Party At The Palace
Vilandra sat in front of the mirror admiring the new necklace her mother had given her. It was exquisite. The link was made of black gold and a heart-shaped ruby drooped in the middle. She studied the matching earrings for a moment, then proceeded to put them in.
Her hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail at the nape of her neck; the length flowing down in soft waves. Maya stood behind her, admiring their reflection in the mirror.
"You are a beauty," The Queen placed a red wild flower in the top of her daughter's ponytail. "Stand up, let me take a look at you."
Vilandra did as she was asked and twirled around. Her deep crimson dress fell off the shoulders and was fitted along the bodice. At the waist, it cinched and then bellowed down to the floor, covering her shoes.
"You look amazing Loni," Maya took a step back as she looked at her approvingly.
"So do you," Vilandra smiled, taking in her mother's appearance as well.
Queen Maya was wearing a simple but elegant dress that flowed all the way down to her feet. It was barley tinted an Earth-sky blue and was adorned with gold accents. Her hair, the same honey blonde as her daughter's, was piled loosely on top of her head and was encompassed by a diamond encrusted crown. She looked like the epitome of poise and class.
"Mom, you look like…" she smiled as she tried to find the words.
"A queen," Maya laughed. "I have to go check on your brother; he'll be escorting you so you both have time to mingle with the guests."
Vilandra just nodded as her mother flashed another smile and exited the room.
Zan stood next to the window, looking out into the oblivion. He had just finished dressing and sent the last of the maids on their way. He wore a black suite with a white shirt made of Alwarian silk, where the finest fabrics were made, and a deep crimson vest with gold accents.
The Queen stepped into the room quietly and unbeknownst to her son as he drifted into earlier thoughts of the day and the beautiful creature he saw standing proudly upon Dimiras Rock.
"Are you ready son?" Maya finally spoke.
"Mother," he turned around a bit surprised. "How long have you been there?"
"Long enough to know your thoughts weren't on this party tonight," She stepped into the center of the room and flashed a knowing smile. "Who is she?"
"No one," he shook his head, wondering how his mother read him so well.
"Is she from Vanay or was she on holiday there as well?" Maya pressed.
"She's…" Zan looked a little uneasy. "She's from nowhere. I mean there is no she."
"Okay," she gave her son a clever grin.
"You look beautiful Mother," Zan stood in front of her.
"You look very handsome yourself," Maya placed the flower she'd been holding in his pocket. "Your father and Loni should be waiting for us."
"Shall we then?" he offered her his arm and she accepted it as they exited the room.
Ava descending down the stairs slowly, her dress softly rustling. It was a sleeveless dress, periwinkle that cinched at the waist and came down like a bell. She wore ivory colored gloves and matching slippers that only peeked from underneath the skirt. Her golden hair was pulled into a soft bun with a few stray tendrils that escaped, framing her face with light curls.
"You look stunning," Nadia watched her walk down the stairs, and then looked to the girl behind her. "You both do."
Ema, who was wearing a dark green dress with half sleeves and a skirt that billowed a bit more, followed behind her sister. She wore gloves as well but they were a soft eggshell. Her hair was free; smooth waves that cascaded a little past her shoulders.
"Thank you," they said in unison.
"I can't believe you've been back for one day and you're already invited to a party," Nadia turned to Ava and smiled. "And at the Palace, no less."
"Larek was very kind to invite us," Ava said, trying to downplay how much she was looking forward to this evening.
"Don't give me that Avalena," Ema nudged her. "Admit it, you're excited."
Ava stayed silent for a moment, peering at her sister out the corner of her eye. "Alright, I'm excited!" she hopped up and down like a schoolgirl and Ema joined her.
"Girls," Nadia said in a motherly tone. "Don't ruin yourselves." She paused for a moment as they stopped playing around and then turned to Ava. "Have you spoken with Zsar?"
"No," her answer was short.
"You did get his message?" Nadia questioned.
"Yes," Ava was in no mood to think of him. "I can tell him about the ship ride tomorrow."
"Do you know if he's attending?" she was not letting the subject go.
"God, I hope not." Ava rolled her eyes.
