What is it like to meet royalty? Most people go through their lives not even being close to meeting someone of high authority. What do you do? What do you say? What do you wear? Would I get shot if I say something insulting by accident? What if I screw up and get thrown out of Emiarhia? Chances are, nobody will ever have to legitimately ask questions like these. Regardless, I was freaking out.

I felt a sudden pain in my arm. My mind dropped back down to Earth. Or Emiarhia, rather.

Kadia retracted her fist. "You really mustn't keep losing focus. I don't like to repeat myself."

I shook my head. "Huh? Sorry. I'm crazy nervous."

"Is that why you're doing that with your thumbs?"

I looked down at my hands. "Oh, yeah. It's involuntary."

"Strange girl," she muttered, knitting her eyebrows.

I rolled my eyes. Honestly, Kadia could be kind of rude sometimes. I didn't know why – it's not like I had done anything to her. She ignored me and instead, walked faster. By then, I was completely comfortable with the cold temperatures. It had stopped snowing, but everything was still covered with white.

"Now that I know who you actually are, I feel the need to further clarify some things," Kadia continued. "Your family lineage owns one of the three known travelling necklaces. Those three families have always sustained a friendship over centuries, to my knowledge. Thus, your parents should know about the other saviours and their relatives."

My eyes widened. "Wait, really?! ...I guess that makes sense... But if the prophecy was revealed fifteen years ago, does that mean I've been here already?"

"Hm, you catch on quick," she replied. "Yes, from what I have been told, your parents brought you to Emiarhia a few times for some check-ups and tests. They knew you were a saviour then, back when you were two years old. Now, I simply had to confirm that you are that same–"

All of a sudden, I heard a loud crash followed by shouts. A big cloud of dark smoke started to rise from nearby.

"What's going on?!" I yelled over the commotion.

Kadia forcefully grabbed my wrist. "Take cover!" Before I knew it, she had dragged me behind a stone building. We crouched at the base and she carefully glanced around the corner. My heart felt as if it was about to burst out of my chest.

We waited for a few minutes. I could hear people screaming. I tried to wiggle free from Kadia's strong hold. "Can you let go of my wrist now? You're hurting me."

"I apologize," she answered. "It's my responsibility and obligation to protect you."

"Could you do that without using your death grip? I think you rearranged some of the bones in my hand."

Kadia avoided my eyes still. "Haha, very comical."

"What the hell even was that? A bomb?" I asked, standing up and brushing back my light hair.

"Not exactly. It's a mirage weapon. This has been happening more often lately. It takes the shape of a bomb, except it does no damage. It just explodes and creates a cloud of smoke and lots of loud noise," she explained, gritting her teeth. "Blasted things get the whole realm nearly scared to death. It's all just a twisted joke."

"Do you have any idea who's behind them?"

"No, unfortunately. Not a single trace is left behind. And usually, almost nobody is around the immediate area when it happens. We're trying our best to catch the criminal."

I crossed my arms. "Well, whoever's dropping them sounds like a huge ass."

Kadia raised her eyebrows and then shook her head. "Come along; we must continue." I was about to follow her when she abruptly stopped. "My stars! I almost forgot! Okay, we need to take a quick detour."

----------------------------------------

"Tell me what we're doing back here?" I questioned, stepping through a very familiar doorway of Kadia's office.

"Simple. If we're going to visit the King and Queen, then we have to look presentable," Kadia replied, rummaging through her wardrobe. "You have nothing to worry about, your attire is acceptable. Myself, on the other hand, it's considered quite rude to present oneself wearing something such as this." I nodded and she proceeded to remove her cloak and then her gauntlets.

I almost immediately noticed a mark on each of her thumbs. "Do you have...tattoos?"

She stopped and looked down at her own hands. "Oh, these? Yes, I got them a few years ago."

"I like them."

"Thank you. I have two others besides these, an anchor and a feather."

I turned my back so she could change. "Wow. Do people normally get tattoos on Emiarhia?"

She paused for a moment. "Mmm, yes, they're much more common than on Earth. We have a special way of drawing them, it's not as painful and it doesn't involve needles. These days, almost everybody has at least one. I suppose they can be a symbol of identity or personality, or it could represent your profession or hobby. I'm sure you have something on Earth that is as common."

"Hmm... I suppose it's like how on Earth, virtually every girl gets their ears pierced. Maybe I should get some tattoos?"

She laughed quietly. "You could. They don't carry over to your Earth body, so they'd only stay on you when you're here."

