. Never second guessing or doubting anyone's ambitions, Sarah would never wish anyone to drop all of their life just for her. Most conversations between the two friends lately mostly were about Rose's path to life as a soldier protecting Sarah's life. The occasional topics of Rose's floral ideas to design parts of the palace weren't as prominent as they were when she finished decorating the royal chambers. Sometimes they would speak of their studies from lessons but mostly ended with Rose rushing home for her training.

"I do appreciate your kind words and understanding Your Highness." Beatrix bowed as Sarah smiled. Sarah placed a hand top of Zoe's head, gently caressing it as the dog began wagging her tail. "You're most welcome Beatrix. I only wish your family to be at peace by any means necessary."

Beatrix smiled.

"I apologize if this isn't the type of conversation to have during your most important day of your life."

Sarah shook her head.

"It may be my birthday but I am always willing to make time for important topics that I care for. After all, I want everyone I know to enjoy themselves tonight. Including yourself and Steiner too."

Beatrix chuckled.

"I shall do my best Your Highness, though I must take care of any unruly guests who may cause a stir at your party." Sarah smiled. "Oh Beatrix…must you always be so harsh on mother's guests?" The princess teased. Beatrix scuffed at the princess' words nearly trying not to snicker at the thought.

"Still not a fan of her guests?"

"Hmm…I'm still displeased with how they speak nothing but harsh words of her. My mother is caring and intelligent. I can't honestly fathom how she handles them so…so…"

"Well composed?"

"Hmm."

Beatrix let out a snicker.

"Your mother has some trade secrets of her own she'd be willing to share when you're much older Your Highness." Beatrix brushed her hair to the side as Sarah tilted her head curiously.

"Do tell Beatrix." She teased. Beatrix laughed softly. "That tone won't work on me Your Highness, in fact it never worked from your mother either."

Sarah rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"Then why bother even mentioning it if you're not going to tell?" The young princess raised her shoulders while gently throwing her arms up.

"As I said, when you are much older I shall provide you her small little secrets."

Sarah looked at Zoe while the dog looked up to her. "I swear Beatrix you make it seem like her and papa do some sort of sneaky plot when I'm asleep to get over mother's rude guests."

Beatrix smiled.

"As I said, when you grow older, I promise we'll both let you know."

"We'll?" Sarah turned her head to Beatrix in awe. "What do you mean by we'll?"

"Still the curious one, you've not changed since you were young." Beatrix said as she looked up towards the sword overlooking the palace. "If it's any sort of hint…let's just say that your mother has her own little oasis in the palace where she is away from eyes of the public."

Sarah blinked in disbelief as she looked along with Beatrix. "Somewhere…up there in the towers?"

Beatrix looked towards Sarah as she looked back at her.

"When the time comes she shall show you."

Sarah let out a small pout as she began massaging the back of Zoe's neck. Beatrix eyeballed the dog as she took a knee and began massaging the dog's body.

"It's hard to imagine this little one was lucky to have been given a home here."

Sarah looked towards Zoe, the dog felt very relaxed by the brush of hands.

"I was very happy when mother gave her consent to letting her stay with us, the poor thing. I remember when we found her in an alleyway while we were in town visiting the seamstress to take my measurement for the upcoming ball when I was twelve. Papa told me that maybe her family was looking for her, yet the truth was that he saw her mother in the distance of the alley was motionless and more than likely had passed away. Zoe was crying for help knowing her mother passed, she must've been scared at that time. When we came back to the palace, mother was surprised when we brought her home."

Beatrix nodded.

"It's not every day that a small animals such as Zoe are allowed on palace grounds ,let alone I can't seem to remember ever seeing any pets on palace grounds here."

"Well, I remember when Zoe was really excited to see mother for the first time. For being a small puppy at that time, she wouldn't ever leave mother's side at all. Not only that but mother seemed really fond of her, I know mother said she never had any pets growing up both here and in Madain Sari. When papa mentioned that Zoe's mother passed, I believe maybe a part of her felt sorry for the poor girl and felt her pain. Keeping her certainly was a wonderful idea, let alone Zoe always eased mother's stress to whenever myself, papa, Nadine, Mei, Allison, and Melody were not present. "

"Hmm…Zoe certainly has earned her rightful place here; fate certainly rewarded your family with this wonderful dog."

