"Princess Elira? You are being summoned by Queen Valli." A guard announced as he stepped into her room.
Elira looked at Ayla and Amara who had steeled expressions. She nodded and stood up, adjusting her clothes and then following him.
"Lead me please." She muttered, and the guard agreed, taking her to the Queen's quarters. She passed by Cassian who was seemingly in an animated discussion with Demetra, the maid.
Why was he talking to Demetra? Was it common for a prince and a maid to be talking to each other? Elira wondered to herself but pulled her eyes away and walked ahead.
"Did she seem in a fair mood?" She asked the guard with a subdued voice.
"She seems…" he trailed off, seeming uncertain, "Uhm..."
"Understood…" She nodded as they stopped in front of the quarters. The guard opened the door with a soft smile on his face and announced her coming.
She walked in after he did and greeted Queen Valli who was sitting opposite Queen Gaea.
"Daughter." She said stiffly while Gaea smiled warmly. Elira bowed and greeted them both.
"I just wished to meet you… I had time to talk to Serein but not to you…" Gaea explained, "I hope that you do not mind?"
"Oh no, your highness… I do not mind at all." She smiled and sat in front of them. Queen Valli seemed displeased with the fact that Queen Gaea had taken a liking to Elira.
"So… is there anything you wish to know about Cassian?" Queen Gaea asked the girl with a smile etched on her beautiful face.
"Uhm…" Elira looked at Valli with uncertainty and then back at Gaea, "Can you describe him for me…?" She asked.
"Well… My Cassian, much like you- is adopted. He is a sweet sweet boy who is a bit immature for his age but once you learn more about him… I am sure you will take a liking to him. He also is a bit closed off with his real emotions, so it is difficult for the real Cassian to shine through, but I am sure he will open up to you with time." She replied and Elira nodded, taking it all in.
"that seems to be enough questions." Valli stopped her just as she was going to speak, "Why is your hair in a braid instead of tied back?"
"Oh… I thought that it-"
"you thought? And what makes you think that your thoughts are reliable?" Valli scoffed, "Tie it back... it isn't as attractive as you think it is and does nothing for your appearance, dull as it is."
Queen Valli stood up while Elira looked at her hands with a bitter expression.
"I must take your leave as I am leaving. I am sorry if my daughter has bored you with her company… she is dull as I had warned you." She sighed, "Farewell." She bowed softly, and Queen Gaea stood up and bid her farewell.
She then looked at the girl who was standing in the corner with a soft pout on her face. As soon as Valli was gone, Gaea walked towards Elira.
"Listen to me…" She cupped her face, "I do not consider you to be dull at all, and I look forward to knowing you better as the days go by. I am always here for you understand?" She asked and Elira nodded, "go get some rest… in a week we will spend a day together just the two of us, okay?"
Elira smiled and hugged the woman softly before leaving towards the door.
"Oh and Elira? Your hair is stunning… as are you." Queen Gaea winked and Elira smiled back. Her previously ruined day had been made infinitely better.
She walked out and smiled at the guard who greeted her.
"Do you wish to see the gardens' princess?" he asked, "I can show them to you…?"
She nodded, "Can you show them to me in the evening? I shall go bid my sisters' goodbye."
He agreed.
Her mother had decided not to stay for her wedding, not finding it particularly interesting. She had also forced Ayla and Amara to join her. Thus, Elira had to bid them goodbye, bitterly wishing that they could be there with her when she would get married.
Looking at Serein who was waving them goodbye, she was happy that at least she had her older sister with her.