I had to recall for a moment why she brought up Earth. My memory still wasn't great. "I'll think about it," I replied. "Are you done?"

"Almost..." I heard the clicking sound of a buckle. "There. Good." Kadia had swapped her outdoorsy, armour-like ensemble for an ivory blouse and slimming brown trousers. She took her long, brown and purple hair out of its braid so it hung neatly in waves.

"You look pretty," I commented.

Kadia tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you. It's not often I get that sort of compliment. Well, besides Thorne. He's the sweetest, honestly."

"You guys are a cute couple. Thorne seems...very caring towards you."

She scrunched her face at my use of 'cute couple'. "What about you? Do you have a sweetheart?"

I had to restrain myself from scoffing. "Ha, no. I've never even been in a relationship. Not a serious one, anyway."

Kadia shrugged, clearly done with the subject. We left the training complex and went back out into the cold. The sun hung high in the sky. Its rays flickered in and out of the hundreds of tall conifer trees that surrounded the perimeter of the realm. A small, translucent cloud swirled out of my mouth every time I exhaled. A sudden sense of worry plagued my head. I couldn't remember why, but I knew that I needed to return home ASAP.

"Are we going to the castle now?" I asked anxiously.

"Not quite. We need to go to one more place," Kadia replied.

I groaned. "Where?"

"The blacksmith. We need to get one of these made for you." She pointed to the filigree metallic headdress that was delicately perched atop her head. "In Emiarhia, women twelve years of age and older are required to wear this sort of band to represent peace and warm intentions. It isn't compulsory to wear one all the time, you needn't in your homerealm. If you were to travel somewhere else, however, like another continent or a place with enemies, it's ideal to be wearing one if you do not wish to initiate a fight."

"Why didn't you tell me this before we went to Adares?"

"The Elders are an exception. It wasn't necessary."

"So why do I need one to visit the King and Queen?"

"Because it's also highly encouraged to be wearing said accessory in front of royalty or very powerful people of a higher status."

"Is it only women who have to wear headdresses?"

Kadia pulled open the mahogany door to a tall, stone hut. The sign above read, Blades & Bijoux. "Yes. Although, men wear special pins on their shirts for the exact same reason. Though, ultimately, it's up to the person to choose which option they prefer."

I stepped carefully through the doorway with Kadia behind me. The inside was way prettier than the outside. A long, skinny chandelier hung from the high ceiling. It was made of thousands of tiny diamonds that cast rainbow beams across the polished floor. White marble shelves were full of tools, cloths and metallic wires of different colours and thicknesses. The glass counter at the back of the room displayed dozens and dozens of gems and jewels. A few pristine suits of plate armour stood tall around the room. I spotted the entrance to a workshop that was attached at the side.

Kadia tapped her knuckles on the glass counter. "Oreall, it's Kadia. I have a job for you."

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

A tall, elderly man poked his head out of the back room. A warm smile spread across his face. "The captain herself! Always a pleasure." He approached us and rolled up the sleeves of his olive-coloured shirt. His steely eyes met mine. "And who is this kind-looking maiden?" I grinned. He reminded me of what my grandfather was like.

"This is Brielle. She requires a respect headdress," Kadia replied.

Oreall nodded happily. "Ah, I'd be delighted. I shall get straight to work on that." He turned to me with a puzzled look on his face. "Say, you look a bit older than twelve."

I jumped in with a fib before Kadia could. "I've...never really needed one yet."

Oreall scratched his temple and shrugged. "Eh, no matter. Three quick questions for you, Brielle. Do you mind?"

"Not at all! Ask away," I replied, a bit confused.

"Excellent." He tapped his stubbled chin. "The sun or the moon?"

I stumbled over my words. "...Which one do I prefer?"

"Yes, yes, now go on."

"The moon, I suppose."

"Fire or water?"

"I'd pick fire. Actually, it depends–"

"And finally... Hm, would you say you're adventurous?

"Um," I thought, "I think I would. Yeah, I'm pretty adventurous."

Oreall took a few quick measurements of my head. He then swung around, pivoting on his heel. "Splendid. Now for the creating portion," he announced grandly over his shoulder. I watched as his tall figure disappeared into the workshop.

"Now we wait?" I asked, turning to Kadia.

"Now we wait," she confirmed.

"How long?"

"Not very. Oreall's quite wondrous at smithing." She casually plopped down into an armchair and began fiddling with the sleeve of her shirt.

