As Nanny meticulously adjusts the final details of Avaria's ensemble, Avaria stands before the mirror, admiring her reflection. The off-the-shoulder corset of her dress sparkles with embedded diamonds, casting shimmering patterns across the room. Intricate designs of pearls and jewels adorn the waist, cascading gracefully into the wide, layered skirt that seems to float with every movement. Despite its layers and size, the dress flows airily and moves with a graceful fluidity, accentuating Avaria's every step.
Her dark brown curls are swept into a low bun, adorned with the same diamonds and pearls that embellish her gown. Dainty, dangling earrings glint softly against the backdrop of her hair, adding a touch of elegance to her ensemble.
As Nanny places a delicate pink stone and diamond necklace around her collarbone, Avaria can't help but ponder the Solas stones. Her thoughts drift to her mother and the absence of any such stone in their possession. In the world where even the poorest use their mana as currency, the Solas stone is typically kept as a cherished family heirloom. Yet, Avaria has never seen her mother with one, nor has she ever been given one herself. Shaking off the contemplation, she refocuses on the present moment.
With a gentle touch, Nanny dons white gloves over her rough hands, a contrast that never fails to draw the older woman's lecturing. "Such delicate hands for a lady," Nanny would often say, her tone a mix of reproach and affection.
Completing the ensemble with a pair of white low heels, Avaria gazes at her reflection with a mixture of awe and satisfaction. "I clean up nicely, don't I?" she remarks, a hint of playful pride in her voice.
Nanny chuckles softly, shaking her head in mock disapproval. "Modesty is a virtue, my dear," she jests, her eyes twinkling with fondness as she admires Avaria's transformation.
As the carriage navigates the cobblestone streets of the capital, Avaria can't help but feel the stark difference from the relatively smooth journey of the three-day carriage ride. Each bump and jolt serves as a reminder of the bustling city life they've entered, contrasting sharply with the serene countryside they left behind.
Despite the discomfort of the uneven roads, Avaria finds herself captivated by the sights unfolding around them. The moon casts its silvery glow over the city, illuminating the grandeur of the royal castle in the distance. Bathed in the ethereal light, the castle emerges like a vision from a fairy tale, its pristine white facade standing out against the deep night sky.
The roadway leading to the castle is adorned with meticulously manicured gardens, their emerald-green foliage and delicate blooms creating an enchanting pathway for guests. A breathtaking fountain cascades gracefully at the end of the roadway, its waters shimmering under the moon's radiant glow.
Carriages, much like theirs, wind their way around the shimmering fountain, adding to the magical ambience of the scene. Despite the discomfort of the journey, Avaria finds herself in awe of the castle's architectural splendour, its towering spires reaching towards the heavens and intricate carvings adorning its walls.
The crest of the royal family, a majestic phoenix emblazoned in shades of green, proudly adorns the castle's highest tower, symbolising strength, resilience, and renewal. As the carriage draws nearer, Avaria's breath catches in her throat, overwhelmed by the sheer magnificence of it all.
Beside her, Poppy seems indifferent to the sights, her attention elsewhere. But for Avaria, each passing moment fills her with a sense of wonder and anticipation, eager to experience the magic that awaits within the castle walls.
Exiting the carriage, they are greeted by a line of guards who guide them through the grand entrance. Stepping into the castle, they find themselves in a breathtaking entryway adorned with opulent decorations. The soft glow of lanterns and chandeliers casts a warm, inviting light, creating a welcoming ambiance that beckons them further.
Tapestries woven with intricate designs line the walls, depicting scenes of ancient legends and noble deeds. Rich fabrics in shades of emerald green drape elegantly from the ceiling, adding a sense of regal grandeur to the space. Fragrant bouquets of fresh flowers, arranged in ornate vases, perfume the air with their sweet scent, enhancing the sensory experience.
As they make their way along the polished marble floor, they pass by gilded mirrors that reflect their images back in a dazzling display of light and colour. Ornate statues and sculptures stand sentinel along the pathway, their marble forms seeming to come to life in the flickering candlelight.
At the end of the entryway, a pair of towering doors adorned with intricate carvings swing open, revealing the main ballroom. The sound of music drifts out from within, mingling with the murmurs of conversation and the soft rustle of silk as guests prepare to enter the heart of the festivities.
With each step, anticipation builds, and as they cross the threshold into the ballroom, they are transported into a world of enchantment and delight. The scene that unfolds before them is one of unparalleled beauty, where the magic of the night awaits.
As guests glided into the ballroom, they were enveloped in a symphony of enchanting melodies drifting through the air, each note resonating with the pulsating energy of the evening. The music, performed by a skilled orchestra hidden in a corner of the room, weaved its spell around the attendees, setting the perfect tempo for the night's festivities.
At the heart of the ballroom, atop a dais of polished marble steps, sat a magnificent throne adorned with intricate carvings and draped in luxurious fabrics of rich green, echoing the royal family's emblematic colour. From this vantage point, the monarch or their representatives presided over the festivities, their presence adding an air of regal grace to the proceedings.
