✿⊰✲⊱✿
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.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Ainhara and Esshi hold the train of
my dress as we descend down the steps.
"Well, you finally made it!" Paul chuckles
walking up to me, a playful look in his eye.
"Took you long enough."
"Fashionably late. Besides, I wouldn't miss
this for the world!" I beam and curtsy.
"What have I told you about doing that?" he
arches a brow and spreads his arms. "Bring it here!"
I comply and embrace him as if he were
family before gently pulling away.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"You remember my ladies, Ainhara and
Esshi." I beam, gesturing towards them.
As Paul kisses their hands gently and they curtsy,
I notice Paul winking Esshi's way and she has
the grace to flush.
"No flirting with my ladies!" I playfully hit
his arm and he smirks.
"Is someone jealous?"
I huff as a response and pouts as he laughs.
"Your ladies are as lovely as always!
I'm just giving them their dues."

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"Winking at Esshi is giving her her dues?"
"Yes, it is. Not my fault that you are feeling
left out."
"I am not," I roll my eyes but I cannot help
but laugh and feel more at ease. "Fantastic party
as always. That's the common theme with
Luciuscemian Kings!" he and I chuckle.
"But I don't see our guests of honour."
"Donna and Dean are on their way. They'll
be here soon, don't worry. After all this IS all
for them. So, in the meantime," he extends
a hand with a cheeky grin, "care to dance,
My Lady?"
"Do I have a choice?"

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"Nope!" Paul pulls me to the dancefloor
as the music plays, but not before I
see Ainhara and Esshi being approached
by Queen Sue and Kim who wave at me.
I return it with a big smile as the ladies chat
away.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
At the sound of my name, I see the faces
turn and smiles of many friends;
Queen Sue of Ruikruya in her lilac silks,
Queen Sarita of Khaikar in orange silks,
Queen Deb of Daegeral in magenta,
Queen Kim of Geniael in creams,
Queen Robin of Naeneiana in periwinkles,
Queen Fawn of Yuamor in red-violets,
Queen Dawn of Khesian in dandelion-orange,
Queen Jugnu of Enuryn in jade-greens,
Queen Yidna of Puhan in indigos,
Queen Cne of Phelyra in turquoise,
Queen Xaela of Lonusea in peach,
Queen Ayumi of Wadia in tan-gold,
Queen Sheila of Naizzuzia in cornflower-blue,
Queen Stars of Yurithireatha in green-yellow

✿⊰✲⊱✿
King Edmund and his wife in matching
forest-greens attires,
King Omni of Khaniel in silvers,
King Emeka of Ghalali in white,
King Devon of Monait in blue-violets,
King Fugue of Thavia in blacks,
King Yacov of Igrador in olive-green,
King Joseph of Eaqellurene in bronze,
King Fredrick of Emirinait in mauve,
King Rob of Balan in sea-green,
King John of Khesian in melon-red,
King Aslam of Ikaesa in deep plum,
King Brandon of Huarean in ocher,
King Kikodinho of Izugalla in taupe,
King Jobira of Zavalon in orange-red
and many many more.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
And last but not least, King Paul of
Luciuscemi himself in emerald-and-gold.
He wears his favourite emerald green
jacket with ruby buttons, bright gold
embroidery of suns and lions; his sleeves
stitched with pearls and rubies to match
the red sash across his chest; his trousers
black as are his boots, but even they have
gold laces.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Several chandeliers hang and reflect light
of the many mirrors, bring more light
and colour to the room, especially the dome
top; grand and caved with gilded wood
and animals of the wild and skies.
A sturdy rope holds up the greatest
chandelier of tear-shape crystals and
diamonds rare.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Waltzing under the massive crystal chandelier,
swift and elegant on the sun-patterned
marble floor, is the King himself, smiling
as he twirls around one of the maidens there,
as expected. Paul is known as a playful
spirit, mischievous, kind and an accomplished
dancer. I see the herald, finely dressed
but he did not notice me at first, his eye
is on the bustling life below until I clear
my throat.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
He turns and bows, "Forgive me, Queen Lyn-"
"It's alright," I chuckle, "I don't blame you.
This is a magnificent party!"
"I shall announce you at once." He smiles,
turns and cries, "Queen Lyn of Aurelinaea!"

