Dodwen was surprised when he got to Blizzard Palace. The place was mostly silent and most of the lights turned off. Only the guards scattered around and patrolling, made the place look alive.
He spoke to a guard curiously, " Why are the lights turned off so early when its only the beginning of evening time "? The guard bowed, " The empress has already fallen asleep. Lord Soul has given orders to check in for the day ".
Dodwen was surprised and felt his mouth twitch as he dismissed the servant, " The entire continent is gathered in one place and our empress couldn't care less ". As he looked up at the dark building he couldn't help but chuckle, [ She's a lot simpler than most. I guess this isn't some sort of protest for not bringing her along ]
He'd never been in this side of Nectar's palace but it was well organized and comfortable, nothing like the stuffy atmosphere he'd seen in the palace. When he got upstairs, he was surprised by the number of rooms [ I can't just knock on her door, that'd be stupid ]
Dodwen walked back and forth thinking of what to do when he heard a crackling fire. He turned in the direction of the room. It was slightly open and he peeped through.
He turned red as he looked away, [ What the hell? ] He was about to run when he heard Liam's cold voice, " Aren't you going to come in Lord Dodwen "? Dodwen felt his hair stand [ He's as scary as Eros. Why me? ]
He peeped through, smiling nervously " I have a message for the empress but its not that important ". Liam had no shirt on and Nectar's face was against his chest sleeping soundly [ Save me empress ]
Liam shook her lightly, " Wake up, you have a guest ". Nectar mumbled, rubbing her eye " Five more minutes ". Liam sighed, getting out of her grip " Get up ". He got up, leaving Nectar to fall on her face.
But she supported her weight and glared at Liam who smirked, " I'll go put on a shirt ". Nectar sighed, sitting up " Is there something you need Lord Holmes "? Dodwen felt a cold sweat as he spoke, " His majesty asks for your presence at the banquet ".
Nectar frowned, tilting her head to the side [ He personally invited me....that's never happened ] " Do I really have to go "? Dodwen had to blink a few times [ Is this really happening? ]
From the information he'd gathered, Nectar was simply an exiled princess, a personal invitation from the emperor would make anyone excited but she'd rather sleep.
It was like earlier today, the idea of welcoming the envoys was an honour but she'd rather stay in her palace sorting mana stones. He felt it wasn't that she didn't know better, she just didn't care. Nectar yawned lightly, standing up, " This is Lady Athena's big banquet, my presence will only dampen her mood and annoy Eros. Good night ".
Nectar didn't look back or hesitate as she went to her room. Dodwen was too much in a daze to try and persuade her until Liam came back, " Have you delivered your message "?
Dodwen nodded, " If you could plead with the empress, I don't know what Eros will do to me if I don't come back with her ". Liam stood quietly, watching Dodwen's pleading eyes and sighed, " Alright, give me a minute ".
Dodwen felt himself relax as Liam left the room. He came back soon " She will be ready shortly, get the sedan chair ". Dodwen seemed confused [ How did he do that so quickly? ] " What "?
Liam squinted, staring down at him " You don't really expect her to walk all the way there when you're the one asking her to be there ". Dodwen gulped, taking a step back " I'll go get the sedan ".
Liam smiled, allowing Dodwen to pass. Ruffling his hair, he walked back to his room. Reaching for the door, he paused " Come out Rio ". Mario opened his door completely, stepping out.
He seemed nervous, " I couldn't sleep ". Liam sighed, " Can't any of you sleep "? All five doors opened and they peeped through. Nicole let out an exaggerated sigh, covering her mouth " How do you do that Brother Li "?
Liam shrugged, " I can hear your breathing. Anyway, why are you still up "? Jewlica rolled her eyes, closing the door to her room, " We're not sure but here we are ". Liam pointed at them, " Don't go anywhere, I'll be right back ".
He was about to go back in his room and leave the disappointed kids when Nectar opened her door. She had a towel wrapped around her chest and on her hair, she smiled playfully " Don't mind him kids. You can help me get ready ".
They all quietly cheered and Nicole stood out in the hallway, playing stylist " What colors would you prefer Sister Qidu "? Nectar wiggled her eyebrows, " Maybe black and lavender. I want to be serious, but not too serious ".
Nicole nodded seriously, scanning Nectar's wet body " I can make it work, let's do this ". The kids pushed them both into their rooms to get changed.
There was a lot of talking and laughing but it only took ten minutes before they emerged again. Nectar was in a lace like lavender dress. It was only knee length but extremely puffy. They'd had to borrow one of Liam's coats to get the dress to fit under.
Nectar didn't bother with stockings but instead wore knee length black fur boots. June had picked out flower shaped gold jewelry for her while Jewlica put in cute little purple pins on her boots.
" You guys do good work, send you're bill to my assistant ", the three laughed examining their work. Liam adjusted the collar of the lavender shirt he was wearing. He had on a jet black suit with lavender army boots, August was helping him put in the black laces.
His ash hair was in spiky curls while his blue eyes stared at Nectar, " Don't you look like a lady. You three are miracle workers ". Nectar rolled her eyes, " And thank you boys for making him look like a man, not the blockhead he is ".
Liam looked at her knuckles, still bruised and held out the lavender gloves he'd picked out for her, " You're so dumb, you can't even take care of yourself ". Nectar pouted as she let him put the gloves on for her.
She then removed her necklace and the pendant, putting it on him fairly easily because of her heels and smiled, " I won't get mad at you tonight ". The kids stared at the two and Nathaniel exclaimed, " You two look too good, you're right to pay us ".
They went to the common room where Liam did her hair. She didn't want anything complicated since she expected this to be like her past life and be sent back with her tail between her legs, " Let me do it Millie ".
Nectar had no idea what she was doing but she let her hands work and when she was done, they were all pleasantly surprised. Nectar giggled lightly, " Isn't this going to be fun "?