Sarah smiled.

"It certainly did…Zoe is important to us like everybody else here at the palace."

As the two continued to praise the pet, Nadine walked into the balcony as she walked along the carpet leading to the throne; she stopped before Sarah and Beatrix as she curtseyed the two.

"Your Highness, it's almost time for your afternoon tea." The maid smiled as Sarah and Beatrix pulled their hands away from Zoe and took note of Nadine's entrance.

"Hmm! Thank you Nadine, are the maids ready?" Sarah asked.

"Everyone is ready for you Your Highness. They're very excited to meet with you for afternoon tea." The maid said.

"I'm glad, Beatrix, will you be joining us?" Sarah looked over to Beatrix.

"I may take the opportunity to see if Rose is alright, by all means please enjoy your afternoon tea."

"Hmm, please tell her I miss her and I can't wait to see her and her marvel work." Sarah smiled.

"I shall Your Highness." Beatrix smiled back.

…

Laughter, gossips, glasses clanking, exchange of gil, champagne being poured, and banters. All unfolding before a large group of well-tailored people gushing to one another, inside one of palace's guest hall on the second floor of the palace just above the main hall. All under the watchful eyes of the Queen of Alexandria herself walking among the crowd making small talk with each guest; the pre-festivities before the grand party taking place in the evening. The Queen listened to the guests, hearing the name of her daughter being the topic of choice, many young handsome dressed youths were being presented to one another, several making wagers with one another, their parents boasting of their accomplishments and endless amounts of finance in their grasps.

The sound of her heels taping the marble flooring beneath her seemed to make the loudest sound among the chatter to the Queen's ears, her beautiful white silk strapless ivory floral leaf gown gained her many praises among the nobles in her presence. Yet she kept her chatter as brief as possible. A small part of her mind felt guilty on this day, each step she heard felt like a reminder of what was more important than where she is. She knew that but the hardest part of her life was balancing being a monarch and a mother.

"Your Majesty have you met my son Radcliff the 1st?" A voice called to her as she slowly came to a stop being approached by a family of three.

"Oh…a pleasure to make your acquaintance." The Queen said as she gently raised her hand mid-air and was gently grabbed by a well dress youth with his hair slicked back, a two piece black and white suit who gently raised the Queen's hand and gently kissed it.

"The pleasure is all mine Your Majesty, I look forward to meeting your daughter tonight." He said in a suave like voice.

"Oh darling I'm most certain Princess Sarah will certainly be thrilled to meet our son; he's top of his class at the Mon Truss Academy. Treno's finest academy that only bring in the brightest." His mother bragged as she took a sip of her champagne. Garnet let out a gentle smile.

"Oh goodness, I heard it's such a hard academy to gain admission to." Garnet said.

"If I may Your Majesty, Donovan Winston at your service, owner of the Winston Fine Antiques and Collectables, surely you've heard of us yes yes?" The father said as he took off his top black hat and gently bowed to the Queen.

"Wintson…oh I have heard of your…shoppe." Garnet half lied.

"Ah smashing! I say all your collectables here at the palace are marvelous and I can't help but wonder why you've not stopped by our fine shop to make a purchase? We've many collectables sold to the Lindblum Grand Castle and to Burmecia's Palace as well. We've the finest antiques in all of the Mist Continent." The man continued as his son rolled his eyes.

"Father, the Queen is not hear to listen to your adverts, this is about Princess Sarah, not some bloody antiques." The son snapped.

"Mind your tongue Radcliff, the Queen is before you." The mother rebutted.

Garnet let out a hesitant chuckle.

"It's quite alright; I understand that you will be partaking in tonight's festivities?" She asked trying to sway away from the shameless promoting.

"Ah yes, I hope Princess Sarah will admire my smarts as she is, I've gain much knowledge of the outside worlds and all political affairs to assist her in any ways possible. With your consent, I wish to also demonstrate my skillset of debate at one of your sessions with your advisors should she accept my hand tonight." Radcliff said letting out a smile that made Garnet feel uncomfortable.

"Well my daughter herself has also learned debate skills in order to pass legislation among my advisors, perhaps you may perform a mock debate between the two of you to see how she fares."

"Ah, a debater she is, I'm certain the palace has many scholars who've trained her well, though if memory serves me well my instructor was once a former scholar here at the palace, I'm certain I may have a slight advantage over her."

