To Break a Soul by Emira J. S.
To Break A soul - Emira J. Solstice
A sci-fi fantasy story that follows several characters on a journey through a tumultuous magical world on the brink of war.
Expanding on that, the story is a science fiction novel that follows various characters on an interwoven journey.
Awaken in the mysterious land of Nayelutae with Fred. Who has seemed to have forgotten who he was, where he came from, and how he got in the barren woods. With a rocky start, a near death experience, and a bit of intervention, Fred meet's Vivienne. Together they help each other. Fred vows to help Vivienne find her aunt who has gone missing, while Vivienne heals and promises to help Fred find out who he is.
In the Prologue you meet Princess Lilyanna, on the disastrous night of her coronation gala. Where a mysterious rough crashes the celebration, challenging the King to a deadly duel. A horrid accident occurs, giving Lilyanna just enough time to escape into the night.
Awaken in the mysterious land of Nayelutae with Fred. Who has seemed to have forgotten who he was, where he came from, and how he got in the barren woods. With a rocky start, a near death experience, and a bit of intervention, Fred meet's Vivienne. Together they help each other. Fred vows to help Vivienne find her aunt who has gone missing, while Vivienne heals and promises to help Fred find out who he is.
In the Prologue you meet Princess Lilyanna, on the disastrous night of her coronation gala. Where a mysterious rough crashes the celebration, challenging the King to a deadly duel. A horrid accident occurs, giving Lilyanna just enough time to escape into the night.
A Preview of the Prologue:
A Night You Won't Soon Forget
The city of Rideira blossomed with color. Flags of all colors danced along the streets, joyous music filled the air while many creatures of every shape and size celebrated in the plaza. Princess Lilyanna started down from the window. Her smile faded as she watched them all bustle about. They all seemed so happy.
‘So why don’t I feel happy?’ she thought to herself.
Clear footsteps clacked against the hard stone floor of the hallway. Lilyanna, lost in her own thoughts didn’t notice the footsteps come closer, nor noticed when they stopped beside her.
“The sunsets are beautiful this time of year,” A familiar voice spoke, startling the princess.
Lilyanna turned to see her mothers soft gaze. Queen Maribella stood tall, the setting sun set her dress ablaze with brilliant colors of oranges making it seem to glow on it's own. Lilyanna gave a half hearted smile, but turned back to the city. Something was missing. They were all celebrating, for her. This was to be her night. Yet dread was all that filled her.
Her mother sighed, “Tonight will be fine. What’s troubling you, Lilyanna dear?”
“I haven’t heard from Andrew in weeks. He was supposed to be my escort this evening and he hasn’t returned.” Lilyanna began, she felt her throat tighten and her lip quiver, “I guess I am just worried.” Andrew was a captain in the royal guard. Specifically he served under her father, King Illios. Andrew had promised to be there for her coronation. The more Lilyanna thought the more her stomach hurt. Lilyanna looked to see her mother’s face filled with concern. “I’m alright, really mother.” Lilyanna reached out to take her mothers hand giving it a soft squeeze.
Lilyanna couldn’t help but notice her mother seemed paler than normal. Her own olive skin contrasted against her mothers grey skin. Her mother didn’t belong to the terra, she belonged to the sea. She wondered if her mother ever missed her childhood home.
“I’m afraid he’s not coming. A captain has his duties to the Royal Guard, not to a beautiful daughter of mine. Even if it would make you happy, I could not ask him back.” Queen Maribella’s words did little to sooth Lilyanna’s anxieties. Lily gazed into her mothers gentle eyes and gave a forced smile.
“I know, he is doing what is best for Farbaerisn, and in turn what is best for me.”
“A truly noble answer. You will make a fine Queen, my dear Lily.” Maribella squeezed lilyanna’s hand and closed her eyes. Lilyanna watched as her mother concentrated, a warm sensation flowed through her. Energy pulled down into their hands. Through Maribella’s pale skin, Lily could see her glowing power flowing down her arm. Gently pooling into a bright white light between their hands. The sensation grew as something soft grew between their hands. Maribella pulled away, revealing the white waterlily she created. Lilyanna had always loved the feel of her mother’s kinesis combining with hers. Two energies coming together to create something beautiful.