The room itself was a vision of splendour and opulence, with walls adorned in vibrant tapestries depicting scenes of revelry and merriment. Swathes of colourful banners hung from the ceiling, their hues catching the light and casting a kaleidoscope of reflections across the polished marble floor.
Clusters of fresh flowers, arranged in ornate vases, dotted the room, infusing the air with their intoxicating fragrance and adding bursts of colour to the elegant surroundings. The laughter and lively chatter of the attendees mingled with the strains of music, creating a vibrant symphony of sound that filled the room with warmth and joy.
In one corner of the ballroom, a lavish table groaned under the weight of sumptuous delicacies and delectable treats, offering guests a tantalising array of food and beverages to savour throughout the evening. From exquisitely crafted canapés to glasses brimming with sparkling champagne, every indulgence was catered to with the utmost care and attention to detail.
As guests mingled and danced beneath the glittering chandeliers, their spirits buoyed by the festive atmosphere and the company of their fellow revellers, the ballroom transformed into a magical realm where time seemed to stand still, and every moment was imbued with the promise of enchantment and delight.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Avaria scanned the room, her eyes alighting on Odelia standing with her parents, Kairos nowhere in sight. A sense of unease settled over her, lingering from their last encounter, but she hadn't had a chance to speak with him yet due to Odelia's constant presence.
Admiring her mother's dressmaking skills evident in Odelia's attire, Avaria made her way to her friend. Odelia wore a strapless royal-blue dress adorned with gold lace, the layers of her skirt cascading elegantly around her. Gold chains draped at her hips, complementing the intricate design of her corset top. Avaria was struck by how the dress accentuated Odelia's slender shoulders and framed her black hair, swept to one side with a gold flower accessory. Sapphire earrings and a matching necklace completed the ensemble, paired with lace blue gloves and a bold red lip.
Bounding towards Odelia, Avaria greeted her warmly, eliciting a brightening of her friend's expression. However, the warmth was short-lived as the Duke and Duchess turned with disapproval at the display. "Odelia," the Duchess snapped, "watch your etiquette."
Avaria felt the weight of the Duchess's disapproving glare as she replied, "Apologies," her tone tinged with a hint of mockery. She began to bow to the Duke and Duchess before the Duke pulled her back up, his anger evident as he hissed, "Stop with your usual shenanigans. People are staring. You do not bow to anyone but the royal family when you are here."
Avaria exchanged a knowing glance with Odelia as the Duke's ears reddened with suppressed anger, a silent understanding passing between them amidst the tension.
The Duke and Duchess fixed Avaria and Odelia with a stern warning, their expressions carrying the weight of their authority. "Odelia," the Duchess began, her voice firm, "you must be back before the welcoming ceremony begins. It's imperative that you maintain proper decorum and represent our family with dignity."
Odelia nodded obediently, understanding the gravity of her parents' words. "Yes, Mother, Father. I'll make sure to return in time," she assured them, her tone respectful but tinged with a hint of resignation.
Avaria felt a surge of protectiveness towards her friend, knowing how stifling Odelia found her parents' expectations. Yet, she remained silent, offering only a supportive smile as Odelia exchanged a brief glance with her parents before they turned away, their attention drawn elsewhere.
As the Duke and Duchess moved off to mingle with other guests, Avaria placed a comforting hand on Odelia's arm. "Don't worry, Dels' ' her voice filled with reassurance.Odelia smiled gratefully at Avaria, a flicker of relief crossing her features.
As the horns sounded the melodic Auran theme, signalling the arrival of the Queen, the Princess, and her husband Calix, Odelia and Avaria watched the scene unfold from their vantage point. The grandeur of the throne area was unmistakable, yet the absence of the King cast a shadow over the festivities.
As the Queen's presence commanded attention, Odelia's mother signalled her daughter to return to their side. Avaria watched as Odelia reluctantly obeyed, offering her a reassuring smile before she disappeared into the crowd.
Left momentarily alone, Avaria scanned the bustling ballroom, her eyes darting from one familiar face to another in search of her mother. But amidst the sea of elegantly dressed nobles and shimmering chandeliers, Poppy was nowhere to be found.
Feeling a twinge of awkwardness at being left on her own, Avaria reached for a glass of wine from a passing servant's tray. The cool liquid offered a welcome distraction, its crisp taste soothing her nerves as she navigated the crowded room.
As the Queen's voice resonated through the grand hall, Avaria couldn't help but be swept up in the atmosphere of the moment. The anticipation of the soldiers' recognition hung palpably in the air, mingling with the excited murmurs of the gathered guests.
As the Queen began her address, Avaria listened intently, her gaze drifting to the soldiers lined up before her. Each one stood tall and proud, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the lanterns, awaiting their moment of recognition.
When Kairos's name was finally called, Avaria felt a surge of emotion welling up inside her. She watched as he stepped forward, his posture humble yet resolute, a testament to his strength and courage.
"Isn't that Kairos? He's so brave," one young noblewoman exclaimed, her eyes alight with admiration.
Yes, I heard he led the charge against the demons. Quite the hero, isn't he? The new most sought-after bachelor," another replied, her voice tinged with awe.
