Nova was excited as she got off the ship and watched as it was taken away to the private harbour. The one held last was in Actso so she got a chance to meet the former rulers but not much of their heirs.
They'd gone off to fight against the mutants that had suddenly appeared at the shores of the continent. She felt proud of herself and knew a lot more about this than the others.
She was brought out of her thoughts when a deep voice spoke closely to her ear, " If you like the ship so much, I can bundle you in the cabin ". Nova frowned, pulling at his shirt, " Don't stand so close to me ever again ".
She let go of his shirt and entered the waiting carriage on her own. It was almost sunset which meant the banquet would soon begin. She smiled eagerly to herself, " Just enough time to get changed and meet my sweet sister ".
~ ~ ~
An unsuspecting Nectar had tired herself out and had finally collapsed in front of the fire in the common room. The kids were sprawled around her, sleeping as well.
Liam walked in dressed in only lose silk pants and towelling his ash hair, " I guess it's bed time ". He'd watched them tire themselves out, well he was the main reason they were so tired.
After they'd all taken a gem, he'd decided on an unwinnable game of hide and seek as Nectar liked to call it which had lead them here.
Fauna and Tera who had also began to doze off stood on alert as Liam spoke. They blushed slightly when they saw him half naked and the abs on his chest. They picked Jewlica and August, guiding the older kids to their rooms.
Liam helped to tuck them in since they were too tongue tied to stop him and quickly left for their room as well bidding him good night.
Liam had the towel around his neck as he walked over to Nectar's side. She was slouched in the chair, snoring softly as her chest moved softly in sync with her breathing.
Liam couldn't help but poke her check as he took a seat next to her, " I dunno how you manage to sleep so easily when you're being surrounded by the enemy ". Nectar murmured slightly, slouching lower, " Princess Doria would be happy to see how much you've grown though ".
He knew Nectar well and she was one to be impulsive and yet mind her own business when she wanted too, but with so many people actively provoking her, it'd be a lot harder to stay peppy.
" Will you even be able to take care of yourself if I left "? Nectar frowned as if answering his question and he chuckled, " How do you do that, it's like you can hear me "? Nectar turned again,grumbling " Not comfy ".
She was half awake now trying to find the perfect position for sleep, she put her feet up, moving around trying to feel comfortable when she rested her head on his shoulder. She was almost asleep now and Liam stroked her hair " They're gonna try and take me back Qidu, I'll miss you. Won't you miss me "?
Nectar yawned, " Of course not ". Liam felt his heart bleed when he heard that but smiled [ It's better that way ] when she suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled, " You're not going anywhere. You promised you'd take care of me ".
And she meant it, Liam was unable to pry her arms off his body and watched her sleep on his chest and laughed softly, " I hope I stay true to that promise ".
~ ~ ~
Athena hummed happily to herself as she twirled in the mirror. This was one of the few exceptions that allowed the nobles to wear black or white. The commoners didn't even realize there was a rule against it in the first place.
All dressmakers rich or poor, had been made to sign the imperia decree in accordance with the act. So during this period, anyone could wear these colors as a sign of celebration.
Athena had on a black dress with yellow sun patterns scattered over it. [ It's being a while since I wore something so puffy ] The skirt of her dress was quite puffy but not inconvenient to walk in.
She wore yellow hells and black stockings to match. Her hair had packed into a firm bun and she had a star shaped pendant and earrings to match in silver.
The dress had a slight V neck and three quarter sleeves, she matched it with black elbow gloves. Posing in front of the mirror, she smiled " This feels refreshing. I hope Nectar shows up and I can humiliate her. My night would be complete ".
There was a knock on the door and a servant came in kowtowed. Athena frowned slightly at the sight of her [ I have a bad feeling about this ] " Speak, what do you want ". The maid shivered slightly " The Star Reader's presence at the banquet has been confirmed, as well as his apprentice ".
Athena's initial joy turned to anger and annoyance as she turned and looked at the servant. Seeing the trembling servant, she sighed " Get out, your report has being received ".
The servant scrambled to his feet and ran out. Athena smiled coldly as she placed a hand on the mirror and another to her eyes, " You just dunno when to quit sister, I guess I'll have to cripple you this time. Don't blame ".