"Ava," Nadia looked at her.
"She's not too pleased with his interest in her," Ema laughed. "You should give him a chance."
The three of them turned around to see a maid walking through the door with a communicator. It was a dark blue rock with a symbol on it.
"You have a hologram call Miss Avalena," the maid curtsied, and then handed the smooth stone to her.
Ava accepted it and let her powers flow into the shiny stone.
"My dear Ava," a hologram of Zsar appeared. "I trust you have arrived safely."
"I have," she gave a fake smile.
"I wanted to make sure the ship was to your liking," he replied as he grinned slyly. "I had it stocked with your favorite desserts."
"It was," Ava wished she could throw the device on the floor and shatter it. She hated the way he looked at her, like she already belonged to him. "Thank you very much."
"You look quite beautiful this evening," Zsar then added. "I hope your not going somewhere without me."
"We've been invited to the party at the Palace tonight," Ava paused for a moment. "Are you going?"
"I have some business to take care of on Harpo," Zsar replied.
"Ava," Ema called. "The driver is here for us."
Ava turned back to the communicator. "That's too bad but our ride is here." She flashed one more smile, pleased to have an excuse to stop speaking with him. "Gotta go." She tossed the communicator at her aunt and grabbed Ema's hand before dashing out the door.
The ballroom looked exceptionally elegant tonight. The floors, made up of black obsidian, lit up as the brilliant balls of light hovered above, creating golden dust of light that came down like sleets of rain. It made the whole room illuminate with a yellow-orange glow. The walls that framed the octagonal room were a deep umber color and decorated with elegant pictures of simple artwork of patterns in beige and burgundy. And a sphere, made up of thin circles of gold and welded together to form a three dimensional circle, dangled in the middle of the room from the ceiling.
The tables were a cream colored marble and they'd been shined so beautifully that you could see your reflection in them. There were huge florets centerpieces in the middle with deep purple, cerulean, and cranberry wild flowers. In front of every chair sat two ivory plates and a bowl with gold rimes and gold goblets encrusted with iridescent white stones.
Ava and Ema marveled at the beauty of it all. It was unlike anything either of them had ever seen before.
After a few more guests arrived, a trumpet began playing and a man dressed in a navy blue suit came out and stood by the platform at the end of the room where the thrones sat.
"Good evening Ladies and Gentleman," the announcer's voice carried through the room as everyone gathered around. "May I present to you the Royal Four of Antar: King Zaid and Queen Maya."
The crowd erupted into a sea of clapping as the Kind and Queen walked out and waved to the people before sitting in their thrones.
"Duke Hasan and Duchess Anash," the announcer continued as Hasan and Anash took their seats in the two thrones on the side of the king.
"And finally, the honorees of this evening," the announcer spoke once again. "Prince Zan and Princess Vilandra."
The crowd began to clap as Zan and Vilandra gave their waves before retiring to the remaining thrones on the side of their mother. After the announcer gave a brief greeting, the band started to play and everyone began dispersing to talk amongst others.
"Lady Ava," Larek strolled up to the two young ladies. "I trust the ride was to your satisfaction."
"Yes, thank you so much." Ava gave a small curtsy as he took her hand and politely kissed the back of it.
"And this must be your sister," Larek concluded.
"This is Emilia," Ava replied, then turned towards her sister. "And this is Prince Larek of Vanay."
"It's an honor to meet you," Ema curtsied as Larek gave her the same greeting he'd given her sister.
"The pleasure is all mine," Larek said as he took a step back.
"Who do we have here?" Vilandra strolled up, accompanied by Rath.
"Allow me to introduce Miss Avalena and Miss Emilia," Larek replied then motioned to the statuesque princess. "Ladies, allow me to introduce to you Princess Vilandra of Antar."
The three ladies shared short but respectful greetings.
"This is Lieutenant General Rath," Vilandra waved her hand towards her escort.
"It's a pleasure ladies," Rath gave a subtle smile and kissed each of their hands.
"Have I met him?" Larek whispered to Vilandra so only she could hear.
"Yes Larek," she whispered back. "The hair."
