✿⊰✲⊱✿
Me and Paul waltz upon the marble
floor with others. Each one of us gliding
swirls of many colours, becoming rainbows
that float in sync with the pianos, the flutes,
the drums, the harps. The aurelian tunes fills me
with nothing but joy, a smile never leaving my
face as my skirts swirl - my body moving
with the soul of the sound. Cleansing, emotive
yet free. When the music is done, we all
clap, cheer and bow.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"And you said that you were not a dancer!"
Queen Sue beams and embraces me like a sister
which I return. After, I embrace both Kim
and Yidna.
"I never said I couldn't dance," I tease. "I just
said I didn't."
"Well, everyone can contest that!" Paul laughs.
"I suppose you're right."
"Just to confirm, Paul," Kim asks him. "All
the shipments were successful in delivery?"
He nods. "It was a smart move
for everyone to send the gifts to me because I
managed to keep it all down to five ships.
So we didn't overcrowd her harbours. From
what I hear, Donna was quite overwhelmed by
it all. Everyone sent more that four crates of
gifts each."
"I do hope she enjoyed the anthologies I gave her!"
Yidna beams.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"I have no doubt she will," I chuckle. "So, is
it just me or does all that dancing have us peckish?"
"It's just you , I'm sure. I really hope you didn't starve
yourself to make room for all the food again."
"No!" I say.
"Yes, our Sweet Queen did!" Ainhara pipes up
as I playfully glare at her.
"Traitor!" I huff as my handmaids giggle and
Paul snickers.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"I thought as much. Well, I wouldn't be a
good host if I left you to starve."
He walks and links arms with a startled Ainhara
and a shy Esshi. "Let's go, ladies!"
"Will his brazen flirting ever cease?" Sue quietly
asks me.
"This is Paul we're talking about. The Earth will
stop turning before he ever stops flirting."
I reply gently as Yidna and Kim giggle.
"I heard that!" Paul says without looking back
at us. "Come on, let's go get some small
desserts!

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"By the way, Lyn," Kim asks me, "how
is your mother?"
"Oh, she's fine." I reply. "Which reminds
me, thank you so much for that scented fan
with the ivory carving. It's become my mom's
favourite. She takes it everywhere."
"I'm glad she enjoys it. I hope to visit
Aurelinaea soon so I can meet her
in person."

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"What about your health?" I ask worried.
"Won't the journey be ******* you?"
"Not to worry, I plan to come by ship.
Much easier and quicker than a carriage.
I really appreciate your concern." She smiles.
"I... don't want you to strain yourself."
"And I will not. I want to visit your homeland.
I find it ever so relaxing during this season.
Especially with your pavilions."
"Well, do let me know when so I can
have everything prepared for you.
Including some Jasmine Pearls." I wink as
we follow Paul into one of the large dining
halls - one that was connected to the other two.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
This one has high yellow arches, white columns,
ornate gold fixtures and massive paintings of
Olympus; featuring nymphs, gods, goddesses,
animals wild and docile, mermaids and angels.
A huge chandelier sending colourful stars all around
as we follow Paul to one of the great dessert tables,
rich with various cultures, sweetness and spices.
"It doesn't feel right to eat without our guests of
honour..." Sue says.
"I'm inclined to agree with Sue." Yidna says.
"A few small snacks won't hurt," I chuckle. "It's not
the main course meal. It's just something to bide
the time."

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"Agreed." Kim picks up a small porcelain plate and
fork and we all being to fill our plates with
small sweet desserts; Sue takes a chocolate
mousse, Yidna a slice of berry cheessecake,
with me and Kim taking some baklava
with a side of whip cream. They went to sit
down as I browse around the drinks area.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
It is then I noticed King Brandon
with his notebook and pen walking towards me.
"Queen Lyn," he smiles.
"King Brandon," I chuckle. "It is good to see you!
I see you were so focused on Pauls paintings."
"How can I not be? I've always loved the
representation of Greek gods and myths.
It's always fascinating to see how artists see
them. How we all see one entity, one embodiment
differently through words, painting, chalk or pencils."
"We are all Pygmalions in our own right,
as you would say," I smile.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"Indeed. Well, I won't keep you. Seems like
you are rather hungry."
"All I had was breakfast and Pu'erh tea so I was
being good.  And I still am! I don't plan on
eating too much until the honoured guests
arrive." I smile.
"As do I. Enjoy your snacks. I'll bid the time
with more admiration for Paul's collection of art...
after saving your handmaids from Paul's relentless
flirting."
He points at Paul with a flushing Esshi and a
giggling Ainhana as I shake my head.
"As you will." I smile.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
King Omni, Fugue and Emeka are all
seated on one table laughing. I notice
King Edmund tucking a rose behind his
wife's ear; Queen Sarita and Jugnu sit
with Kim, Yidna and Sue all laughing,
Queen Robin and Fawn admire the ice
sculptures. True to his word, King Brandon
went to save Esshi from turning more deep
shades of red, playfully scolding Paul for
embarrassing her. We are all having a good
time until it is broken by the herald's cry,
"Queen Donna of Vesian! And her husband, King Dean!"