Lilyanna let out a soft sigh, relaxing as her mother brushed away the stray hair behind her ear and placed the flower there. Lilyanna watched as the glow from her mothers hand faded. As a child, her mother would often use her power to coax small fish to jump out of the pond, all to make Lily laugh. Her mother would do anything to make her smile. Lilyanna missed when days were simply just an adventure in the garden, and not the responsibility for peace across five continents.
Maribella opened her mouth to speak, but another interrupted her.
“Your Majesty, “ A tall man addressed the queen with a bow, then turned to Lilyanna, “your Highness.” Lilyanna recognized the man as one of the many royal staff. With a glance to him, a small name flashed above his head: Jerrico. Lilyanna was thankful for the Eokhaiirs, to help her remember everyone's name. “Your presence is requested in the ballroom for the last preparations, my Queen. You are needed in the proscenium to be prepped for this evening’s gala, your Highness.”
Lilyanna held back a sigh as she turned to her mother. She should be excited for the night's evening, perhaps seeing her gown would cheer her up. Before Lilyanna could speak a sharp pain jabbed into her gut. She gasped and nearly doubled over.
“Nikkan! Are you alright my dear!” Maribella exclaimed, as the guard rushed to Lilyanna’s side.
“I’m fine.” Lilyanna said with a slow exhale, “It must just be nerves,” The sharp pain faded into a dull achy cramp.
Maribella looked to her daughter with worry in her eyes, “ If you say so. You know your body best. I’m afraid I best be off, darling.” Maribella leaned forward placing a gentle kiss on her daughter’s head. “Try not to worry too much more. Tonight will be filled with joyous celebrations that will create memories to last your lifetime. Tomorrow, you will be crowned heir to your father’s throne. Enjoy yourself.” Maribella gave a soft smile, then took the guards arm as he escorted the queen down to the ballroom.
Memories to last my lifetime. Lilyanna knew her mother’s words were with best interest at heart, but they did little to quell the rising uneasy feeling she had. “My lifetime,” Lilyanna laughed slightly at the thought. She wasn’t very old for her species, but yet she was already ancient to the world around her. “The life of a near immortal.” she mused, “What good is it if you can’t spend it with the ones you want to.”
Lilyanna took one last glance at the city below, her city. With one last deep breath she turned away burying the feelings she held and replacing them with a strong thought that she would enjoy the night. She didn’t need Andrew to have a good time, her other friends would be there for the evening.
Lilyanna walked down the empty halls. As she walked she watched the beautiful mosaics built into the floors pass by. A beautiful garden of gemstone flowers painted the halls. With a sudden urge Lilyanna hopped onto one of the large flowers. She leapt from flower to flower, dancing down the hall. She couldn’t help but laugh slightly to herself as she hopped across the floor. With a swift motion Lilyanna lept, but as she landed a large jolt of pain gripped her. She gasped loudly and stumbled into the wall, clutching at her stomach. She felt as if she were to be sick. Leaning against the wall for support Lilyanna made her way to a small alcove and sat on the bench. Placing her head in her hands, she waited for the nausea and pain to pass. Her head throbbed slightly.
After a few minutes Lilyanna lifted her head. In the blur of things she hadn’t noticed the alcove she chose to sit in held her favorite painting. A grand painting hung on the wall, taller than Lilyanna herself, it reached to the yawning ceiling. A beautiful and magical scene was painted. A beautiful young Reiora lass, embraced with a handsome young Kiatros lad. Both dressed in regal ceremonial cloth. The two couldn’t be more different. The girl’s skin was a beautiful soft blue, dappled with white and sapphire patches. It reminded Lilyanna of looking at the sun from beneath the water. Her hair a sandy blonde that cascaded down her back in beautiful soft curls. The young man’s skin was dark like mahogany, and hair as black and shiny like onyx. He was tall and slender, and gently gazed lovingly into the girl’s brown eyes. Lilyanna watched as the painting sprung to life. The boy grabbed the girls hand, gingerly bringing it to his lips to kiss the back of her hand. The girl smiled shyly, and gave a soft curtsy. It had been quite some time since she had seen her father smile, let alone smile with her mother. Lilyanna often came to sit by this familiar painting of her parents' betrothal ceremony. Her father’s eyes contrasted the rest of his dark figure, they were a light gold. She knew the trait was from being born in the Kiatros kingdom as they most often had light colored eyes.
