This world belongs to Kendare Blake, but the characters are original.
15 days before the Quickening
Caitlyn squirmed as Gia laced her into a long black dress. The corset was crushing her ribs, but when she looked in the mirror, she looked like a true queen. Her dark hair was drawn back into three buns at the back of her head. Dark eyeshadow had been applied, and Alene had been brushed until she shined.
Caitlyn could only imagine what her sisters were doing right now.
...
"TWO?" Calista shrieked, and the servant cowered.
Isa bustled in just as the servant ran out, fleeing from the angry queen.
"I know, it's a shame but-"
"There's only going to be two suitors this year and I'm not supposed to be insulted?" Calista complained, eyes frantic.
"Just think about it. There'll be less time spent winning them over to your side and more time poisoning your sisters," Isa pointed out. As Calista calmed, Isa helped her into a shiny black dress.
There were no straps or sleeves, and her hair was braided around her head, so her shoulders and arms were exposed. Isa assured her she wouldn't be cold, then added, "you'll do great. The suitors are just presenting themselves, and then you'll perform for them and the rest of Fennbirn at the Quickening."
"Alright." Calista took a deep breath, eyes closed, then reached out for belladonna berries, swallowing them down before opening her eyes. "Okay. I'm ready. Let's go."
...
Cadence fussed. A lot. Over the dress. Over the hairstyle. Over the jewelry and the carriage and the horses. Over everything.
"Stop it," Rain complained. "Everything's fine, and it was planned for you long before today, and long before you started worrying and ruining it."
"Sorry," Cadence apologized. "I'm just nervous. I've never been to Innisfuil Valley, and the suitors are being presented and I'll have to impress them with all the elements, and..." she trailed off, hands twisting around each other.
"Relax," Rain soothed. "You've had them mastered for such a long time. It won't matter."
"Yes, but-"
"Shush. You've known all the elements for all your life. You'll do great. We have to leave now or we'll be late. You're ready, and Ember's waiting. So, come on. I'll brief you on the way there."
...
Leia was helped into her gown by priestesses, each one gentle with her. The dress itself was both black shot through with blue to represent her title as the Blue Queen. She felt strangely weak, but it was probably just nerves. Only fifteen days until she could start going up against her sisters. Only fifteen days.
Ehaj brought her to Innisfuil Valley, where the suitors would be presented in fifteen days time.