"Rath," Larek spoke suddenly at normal tone. "It's good to see you again."
The general nodded. "You too Your Highness."
For the next few moments they went undisturbed, speaking of general news and politics that was going on in their solar system. After a few minutes though, another man approached the small group.
"Good evening everyone," a pale man with ice-blue eyes said. "Princess, looking beautiful as always." He leaned over to kiss her hand.
"Lord Kivar," she smiled pleasantly. "My father wasn't sure you could make it."
"I'd never miss a party in your honor," he replied while looking straight into her eyes. "Ava," Kivar looked a bit taken back. "I didn't know you would be here this evening." He kissed her hand for show.
Ava gave a fake smile. "It's lovely to see you again." She paused briefly as she looked to her right. "You remember my sister?"
"Of course," Kivar took the brunette's hand and kissed it as well. "Good evening Ema."
"You two know each other well?" Rath asked. He didn't know why but Kivar always gave him a weird feeling and although he couldn't come up with a valid reason, he didn't trust him.
"We have a mutual friend," Kivar replied. "I'm sure you all know Zsar."
Another man that Rath couldn't quite trust and by the look in Ava's eyes he knew she felt the very same way.
"Where is he tonight?" Kivar directed the question towards Ava.
"He's away on business," Ava gave another fake smile. "But I'm sure you already knew that."
"Must've slipped my mind," Kivar's gaze drifted back to Vilandra, whose face lit up as the next song started to play. "May I have this dance Princess?" He held his hand out. "If that's okay with the rest of you." His eyes fixated on Rath as he said his last statement.
"I'd love to," she smiled as she took his hand and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor.
"This is a beautiful song," Ema finally spoke as she swayed to the music.
"Would you accompany me to the dance floor Miss Emilia?" Larek embraced her hand.
Ema just smiled and gave a simple nod as she followed him to the ballroom floor.
"I guess that leaves us," Rath stated as he took the petite woman's hand and began guiding her to the floor before she even had a chance to accept. After dancing silently for a few minutes, Rath pulled back so he could look at her. "So, why haven't I seen you before?"
"I've been away for quite a while," Ava replied. "I was on Crite for school."
"What were you studying?" he questioned.
"Intergalactic politics and social development," she answered as if she said she was studying paste.
"What do you plan on doing with that?" Rath twirled her around.
"I'd like to be an ambassador," Ava replied. "I want to make a difference in our worlds and for my people." She rolled her eyes. "If my aunt and uncle get their way though, I'll probably just end up someone's wife."
Rath stopped dancing and just looked at her. He found her gutsy attitude refreshing; she reminded him of himself.
"I'm sorry," she shook her head. She wasn't sure why she felt so at ease but she felt comfortable with him, like an old friend. "I shouldn't have said anything. My aunt is always telling me ladies don't speak like that."
He just smiled at her and began dancing again. Rath liked her but it wasn't the way he felt about Vilandra or other girls he'd dated. He could admit to himself that she was beautiful but he wasn't attracted to her. It was more of an immediate friendship that he felt and that was rare for him. He hardly considered anyone a friend, even people that he'd known for years, yet in fifteen minutes Rath thought of Ava as a friend.
"I saw the way you looked when you saw Kivar," it was something he wanted to ask her about since it happened.
"Do you think everyone noticed?" she questioned.
"No," Rath shook his head. "You don't trust him." It was a statement but the next was a question. "And Zsar?"
"I don't know," Ava shrugged. "He's been kind to me but he thinks I belong to him."
"Is he whose wife you think you'll end up?" Rath questioned.
Ava nodded slightly and they resumed their dance in silence once again.
Zan stood near the platform, talking to Viala and several others about her recent trip to Mano, a village in the province of Trece. He zoned out as he looked across the room and caught sight of the beauty he'd seen earlier today.
He watched her as she moved elegantly around the ballroom floor. She almost appeared to be floating above it as her partner twirled her around. Her sapphire eyes lit up as she giggled at something he obviously just said to her and Zan, for once, was envious of someone else.
It was at that moment that Zan actually looked at the young man she was dancing with. Rath, how did he come to dance with her?