A children's story. That those born in Kiatros, had no color to their eyes until they gazed upon a perfect moment to capture their home. Her father claimed to have captured the golden rays of the early morning light that fell across the deirya.
Lilyanna stood and walked to the painting, gently running her hand across the bottom of the frame. Under it read:
Maribella & Illios, the first to unite the three kingdoms.
The first rulers of Farbaerisn
Her parents looked so happy to be together, and rightfully so for the joyous occasion, but Lilyanna didn’t feel that. She wished the gnawing feeling would leave her, shrugging out of her thoughts she turned away. Hurrying off towards the destination that awaited her.
Lilyanna slipped into a warm room filled with soft sunlight that filtered in from a large glass skylight. Many attendants clamored about the latest castle gossip as they worked in their respective stations. The walls were lined with shelves upon shelves of decadent fabrics, exquisite jewels and miscellaneous sewing supplies. Several mannequins of various sizes stood scattered throughout the room; some fully dressed, others stuck with pins and random swatches of fabric.
No one seemed to hear her enter. Perhaps she was overreacting and the night would be fine just as her mother said. Lilyanna took the moment to just listen to their excited chatter before announcing herself.
A small rotund woman stood at a vanity behind a long auburn wig. Half of the hair was pinned up, while the lady worked on curling the bottom half. Lilyanna watched as she curled a section, took a pin and looped the curl into the updo, pinning it in place. “The crowds have been forming for hours now!” The lady exclaimed, “I just got another order for tonight, don’t they have any idea how long these styles take?”
On the floor beside her a long legged man kneeled next to a pedestal, “aye, at least they aren’t requesting Tutor style on the same day. Tha’ be murder,” said the man as he worked on the hem of a deep red, velveteen dress, “an we’ve only a few more mo’s to finish before she arrives.
“Who all’s do you thinks will be heres tonight?” A young girl with vibrant scaly pink skin asked, popping up from behind a desk piled high with boxes and containers. Knocking over a bowl with beads in the process. The beads froze mid fall. The girl blushed a shade of purple and walked around the desk to collect the floating beads. “Sorry, thank you Alice.”
The woman working on the wig waved her off. “Well you ought to think the Msimsimus will all be there, I saw two of them arrive last suns’ rise.”
“Oh really? Who’d ya see?” The man asked, removing pins from the dress.
Alice put down the curling iron and watched as a few sections started to slowly float. “I saw, er, that D’mitri fellow, you know from Dyminuae Cor. And I saw Kaitor from Tsumirna,”
“Delphinous Mitrihov, huh? That fellow gives me the creeps!” The man said with a shutter.
“I thinks I saws Kaitor earlier in the gardens!” The pink girl gasped, spinning on her heel causing a few beads to splash over the side of the bowl in her hand. “An whats about that Madgaar fellow? He’s been getting an awful lots of attentions.” She hissed, narrowing her eyes as she awaited the others reply to her baited question.
Lilyanna froze at that name and suddenly she became dizzy again. Not wanting to hear more she took a deep breath, Lilyanna painted a smile on her face and cleared her throat.
Alice yelped and leapt into the air, knocking over the bowl of beads the young girl had just set down. Sending the beads showering to the floor in a clatterning mess. “Oh dear me!”
The pink skinned girl was now a vibrant shade yellow, several orange frills stood on end around her neck. Once the girl recognized Princess Lilyanna she doubled over in a fit of laughter.
“Aye! She got you good Mabel!” the man shouted, breaking into his own fit of hysterics.
Alice held her hand on her chest, “We wasn’t expecting you for a little while missy!” she scolded.
Lilyanna couldn’t help but laugh, “Oh Alice! I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you, nor you Mabel.”