Garnet felt a small twitch in her left eyebrow; she tried hard to make sure she didn't say anything out of line that could have potential repercussion.

"Well, when the time comes, I'm certain that…she will certain put up a great debate when the time comes Lord Radcliff."

"It shall be an exciting moment to partake." The young man smiled at the Queen as she noted his parents letting out a laughter that sounded like seagulls in her mind.

"Oh darling you musn't try to outshine the Princess of Alexandria now, please save it for the ruthless brutes in the chambers." The mother said taking sipped the remainder of her champagne. "Oh dear, excuse me! You there!" She shouted at a nearby maid with a serving tray in her arms. The maid looked over her shoulder and hastily walked towards the group while trying to avoid bumping into the crowd.

"How may I be of service ma'am?" The maid asked.

"Be a dear and grab me another glass of champagne." The mother said as she placed her empty glass on the tray nearly almost knocking it off her hands.

"Yes ma'am." The maid responded as she about faced and before leaving.

"Your Majesty, is there anything you wish for me to bring?" The maid asked with a smile.

"No thank you Mana, but thank you very much for all your hard work tonight with everyone here presently, I hope we're not too much trouble." The Queen responded politely.

Mana shook her head.

"It's no trouble at all Your Majesty, please by all means let myself and anyone else know if you require anything." She said.

"Thank you." Garnet smiled.

The maid carefully curtseyed with one arm to the Queen as she took her leave towards the kitchen.

"You…ask your maids if they work too hard?" The mother asked. Garnet looked to the mother.

"I make sure all my staff are in good hands and not overworked." Garnet replied.

"I say, you shouldn't worry yourself of their wellbeing, they surely can handle themselves." Donovan said as took a sip of his champagne.

"Maids are nothing more than simple servants. I feel as if I could I would certainly make sure all of your maids are doing their work thoroughly." Radcliff said as he adjusted his black bow tie.

Garnet felt another twitch near her eyebrow, with a small tingle feeling in her fingers, as if they were ready to clench a fist. The mother and father shared a laugh together as Garnet observed.

"Oh is that the Potts over there? With their son? Oh darling we must speak with them before we see the Princess tonight, come along Radcliff." The mother walked off while tugging her son along.

"A pleasure seeing you as always Your Majesty, and do consider us before your daughter makes her decision tonight." Donovan tipped his hat and followed along. Garnet watched the trio walk across letting out a disgusted sigh. She looked around the crowded room, trying to spot the nearest maid she could see among the crowd, she spotted a short black haired maid near the banquet tables by the room's windows.

"Chiyo!" She called to the maid.

The maid looked over spotting the Queen and quickly made her way to her.

"Yes Your Majesty?" The young maid responded.

"Would…would you be kind to let Mana know to add an extra ingredient to Mrs. Winston's champagne? Courtesy of me?" The Queen winked at the maid. The maid tilted her head confusingly then it clicked.

"Oh! You mean…?"

Garnet nodded.

"Certainly Your Majesty, perhaps may I also suggest adding another little…flavor?" The maid winked back.

Garnet let out a snicker.

"You are free to add as you both please." Garnet smiled.

"At once Your Majesty!" Chiyo carefully curtseyed while holding her serving tray and dashed out of the room.

Garnet let out another sigh; she resumed her rounds meeting with the remaining nobles she has yet to converse with. She kept looking around at all the maids in the area, hoping one of them would tell her it was time for the crowd to disburse and make their way to the garden area for her daughter's birthday celebration. Time felt very slow in the room by herself, Zidane was helping Tantalus with prepping the band for music, Beatrix and Steiner were prepping the soldiers with coverage for the palace for the celebration and anticipating high boat traffic around the palace, and her top maids Melody, Allison, Nadine, and Mei were more than likely preparing Sarah for her night.

"I'm sorry Sarah…" she thought to herself as she continued looking around the room.

"I wish there was a way to make up for tonight."

…

"Add a little contour here…" Mei said as she took a small brush and brushed Sarah's cheeks.

"Ahh! That tickles!" Sarah yelped trying not to jump out of her chair.

"Your Highness relax." Nadine laughed as she was carefully filing the Princess' nails.

"I'm not use to this." Sarah continued laughing while Mei continued brushing.

