[Diana]
After passing by two of Luminaris Prime's moons, we then flew by another moon. This one was inhabited, with lights from its cities glittering like jewels.
"That's Lumin Vellia, the 'Ethereal Moon'," Sam said.
"Why is it called that?" I asked.
"In ancient times, it served as a marker that indicated the coming of the harvest season. Now, it serves as an energy storage and source for food," Sam answered.
"Reminds me of Lovon's Nest, one of Cragholven's moons," I replied.
"I read about that once. I heard that it's some sort of resort world?" Sam asked.
"In a sense, since the environment of the moon is in good condition," I continued, "Though, I'm sure you know, that the moon was once barren and was only terraformed during the time that Crusavia was under Levelian control."
"Alright, we're not here for a history lesson," Sam got up from her chair and pulled me out of mine before continuing, "We need to teach you some Levelian etiquette."
"Like?" I asked.
"Well, basic manners, greetings, proper manners, and such," Sam answered.
"Oh, like bowing and table manners?"
"Yep, although your mother taught you these things," Sam said.
"Yes, I learned the basics when I was young and eventually the more advanced as I grew up," I replied.
"Okay, well that saves a lot of time… Can you show me what you were taught?" She asked.
"Alright, but don't laugh. I haven't practiced in a long time," I replied.
I placed my hands on my chest and did a little curtsy.
"That was good! Now, who are you to curtsy like that to?" Sam quizzed.
"To persons of authority, such as but not limited to: government officials, nobles, and high-ranking officers," I answered.
"Very good! Now, how about in a casual setting?" Sam asked.
"Alright," I said as I positioned myself once again. This time, I dropped the hand and simply did a curtsy.
"Correct!" Sam exclaimed as she chuckled, "You're ready to meet with the Empress."
"Wait, who?" I turned to her, shock and confusion etched onto my face.
"Well, since we claim that you are the lost princess. It's only necessary for the Empress to check for herself whether or not you truly are her lost daughter," Sam replied.
I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself but it did nothing.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"It wouldn't have done you any good. You would constantly worry and you wouldn't have any fun," She replied.
"Fair enough…"
"Just don't think about it too much, you'll be fine," Sam comfortingly said.
"Diana! Come check this out," Thomas called.
I walked up to him and gazed out of the window.
"Woah…" That was all I could say.
"Ladies and gentleman," Gabrosch said through the intercom, "We've arrived."
From the window, I could see the planet below. Thousands of vessels, big and small, entered and exited the atmosphere. Atmospheric scrubbers worked tirelessly as they filtered out any pollutants and recycled them into breathable air. Kilometer-tall skyscrapers pierced through the clouds, while elevators carried shuttles toward orbital stations.
The surface was also covered in urban sprawl, but as we entered the atmosphere I noticed something. There were parks filled with trees and all manner of plants, something we didn't have on Cragholven. We continued to descend and soon enough we joined in with the traffic of Luminaris Prime's sky-lanes.
"Puritia or Purevem for the locals, the capital of Luminaris Prime," Thomas said.
We passed numerous skyscrapers, most of which were built using the Orkovelian style of architecture. Statues, arches, and intricate designs were dotted around many of the buildings. Numerous spires jutted out and beautifully decorated windows were present everywhere. But there were also buildings of a more modern style, with sleek lines and smooth shapes.
"We're now approaching Litania's Wall," Gabrosch announced through the intercom.
"What's that?" I asked.
"A mountain range that separates the New City of Puritia from the Old, m'lady," Devia answered.
"It's the tallest mountain range on the planet and is constantly covered in snow," Thomas added.
"Due in part to the scrubbers placed above it," Sam said.
The cruiser entered a thick layer of cloud and fog as we passed through the mountain range, then back into the light. This new area of Puritia seemed like a history book that came to life. The buildings here were shorter and much older. There were taller structures and a few skyscrapers but most of the buildings were built in an elegant style, not something you'd see on Cragholven (although I have seen some buildings built in a similar style back there).
Sam suddenly tapped on my shoulder and pointed toward a massive structure in the distance
"That's the Palace of Purity, the center of imperial power," Sam said.
"Wow…" That was all I could say.
An imposing tower stood proud in the distance, with an equally impressive wall separating it from the city. The tower seemed to glitter in the distance as if it were cut from one gargantuan gemstone. Radiant but terrifying. I began to feel a lump form in my throat. Anxiety and fear intertwined like threads in a cloth.
"You'll do great," A voice said above me.
I looked up and saw Thomas. He placed his hand on my shoulder.
"You think so?"
"A regular girl wouldn't know the difference between those curtsies you did," He teased.
I scoffed in reply while shaking my head. I looked back at the view outside the window and we were getting closer to the palace.
"But seriously," Thomas continued, "We've made it this far, and we all believe, we have faith in who you are. Well, the true you and not the one with all those embellishments and titles."
"What do you mean?" I asked in confusion.
"At the end of the day, you're still the Diana we know or came to know. You may have a new name and all those fancy titles soon but you'll always be the girl I pulled through a wall," Thomas chuckled as he said that.
I turned to him, grinning, and said, "You love reminiscing on that do you?"
"What? It's a fond memory!" He retorted.
"Whatever, just don't bring that up when we meet the Empress," I responded.
"Alright, alright," He replied.
Out of nowhere, Devia suddenly said, "M'lord, m'lady, please get ready to disembark."
"Goodness, Devia. You scared me!" I exclaimed.
"She's always like that, don't worry," Sam came up to my chair as she tossed my bag to me.
"Forgive me, m'lady, it's a thing I do," She said calmly, widely grinning.
"Come on, get ready. We'll be landing soon," Sam paused, "Oh, right, once we land change as quickly as you can. I placed a change of clothes in your bag."
"Alright, but where do I change?" I asked.
"Don't worry, there's a restroom near the landing pad," Sam answered.
"Got it," I nodded in response.
Sam did the same before walking off into the cockpit.
This is it. The moment we've been waiting for. It's time to face the music and get this over with.