Mabel now a mix of purples, pink and yellow waved her off, wheezing as she tried to contain herself.
“Oh never you mind, my dear, just gave me a bit of a fright is all. I keep telling Noctus that we should sew bells into your hems.” Alice teased, as Lilyanna wrapped her arms around her in a small hug.
Noctus, who had just contained his laughter, turned to grab a basket tucked under a shelf. He shook it and the soft jingling of bells filled the room followed by everyone laughing again.
Lilyanna pulled away wiping tears from her eyes. She walked around to see the front of the dress Noctus was placing the finishing touches on.
She reached out running her finger tips along the waist of the dress. It was the softest velvet she’d ever felt, with black lace and silver filigree patterns decorating the bodice. It had a high neckline accompanied by an open back and long, sweeping skirt with a silver trim. The dress was gorgeous, but Lilyanna couldn’t help but feel disappointed. It was nothing like what she had in mind for her evening gown.
Noctus stood, “I had the same reaction when I read the ticket myself,” he scoffed.
“Oh, it’s not that,” Lilyanna stammered, “It’s just not at all what I was expecting.” She knew her father had been the one to organize her dress, as he often went for warm tones. Lilyanna walked around the rest of the room looking at some of the other creations Noctus had lined up. She gazed at an interestingly bright and spiky short dress that she hoped was only halfway done when something caught her eye. Behind the mannequins was a pile of fabrics, nearly hidden beneath the others was a sparkly blue fabric the color of sapphires.
Noctus followed Lilyanna, “well this was what your father ordered, and you know how he gets, so I made him his dress.” Noctus nodded to Mabel who stopped picking up her beads and raced off behind the dressing screen. “However, I knew you’d rather prefer something more,” He paused pursing his lips as searched for a fitting word, “Delicate.”
Noctus smiled as Mabel turned Lilyanna to face the dressing screen. Above the fitting pedestal floated an elegant dark blue satin dress. Lilyanna gasped rushing forward to the exquisite gown. She pulled the skirt forward and let the thin layers of silk and sparkling chiffon float back down.
“Oh Noctus! It’s beautiful! You’ve really outdone yourselves again!” Lilyanna beamed.
Noctus untied the sash at the middle, and handed it to a fourth who had just entered the room. Lilyanna recognized them immediately. Their name was Altaea, they were an interesting creature. Long gangly limbs, silvery skin and long braided white hair. They had been helping Lilyanna into dresses since she was in a walking tethers.
Lilyanna quickly moved to behind the screen. She started to undo the laces on her sleeves, while Altaea began to unlace the back of Lily’s dress. As the strings of her corset loosened, Lilyanna felt her back relax momentarily. She sighed at the quick reprieve. She shuddered slightly, now feeling the air around her and a few pounds lighter as she stepped out of the gown’s skirt.
Mabel walked back holding the new dress in her arms. “Miss Lily,” she began hesitantly, “What did that fella Madgaar do to deserve to be an outcast?”
Lily faltered at the question. She watched as Mabel’s pink scales flushed into a purplish blue. Mabel was quite young and had only just started working with the royal staff. Lilyanna couldn’t blame her for her curiosity after all, it wasn’t something the public often talked about. It was something no one really talked about. After all it had happened at least a thousand years ago, when she was only a child. Lilyanna paused for a long moment, thinking about the best way to say it.
“He, well, he was guilty of the murder of my grandparents, and the reason my uncle was executed,” she responded coldly. Lilyanna stared blankly at the screen in front of her, not wanting to judge the young serpentine girl’s reaction, nor Altaea’s. “Prince Charles, my uncle, at the time had been convicted of murder, but was proved innocent too late. I was barely a child, so I don’t know the whole story. I don’t remember it myself, but what I’ve been told. I do know one thing, he is definitely no friend of Father’s. And a danger to Farbaerisn.”
Altaea took the dress from Mabel, and then helped Lilyanna step into it. “Do you think he will come tonight?” Altaea asked, their voice wavered slightly.