I toddled leisurely around the shop, marvelling at the gleaming jewels inside the numerous display cases. Each one was different than the last, varying in cut, clarity, size, colour, and type. The biggest, a deep scarlet gem, was nearly as large as my fist.

I heard soft footsteps behind me. "That one is beautiful, yes?"

I whipped around, alarmed. A pretty girl was sweeping the floor before me with a broom. She stood tall and sylphlike, posing daintily. Her very long, curled hair was where my eyes landed first. The flaming, dark red velvet colour stood out against her alabaster skin.

"Certainly. There's a lot of sparkly things in here," I replied politely.

She giggled. "That's what I adore so much about working here! I never get tired of looking at jewels. Especially when Grandpapa restocks with new ones." She adjusted the silk strip that was holding her hair back.

"Oreall is your grandfather?"

She nodded. "Yes, he is the owner of this lovely blacksmith shop. I've been helping him here for as long as I can recall. Since I was...eight years, perhaps? Not that I was much help back then!" Her laugh was melodic.

"Wow, that's impressive. I can really tell how much passion both of you have put into this shop," I remarked.

"Thank you. It's always nice to receive praise from customers. Speaking of such, may I ask why you're here today?"

"Oh, I'm getting a headdress made."

"This late? You look my age."

"Yes... I've never really had the need for one yet," I claimed.

Her light teal eyes sparkled like gemstones. "Well, I'm excited to see how it will look!"

I smiled. "Me too. Although, it was strange being asked all those questions."

The girl laughed again. "Everybody gets confused about that. It's just Grandpapa's process. As opposed to asking the customer what they want it to look like, he takes one look at the person and asks some questions. That way, nobody ever has the exact same as another! It's quite creative."

"That's...actually really smart."

"I'm glad you think so. I can guarantee that your headdress will be beautiful. I should show you mine!" she gasped before hurrying off. She returned moments later with the piece of jewelry. "I had this made for me when I was twelve."

I examined the headdress that she was holding. "It's beautiful." The symmetry and quality were excellent.

"That's what I told you! My grandfather takes his work very seriously," she explained. "Oh, stars! Where are my manners? I haven't properly introduced myself. My name is Shaylie. Shaylie Onusch-Eires. But you may call me Shaye if you'd like. Everybody else does so."

I smiled. "Nice to meet you, Shaye."

"And you are...?" she continued.

"Brielle," I replied.

"Hm, that's a pretty name. I like it. Nice to meet you as well!"

At that moment, Oreall came bursting out of the backroom, holding what looked like those satin boxes that diamond necklaces came in.

Shaye clapped her hands eagerly. "He's finished!"

The two of us, along with Kadia, gathered around the counter.

"May I present to you," Oreall declared, "your unique, one-of-a-kind headdress!" He carefully opened the box to reveal the new accessory.

I marvelled at it, from the delicate leaf detailing to the iridescent, opal-like jewel in the centre.

"Absolutely lovely, Grandpapa!" Shaye gushed. "Here Brielle, allow me." She removed the circlet from the box and placed it gingerly on the crown of my head. "There! Beautiful!"

I turned to a nearby mirror and looked at my reflection. I was still very unfamiliar with my abnormal appearance, but I focused my attention on the modified tiara. It shone brilliantly in the sunlight. "I love it. Thank you so much, Oreall."

The old man smiled. "It was my pleasure. I'm glad you like it."

Kadia plopped down four shimmering coins onto the counter, and I managed to get a better look at them. One was larger, purple, and teardrop-shaped. The others were smaller; one was round and light blue, and the remaining couple were square and golden. It was so odd seeing a different currency than what I was used to. The two of us said our goodbyes to Oreall and Shaye before continuing to the castle.

"I see you've met Shaylie," Kadia remarked.

"I did. She seems really friendly," I replied.

She nodded. "That she does..."

----------------------------------------

Sometime thereafter, Kadia and I arrived at the royal palace in the capital of Nelorismel, where the King and Queen of Winithas resided. The sight was stunning. It was situated on the top of a hill, overlooking the rest of the realm below. The entire exterior was constructed of gleaming, silver-grey stones and long windows. Its architecture was highly complex. The countless, pastel blue spires and towers stretched high into the clouds.

"Remember what I told you," Kadia warned. "Polite, civil, respectful."

"I'll be all right. So long as they're not violent or anything of the sort," I answered.

"Violent? Oh, gods no. Not towards a child."

