EᔕᔕᕼI ᑕOᑎT.
~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
'Oh Ainhara, you always seem to know what to
do...' Esshi chuckles. "Thank you very much.
Have you done the Queen Mother's flower
arrangements?"
"Yes, all of them have been watered and
now they are being placed around the palace."
Esshi nods. "Good. Thank you very much.
Carry on then."

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
The florist smiles and leaves as Esshi places
the vase down on a clean counter as well as
the inkpot and quill while staring at the
paper.
'What should I say...?' she wonders as
she hears the meat sizzle. Bale is washing
the carrots and potatoes and chopping
them into medium-sized chunks.
Esshi blinks and smiles. 'Got it!'
Folding a paper in half she writes on
the paper, using her best calligraphy.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
When she's done, she places the quill
in the inkpot and gently blows the paper.
'Perfect!' Esshi beams. "Bael? Where do
you keep the serving trolleys?"
"In the back!" he says as he pours in
the ingredients into the paella pan
and mixes gently.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Esshi goes to the back room and sees
a rose-silver serving tray with wheels
which she rolls out, placing the
bouquet and note on it while waiting
for Bael and his team to finish cooking.
Bael smiles that proud smile before pouring
some soup into a bowl and placing it on the
serving tray.
"Thank you, Bael."
"Not a problem. Do give our Queen my
regards." he faces his working staff.
"If they're done, bring them over!"

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Almost instantly, the chefs bring small plates
of their Queen's favourite treats and top it
off, a fresh brew of Jasmine Pearls.
"Thank you all so much." Esshi says gratefully.
"It's our pleasure." A chefs says as Bael
claps.
"Well done, everyone. Now we best get on the
Queen Mother's meals. Go started! I will see
Lady Esshi out."
Esshi covers the food as Bael opens the door
for her to leave. She is stunned to see Ainhara
there.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Oh my, Bael!" Ainhara smiles at him. "You
certainly worked hard."
"The life of a Chef." he beams. "When you're
done, do come by again. I'll have some meals
waiting for you!" he winks at them and
returns to the kitchen.
"The shipments?" Esshi asks.
"All are being presented, documented and
stored away by the Queen Mother." Ainhara
says. When she sees the flowers, she smiles
and the words on Esshi's note makes her
smile even more.
"Let's make way." Ainhara says as Esshi pushes
the tray behind her, making their way
for the young Queen's chamber.

EᔕᔕᕼI
~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
The kitchen's air is redolent with spices,
peppers and cinnamon, all-spice and star
anise, thyme and curry. The cooks are
shouting orders; taking rose-silver pots
and copper pans; each having the print
of the Lily of Aurelinaea; from the wooden
shelves, plates and bowls from the cup-
boards; some are stirring soups over
coal-fire stoves; others are dicing carrots,
potatoes, fresh poultry and more.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Esshi, in a light-green off-the-shoulder
dress of rose-silk with a triple ruffle trim,
lined with yellow ribbon, a thigh high slit and
white lilies beadery, is speaking to the head-chef
who nods. "Certainly, Lady Esshi." he says
and turns to his busy staff. "Bring out
the paella pans! We have orders for the
Queen Mother!"
"Yes, chef!" a woman says as she pulls
out a rose-silver paella pan and places
it on the stove. The head-chef turns to
Esshi. "You need not worry, Lady Esshi,"
he smiles. "I will make the dishes with
care."

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"You always do, Bael," Esshi chuckles as
he washes his hands and she walks to
the corner, sighing. 'My Lady...'
she thinks worried.
"Lady Esshi?" her thoughts are broken
by a woman's voice. She turns to see a  
florist behind her. 'So lost in thought,
that I did not hear the door open.'
She thinks as her eyes fall on the flower
vase.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
The vase is art noveau style; a deep emerald
green with a maiden in flowing silks, her
hair bejewelled with lilies. Esshi's eyes then
rise to look at the flower arrangement - white
lilies with lilac kisses, purple roses and
several stems of lavender.
"Lady Ainhara said I should bring this to you."
"It's lovely," Esshi sniffs the fresh flowers.
"Very beautiful! You certainly outdid yourself.
It's for our young Queen, I take it?"
"Yes. And Lady Ainhara said I should bring
you this also."
She sees her place some paper, quill and ink down
and Esshi smiles.