“He would be wise not to show his face in Rideira.” Lilyanna responded. Despite the conviction she held in her voice, she felt different. Andrew was on her father’s personal elite squadron of the royal guard. If the elite were gone, who knows how many other squadrons were out on their own missions. The gnawing feeling returned. Who was to guard the gala tonight?
“Are you alright, your Highness?” Altaea asked as they tied the sash around her waist. “You are looking quite pale, perhaps you should sit.”
Lilyanna nodded and let Altaea guide her to sit. “I’ll be okay, I’m just a bit too excited for the evening.”
‘So why don’t I feel happy?’ she thought to herself.
Clear footsteps clacked against the hard stone floor of the hallway. Lilyanna, lost in her own thoughts didn’t notice the footsteps come closer, nor noticed when they stopped beside her.
“The sunsets are beautiful this time of year,” A familiar voice spoke, startling the princess.
Lilyanna turned to see her mothers soft gaze. Queen Maribella stood tall, the setting sun set her dress ablaze with brilliant colors of oranges making it seem to glow on it's own. Lilyanna gave a half hearted smile, but turned back to the city. Something was missing. They were all celebrating, for her. This was to be her night. Yet dread was all that filled her.
Her mother sighed, “Tonight will be fine. What’s troubling you, Lilyanna dear?”
“I haven’t heard from Andrew in weeks. He was supposed to be my escort this evening and he hasn’t returned.” Lilyanna began, she felt her throat tighten and her lip quiver, “I guess I am just worried.” Andrew was a captain in the royal guard. Specifically he served under her father, King Illios. Andrew had promised to be there for her coronation. The more Lilyanna thought the more her stomach hurt. Lilyanna looked to see her mother’s face filled with concern. “I’m alright, really mother.” Lilyanna reached out to take her mothers hand giving it a soft squeeze.
Lilyanna couldn’t help but notice her mother seemed paler than normal. Her own olive skin contrasted against her mothers grey skin. Her mother didn’t belong to the terra, she belonged to the sea. She wondered if her mother ever missed her childhood home.
“I’m afraid he’s not coming. A captain has his duties to the Royal Guard, not to a beautiful daughter of mine. Even if it would make you happy, I could not ask him back.” Queen Maribella’s words did little to sooth Lilyanna’s anxieties. Lily gazed into her mothers gentle eyes and gave a forced smile.
“I know, he is doing what is best for Farbaerisn, and in turn what is best for me.”
“A truly noble answer. You will make a fine Queen, my dear Lily.” Maribella squeezed lilyanna’s hand and closed her eyes. Lilyanna watched as her mother concentrated, a warm sensation flowed through her. Energy pulled down into their hands. Through Maribella’s pale skin, Lily could see her glowing power flowing down her arm. Gently pooling into a bright white light between their hands. The sensation grew as something soft grew between their hands. Maribella pulled away, revealing the white waterlily she created. Lilyanna had always loved the feel of her mother’s kinesis combining with hers. Two energies coming together to create something beautiful.
Lilyanna let out a soft sigh, relaxing as her mother brushed away the stray hair behind her ear and placed the flower there. Lilyanna watched as the glow from her mothers hand faded. As a child, her mother would often use her power to coax small fish to jump out of the pond, all to make Lily laugh. Her mother would do anything to make her smile. Lilyanna missed when days were simply just an adventure in the garden, and not the responsibility for peace across five continents.
Maribella opened her mouth to speak, but another interrupted her.
“Your Majesty, “ A tall man addressed the queen with a bow, then turned to Lilyanna, “your Highness.” Lilyanna recognized the man as one of the many royal staff. With a glance to him, a small name flashed above his head: Jerrico. Lilyanna was thankful for the Eokhaiirs, to help her remember everyone's name. “Your presence is requested in the ballroom for the last preparations, my Queen. You are needed in the proscenium to be prepped for this evening’s gala, your Highness.”
Lilyanna held back a sigh as she turned to her mother. She should be excited for the night's evening, perhaps seeing her gown would cheer her up. Before Lilyanna could speak a sharp pain jabbed into her gut. She gasped and nearly doubled over.