"My goodness, you've never been pampered before?" Allison asked as she and Melody were preparing the princess' dress for the night.

Sarah shook her head.

"Never, this is my first time…it's…not really my thing to be honest…I know mother must since she is in the public eye nearly at all times." Sarah replied.

"Have you ever had a manicure also?" Melody asked as she was fluffing out the shoulder cups of the Princess' dress.

"I can't say I ever had…although I do see Beatrix having beautiful painted nails." Sarah responded.

"Well, tonight certainly calls for the best we will give you Your Highness, now my next question is what color shall we paint your nails tonight?" Nadine asked as she gently blew on Sarah's nails and continued filing.

"Oh…my nails are to be painted?" Sarah looked at Nadine.

"They shall be, after all, this is your sixteenth and the Princess of Alexandria deserves to wow her audience tonight." Nadine looked up smiling.

"I'm sure all the boys will be jealous of your beauty, I'm certain they will not keep their eyes off you for the whole night." Mei smiled as she started brushing Sarah's forehead.

"Oh goodness...I never really gave thought of colors…" Sarah gently closed her eyes as Mei continued brushing. "What color would…look well on me everyone?"

The maids as they continued their work gave thought of the princess' question.

"Hmm…what about, sky blue?" Nadine spoke.

"Hmm! I agree." Allison answered.

"I can sense that it fits your personality well Your Highness." Melody nodded.

"I must agree, the skies are endless, just like you personality Your Highness." Mei smiled as she rolled the brush in its capsule. "All done! I believe now we can start painting your nails now."

"Give me another moment Mei; I have this last one to file." Nadine spoke.

"Sky blue it is! I trust everyone's judgement and thank you Mei for the kind words." Sarah smiled.

"Right, well we're ready whenever you're both done painting Her Highness' nails everyone." Melody said as she and Allison finished laying and brushing the dress on top of Sarah's bed. The two turned towards Sarah, Nadine and Mei.

"Alright; Allison would you be so kind to bring over the nail paint bottle case?" Mei pointed to a medium size oak case on top of the nightstand next to Sarah's bed.

"Absolutely." Allison said as she made her way to the night stand.

"Are you nervous Your Highness?" Melody asked as she walked beside Sarah whose chair was facing the mirror as Nadine and Mei continued.

"Hmm…only a bit…I'm worried about mother dealing with her…guests…"

Melody nodded.

"She holds herself well in their presence, I'm certain that some are only here just to find ways to helm the throne with their sons in light of her revelation before Alexandria."

Sarah looked towards Melody.

"Do you think…that I'm only a tool in all this matter tonight?"

Melody looked at the mirror's reflection as she saw herself with Nadine and Mei continuing their touch up of the young princess.

"Tell me, what do you see when you see yourself in the mirror?"

Sarah looked towards the mirror, while Allison made her way across the mirror and standing beside Mei. Sarah gazed at herself, seeing Mei's make up on her face, her skin flourished beautifully added a slightly darker tone to her fair skin. A small hint light red blush could be seen on her cheeks, it blended in smoothly with her contour, and the makeup flow looked like a clear ocean flowing across her face. Sarah never found herself one for makeup; her skin complexion always was fair regardless of the season in time. Similar to her mother, rarely did their skin dry up easily, the surface was consistently smooth and very little care was ever needed.

The princess found herself in awe by her makeup, yet deep down inside, it felt like she was becoming someone else. She closed her eyes.

"I…I see…my mother…and papa…" she said.

"Hmm what brought you to that thought?" Melody asked.

Sarah opened her eyes.

"Well…"

Sarah looked towards Melody.

"As…if…apart of them are…inside of me. In the sense of…their…need to want to help others without regrets."

Melody nodded.

"How you were raised Your Highness, brought you to where you are this moment."

Sarah looked to Allison, Nadine and Mei beginning to take their small paint brushes and gently began painting her nails individually. She saw her nude nails slowly turning into the color of her choice.

"For as long as I've been here Your Highness…"

Sarah looked over towards Melody who took her glasses off and gently wiped them with her apron.

"You were their world, you meant everything to them. Even when your mother underwent her unfortunate relapses of her past, she did everything she could in her will power to do her best to raise you. Her pains and sorrows did not once hinder her from the one thing she desired the most."

"And…what would that be?"

"To give you the foundation you needed to live your life." Melody smiled as she placed her glasses back on.