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"She's finally here!" Sue claps as we all rise
from our seats and walk to the Ballroom.
There they are, atop the marble steps!
Queen Donna and Dean of proud Vesian,
both dressed in bright red. The couple faces
each other with loving smiles as the cacophony
of cheers and claps echoes through the great
Luciuscemi Palace.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
From afar, I study Donna's beautiful gown;
the shade of wine, made of velvet, her sleeves
long and puffed. Her bodice embrodiery is
extraordinary; patterned with red Rose of Vesian,
but since her marriage, she added a white
one. The embrodiery comes alive under the
light of chandelier; glittering with intricately
cut rubies and agates and sunstones for
Donna's red roses, emeralds and peridots
for the coiling stems and thorns, quartz
and white opals and moonstones for
the white roses.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Her hair in a curly updo, ringlets framing
her wise and kind face with a simple white
diamond tiara resting upon her head; a simple
rose chain and earrings to complete her look.
In contrast, King Dean wears a deep crimson
coat of red and white roses brocade that falls
past his knees and above his ankles;
slits on the sides  and on the back as well,
I imagine. I can see the black lining
underneath that fine coat.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
A plain white sash across his chest;
with black trousers and matching boots.
"They look so happy together," Sarita
leans over to my ear, a smile in her
voice as everyone cheers.
"They really do." I say back. "Long
may they reign."
Hand in hand, Donna and Dean
descend down the steps as Paul
emerges from the crowds, the cheers
dying down.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"Donna, Dean!" He embraces Dean like
a brother, and kisses Donna's hands.
He has a playful grin. "Welcome to
Luciuscemi!"
"Thank you for having us," Donna replies
as she looks around. "Oh my, you weren't
kidding when you said everyone was coming."
"We all have love for you. And we are all
thrilled about your marriage."
Donna turns to face everyone. "Thank you
all ever so for all your presents. Even now,
my men are still unpacking. To everyone
for wishing me and my family well, just know
I am greatly touched and humbled by all of
your support and kindness."
As she curtsies, we all cheer and return the
favour.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
I shyly approach her. "Queen Donna."
"Little Queen Lyn," she chuckles as we
embrace. "Ah! You look lovely!"
"Compared to you, I'm a plain Jane.
How long did it take to make a fine
dress?" I stroke my finger on the vibrant
embroidery on her skirts.
"Months. I'm just glad it was finished in
time for Paul's fine event. Same with
my love's jacket!"
I see Dean and Paul laughing together.
"By the way, thank you so much for the
rose-silks you sent me. And the crates of
wines and teas. You are quite the
connoisseur for your age. The book you
supplied me about each and every one
of those herbal teas is very impressive."

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"I try! And I know my tea."
"So when will I hear of your own marriage?"
Donna teases and I flush.
All that leaves my lips is, "Uhhhhhh..."
Donna only laughs at my response and pats
my shoulder gently. "I am sorry if I made you
uncomfortable. Take your time with it. But try
not to put it off for too long. Marriage is a
wonderful thing. Spend your life with someone
you love and loves you so much in turn."

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"Now you sound like my mother."
"And Mothers always know best!" She winks
as Sue and Kim and Yidna and Sarita and
Jugnu and Fawn and Stars and Dawn
all approach her as Donna gives her
thanks to each of them individually,
Kings and Queens.
I stand there and simply watch them
with a smile.
"Hey!" a voice whispers behind me.
"Good Lord!" I exclaim while jumping
out of my skin. Immediately, I
look behind to see a snickering Paul.
"I'm not amused! It's not funny!" I snap
but he only snickers louder at me.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"I really hate when you do that..." I
say, my hand on my heart as I try to
slow my beating. "No apology?"
"Nope!" Paul grins. "You're so uptight, I swear.
Relax!" He slugs his arm around my shoulders as
I just shake my head. "By the way, everything's
ready for her final surprise. So let's head out
to the inner courtyard."
I nod. "Where's Esshi and Ainhana?"
"Right here," another voice cuts in
and I see King Brandon with both
my handmaids. "Such charming
young ladies."
"You've been flirting with them too,
Brandon?"