"I wasn't sure. Earth has a history of some Queens being beheaded or gutted."

"How barbaric."

I shrugged. "Polite, civil, respectful."

We approached the solid, gilded gates. Kadia muttered something to one of the four guards. He turned around and signalled to a man in a tower above. The solid metal gates swung open with little noise and then promptly shut behind us. We walked down the path. Six water fountains carved out of polished marble lined the courtyard. The water, however, was frozen solid, sparkling in the sun. Both sides of the yard were covered in unfamiliar flowers. Kadia and I passed under a silver arch towards a smaller door. Another guard opened it for us and we stepped inside. The interior was equally as breathtaking as the outside.

We stood in the main entrance room, which connected to many other rooms through hallways or doors. Our footsteps echoed across the marble floor. In the centre of the room, there were two grand staircases that twisted around and intersected each other, leading to an upper level. They formed an 'X' shape, with a landing in the middle. The banisters were very ornate, sculpted out of silver and diamond. Beautiful paintings of clouds and other scenery sprawled along the high ceiling, and there were several extravagant diamond chandeliers. Ice-blue and silver drapery hung across the tops of the cathedral windows. The walls were painted an identical shade of icy, pale blue, and had silver, frost-like carvings in them. The castle had no shortage of art and it presented numerous pictures, statues and other antiques. Versailles era-reminiscent armchairs, small round tables, and sumptuous couches were placed along the walls here and there.

I followed Kadia through a set of double doors in between the staircases. We began walking down a narrow hallway. Paintings of people lined the walls. They all had an expression of solemnness and dignity. One side was all men, and the other was all women.

"These are all the past kings and queens of Winithas," I heard Kadia whisper.

"They all look very regal," I whispered back. I felt as if the paintings were watching me as I passed. My anxiousness increased under their gaze.

Suddenly, before my very eyes, it seemed as though the hallway was shifting. The walls widened farther away from me. Eventually, they each bent around a corner, leading us into the next room. The throne room, in fact. It had very similar details to the previous room, although it was smaller. It seemed that the entire castle was pale and glaucous; almost frosted. Paintings of various landscapes hung on the walls. The dome-shaped ceiling held another impressive chandelier. Decorations like candelabras and tables were spread about. A large chest sat in the corner. Two marble pillars stood on either side. But of course, the first thing I noticed was the King and Queen.

My heart was beating very quickly. I was honestly intimidated, and not just because they were both definitely well over six feet tall. I straightened my headdress and tidied my long hair.

The King was wearing a very expensive-looking black and silver ensemble complete with white fur accents, along with a gem-encrusted crown. Underneath it, his dark grey, curly hair was swept back. His muted cobalt eyes studied me carefully.

I guessed The Queen must've had an affinity for diamonds because she wore a shimmering, bejewelled ice-blue and white gown complete with lots of jewelry. Her indigo-coloured eyes looked faintly curious. She also wore a glittering and exquisite tiara atop her very long, stick-straight hair, which had glossy layers that faded from medium brown to cool blue.

"Just mimic me," Kadia mumbled in a low and quiet voice. I barely nodded and stood beside her. She bowed her head and then smoothly dropped onto one knee, leaving her other leg extended behind her. I copied her with only a second's delay, executing a probably super awkward lunge.

"You may rise," said the King. God, his voice alone was pretty frightening. I did not want to know what he was like when he was angry. We stood up slowly. My hands were shaking. Damn it, hands! Control yourselves!

The King and Queen were on a raised platform with steps leading down from it. The thrones upon which they were sitting on were equally as magnificent as the rest of the castle. The backs of the thrones raised higher than their heads and were carved beautifully out of silver and chunks of diamond, upholstered with quilted white silk. Upon closer inspection, I could see that the backs actually connected, forming a single, joined throne for the two of them. Behind them hung a very long, massive painting of six different people. Three men and three women. They all looked very powerful, even otherworldly.

"Your Majesties. I bring good news for Emiarhia," said Kadia.

"Excellent. Perhaps we should hold this meeting in a more comfortable environment?" Queen Valanche suggested.

King Typhis nodded and rose from his throne. He took the Queen by the hand and led her down the steps. They showed us into an adjacent room with a table and chairs. The King and Queen sat at one end, and we sat opposite.

"I trust this has to do with the letter you sent us?" King Typhis asked.

Kadia nodded. "The prophecy, yes. The third saviour has returned to us, ahead of schedule, after fifteen years. This is Brielle."