Sarah looked down to her hands; spotting three of her fingers freshly polished and slowly drying. The clean glossed polish took the princess by surprise. The color reminded her of one small little gift that was on her tail.

"It…matches auntie Mikoto's bow." She said happily.

"Even your own aunt, when she visited from time to time…spoke her own free words to me."

Sarah hastily looked towards Melody in surprise.

"Auntie Mikoto spoke with you Melody?" Sarah said.

Melody nodded.

"She may have been…particular blunt at times…but her points were valid. The consistency of your mother's will to bring forth your foundation was always on her mind. Her and your father worked hard together to bring you the life before you, their sacrifices for you lives on in your heart and will to set forth your future of the life your heart desires the most. To witness this day as well, brings my heart with great joy that you've taken your choices very serious and have much to show for it."

Sarah let out a small gasp.

"Melody…I…"

Sarah looked back at the mirror.

"I'm not sure what to say…your words are so sincere…"

Melody smiled, she walked behind Sarah and laid her hands on the princess' shoulders. Sarah looked towards the mirror as she saw Melody looking along.

"They say the circle of life is endless here on our planet, the memories carried over from eons of generations that live before us help guide our thoughts to the unknown future before us. The memories your parents shared together have been passed on to you Your Highness, to see them in you is without a doubt the answer I expected from you. It tells me that you will remember them for who they are, until your time to pass comes, then forth your memories will carry on to the next generation after who'll use those memories to overcome life's unanswered questions."

Sarah slowly let out a smile towards the mirror, seeing her genuine smile helped her feel even more relaxed. At times she wondered about her future life, where was it going to take her? Would the future she seeks be the one that fits her personal agenda? Would the people around her still continue to support her choices in life? Her life lessons from the people she was surrounded by all seem to have one common trait. Her future was in her own hands and not to be influenced by anyone who steers her away from her choices in life.

"To not see your parents in you, means their memories that you all share, would cease to exist and the circle of life is tarnished."

Sarah slowly nodded.

"I would never forget my parents…nor anyone here…nor even my friends that I've made so far…I could never find myself to ever forget anyone I know…"

The maids all smiled as they continued their work.

"And neither will all of us forget about you Your Highness." Melody assured.

"Serving you since my arrival here Your Highness was the most wonderful experience I could ever ask for, all my memories here, not only helped me overcome my PTSI…but has brought back a dear sister from long ago." Nadine said as she looked at Mei who looked to her with a smile.

"And your mother's call for me not only reunited me with my dear sister…but has brought me into your life to serve the most wonderful person on the face of the planet whose kind heart and thoughtfulness knows no boundaries." Mei said.

"And to help your father learn life here at the palace; to help him overcome the learning curves here, to help him earn your mother's love even more, and helped strengthen their bond together after he returned to her. Their memories bonding together since that faithful day of his return, I know it helped shape who they are today with their guidance to raise you together." Allison said as she handed another bottle to Nadine.

Sarah could feel her eyes slightly water up; she let out a silent sniff. Melody instinctively reached behind her apron and took out a small handkerchief and gently dabbed Sarah's eyes.

"We don't want your makeup to smear now do we?" Melody teased.

Sarah let out a soft chuckle.

"I'm sorry; I don't wish to ruin your hard work Mei."

Mei looked up to the princess and smiled.

"Nothing a little more brush can polish up, we have plenty to go around." Mei replied cheerfully as she turned her attention back to Sarah's nails.

"….everyone…thank you, for all your kind words." Sarah said as she let out a relieving sigh as everyone smiled altogether.

"I believe we are done." Nadine said as she gently blew on Sarah's nails. The maid capped the brush inside its bottle, she gave the bottle to Allison who gently placed it in the box and closed it. Nadine stood up as she and Mei took a few steps away as Sarah raised her hands observing her freshly painted nails. Melody placed the handkerchief back behind her apron and walked to Sarah's bed and turned her attention to her.

"They're…they're wonderful." She said as her eyes sparkled. Nadine and Mei bowed to the princess and smiled.

"We did our best to make you as presentable as we can." Nadine said.

"And we spared every minute of our time to make sure it is well polished for you." Mei added.

"The color choice certainly suits you well Your Highness. They certainly compliment your personality" Allison smiled as she looked along. Sarah let out a small blush while she looked up to Allison.