“Nikkan! Are you alright my dear!” Maribella exclaimed, as the guard rushed to Lilyanna’s side.
“I’m fine.” Lilyanna said with a slow exhale, “It must just be nerves,” The sharp pain faded into a dull achy cramp.
Maribella looked to her daughter with worry in her eyes, “ If you say so. You know your body best. I’m afraid I best be off, darling.” Maribella leaned forward placing a gentle kiss on her daughter’s head. “Try not to worry too much more. Tonight will be filled with joyous celebrations that will create memories to last your lifetime. Tomorrow, you will be crowned heir to your father’s throne. Enjoy yourself.” Maribella gave a soft smile, then took the guards arm as he escorted the queen down to the ballroom.
Memories to last my lifetime. Lilyanna knew her mother’s words were with best interest at heart, but they did little to quell the rising uneasy feeling she had. “My lifetime,” Lilyanna laughed slightly at the thought. She wasn’t very old for her species, but yet she was already ancient to the world around her. “The life of a near immortal.” she mused, “What good is it if you can’t spend it with the ones you want to.”
Lilyanna took one last glance at the city below, her city. With one last deep breath she turned away burying the feelings she held and replacing them with a strong thought that she would enjoy the night. She didn’t need Andrew to have a good time, her other friends would be there for the evening.
Lilyanna walked down the empty halls. As she walked she watched the beautiful mosaics built into the floors pass by. A beautiful garden of gemstone flowers painted the halls. With a sudden urge Lilyanna hopped onto one of the large flowers. She leapt from flower to flower, dancing down the hall. She couldn’t help but laugh slightly to herself as she hopped across the floor. With a swift motion Lilyanna lept, but as she landed a large jolt of pain gripped her. She gasped loudly and stumbled into the wall, clutching at her stomach. She felt as if she were to be sick. Leaning against the wall for support Lilyanna made her way to a small alcove and sat on the bench. Placing her head in her hands, she waited for the nausea and pain to pass. Her head throbbed slightly.
After a few minutes Lilyanna lifted her head. In the blur of things she hadn’t noticed the alcove she chose to sit in held her favorite painting. A grand painting hung on the wall, taller than Lilyanna herself, it reached to the yawning ceiling. A beautiful and magical scene was painted. A beautiful young Reiora lass, embraced with a handsome young Kiatros lad. Both dressed in regal ceremonial cloth. The two couldn’t be more different. The girl’s skin was a beautiful soft blue, dappled with white and sapphire patches. It reminded Lilyanna of looking at the sun from beneath the water. Her hair a sandy blonde that cascaded down her back in beautiful soft curls. The young man’s skin was dark like mahogany, and hair as black and shiny like onyx. He was tall and slender, and gently gazed lovingly into the girl’s brown eyes. Lilyanna watched as the painting sprung to life. The boy grabbed the girls hand, gingerly bringing it to his lips to kiss the back of her hand. The girl smiled shyly, and gave a soft curtsy. It had been quite some time since she had seen her father smile, let alone smile with her mother. Lilyanna often came to sit by this familiar painting of her parents' betrothal ceremony. Her father’s eyes contrasted the rest of his dark figure, they were a light gold. She knew the trait was from being born in the Kiatros kingdom as they most often had light colored eyes.
A children's story. That those born in Kiatros, had no color to their eyes until they gazed upon a perfect moment to capture their home. Her father claimed to have captured the golden rays of the early morning light that fell across the deirya.
Lilyanna stood and walked to the painting, gently running her hand across the bottom of the frame. Under it read:
Maribella & Illios, the first to unite the three kingdoms.
The first rulers of Farbaerisn
Her parents looked so happy to be together, and rightfully so for the joyous occasion, but Lilyanna didn’t feel that. She wished the gnawing feeling would leave her, shrugging out of her thoughts she turned away. Hurrying off towards the destination that awaited her.
Lilyanna slipped into a warm room filled with soft sunlight that filtered in from a large glass skylight. Many attendants clamored about the latest castle gossip as they worked in their respective stations. The walls were lined with shelves upon shelves of decadent fabrics, exquisite jewels and miscellaneous sewing supplies. Several mannequins of various sizes stood scattered throughout the room; some fully dressed, others stuck with pins and random swatches of fabric.
