Loving hymns blessings
the moon's pillowy softness
Life upon my breast
My silver knight sleeps in peace
Meek, ethereal flower

Soul born of the stars
His smile so meek, sweet and sad
His eyes are so bright
Silken arms wraps around me
My blessed silver-tongued hero

Our kismets are tied
Our foreheads touch so gently
We succumb to Hypnos call
Hand in hand, our bodies soothed
Our souls kiss happy

✿⊰✲⊱✿
The road is long but at least
it's steady, the two hours passing
ever so quickly. The guards in their
armour shone under the afternoon
light, surrounding my carriage as we
move up the hill, the Sunset Path.
"We're not far now, My Lady," the
solider beside me says with a smile.
Indeed, it is true! The winds carries
the music from Luciuscemi, the
grand Kingdom of King Paul,
great, grand and ever so playful.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Esshi squeals in joy, "I cannot wait!"
"You're more excited that I am, Esshi," I tease,
and she has the grace to blush. "Not that I
blame you! Luciuscemi throws the best
parties, always live with music and colour."
"As expected from King Paul. Especially
for tonight!" Ainhara beams. "Queen Donna
did confirm her attendance, Your Grace?"

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"Everyone did!" I say as I feel the carriage
come up the hill. Peeking from the window,
I see the carved winged lions by the grand
gates, which leads directly to the palace.
While my guards are in silver armour,
Luciuscemi wore the gold and rides
umber horses.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"Queen Lyn of Aurelinaea has arrived,"
I hear my Chief Guard say.
"Of course," the other guard reply. "Open
the gates!"
After a series of orders, the grand gates are
opened and the carriage moves once again.
While we pass the guards, I see them smile
and nod which I return and we ride
through, in awe of our suroundings

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"Ainhana, Esshi?" I call and they enter,
both were in similar fitted peacock lavender
elegant dresses that reveals their necks
and the slim waists; their hair packed into
neat buns. I smile, "You both look lovely!"
"As do you, My Lady," Esshi curtsies.
"Let us make way," I smile and they nod.
After quickly embracing my mother, I began
to make my way to the entrance my palace,
my ladies in toe.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
The afternoon coats the land and skies in
orange and red, but it's a sight to behold. The
air is so crisp and the birds glide and sing.
At the foot of veined marble, a grand white
carriage with sculpted timber being led by
four horses. The guards stand by the door;
the flag of Aurelinaea flapping in the wind.
"My Lady," the coachman smiles and bows,
"You look exquisite."

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"Thank you," I chuckle as he opens the door.
One of my guards helps me in and my
handmaids before closing the door. As the
Chief Guard gallops on his horse, giving orders
to his men, I see my mother stand by the entrance.
"Safe travels, my dear." She says, waving which
I return as we ride out, on our journey
to King Paul's palace!

✿⊰✲⊱✿
The evening turns to night, the night
to day, the day to afternoon until I
come upon the evening, preparing for
the Gala. There is a knock on my door
before it opens, I turn to see my mother
there.  Age has no way diminished her
beauty - her black curls packed into a
high up-do, streaked with silver.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Her dress is that of gentle blue embroidered
silk and long open sleeves, skirts flared
  fastened at her waist; a winking silver crown
upon her head; a antique lace fan in her hand
with carved angels that make the rose-ivory
guard. "You're still not ready? The carriage
has just arrived."
"I know, Mother."
"Well, give them my regards. I'll see that every
thing runs smoothly."

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"Thank you," I smile and nod as the handmaids
added the finishing touches. My dress is
much like my mother's but it's off-the-shoulder,
a deeper, velvet blue with gold floral motifs
wrapping around my body; the corset is laced
as then the jewellery, a filigree diadem with a
tanzanite core, a gold lily necklace, earrings
and a girdle belt with a swooping diamond
core.

If you asked her whether she considered herself brave, she’d say no.

She’d say that she is the most cowardly person she knows. When she was a little girl she read stories about wizards and knights in shining armor who saved the day and thought that that could never be her.

She thought it was her fate to be the princess in the ivory tower, trembling in the corner. Leave the dragon-slaying to someone else; she’d never be the hero who saved the kingdom. All she’d ever be was the princess who needed somebody else to fight the battle.

You think that you are a coward, but believe me, if you were any braver, you’d be a lioness. You do not face the world with your fists up, but with your hands open.
You give and give and give little pieces of yourself; you love like a Category Five Hurricane.
Furious.

You think that you are a coward because you are afraid of so much. Heights, the dark, loud noises, pretty girls, spiders, other human beings.

Anxiety-ridden, picking at the skin around your nails, praying to God that no one can see how close you are to falling apart.
You think that you are a coward because you are afraid, but let me ask you this: how many people ever come face to face with their worst fears?

Most people never will.

But you, you face yours every day.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Then the door is opened and Esshi comes in,
curtsying. "My Lady, this came for you."
I stare at her hand. "A letter? Place it with
the others."
"My Queen, it is from King Paul. His messenger
insisted that you read it today."
"Already?" I blink as I gently take
the letter and open it, revealing it's content.

Dear Queen Lyn,
I hope this letter reaches you quickly.
I have everything planned out on my
end. The invites have been sent! I look
forward to seeing you and the other Kings
and Queen on the morrow!
Best wishes!
King Paul


✿⊰✲⊱✿
I chuckle as I place the letter back in the
envelop, "Well, you've got to hand it to him,
he works fast! Everything is going as planned.
Are Aurelinaea's presents ready?"
"Yes, My Lady!" Esshi beamed as I stare
towards the horizon with a smile.