EᔕᔕᕼI  ᑕOᑎT.
~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Lyn sniffles as Ainhara gives her a
handkerchief which she uses to
wipe her tears.
"Thank you, guys," Lyn whispers,
giving them a weak smile.
'Well, at least she smiles,' Esshi
thought.
Ainhara has a bright smile. "My lady,
your lady mother gave Bael orders to
make this soup for you. She instructs
that you eat this."

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
When Esshi pushes the serving trolley
to her Queen's side, she lifts the gold lid
and Lyn looks at the soup; steaming
kale in a beefy broth with chopped
peppered sausages, lamb cubes,
onions, garlic, mint chopped potatoes
and carrots.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Kale, really? I hate kale," Lyn whines,
gently pushing the bowl away. "I don't want it!"
Esshi and Ainhara look at each other and smile.
'Still acts like a child when her lady mother
commands she eats her vegetables!' giggles Esshi.
"Your mother says you must eat it, My Lady."
Ainhara chuckles. "It will help with reduce
your stress and help relax your body."

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Lyn sighs and mutters under her breath,
"I hate it when she does this! She knows
I hate the smell of kale! I swear, I'm going
to outlaw the vegetable!" She held hers
nose up and huffs at the end of her
statement, making Ainhara and Esshi smile.
'At least she is in better spirits now.'
thought Esshi.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"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.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
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.

EᔕᔕᕼI ᑕOᑎT.
~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Ainhara, Esshi..." she says weakly.
"We...we have brought you some meals,
My Lady-" Ainhara says.
"I'm not hungry," Lyn shakes her head.
"Share it amongst yourselves. I... I
really don't have the strength to eat."
"If you do not eat, how will you have the
strength to write?" Esshi counters, earning
a weak laugh and a deep sigh.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"My Lady, we know you are worried
Aurelinaea and about the morrow," Ainhara
takes a step towards her, " but I assure you,
all will be well."
"More and more people are coming in,
I'm struggling to find good homes for them.
And tomorrow, marks the beginning of my
10-week studies." Lyn murmurs. "I'd be
lying if I said I wasn't terrified. I don't
want to be a failure. I want to believe that
I am good enough, but..."

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Lyn covers her face with her hands and
begins to whimper, her body shaking
slightly in fear. They hear tears hit the
papers below her.
Ainhara and Esshi frown and place hands
on her back.
"My Lady, please don't cry. You are a
wonderful ruler," Esshi cooes, "you will
find homes for the newcomers. Aurelinaea
blossoms more with under your rule!"

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"And with your bookish nature, you
will surely do well in your studies."
Ainhara adds. "You did say you wanted
to challenge yourself and this is a sure
way to do it. It's normal to be afraid but
once you settle in, it will all be well.
Just remember to enjoy the ride."

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"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!

EᔕᔕᕼI  ᑕOᑎT.
~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"You do that and your mother will make sure
you have nothing but kale meals for a
month or three!" Ainhara snickers. "She only
wants you to eat more healthy meals."
"She's the one who likes the green devil,"
Lyn snaps. "I don't have to!"
"You seem to forget, My Lady," Esshi
points out, "Mothers know best!"
She can tell the young queen wants
to retort but she begrudgingly nods with
a small smile.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Alright," Lyn groans, "I'll eat it."
She dips her spoon into the soup, lifts
some kale, lamb, potatoes and broth,
blows away the steam, eats,
chews slowly.
"Hmm!" Lyn smiles and eats happily.
"It's actually not half-bad!"
She looks around. "Don't tell her I said
that. She wouldn't let me live it down."
"Your secret is safe with us, My Lady."
Esshi giggles as they watch her eat.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"If there's more, you two should have some."
Ainhara cut a slice of freshly baked honey
-bread and places it by her mistress' side
while Esshi makes some fresh Jasmine
Pearl tea.
"I thought you were not hungry!" Ainhara
teases. Their Queen had the grace to flush.
"It certainly helped... Compliments to Bael
and his team! Thank you, but now, I need
to get back to work. Letters to respond to,
gathering my things for the morrow-"