No one seemed to hear her enter. Perhaps she was overreacting and the night would be fine just as her mother said. Lilyanna took the moment to just listen to their excited chatter before announcing herself.
A small rotund woman stood at a vanity behind a long auburn wig. Half of the hair was pinned up, while the lady worked on curling the bottom half. Lilyanna watched as she curled a section, took a pin and looped the curl into the updo, pinning it in place. “The crowds have been forming for hours now!” The lady exclaimed, “I just got another order for tonight, don’t they have any idea how long these styles take?”
On the floor beside her a long legged man kneeled next to a pedestal, “aye, at least they aren’t requesting Tutor style on the same day. Tha’ be murder,” said the man as he worked on the hem of a deep red, velveteen dress, “an we’ve only a few more mo’s to finish before she arrives.
“Who all’s do you thinks will be heres tonight?” A young girl with vibrant scaly pink skin asked, popping up from behind a desk piled high with boxes and containers. Knocking over a bowl with beads in the process. The beads froze mid fall. The girl blushed a shade of purple and walked around the desk to collect the floating beads. “Sorry, thank you Alice.”
The woman working on the wig waved her off. “Well you ought to think the Msimsimus will all be there, I saw two of them arrive last suns’ rise.”
“Oh really? Who’d ya see?” The man asked, removing pins from the dress.
Alice put down the curling iron and watched as a few sections started to slowly float. “I saw, er, that D’mitri fellow, you know from Dyminuae Cor. And I saw Kaitor from Tsumirna,”
“Delphinous Mitrihov, huh? That fellow gives me the creeps!” The man said with a shutter.
“I thinks I saws Kaitor earlier in the gardens!” The pink girl gasped, spinning on her heel causing a few beads to splash over the side of the bowl in her hand. “An whats about that Madgaar fellow? He’s been getting an awful lots of attentions.” She hissed, narrowing her eyes as she awaited the others reply to her baited question.
Lilyanna froze at that name and suddenly she became dizzy again. Not wanting to hear more she took a deep breath, Lilyanna painted a smile on her face and cleared her throat.
Alice yelped and leapt into the air, knocking over the bowl of beads the young girl had just set down. Sending the beads showering to the floor in a clatterning mess. “Oh dear me!”
The pink skinned girl was now a vibrant shade yellow, several orange frills stood on end around her neck. Once the girl recognized Princess Lilyanna she doubled over in a fit of laughter.
“Aye! She got you good Mabel!” the man shouted, breaking into his own fit of hysterics.
Alice held her hand on her chest, “We wasn’t expecting you for a little while missy!” she scolded.
Lilyanna couldn’t help but laugh, “Oh Alice! I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you, nor you Mabel.”
Mabel now a mix of purples, pink and yellow waved her off, wheezing as she tried to contain herself.
“Oh never you mind, my dear, just gave me a bit of a fright is all. I keep telling Noctus that we should sew bells into your hems.” Alice teased, as Lilyanna wrapped her arms around her in a small hug.
Noctus, who had just contained his laughter, turned to grab a basket tucked under a shelf. He shook it and the soft jingling of bells filled the room followed by everyone laughing again.
Lilyanna pulled away wiping tears from her eyes. She walked around to see the front of the dress Noctus was placing the finishing touches on.
She reached out running her finger tips along the waist of the dress. It was the softest velvet she’d ever felt, with black lace and silver filigree patterns decorating the bodice. It had a high neckline accompanied by an open back and long, sweeping skirt with a silver trim. The dress was gorgeous, but Lilyanna couldn’t help but feel disappointed. It was nothing like what she had in mind for her evening gown.
Noctus stood, “I had the same reaction when I read the ticket myself,” he scoffed.
