✿⊰✲⊱✿
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.

Before my journey
to King Paul's Palace Gala
I received a note

Being curious
I opened it and I gasp
and I fall in shock

My voice has been heard
Now I'll have a new conquest
But first, a small test

One I'm sure I'll pass
Then my studies will begin
Another conquest

LUNA, DEAR LUNA,
the mightiest conqueror -
do you hear your battle cries
ring clear in your ears?
as the ends of your weathered
cloak tickle the ground,
these vapid plains seem
to awaken -

ASTRID, QUEEN ASTRID,
she told you this Kingdom
was not yours to lead,
and looked down on you as you
picked up the broken pieces
of the cup she sent
flying across the room -

ERIC, PRINCE ERIC,
the words that he spat
were as sharp as the sword
he held to your throat.
speak not of royalty, he said.
for you will have none of it -


you falter and you fall
and you whisper to yourself,
they're right. this kingdom
isn't rightfully mine.

but if I fight for it and win,
it **** well is.


THEY SAY YOU'RE HEARTLESS
but that's just your song;
THEY SAY YOU'RE THE EVIL FIGURE
but that's not entirely wrong.


(so do you blame others for
making you a bad person?)

(or do you blame your motivations
for making you a bad person?)

✿⊰✲⊱✿
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.