It's currently February when I'm typing this but I'm banking chapters. Happy Mother's Day!


Photo #119: Like Mother and Grandmother

For as long as Eadlyn could remember, news and outlet sites would compare her to her grandmother, Queen Amberly, more than her mother. Ever since Eadlyn came out of the womb a brunette, the Amberly articles came pouring. Any time she would make a public appearance, they would take pictures and find a similar one from Queen Amberly's day.

Aside from the physical aspects, they share the same regality. Both were noble-looking women who carried finesse and class on their shoulders. The only difference is that Queen Amberly was more soft-spoken. Eadlyn's mother was so different that she wasn't even on the same spectrum.

Genetics are a weird concept. Eadlyn would consider herself to look more like Amberly's daughter than her mother's. Or, if her mom and grandmother had a child together, it would be her.

In this photo from an article, it shows three photos of Queen Amberly, Eadlyn's mother, and Eadlyn herself. From left to right, the three of them are wearing the same dress to a geographic awards night. The only differences were some choices in accessories, shoes, hair and makeup. The only constant is the dress and the path through generations it went on.

There's a definite aura that their individualities were something to be admired, not unattractive to people, but that people were drawn to them as much for their spirit and character as for their looks.

-o-

Was Eadlyn fond of the dress? Not at first. It has an embellishment of over a dozen flying black birds. They resemble a murder of crows or a conspiracy of ravens flying in rapid swirls above a forest patch. Either bird, there was an ominous vibe to the pattern of black birds on the tulle skirt and chest.

She read an old article about the shock from the public when Queen Amberly first wore it since it was unlike her. She normally wore dark solid gowns but all eyes turned to her when she strutted into the reception wearing a dress decorated with birds that have a reputation of not being friendly. Nobody was surprised when her mother wore it since they focused more on the fact that it was recycled. But Eadlyn has a feeling that if her mother wore it first, they would say it matched her reputation.

Eadlyn predicts the same will happen to her when she attends the upcoming event. If she was known for being more blunt and intimidating, the birds compliment. At least the birds match the theme of the night and the dress was comfortable.

Eadlyn stands in front of the mirror in her room, standing on a stool as tailors run around her. She holds the dress up at her chest so they could make some adjustments. The more she looks at the dress, the more she sees it as beautiful even if she didn't initially think so. Sometimes, the thing that first appears flawed can end up being the most perfect in the world for you. And knowing it was her grandmother's dress further persuaded her to choose it for the night. Queen Amberly wore it, her mother wore it, and now she gets to wear it.

The more personal the reason, the more powerful the drive.

"Now this is why that dress isn't in a museum," America says as she circles her daughter. She wears the smile of a proud mother as she flattens out a piece of tulle on the skirt.

A lot of Queen Amberly's iconic dresses are on display in Illéa's royal museum. Her wedding dress and coronation dress are one of the exhibits and the dress she wore when King Clarkson picked her as his bride. This bird dress was about to go there due to the public reaction at the time, but America loved it so much that she knew she would wear it at some point. And she did so now Eadlyn will follow. Maybe one day, her daughter will do the same.

"Dresses and jewels should be worn and enjoyed, not stared at from behind a glass case," America comments. "Mine had to be tailored a bit as well but it still looks as beautiful as the original. Untouched, almost."

Eadlyn glances at her mother and can hear the emotions she's holding back in her voice. Everyone was wounded during the rebel attack that took Queen Amberly. It hurt and they healed but that doesn't mean they forgot. It doesn't mean they'll ever completely move on.

"I still don't get it," Eadlyn mutters with a small smile to brighten the mood. "Why birds?"

America laughs a little.

"And out of all birds," Eadlyn continues, "why not use canaries or hummingbirds?"

America shrugs a little. She holds Eadlyn but the waist as the two of them look in the mirror.

"Maybe because people will always watch to see if a raven or crow is lurking on the balcony," America suggests.

"Or because black goes with everything," Eadlyn suggests.

America nods, pointing commendably at her daughter. "Good point. Queen Amberly was always knowledgable on how to present herself."

"And this event was partially a fundraiser, so how better to get a buzz than have your gentle, soft, and empathetic queen show up in a dress with these birds on it."

America continues nodding. "All very good points."

"Is that why you wore the dress?"

"Now that you mention it, maybe." America sighs, tracing one of the birds with her finger. "But, truthfully, not only is it a beautiful dress but it makes a statement. It reminds you about the event and shows how she's still a powerful queen who has eyes on everything in her kingdom. A real force of nature."

Eadlyn nods this time, thinking that over. "I like that interpretation."

"Also, I wore it because I knew it would make your father happy." America smiles a bit sadly. "He was going through a time where he really really missed his mother. I thought that wearing this dress would show him that his mother is still here. I don't know if it worked but he wore a smile that entire night and never left my side."

Eadlyn feels her heart swell. She turns a bit to look down at her mom but spots something in her peripheral vision. Eadlyn looks towards the door and sees her father leaning against the doorframe. His smile is soft and his eyes are on her. She mimics his smile relaxing her frame as she watches him walk closer to her.

He didn't need to say a word because just seeing her in this dress is magic. He's seeing his mother reincarnated in his daughter and it couldn't make him happier.


I know that Clarkson and Celeste died as well with Amberly, but Amberly is the focus here.

I don't have my mom anymore but I still have some of her clothes. I have a dress or two and some sweatshirts.

I love this chapter, maybe because I love the bird dress. It was based on one that Meghan Markle wore. I was scrolling through her dresses on Google for inspiration (because I love her) and fell in love with the bird one because it stood out. If I could post a photo here, I would but just look it up. It'll be worth it. I hope that she and Harry will give me more ideas for this story.