Today was the day.
All the rulers of the fae would gather and discuss the shared issues amongst our shared world.
Every other day of the year, the fae rulers would work on their own land and citizens. But one weekend out the year, they will take turns hosting for a united focus and collaboration on world issue problems.
Today was the start of that weekend.
I could feel my stomach dropping to the pit in my stomach. The first day of the great collaboration began with heirs of the kingdoms presenting their ideas and solutions. We fae only have this one alternate reality plane to make work for us, but it doesn't stop the innate struggle for power and influence amongst the royal families. This weekend would be the perfect opportunity to showcase that power and influence, as well as build alliances or make enemies.
My name is Princess Alura of the light fae.
"My lady, tis time to get ready." breathed Elise. She is my personal everything. My handmaiden, bodyguard, and best friend.
I shot her a sharp look for the ultra-formal way of speech, but there were many ears and eyes in the castle today. Not all of the fae believed it appropriate for a maid to befriend that of higher status. Whilst, I disagree with this form of entitled belief of higher status somehow equating to a higher self-worth over others...it is a battle that I must take up with other kingdoms.
Elise began to lay out the gown my mother picked for me to wear during the first day of the collaboration. Since, I will be presenting today she wanted to ensure that my "fashion sense" would not draw away from the presentation. I don't believe that there is anything wrong with a nice pantsuit. All the human females of earth seem to find them quite empowering, and I support the message behind it! If she thinks that the golden, silky gown she chose is not going to be distraction.... gosh I can't even look at it. My stomach was dropping another notch. Elise helped me slip into the gown and place my feet into the matching heels. I sat in the chair as she began to adorn my body with the golden arm band my brother gave me, and the simple but elegant dangling earrings I choose for the occasion. At least I got to pick one thing. Thank goodness for Elise! By the time that she finished my hair and makeup...I actually looked... I don't know, I was me, but...I felt pretty, and powerful. My blonde hair tumbled down my back in elegant waves, and even had a glossy look that I would never be able to create on my own. She didn't cake on the makeup, which I was so thankful for...again, Elise what would I do without you! My red eyes didn't look as intimidating, instead they looked softer and highlighted by the copper elements she meticulously placed to frame my eyes.
"Do you think you will meet your companion today?" Elise asked as we both looked into the mirror.
"I- I don't know, but I'm not sure if I want that! The only thing that I want to focus on today Is demonstrating that we could all be using our resources in a more efficient and better manner. The current way we are handling our environment is making lasting impacts that will hurt all of us down the road and will have lasting effects on our society and people."
Elise looked at me and she spoke just for me to hear in our mind link," you know that the Queen is wanting you to begin the process of selecting your future companion."
"Yes, I know. But Elise I have my whole life to select him⊠that kind of added drama and pressure is just too much for me to handle right now. Please, PLEASE help me stall. "
"I will help as much as I can, but I will not lie to her Majesty. "
I heaved a sigh of relief. I don't need her to lie, but I do need her to help shield me from the male fae. Fae kind in general are able to find their soulmate once they reach 300 years of age. However, those of royal blood are unique. They only ever have the one soulmate, but females of royal blood are able to absorb power from males devoted to them. These relationships do not have to be sexual, but a powerful female tends to at least take on 2-3 companions. Since the birth of a female of royal blood is very rare, some kingdoms go generations without having a powerful queen to govern. Therefore, when they do get a female heir she will make up for lost power by gaining more companions. The more powerful the male fae, the more powerful the Queen. Therefore, royal male fae who have the strongest amount of power among the male fae population, will try to make alliances with the Queens of the kingdoms. My mother would like to see me begin to build my power, but I've ever only wanted to rely on myself.
Elise and I began our walk to the presentation room, and she stayed close to my side helping to push and doge our way through the hallway. My stomach was starting to kill me. I felt like I may be sick. Put me in a battle, and I won't hesitate. Put me in a presentation room, with thousands of eyes watching and judgingâŠand I felt weak.
"Elise I'm going to the restroom."
"I'll accompany you."
"No, it's ok. It's just a small walk down the hall. Will you please wait for me here?"
"Ok, but if you're not back in 5 minutes I'm knocking doors down" she said with a wink.
I gave her a weak smile. She knew how much I hated this and was simply trying to lift my spirits. I made it into the rest room and wetted a cloth and pressed the cool wetness against the back of my neck and focused on my breathing. Suddenly, the bathroom stall door slammed open and out walked Josephine. She was the last thing I needed to deal with right now. With her curvy body barely covered by a red bra shirt of sorts, and a skirt with two slits down the side she had the nerve to shoot me a cocky smile. Princess Josephine of the Satyrs, whom by the way was a whole year younger than me, started to polish her horns and fluff her brown curly hair while never leaving eye contact with me. I was not about to be the first one to look away.
"Josephine"
"Alura" she retorted, "tell me⊠have you managed to find a companion?"
I simply looked at her. I didn't feel compelled to share anything with the snarky goat, especially something so personal.
"Suppose not then" she crooned in a mocking tone, then as she turned to leave, she quickly pushed a pair of ebony wings out from behind her back and tucked them right back.
I didn't give her the satisfaction of seeing any sort of shift in my features, and kept myself cool, calm, and collected. However, she just made it very clear, that even being a year younger than me she has found a companion from the Aither fae. These fae are capable of flight and controlling air. They are well known for their intelligence and battle skills. If I didn't know better, I would say that was a low-level threat that she just directed my way.
Scoffing I made my way back to Elise, and we took our seats. I was the last to go, and so we listened to the other young heirs' present. Prince Bayu of the Aither Fae spoke of Agriculture, Prince Cascade of the merfolk spoke of pollution, Princess Josephine of the Satyrs spoke of trading and supporting small businesses, Prince Sullivan of the Leprechauns spoke of corruption and money laundering, Princess Lupida of the Lycan spoke of overhunting and extinction, and Prince Damian of the dark fae spoke about population control.
It was finally my turn, and I began to take the stage. I made the mistake of looking out into the crowd. There were so many eyes. The young Princes and Princess that took the stage only represented a small fraction of the people watching, and the discussions between leaders would be held tomorrow. But this was our chance to introduce our ideas and begin to be seen as the future leaders we have been trained to be. I glanced at my mother, and she was urging me with her eyes to begin.
Taking a deep breath, I began to explain how we are overusing our resources and what that could mean for us in the long-run. The effects that would happen to future generations, and the negative implications of limited resources shaping our future social structure. We would be taking two steps back, all because we didn't take the baby steps to enforce small immediate changes that could result in a step forward later on. I showed how by collaborating with the Mermaid, Aither, and other fae we would be able to not only ensure more jobs for our joint people, but also be more effective with our resources. By investing into technology, we would only need a fraction of what we use now. I explained that small controlled burning of old forests and land could help it regrow stronger. And eventually, I couldn't even feel the pit in my stomach. Instead, I had a fire growing there and I knew that my eyes were going to start glowing red. I felt passionate, and powerful. I quickly wrapped it up, because my mother does not approve when my eyes begin to glow. The audience applauded, and I went back to take my seat.