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"No, My Lady," Ainhana chuckles.
Esshi flushes at Paul's smile.
"Okay, you need to stay away from my
handmaids from now on!" I point at Paul
who looks at me innocently.
"Why? I've done nothing wrong!" He says
dramatically. "You are just jealous."
My eye twitches slightly. "I'll let you keep that
delusion."

✿⊰✲⊱✿
I stick my tongue out at him and huff,
much to their amusement.
Paul chuckles. "Love you too!"
He walks up some of the steps, turns
and claps, gaining everyone's attention.
"Come everyone! Before the feast, we must
make our wishes before the Angel's Fountain."
He says as he leads the way to the inner
courtyard.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"Keeping us company, Brandon?"
"Of course," he chuckles. "After all,
we need to shield Esshi from Paul's
flirtations before she literally dies
of embarassment."
"M-my Lord!" Esshi exclaims as
me and Ainhana giggle.
'Time for Donna's great and
final surprise!' I beam!

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Following everyone down Paul's grand hall,
I cannot help but smile and hum, Ainhara's
arm links with mine.
"My Lady seems to be jumping with joy!"
Ainhara beams.
"I am," I chuckle, "I'm just so excited for
Donna and Dean to see their final present
from us all."
"As am I, my lady."
"So, how do you find King Brandon?"
I ask Ainhara.
"Very charming, " she responds, "and
very articulate. Like King Paul, he shares
your love for myths and legends."
"Well, they do hold truths. People
underestimate how much one can learn
from it."
"I concur."

✿⊰✲⊱✿
I look at Esshi and Brandon
walking in front of me. As she is
timid, I see that his smile and calm
nature put her at ease.
Soon enough, we found ourselves outside,
the afternoon sky has darkened and the
stars have bloomed.
'Perfect', I smile more as we all walk down
the marble steps two by two.
"Ok, everyone has their coin? If not,
please collect one from my guards
and make your wish at the Fountain!"
I hear Paul beam from ahead.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"What will you wish for, My Lady?" Esshi
turns and asks me. "I know you have already
made a wish, but I assume you have more."
"Plenty," I chuckle. "I never run out of wishes."
Brandon smiles, "Sounds just like you, Queen Lyn."
"You can't blame me for being a little girl at heart."
As the queue moves forward, I see Donna and Dean
walk down together, pause, then throw their
coins into the water.  Then the other Kings and
Queens follow before it comes to Brandon
and Esshi's turn.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"But I'll admit, how Paul is looking at those two is
bothering me." I raise a brow. "Ainhara, you
go and speak to Sue and Yidna, tell them I will
be there shortly."
Tucking an apple blossom in her hair, she curtsies and
leaves my side, joining the diverse conversation,
and joyous laughter.
As I walk up the steps, I see Edmund and his wife
walk down, I smile and nod their way which
they return and I am by Paul's side.
"Why is the King pouting now?" I roll my eyes.
"I legit may poison Brandon's food," he says.
"Paul!" I hit his arm.
"What! He's tempting me to do it! He's all
over Esshi!"
✿⊰✲⊱✿

"Oh my," I facepalm, "You're upset that Brandon
is entertaining Esshi?"
"Yes," Paul pouts. "No fair, I saw her first! She's mine!"
"Oh Paul," I sigh and laugh, "Sometimes I don't
know what to do with you."
"You can help by assisting Luciuscemi take arms
against Huarean."
"Behave yourself!" I hit his arm again. "You are not going
to war with Brandon."
"He's flirting with my girl!"
"Talking, not flirting. There's a difference. He's not you!"
At that moment, Esshi giggles in response to
Brandon's comment.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"I'm the only one that should make her smile
and laugh like that. She's too adorable!
So, I'm gonna wife her!" Paul says.
"I won't let you. And no, I am not jealous!" I cut him off and
walk down the steps, smiling at his antics.
"You're not going to stop me, Lyn!"
"Challenge accepted!" I wave my hand and
walk to Kim, Donna, Dean, Sue, Ainhara and Yidna.
"What was that about?" Sue asks.
"Paul's upset Brandon's talking with Esshi."
"Seriously?" Yidna tries not to laugh.
Kim only chuckles and Donna shakes her head.
"Between his incessant flirting and playful nature,
it's a wonder how Esshi has not exploded from
shyness. She certainly is a timid thing." Donna sighs.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"She is. I think I make it worse with my constant
teasing." I chuckle. "But yes, I'm sure Paul's
'appreciation' for her is overwhelming.
He showers her too much with compliments."
We are lost in conversation until we heard Paul clapping,
gaining everyone's attention.
"Now that everyone has made their wishes, it's time
for us to present Donna and Dean with their
final gifts," he smiles. "Donna, Dean, would you be so
kind as to follow me up the hill? There's something
we all have to show you!"