"Allison that's so kind of you to say." Sarah replied smiling.

"Hehe, from the years of watching you grow Your Highness. It's the most memorable part of my time here since your birth. One I know will last an ever lifetime." Allison said as she walked towards the nightstand to place the nail polish box on top and turned her attention towards Sarah.

"I believe the time has come now." Melody said as she looked to each maid giving a nod to her.

Allison walked to the mirror and turned it around; Nadine extended her hand towards Sarah signaling her to stand up. Sarah nodded and stood up from her seat while Mei picked up the chair and returned it back to the tea table. Mei and Allison stood behind Sarah as Nadine smiled.

"Your Royal Highness, it is time to prepare you for tonight's celebration of your sixteenth birthday. We shall now take this opportunity to change your wardrobe for tonight." Nadine extended her arm towards her bed towards Sarah's dress laid neatly on her bed.

"May we begin?" Nadine followed up.

Sarah smiled.

"With pleasure, Nadine." The princess spoke politely. Sarah extended her arms with her palms facing the ceiling.

Nadine carefully grabbed the necklace of Sarah's Silver Pendant as the princess gently lowered her head allowing the maid to remove it from her neck; while Mei and Allison kneeled down and began unravelling the obi. Nadine looked over towards Melody who approached her extending a hand; she placed the Silver Pendant carefully in Melody's hand. Melody walked back to the bed gently laying the pendant beside the dress, she turned around and observed her maids at work preparing the Princess of Alexandria.

The obi was removed from Sarah's waist as Mei and Allison began carefully folding the fabric carefully. Nadine gently grabbed the collared area of Sarah's obi gently pulling off as Sarah arched her arms allowing for the maid to carefully remove the entire article off revealing Sarah's pink fluff blouse underneath. Nadine gently begun folding the tunic carefully while Mei and Allison had just finished with the obi fold, Mei walked towards Melody as she presented the obi to Melody who collected the article and gently placed it on Sarah's bed as Mei returned to the princess.

Allison walked in front of Sarah who let out a smile to her; the maid smiled back and gently unbuttoned the princess' collar, carefully she pulled apart the buckle and carefully tugged the sleeves off Sarah's right arm as Mei carefully tugged the left sleeve. The two maids pulled off the blouse over Sarah's torso and the princess felt a cold breeze sweep her skin revealed torso and short white bloomers.

"Cold!" she yelped with her tail twitching. "Oh dear our apologies Your Highness." Mei responded as she and Allison begun folding Sarah's blouse.

Nadine had just finished folding Sarah's tunic and walked to the bed as Melody turned around and picked up the dress. Nadine placed the tunic on top of the bed as turned towards Melody and helped reveal the dress to the Princess.

"Your Highness." Nadine spoke.

Sarah looked towards Nadine and Melody and gasped.

A long three layered white silk strapless dress with two fluffed shoulder caps with several wing like petals beneath each cap; the top layer of the dress reached would reach just past the knees of Sarah, while the second layer underneath had a splitting just barely past the top layer's edge opening to the side and wrapped around the inner most layer reaching the ground with the second layer. The maids rotated the dress revealing a skin revealing backing with frills being tied together by a bow that would be as low as the midsection with two long ribbons free falling past the dress's long train.

The dress dazzled the young princesses' eyes; it felt like she was in a fairy tale of her own from her mother's favorite books in the palace library. She always remembered reading many fairy tales of princesses dressed extravagantly for galas and dinning with their prince by their side. Sarah was no stranger to fairy tales yet she was more realistic about being a princess in real life than in fantasy. It caught Sarah off guard, the months leading up to her birthday; her dress was kept a secret from her.

Before the dress was laid on the Princess' bed, Nadine and distracted the princess with cleaning her nails while Melody and Allison snuck into the room and laid out the dress on her bed while keeping her attention with Nadine and Mei.

Sarah studied the dress as the maids rotated it once more. She could see its similarities to her mother's well known ivory two layer dress; a dress worn during her coronation that many people always see as her trade mark dress. She noted the small nod to her mother's dress with the split opening, while trying not to copy her dress one hundred percent, the dress was tailored strictly to Sarah and her alone. Was this going to be the dress Sarah will forever be known her by all of Alexandrian and to the many people around Gaia? She let out a huge sigh of sincerity and held her hands together as Mei and Allison walked past Sarah and laid her blouse on the bed and turned their attention to her.