As Kairos knelt before the Queen, his head bowed in reverence, Avaria felt a lump form in her throat. She watched as the Queen bestowed upon him the honour of knighthood, her movements graceful and dignified.
As Kairos knelt before the Queen, his head bowed in reverence, Avaria felt a lump form in her throat. She watched as the Queen bestowed upon him the honour of knighthood, her movements graceful and dignified.
As Avaria watched in awe, she felt a shudder down her spine as the feeling of being watched returned. Her hairs stood on end as she scanned the area once again, not seeing anything amiss. Trying to remain vigilant, the Queen's voice pulled her from her trance as she willed the festivities to resume. She looked for Odelia, who was now missing in the crowd with her parents. Poppy was still nowhere to be found.
"Enjoy the show," a cheeky voice greeted her as she turned. Kairos stood before her, unlike his cloaked self in their last encounter. He was dressed neatly, with a decorated green top paired with black bottoms. His black hair was styled neatly, and his piercing blue eyes contrasted with his sharp features.
Slight panic set in as Avaria hoped Odelia did not see Kairos approach. Frustrated by his approach, she scolded him, "I can't be seen with you. One, because of your sister, and two, I'm afraid your fangirls will eat me alive." She gestured with a slight nod in the direction of the noblewomen with their sights set on Kairos.
Kairos laughed half-heartedly. "It's not funny. All eyes are on you as the new most sought-after bachelor." Avaria rolled her eyes as she mockingly informed him of his new nickname.
"Am I sought after by you? If not, I don't want that title," he joked. Avaria almost choked on her wine as she replied in disgust, her face twisted.
Kairos asked if they could speak for a moment alone. Avaria reluctantly agreed, still having questions about the other night, so she followed him wearily.
As they reached a more secluded area in the gardens, the crowd began to thin out. Kairos grabbed Avaria's hand to usher her along a bit faster, causing her face to heat up at the sudden touch. They found themselves in a dimly lit area, basking in the glow of the moonlight, close to the midnight ceremony.
"What do you want?" Avaria asked, not wasting any time.
"Can I not want to see you with no ulterior motive?" Kairos replied, feigning innocence. Avaria remained wary of the location and Kairos as she abruptly asked, "How long have you been able to use white magic?"
Kairos, not surprised by the start of an interrogation, replied, "While I was on the front lines, those beasts, or demons as people call them, kept coming. It felt like there was no end. It was months defending the lines with no end in sight. They had made their way up towards the Varden Isles, and we couldn't allow that. One day, it was particularly dark. Everybody was tired; the trade route with the Kingdom of Icarion was cut off due to the invasion. We were running out of supplies, and we had all accepted the worst fate."
He paused, contemplating how he should continue, then laughed slightly to himself. "I had accepted I was probably not going to make it home, I'd never see my parents, mend my relationship with Odelia, drink with Talbot, or see you," he said, looking at Avaria, searching for something in her expression. She tried to control it, not showing anything, and he continued, "I went out onto the battlefield with that acceptance but gave my all, and suddenly, before I knew it, the sword I bared was that of white steel."
He described the celestial sword. At the hilt, a pommel fashioned in the likeness of a radiant star serves as a focal point for the sword's celestial energy. When wielded by a skilled hand, the sword pulses with power, emitting a faint hum that resonates with the vibrations of the cosmos.explaining how it wasn't the sword he entered the battlefield with. "My heart felt lighter, and I looked to see, for as far as I could, all the demons had been brought down. From what I know, there was a sudden white light, and only the demons were affected, none of the men," he acknowledged how odd the story was. "After some research, we discovered it was the celestial sword of the goddess Aurora. It hasn't been seen in the flesh; the only mentions of it are in early writings of celestial harmony faith. I haven't been able to use it freely like Odelia with her healing magic. It's more hand in hand with the sword currently, so I'm not sure if I have white magic or the sword gives me white magic."
Avaria sat back in the chair, deep in contemplation, nodding in agreement as she acknowledged Kairos's nickname, "The demon slayer." When she asked about his solas stone, Kairos began unbuttoning his shirt. Avaria reached out to stop him, but he laughed and gently moved her hand to reveal the necklace where the stone used to be. Now, only a silver chain remained. He then gestured to the sword at the heart of the hilt, where the familiar sapphire of the Sessrons' solas stone lay. "It fused with the sword when this incident happened; we don't know why or how," Kairos informed her.
As he was about to reach for the sword, Kairos grabbed Avaria's wrist, stopping her. "No one has handled or touched it yet; we don't know what will happen," he cautioned. Avaria looked at him, retorting, "So let me be the test." She was too intrigued to stop now, but Kairos refused, pushing her further away. He dropped her hand to her lap and leaned in close to her ear, whispering, "I will not let anything happen to you ever. I'm not the sickly little boy you and Odelia protected; I can protect you now," he urged.
Avaria's heart began to race as Kairos pulled his face away from her ear and positioned himself close to her lips. Her body reacted before her mind, leaning in. But instead of a kiss, she felt the fabric of a sack being pulled over her head as fireworks rang throughout the castle, muffling her screams.