Rather then wearing the headpiece I was given as princess I chose to wear my own crown. Compared to the crowns here in Celestia the crown I own is bigger, adorned with chains of crystals hanging from the sides.
Eliza's eyes widen as I place the crown upon my head, the heavy weight of it a comforting presence. "My Lady, that crown...it's unlike anything I've seen before," she murmurs in awe.
I meet her gaze steadily in the mirror, a small smile playing at the corners of my mouth. "It's an Ironholder crown," I explain simply. "A symbol of our strength and resilience."
The chains of crystals catch the light as I turn my head, casting prismatic reflections across the room. The diamond in the center winks mischievously, as if sharing a secret.
"It may not be what the Queen had envisioned for tonight," I continue, adjusting the crown slightly. "But it's a part of who I am. And tonight, more than ever, I need to remember that."
Eliza nods slowly, her expression thoughtful. "You look...regal," she says finally. "Like a true queen."I smile at her comment "Shall we?" I ask with a smile. Tonight marks the first day of a weeks long celebration welcoming the Winter cold and it's blessings.
We arrive at the castle ball, Eliza was right the palace is packed with more people then I can count.
As we descend the grand staircase into the ballroom, all eyes turn to stare. The conversations fade into a hushed murmur as the guests take in my appearance - the dramatic gown, the imposing crown, the fierce expression on my face.
At the head table, I see Queen Freya sitting beside King Adrian. Her eyes narrow slightly as she takes in my defiant display, but she says nothing. Beside her, Prince Xerxes sits rigidly, his jaw clenched tight. Our eyes meet briefly across the room before he looks away.
So he did make it after all.
I ignore the stares and whispers, holding my head high as I make my way to my seat at the table. Eliza follows closely behind me, her presence a comforting reminder that I'm not alone in this sea of unfamiliar faces.
As I take my seat, I can feel the weight of expectations pressing down upon me - from the Queen, from Xerxes, from every noble in this room.
The conversations continue, although I feel completely off this is who I am and nothing or no one will change it. "You look stunning " I hear a voice behind me, my eyes lighten at the sight of Zaiden, he too made it.
His uniform is impeccable, as always, but there's a weariness in his eyes that speaks of the long days and nights spent defending our kingdom.
"Commander," I greet him warmly, "I'm glad you could make it back in time for the celebrations."
He smiles back at me, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Wouldn't miss it for the world," he says softly. "Especially not seeing you looking like this."
His gaze lingers on my crown for a moment before meeting my eyes again. "That crown suits you," he murmurs approvingly.
Just then, the Queen rises from her seat, tapping a spoon against her glass to silence the room. All eyes turn to her as she begins to speak.
"Lords and ladies of Celestia, tonight we celebrate the first day of winter - a time of reflection and renewal." She takes her seat after a few words.
The guests continue their conversations, then the sound of a violin is heard from
above the balcony. My cue to perform,
'I am lost nowhere to go, you promised to be my home but instead you are the shadows that hunts me....'
My voice echoes through the hall as I sing, pouring every ounce of emotion into the lyrics. The guests fall silent once more, captivated by the raw intensity of my performance.
As I move across the floor, my eyes lock onto Xerxes' face. He's trying to look away, but I can see the flicker of something in his gaze - a recognition, a longing.
"Do me like you do her," I sing softly, my words carrying a weight that only he can understand. "Show me who you really are..."
I sway closer to where he sits, my hips moving in a hypnotic rhythm. The skirt of my gown parts slightly, revealing glimpses of skin beneath.
"The demon in me wants to possess you," I whisper, my lips curling into a seductive smile.
Xerxes' knuckles turn white as he grips the arms of his chair tightly."Lets make a show, let's repeat the night..but this time I will make you watch as I do him..Oh, he does me better..let's make a show"