ᗩIᑎᕼᗩᖇᗩ
~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Out of the Palace, into the Queen's
Garden. 'One that could rival King
Paul's Luciuscemian Gardens,' she
thinks as she walks under the high
cream arches and Grecian columns
with ivy vines coiling around them.
She stands on the white marble
steps. 'Truly, this is the Queen
Mother's finest work yet...'

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
The young Queen Lyn spares no
expense in expanding her library,
filling it with leather-bound books
and scrolls, new and old. She spares
no expense when it comes to her
love for herbal teas, near and far...
But her mother?

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
The Queen Mother is known for
her keen eye, fast wits, bladed
tongue and for her love for fashion,
gardening and a frugal nature.
'Like frugal mother, like bookish
daughter!' Ainhara can not help
but to chuckle.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
She watches as the gardeners trim
the mint-green grass, beech hedges
and shrubby. But what Ainhara
marvels most are the flowers.
Pots of lavender and roses,
rosemary and mint are placed
around carefully, by the white
lilies, orange lilies, yellow lilies,
flushing lilies.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
She notices that green lilies and
blue lilies; the gifts from Queen Yidna;
plants native to her Puhan Kingdom,
are in full bloom. They remind her of the
colours of the Seas that she, Esshi and Lyn
had sailed when they visited Queen Yidna.
'Puhan has the calmest seas of the brightest
colours,' She recalls how her Queen was
happy and relaxed then...

✿⊰✲⊱✿
The air filled with laughter and cheers, leaving me
and Ainhara on the hill
"Oh dear," my handmaid smiles. "It appears it will be a long night.
Parting Paul from our sweet Esshi will prove difficult."
"Difficult but not impossible," I chime. "Come, Ainhara,
let us enjoy the rest of the night!"
'My wish came true tonight,' I beam.
'I will always remember this fantastic gala...' as I enter
the main dining hall with all my friends from near and far,
all my friends of many cultures as we join in laughter, in
glee, ever hopeful for the future of our thriving Kingdoms.
With every sip of wine, every nibble of the fine
dishes, all of our bonds have strengthened.
So now, let us be like the lanterns,
and rises together, sailing through the horizons
to touch the Heavens above.
Eager for the adventures ahead...

✿⊰✲⊱✿
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!"

ᗩIᑎᕼᗩᖇᗩ ᑕOᑎT.
~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
When Lyn looks up, she can see
several banners; the proud white
Lily of Aurelinaea on a gold field
and a white mask and brown
lute on a crimson field, decorate
the buildings. They drape over
windows, off the high bridges,
roofs and posts.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Ah yes, today is the Song of the
Canals!" Ainhara turns to them.
"So, My Lady, where do you want
to go first? A walk around the
harbour? A ride on the canals?
A trip to the museums?"

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Hmmm..." Lyn's eyes fall
upon a small bookshop.
"I'd like to browse the book-
shop first."
"Do you not have enough
books, My Lady?"

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Ah-ah!" Lyn tsked. "One can
never have enough books!"
Esshi giggles again as Ainhara
rolls her eyes as her mistress
raises a hand, her finger pointing
at the sky. "To the bookstore!"

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Lyn skips over like a little girl.
"Honestly," Ainhara chuckles.
"At least she's smiling, Ainhara."
"True," Ainhara could not disagree
with her friend. To see the young
queen so carefree, dressed so plainly,
and above all happy and relaxed,
is a relief to them both. Smiling
under their veils, she and Esshi to
follow behind their young queen.