✿⊰✲⊱✿
The hallway has teal arches with
high grecian columns, each with
gilded gold grapes and vines
entwined, kissed by the light of the
several crystal chandeliers.
With enormous paintings on the
pale blue walls -  several key
moments captured and framed,
and age in no way diminished it's
strokes and vibrancy.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
I remember many times where
I had visited Paul and I
walked around his home,
telling me of his ancestors
achievements with a smile or a
frown on his face. "We can all
learn things from the past," he said
sadly. "And there's always things
done that we are not proud of. I
only want Luciuscemi to thrive."
"With you as King, I have no doubt
it will." I said with a smile and Paul
felt a little better.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
My feet continue to follow the
red carpet to the ball room as me
and my ladies pass many Luciuscemian
guards, all standing tall, lined up yet
all so courteous and friendly; dressed
in yellow military outfits, with red
shoulder capes. When I come upon the
end hall to the entrance of the ballroom,
I cannot help but gasp. Alive with so many
people in so many colours.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
I could see the dining hall in the far back;
lines of tables covered in coloured silks
and with many dishes: sweet, sour and
savoury, meats and vegetables, grilled fish,
glazed ham, veggie rolls and many
fine imported wines, fresh teas and
many more. Large ice sculptures of lions
and suns stand vigilant as the servants serve,
people laugh, eat and talk. Some walked out
to the balcony, some watch others dance;
long and short, this ballroom is an orchestra
for my soul.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Ahead is the grand side entrance to his
palace, but not before we ride around
his large angel fountain. Ever so detailed
from head, wing and toe and the waters
so clean before we are pulled to a stop
by the marble steps with a vibrant wide
carpet. The coachman comes around
and opens the door, and gently helps me
out of the carriage and then my ladies.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Turning around, I look at the fountain
with stars in my eyes.
"My Lady, King Paul ordered me to give
you this." The coachman holds out a silver
coins with a lion printed one side, Paul's face
on the other.
"Strange, he usually gives me one."
"He said you most likely would like to
make a wish before you enter and the
other is for later."

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"He knows our Sweet Queen well!" Ainhara
laughs. Taking a guard's arm, we walk to
the fountain; my ladies holding the train
of my dress. Below, there are many silver
and gold below the water, and I clutch mine
with a deep deep wish.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
'Let there be peace and harmony for us all
till the end of our days.' I pray.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
I toss the coin in, watching it sink and
rest with its sterling brothers and sisters.
"My Lady, it is time," the guard smiles
and I nod.
"Time to let them know I'm here!" I beam
as I walk back to the marble steps and the
music filled palace.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
Paul's courtyard is always one to
be admired; high cream coloured
arches with white statues of birds
upon sleek mint-green marble steps.
His myrtle hedges, high, hale and
trim, in spiral shapes that decorate
the courtyard; potted flowers and
trees by them.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
As the carriage rides down the mosaic
path to the palace; a glittering rainbowtic
mosaic orchestra for the eyes; me and
my ladies look to see the large-marble statues
built upon a large pond with waterlilies;
a life-sized history lesson of the proud
Kings of Luciuscemi from the first to
the current, King Paul, in his carved
regalia.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
The music grows into a crescendo as we
approach the palace. We admire his private
pool houses, each of various colours but had
mahogany steps and hanging flower baskets
and lights which makes me smile - I usually
came to Paul's court to discuss treaties but
to also relax and get away from home.
Paul always made sure his guests were
taken care of.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"Look, my Lady!" says Ainhara and she points
at the benches of flowers; daffodils, roses,
lavender, rosemary, mint, white lilies
and many more. "He put flowers there in
your honour."
"Not just mine," I smile, "but of all his friends
from Kingdoms near and far. I am looking
forward to seeing him again."

✿⊰✲⊱✿
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.