"It's gorgeous." She struggled to say.

All the maids in the room smiled.

"And it's yours to keep for many years to come Your Highness." Nadine smiled.

"And the time has come to you to fully embrace your rightful title as Princess of Alexandria." Melody added.

Sarah smiled.

"I…I'm ready." She responded confidently.

Nadine and Melody nodded and walked together before the princess with her dress with Allison and Mei taking their positions behind Sarah. Sarah couldn't keep her eyes of her dress, Melody carefully with one hand began unraveling the bow holding together the entire dress. Once the body unraveled, the dress freely fell open.

"Spread your arms." Melody asked as Sarah nodded; she extended her arms as far as she could. Melody and Nadine walked to the right of Sarah as Melody carefully fed the opening through the shoulder cap past Sarah's hand with Nadine walking on the opposite side of Sarah laying the dress gently pressed against the upper torso of Sarah.

"Bend your right arm a little Your Highness." Nadine asked as Sarah followed the maid's command. Mei and Allison carefully picked up the long train from behind Sarah as they carefully pulled the dress back with Nadine carefully sliding the dress on. Sarah's tail was struggling to find an opening for it to protrude from; Allison and Mei gently guided the tail to a small opening in the dress and careful fed it through it allowing the tail relief from its struggle from underneath the back of the dress. Sarah felt part of her upper breast being pressed against from the dress. She felt her back being pressed upon the silk fabric. It still felt surreal to her, was this a dream? Was she about to wake up and she's just in bed?

Mei carefully kneeled and picked up the unraveled bow and gently tugged it together to bridge the entire dress together as tight as possible. When the dress could no longer tighten against Sarah, Mei began tying together the bow while Allison held the train on with Melody and Mei gently brushing the dress against the princess, Nadine gently brushed her should cap making sure it was well rested on the shoulder. Mei could feel the frills against her clawed hands as she was near done tying together the bow.

Allison made a small adjustment pulling the opening for the tail closer to Sarah's lower back to allow it more freedom to move freely as it does.

"Almost done Your Highness." Mei said as she continued tying the bow together.

Nadine looked at Melody who nodded to her.

"I believe we're good on our part." Melody said. Nadine nodded back to her.

"And….we're done!" Mei announced.

Allison carefully and slowly walked backwards revealing the train lay on the ground as Mei stood up taking a few steps away; Melody and Nadine stepped back to see the final touches on the young princess.

Allison and Mei walk around the princes with Allison standing beside Melody and Mei stood beside Nadine. The maids all smiled together and felt accomplished of their work.

"Am..." Sarah looked to the maids as she held her hands together.

"…am I pretty?" Sarah smiled.

The maids let out soft laughs together.

"You are gorgeous Your Highness." Nadine complimented

"A silver pendant among crowds." Mei added.

"Like a beautiful rose among the gardens." Allison smiled.

"No doubt, in my eyes, Alexandria's finest princess." Melody smiled.

Sarah let out a soft chuckle.

"I'm ready to see myself."

Melody and Nadine looked to each other and nodded. The two turned to the mirror and carefully and walked to it, they picked it up together and brought it before Sarah. They carefully rotated it and laid it back on the ground.

Sarah's eyes lit up like a starlit night and gasped loudly.

"Is this…really me?" she asked.

"It certainly is Your Highness." Nadine smiled.

"I…I can't…believe it's real." Sarah felt herself trembling with joy, she closed her eyes and opened them again, she twirled left and right seeing herself in the mirror. Seeing her dress fitted perfectly to her body. Her first soon to be known trademark dress, a dress only she may wear for all occasions that called for her. She could see herself beside her mother in her mother's trademark dress with her own. She can picture many people praising their beauty together as mother and daughter. As the Queen and Princess of Alexandria for the whole world to know by their names.

"I always…wondered what I would look like for this day to come…it's all too real now…and it's…its breath taking."

"And it's your day to celebrate well Your Highness." Nadine said.

"And I believe we need to put on the finishing touches." Melody said as she looked at Allison.

"I shall bring forth her one of the last two remaining pieces." Allison said as she walked towards the bed.