ᗩIᑎᕼᗩᖇᗩ
~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Ainhara is standing in her Queen's room,
staring at the door that leads to
her chamber
'My Lady...' she thinks worried before
looking at her reflection. Her mistress had
surprised her a gift of a finely made dress
of rose-silk, making her a flowing vision
in blue.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
The dress is suitable for the bright and
hot morning, light, airy and delicate
with one shoulder that is heavily beaded
with peacock feathers; the slit reveals
her slender legs, the hip appliqued with
the white lilies of her Queen's Kingdom,
and simple flat shoes.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Her fiery locks are pinned into her usual
bun. It is then that she hears a gentle
knock on the door which she approaches
and opens.
"Did you not hear the command of the
Queen Mother?" Ainhara gently hisses,
"Queen Lyn is not to be disturbe-"
"I know, Lady Ainhara, I apologise,"
a guard whispers as Ainhara stands in
the hallway.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"How is Queen Lyn?"
'Drained and exhausted. She has not slept
well in three days... "The Queen is very busy.
She is determined to complete the tasks set to
her." Ainhara sighs. "Esshi is overseeing her
meals currently. Did her mother not say all
matters of state should be brought to her?"
"Yes she did, but the shipments are set
to arrive today. And she said that once
they arrive, I am to notify you.
They have made way to the Western
Entrance."

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"I see. Well, let us see to it."
"Yes," The guard bows and leads the
way with Ainhara at his heels.
As she passes the open stain-glassed
windows, the cool breeze hit her,
making her dress flutter behind her
and the beadery shine and glitter.

EᔕᔕᕼI
~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Esshi and Ainhara look around the
shop. Thankfully, it is just them.
'One less thing to worry about...' Esshi
sighs as she looks at Ainhara, the
concern in her eyes is clear.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Shh!" Lyn waves her hand and stops
them from bowing. "Please don't
bow. And don't call me Your Grace,
either." Bree and Michael stand straight.
"Please, I just want to temporarily
escape and enjoy the day."

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Of course, your secret is safe with
us, Your High- I mean... Nyl..."
Michael says and they nod.
"It's a honour to have you here.
You and your handmaidens."
Bree says, eyes shining.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"The honour is ours!" Esshi says.
"If you would be so kind to-"
"Not inform anyone? We won't."
Michael promises them with a
reassuring smile. "But I will say
that we are glad to see that you
are well, my lady."

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Thank you." Lyn sighs. "Ainhara."
Her handmaid digs into the basket
and brings out some gold coins
and a few gems. "Here. Please
accept this. Also know that I will
send a few gifts your way for
keeping my secret."
"You are far too kind, Nyl."
Bree teases.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
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.

ᗩIᑎᕼᗩᖇᗩ
~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"And people say that the Palace is
the heart," Lyn murmurs, looking
around the town. "The heart of
Aurelinaea truly beats within the
town."

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Quite so, My Lady." Esshi nods in
agreement. It rings true; Aurelinaea
Palace rests and grows out of the heart
of the large island. It is even whispered
that there are secret passageways long
lost, that only the royal family know.
The towns are pulsing with the lives
of hundreds of thousands. From the
Palace, there is one street, a vein,
thick and wide, that leads down to
different parts of town.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
And like a heart, one vein connects
to many; thick and thin, wide and
narrow; several pathway, with
and without wooden fences, are
made of three colours; red stones,
yellow stones and green stones.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
All of them are winding around,
leading to several coloured houses,
gardens, markets, docks, grand
angel fountains that rests upon the
mosaics, bridges and the canals.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
The air is full of many smells, perfumes
and fresh flowers, fresh cakes, cookies and
breads, fresh produce and fish, fresh cut
grass and the sea. Smiths hammers away
at their swords and armour, people laugh,
children run and play around, cats meow,
dogs barks, seagulls cry and people laugh,
sing, talk and eat as they sail on the canals.