"Zan," Larek slapped his hand on his friend's shoulder, jolting him out of his dream-like state. "I see you've seen who is here."
"You invited her," the prince was not surprised. "When you went back for…" he turned to look at him. "What was it?"
"Come," Larek smiled. "I'll introduce you to her. She's quite interesting," he nudged the somewhat shy prince. "You can thank me later."
Zan caught Rath's eye and motioned for him to meet them at the edge of the dance floor. He could see Rath look down to say something to his companion and then they slowly began to walk to the point Zan suggested.
Just as Zan and Larek were approaching Rath and Ava, Vilandra came up behind them and grabbed her brother's arm.
"Father needs to see us right away," Vilandra whispered behind him.
Zan knew by the tone in her voice that it must be important. He caught Ava's eye for a moment then turned away, annoyance spreading across his face as the opportunity to meet her eluded him once again. Zan gave a nod to Rath and the two of them followed Vilandra to the king.
Ava turned to Larek who was now the only one standing with her. "Great, he hates me."
"He doesn't hate you," Larek put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Will you be alright for a moment?" He wanted to make sure everything was alright with King Zaid.
Ava nodded as he too walked away.
The king had summoned the Royal Court as well as Rath, General Tsan, and their highest-ranking group captain, Jakub to discuss an attack on one of their villages in Candala. It happened not more than thirty minutes ago and Swanlaa, Candala's ambassador, had just gotten in contact with Zaid. There were twenty major civilian casualties, half of them fatal.
Out of the nine provinces that made up Antar, Candala was the smallest but it was of great importance. It was where many of the solar system's precious stones and jewels were mined, making the small province very vital to Antar's economy.
After a lengthy discussion on the group of rebels who attacked and suggestions on how to proceed; King Zaid, Duke Hasan, and General Tsan decided to go to Candala themselves, along with a few royal guards. There was already military personnel there but Zaid wanted his people to know that he would make sure whoever did this would pay. He also wanted his children to enjoy the rest of the evening, knowing if any trouble arose that they would be in good hands with Rath and Jakub.
The four of them exited the room but Zan did not rejoin the party right away like the others. It always hit him hard when any of his people were attacked, especially for no logical reason and he needed a few moments to clear his head.
The prince strolled along the gardens, thinking of what he could do to prevent something like this from happening again. He had faith in his father though and was sure things would work out.
Zan began thinking about when he was young. He'd often visit the overgrown garden that sat on the edge of the property on the west side. The vines had grown over the gateway and it was difficult for anyone to get in who didn't know where the secret opening was. It had become his sanctuary. He was headed there when he saw a shadow moving by the lake.
A smile danced on the corners of his mouth as he noticed it was once again the mysterious beauty from Dimiras Rock.
Ava looked up at the tree that sat by the lake. It had the most exquisite flowers on it that she'd ever seen. It looked like two flowers in one. On the outside the petals were a bright red and twirled around the inside like coils and the center looked like a tiny white flower, whose petals resembled lace, which had bloomed inside of it.
She came out to the gardens shortly after Larek left her. She'd gone to find Ema but decided to let her sister have some privacy after she saw her talking to a handsome young man who looked quite taken with the brunette. Ava also ran into Kivar but excused herself as quickly as she could, using the powder room as her excuse. Then she came out here.
Ava reached up for the branch that hung the lowest but it jutted slightly over the water and for her height it was going to be a stretch. She continued stretching her hand towards the flower, her fingertips slightly brushing the petals.
The petite girl pushed herself upwards to stand on her tiptoes and extending her arm as far as she could, finally reaching the flower. At the very same moment she grasped the blossom; Ava lost her footing. She quickly put her arms out in front of her, bracing herself for what would be an embarrassing fall.
She opened one eye to look after she didn't feel the water and found that she was still tilted towards it but was no longer descending. Ava lowered her arms to feel the hands that were holding on to her waist.
"Thank you," she blushed slightly as she felt her whole body rush with heat from his touch.
"Your Welcome," came the reply as she turned to see it was Prince Zan who caught her.