"And I know the second last item left for you." Mei smiled as she walked to the nightstand and picked up Sarah's pendant. Allison kneeled underneath Sarah's bed and pulled out a medium size oak wooden box and carefully brought it before Sarah as Mei followed along.

"You first Mei." Allison said while looking at Mei who looked back at her.

"Oh thank you so much, it would be my pleasure." Mei said as she turned her attention to Sarah.

"Go right ahead and lower your head please."

Sarah nodded and lowered her head as Mei gently wrapped the necklace around Sarah's neck with one hand and gently released the pendant against Sarah torso. The maid took a few steps back standing beside Melody as Sarah raised her head standing up straight.

"And the finishing touches Your Highness…a gift from your mother." Allison said as she stood forward and opened the wooden box revealing inside a pair of clean white heels inside the purple cushioned interior of the box.

"These were your mother's when she turned sixteen; she asked us to present them to you for tonight's celebration, she's not worn them since the night she fled the palace on her sixteenth and feels you will make better use of them."

Sarah looked inside the small box as she was amazed by the cleanliness of the heels presented to her. No smudges, not even a spec of dirt and dust was even visible.

"They're…they're beautiful…mother never wore these since her birthday?" Sarah looked up to the maids.

"She certainly hasn't, I remember she told me that when your sixteenth was on the horizon, that she would let you have these because she knows that even they may not seem much, a part of her is with you, keeping you on the move as she was when she was your age." Melody said.

Sarah smiled and looked back at the heels.

"I always wondered if mother and I were the measurements." Sarah smiled as she gently rubbed a finger against the smooth resin surface.

"It feels really nice." She added.

"Shall we?" Allison asked.

"Hmm!"

Sarah looked up and watched Allison kneeled down on one knee. Sarah carefully slid her feet out of her flats and took a few steps back, she lifted her dressed and kept her eyes on the floor followed by Nadine walking forth; she reached down for the flats and picked them up. She took a step back while Allison took out the heels from the box and placed on the ground side by side.

Sarah slid her right foot in first, carefully adjusting her foot as they rested on top the leather cushion beneath her soles. She could feel her foot being forcefully arched that was not normally accustomed too; being she preferred wearing her flats at all times since she was a child. She carefully put a little more weight on the heel, still holding her dress up she lifted her left foot and slid it into the other heel, carefully sliding them in while trying to maintain her balance on the medium to small stiletto that held her required a little more balance than she's use to. She could feel her tail swaying left and right trying to balance her entire body, as she cautiously felt her feet taking steps on their own without her realizing them. She paused in place, still looking down at the clean white heels were the only things in her view, she could feel both of her feet trying to keep balance of her entire body.

"I didn't think wearing heels was a bit of a challenge, I wonder how mother does it." Sarah smiled as she looked up to everyone and releasing her grip on her dress while Allison stood up and took a few steps back standing beside Nadine.

"A Queen never reveals her secrets Your Highness." Melody teased.

"Melody!" Sarah laughed.

"Did you perchance wish to practice before we set out?" Nadine asked.

"Let me…hold on…"

Sarah slowly placed her foot forward as the stiletto made contact with the marble flooring; she gently shook her foot finding the gripping on the stiletto, followed by planting her forefoot down. She followed up with her left; she turned slightly left as she continued her steps slowly one foot at a time. Each step she took she could hear the gently tap sound sounds of her heels that differed with each step. She paced in circles slowly in her room as the maids watched; she figured a rhythm by the sound and able to perfect her walk.

"I think I'm good." Sarah said confidently as she was able to walk without any struggle, she stopped before the maids as they applauded her softly.

"Hehe thank you everyone, I'm sorry if I'm taking so long." Sarah gently bowed before the maids.

"You've nothing to apologize Your Highness." Melody smiled.

"You hold yourself well Your Highness." Mei complimented.

"Without a doubt you are a fast learner." Allison said.

"I expect no less that you would pick up fast." Nadine said.

"Thank you everyone…I really appreciate it." Sarah replied.

The maids smiled and looked at one another; they nodded together and looked back to the princess. Nadine stepped forward; she covered her mouther with her hand and gently cleared her throat.

"Your Royal Highness, it is time for us to escort you…to the your sixteenth birthday celebration tonight."

Sarah held her hands together and laid them just slightly above her waist, she straightened her back keeping tall and poised; while her tail curled itself keeping itself as center as possible.

"I am ready."