EᔕᔕᕼI ᑕOᑎT.
~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"I guess you're right," Lyn sighs.
"Though, I will take this up with
the guards. Seeing how it was very
easy for us to sneak out."
'I wonder if they will even notice
that their Queen is missing...' Lyn
chuckles dryly, her hands on her
hips.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Try not to be too ******* them,
My Lady." Ainhara chuckles
while walking to them, an old
wicker basket with lids hanging
from her slender arm.
The wind blows and her dark
green skirt ***** in the winds
around her legs, as did Esshi's
and Lyn's.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
She is gently rummaging through it.
"The coins should be enough for
all three of us. Now, are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be." Lyn says as she pulls
up her face veil, and her ladies do
the same. The day is bright and hot,
but the opaque veils are light.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Ainhara leads the way, walking
through the forests, Esshi and Lyn
behind her. Out of the forests,
they follow the path down into
the ever bright, bustling, colourful
Aurelinaean town.

EᔕᔕᕼI
~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Oh yes! They're of the finest quality."
"Well, I would love to get that one!"
She points to a small A5 notebook
with watercolour swirls.
"Good taste!" Bree claps as Michael
pulls a stool, stands on it and pulls
the book from the bookshelf, handing
to Lyn who stares at it. She strokes
the book and opens it to stroke to
fine paper.
"Beautiful!"

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"That ring," Michael stares at it and
Lyn tenses, as did Ainhara and Esshi.
'How we forget about the ring!'
Esshi mentally facepalms. It is of
white-gold, the white lily of Aurelinaea
with the monogram of the Royal family.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Lyn was granted it when she was
coronated, and always left it on, so
much so that it was like second
nature.
"Q-Quee-"

EᔕᔕᕼI
~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
They enter the Queen's chambers.
So much light, yet sombre and silent.
Ainhara walks to the bedroom door;
rosewood with carvings of lilies, angels
and wings, and knocks, "My Lady?"
When she did not hear a response,
she knocks again. "My Lady, it's me
and Esshi. May we come in?"
"Yeah, come in..." comes a hoarse
voice on the other side which worries
Esshi and Ainhara both.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Opening the door, Ainhara enters first,
Esshi pushing the serving trolley behind.
They found their young queen sitting on
my iris-purple kimono robe
She is not in her grand-bed; also made
of rosewood with a cherry finish. Intricate
carvings of lilies and nymphs are on the
posts, the headboard even the cream marble
top.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
The canopy curtains shimmer, cream-gold,
diamonds in the winds. Her rose-silk sheets
and pillows of creams, golds and browns are
covered in papers and open notebooks. Turning
their heads in the right corner of her room is
their young queen, sitting on the stool,
leaning on her hand-painted writing desk
with two large drawers, four small drawers
with golden handles; a gift from King Paul.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Upon it are some small inkpots, gifts from
Queen Kim. She is even wearing her second
favourite kimono-robe, made from white rose
-silk with peacock embrodiery with matching
slippers; gifts from her mother.
Surrounding her are several letters, opened
and sealed. When she turns to face them,
they can see her smile is weak and touched
by fatigue.

EᔕᔕᕼI
~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Sneaking away from my own palace
and guards..." Lyn mutters while
looking at her palace from the forests.
The high walls drinks in the sunlight,
the white flags of Aurelinaea
She, Ainhara and Esshi had changed
into common garbs, swapping silks
for cottons.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
The young queen's hair is packed
in simple bun, wrapped in a cream-
cotton headrail that drapes over her
head and wraps around her
shoulders.  She is now in a plain,
long cotton brown skirt, a white
blouse with string, a black
cummerbund around her waist
with matching flats.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Esshi is wearing the same,
but her skirts are a dull red,
her headrail a pale orange.
They had snuck past the guards
and climbed over the high walls.
Ainhara is tidying up the rope.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Reminds me of when I was younger,
remember?" Lyn faces Esshi who
smiles and nods before turning
to her palace again. "I just hope my
mother doesn't send for me."
"It'll be fine, my lady. It is just
a brief escape."

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"My Lady, you need to have a break."
"I can't afford to have one."
"Yes you can," Ainhara insists. "And
you will."
Lyn arches a brow. "Last time I checked,
I'm the queen here."

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Ainhara chuckles, "You are, My Lady,
and we are your most trusted friends
and handmaids. And as your friends,
we're telling you to have a break! And
I know the perfect thing to do. Esshi,
bring out the common garbs."

