This world belongs to Kendare Blake, but the characters are original.
17 days before the Quickening
Caitlyn watched as lunch was brought in, and took a bowl, cradling it in her hands. Cadence, Leia, and Calista had calmed down enough to eat.
"So, now that we can talk civilly," Calista started. "Let's just go with a normal Ascension Year. That way, we can all meet the suitors and court them while still being alive, and the Island can have it's Ascension Year."
One by one, her sisters agreed. Caitlyn was the first to take Calista's offer, and Calista smiled.
"Great, now I'll go inform Ehaj."
Caitlyn watched her sisters finish lunch in silence, black spoons scraping the bottoms of black bowls.
Everything for them had to be black, as it was the color of the queens. But, for once, she longed to be able to wear the bright greens Lyr and Ora wore. And to be able to live a normal life, not fight with her sisters until one of them stood, victorious, atop the others' lifeless bodies.
Ehaj returned with Calista and gestured for them to follow her down the stairs.
...
Cadence watched as Caitlyn hugs another girl tightly. Lyr, she thought. Cadence turned to her own family.
Denre and Isla. Aura and Blaze. Ember. Rain.
"Ready?" Ember asked tensely.
"Yes," Cadence replied, taking one last look at her sisters. Caitlyn was being soothed by the Milones and the Sandrins. Leia was being herded away by priestesses. Calista was talking in low, fervent tones with Isa Arron.
Cadence would see them soon enough, when the suitors were presented. Then at the Beltane Festival and the Quickening. Then, lastly, during the Ascension Year.