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"Final gifts?" Dean is confused. "This party is enough,
as were all the shipments. What else do you have to give
us?"
Paul only chuckles and says nothing, beckoning them to
come to him. When Donna looks at everyone's faces,
she sees a sea of smiles, all knowing, all kind.
"Everyone, what's going on?" Donna asks.
"You'll find out soon enough!" Sue winks as Dean
takes Donna's hand and everyone walks down a pathway
that leads up to a high hill, where we can all see the horizon.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Many of our distant kingdoms and the very calm seas.
One of the Luciuscemian guards holds a large green paper
lantern with the gold sun on Luciuscemi on it before
releasing it into the air.
"Paul, what's going on?" Dean asks his friend as
the paper lantern float high.
Donna gasps when she sees more small green
Luciuscemian lantern fly, and when her eyes look
to the horizon, the night skies come alive.
An abundance of paper lanterns are released into
the air, each of many colours.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Though we could not see the emblem,
we know who eachof the colours belong to
Sue's Kingdom of Ruikruya releases lilac paper lanterns,
Edmund's Chairis forest-green,
Sarita's  Khaikar orange lanterns,
Omni's Khaniel silver,
Deb's Daegeral magenta,
Devon's Monait blue-violets,

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Kim's Geniael cream,
Emeka's Ghalali white,
Robin's Naeneiana periwinkle,
Fugue's Thavia blacks,
Fawn's Yuamor red-violets,
Yacov's Igrador olive-green,
Dawn's Khesian dandelion-orange,
Joseph's Eaqellurene bronze,
Jugnu's Enuryn jade-green,

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Fredrick's Emirinait mauve,
Yidna's Puhan indigo,
Rob's Balan sea-green,
Cne's Phelyra turquoise,
John's Khesian melon-red,
Xaela's Lonusea peach,
Aslam's Ikaesa deep plum,
Ayumi's Wadia tan-gold,
Brandon's Huarean ocher,
Sheila's Naizzuzia cornflower-blue,
Kikodinho's Izugalla in taupe,
Stars' Yurithireatha green-yellow,
Jobira's Zavalon in orange-red
and lastly, my Aurelinaea deep blue





,

✿⊰✲⊱✿
All of them fill the skies, warm tender lights
forming strings of rainbows in the night's sky.
"Fifty lanterns to mark your fifty years," Paul chuckles
as he sees Donna's tears of joy. Dean even blinks
away tears, embracing his wife's back and rubbing
it."
"Happy belated birthday, Donna," I say as I approach her.
"Thank you all so much," she sniffles as she embraces Paul
tightly. "I'll always remember this... But the greatest
present you've all given me is just being here.
All my friends from near and far, I'm grateful to
know you all."

✿⊰✲⊱✿
We all gasp in wonder as the lanterns seem to gather and
rise to the very Heavens.
"Alright everyone! To the feast!" Paul beams and everyone
cheers. Dean and Donna share a loving kiss before walking
down the hill towards to Palace, stars glitter in everyone's eye.
"Esshi! Esshi, honey! You're sitting with me!" Paul cooes and I
spot him jogging to Esshi's side and carrying her bridal style.
"K-King Paul! T-this is most improper!" she squeals,
trying to hide her burning facing with her hands.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"No it's not! Besides, your Queen says we can marry!
Only fitting that I get to know my fiance!"
"The same fiance you're lying too!" Sue laughs.
"Paul, put the poor girl down," Donna shakes her head.
He stuck his tongue out and carries her into
the palace.
"Brandon, come near her and I'll fight you!" he warns.
Brandon only rolls his eyes. "A fight I'll willingly accept!"