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Esshi looks at Ainhara confused before
realisation hits her and she runs to the
Queen's closet.
"Ainhara, what do you have planned?"
Ainhara looks at her Queen's confused
face and with a cheeky wink and smiles
says, "Your freedom!"

EᔕᔕᕼI
~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Just browsing," Nyl says, softening
her voice. "Do you have any Puhan
notepads by any chance? They make
the best notepads. Oh, and some
ink-sticks? The smaller ones."

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Michael chuckles, "You and my wife
would get along well, Nyl. You're in
luck! A new shipment came in from
Puhan today!" Michael smiles. "They're
on the upper levels."

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Her handmaids can tell she is smiling
under her veil. With shining eyes, Nyl
skips up the steps and admires the books.
Esshi and Ainhara follow behind her.
"Honey!" The three women turn to see
a slender shadow of a woman from the
far corner of the room. " I've taken the
Puhan inventory. Just the Luciuscemi
carvings to do! Oh." She turns head to
face Lyn, Esshi and Ainhara.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
When she walks out of the shadows,
she smiles. She was in a long beige
dress, her hair in a low ponytail and
simple brown shoes. "Hello!"
"I was just talking about you, Bree."
His wife raises a brow. "Oh really?"
"He says that you too are a lover
of Puhan's ink-sticks and notepads."
Nyl beams.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"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?"

EᔕᔕᕼI
~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
The bookshop is alot bigger than
one would assume. High beige
walls, large rounded windows,
Staircases that lead to the upper
levels but most of all, books -
paperback, hardback, leather-
bound all resting comfortably
in the tall polished bookcases.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
All are in order, some alphabetised,
some colour-order.  They can even
see quills, inkpots, canvases, pencils,
letters and stamps all neatly in place.
The shop owner, a curly, black-haired,
strong man in a white shirt, brown
trousers and shoes, standing on a
stool, dusting away the cobwebs.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
When he hears the bell ringing, he
turns and spots Esshi and Ainhara
standing there. Smiling, he hops
down and walks to them.
"Welcome to my bookshop, ladies!"
he beams. "My name's Michael.
And your names?"

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"I'm Hara," says Ainhara calmly
before gesturing to Esshi and Lyn.
"This is Shia and Nyl."
"Nice to meet you all," he greets
them and kisses their hands gently.
"Is there anything that you're
looking for in particular?"

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"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!"

✿⊰✲⊱✿
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.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
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!

ᗩIᑎᕼᗩᖇᗩ ᑕOᑎT.
~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
Then her eyes falls onto the various tiger lilies,
leopard lilies and the Queen Mother's
favourite of them all, calla lilies.
How each of them fill the air with
perfume-sweet songs! Each flower are near
the manmade pools, and bird baths and
the large stone fountains.
Florists are talking and laughing
as they made several flower arrangements,
each featuring the calla in it's classy glory.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Lady Ainhara?" she hears the guard snap
her from her thoughts.
"Ah, sorry." Ainhara follows him towards
the Moon-Lily Gate, the circular opening
that Queen Lyn has ordered be created
during her visits to East. The door is
made of iron-bars that are sculpted,
taking the shape of the proud peacock;
another favourite of the Queen Mother,
which the guards open.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
"Hold on." Ainhara quickly skips over the stone
paths to one of the florists. "Make a flower
arrangement for the Queen herself. Use all
of her favourites. And...if you can, use lavender.
When you're done, hand it to Esshi... give her
a quill, inkpot and paper. She'll know what to do.
She's currently in the Kitchens."
"Right away, Lady Ainhara," the florist nods.

~ ⚪♫⚪ ~
'Hopefully this will make our Mistress smile...'
With a smile, Ainhara runs back to the Guard
and exits through the Moon-Lily Gate and
out of the gardens until she comes to the
side entrance of Aurelinaea's grand palace.
'And just in time too!'
Riding into the Royal Courtyard are
many merchants with wagons and
wagons of crates and trunks;
silver Aurelinaean guards riding white
mares beside them.

✿⊰✲⊱✿
"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.