“Oh, it’s not that,” Lilyanna stammered, “It’s just not at all what I was expecting.” She knew her father had been the one to organize her dress, as he often went for warm tones. Lilyanna walked around the rest of the room looking at some of the other creations Noctus had lined up. She gazed at an interestingly bright and spiky short dress that she hoped was only halfway done when something caught her eye. Behind the mannequins was a pile of fabrics, nearly hidden beneath the others was a sparkly blue fabric the color of sapphires.
Noctus followed Lilyanna, “well this was what your father ordered, and you know how he gets, so I made him his dress.” Noctus nodded to Mabel who stopped picking up her beads and raced off behind the dressing screen. “However, I knew you’d rather prefer something more,” He paused pursing his lips as searched for a fitting word, “Delicate.”
Noctus smiled as Mabel turned Lilyanna to face the dressing screen. Above the fitting pedestal floated an elegant dark blue satin dress. Lilyanna gasped rushing forward to the exquisite gown. She pulled the skirt forward and let the thin layers of silk and sparkling chiffon float back down.
“Oh Noctus! It’s beautiful! You’ve really outdone yourselves again!” Lilyanna beamed.
Noctus untied the sash at the middle, and handed it to a fourth who had just entered the room. Lilyanna recognized them immediately. Their name was Altaea, they were an interesting creature. Long gangly limbs, silvery skin and long braided white hair. They had been helping Lilyanna into dresses since she was in a walking tethers.
Lilyanna quickly moved to behind the screen. She started to undo the laces on her sleeves, while Altaea began to unlace the back of Lily’s dress. As the strings of her corset loosened, Lilyanna felt her back relax momentarily. She sighed at the quick reprieve. She shuddered slightly, now feeling the air around her and a few pounds lighter as she stepped out of the gown’s skirt.
Mabel walked back holding the new dress in her arms. “Miss Lily,” she began hesitantly, “What did that fella Madgaar do to deserve to be an outcast?”
Lily faltered at the question. She watched as Mabel’s pink scales flushed into a purplish blue. Mabel was quite young and had only just started working with the royal staff. Lilyanna couldn’t blame her for her curiosity after all, it wasn’t something the public often talked about. It was something no one really talked about. After all it had happened at least a thousand years ago, when she was only a child. Lilyanna paused for a long moment, thinking about the best way to say it.
“He, well, he was guilty of the murder of my grandparents, and the reason my uncle was executed,” she responded coldly. Lilyanna stared blankly at the screen in front of her, not wanting to judge the young serpentine girl’s reaction, nor Altaea’s. “Prince Charles, my uncle, at the time had been convicted of murder, but was proved innocent too late. I was barely a child, so I don’t know the whole story. I don’t remember it myself, but what I’ve been told. I do know one thing, he is definitely no friend of Father’s. And a danger to Farbaerisn.”
Altaea took the dress from Mabel, and then helped Lilyanna step into it. “Do you think he will come tonight?” Altaea asked, their voice wavered slightly.
“He would be wise not to show his face in Rideira.” Lilyanna responded. Despite the conviction she held in her voice, she felt different. Andrew was on her father’s personal elite squadron of the royal guard. If the elite were gone, who knows how many other squadrons were out on their own missions. The gnawing feeling returned. Who was to guard the gala tonight?
“Are you alright, your Highness?” Altaea asked as they tied the sash around her waist. “You are looking quite pale, perhaps you should sit.”
Lilyanna nodded and let Altaea guide her to sit. “I’ll be okay, I’m just a bit too excited for the evening.”
Interesting facts about the story:
This story takes place on the planet called Queilla, it has two moons.
The solar system it is part of Has two unique suns, and 9 terrestial planets.
On Queilla there are several continents, five of which form a supercontinent referred to as Farbaerisn.
The five continents are known as: Rideira, Taemir, Tsumirna, Dyminuae Cor, and Vaix Alu
There is a sixth continent known as: Naylutae Which is where the start of the story takes place.
The solar system it is part of Has two unique suns, and 9 terrestial planets.
On Queilla there are several continents, five of which form a supercontinent referred to as Farbaerisn.
The five continents are known as: Rideira, Taemir, Tsumirna, Dyminuae Cor, and Vaix Alu
There is a sixth continent known as: Naylutae Which is where the start of the story takes place.