Adanna could not contain her excitement as she flung open the door to greet Nandini. "Nandini, you would not believe it!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with joy. "Father has finally given his consent!"
Nandini, smiled warmly. "Given consent to what, my dear?" she said pretending to be unaware.
Adanna practically vibrated with anticipation. "To letting me journey to Aerionia! Do you not remember how we spoke of it? The Duchess's...gathering?"
Nandini laughed, "Of Course, my dear! How could I forget?" she replied, " I knew your father would eventually see reason."
Adanna smiled. "He was not thrilled about the competition aspect, of course," she admitted, "but Kazi managed to convince him that it would be an enriching cultural experience."
"Enriching, indeed," she chuckled. "Excellent work on both your parts, Adanna."
Adanna's smile faltered slightly. "Though, between just you and I," she confided, leaning in closer and lowering her voice, "the whole 'competition for the Duke's hand' bit...well, let us just say I am not holding my breath."
Nandini raised an eyebrow, a hint of concern creeping into her gaze. "Why ever not? You are a beautiful, intelligent woman, Adanna. Any Duke would be lucky to have you."
Adanna sighed, a shadow of past disappointments clouding her eyes. "That is what everyone says, Nandini," she said, a tinge of bitterness in her tone. "But reality tends to be a bit harsher, especially for someone...like me."
Nandini's expression softened. She reached out and placed a comforting hand on Adanna's arm. "Do not speak of yourself that way, my dear. Your size is what makes you beautiful. It is a part of who you are, just as much as your intelligence or your wit. You have so much to offer a potential suitor. And I truly believe that one day, you will find a man who sees that and cherishes it."
Adanna offered a small, sad smile. "Thank you, Nandini. You are always so kind. But let us be honest, the chances of a Duke falling for a woman of my...stature who has already faced humilation on several occassions...it is just not a fairy tale I subscribe to anymore."
Nandini squeezed Adanna's arm gently. "Then do not," she said firmly. "Think of this as an adventure, a chance to escape the gossip and negativity of Niameda. See it as a way to explore a new land, meet new people, and most importantly, rediscover yourself."
Adanna considered her friend's words. While the idea of finding love remained a distant dream, the prospect of a fresh start, away from the judgmental whispers, held a certain appeal.
"Very well," she said, a determined look returning to her eyes. "Let us do this. Aerionia, here I come!"
Overjoyed to see her friend's spirit lifted, Nandini smiled. "Excellent! I shall write to Thaddeus's friend at once, inform him of your impending arrival and participation in the Duchess's gathering. They shall be thrilled to have you."
Adanna's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Nandini. You have no idea how much this means to me. I cannot wait to see what Aerionia has in store!"
Nandini returned the smile, "I cannot wait for you to tell me all about it when you return!" She paused, Now, how about we celebrate with some tea and pastries? We have quite the adventure to prepare for!"
A cool breeze ruffled Adanna's hair as she walked impatiently out of doors by the grand Niameda Estate. Weeks had gone by since her father gave his reluctant approval, and the day of departure had at last arrived. Excitement bubbled up inside her, threatening to spill out with every breath. She had already bid farewell to most of the household staff, their good wishes still ringing in her ears. Now, she stood in front of the estate watching her sisters Ife and Kazi bustling about, making last adjustments to her luggage.
"Adanna, are you certain you have all you require?" Kazi asked as she picked up a small, embroidered bag and handed it to her sister.
Adanna paused her pacing and gave her sister a reassuring smile. "Indeed, Kazi. Do not fret, I shall forget nothing of importance."
Ever the practical one, Ife chimed in. "Remember, four months only, Adanna. Not a day more. And write to us frequently, agreed?"
Adanna chuckled, embracing both Ife and Kazi tightly. "Four months, I promise. And letters shall be a weekly occurrence, filled with all the wonders of Aerionia!"
Asha who looked like she was about to drop asleep, rubbed her eyes and mumbled, "Will you bring me a present? Perhaps a griffin feather?"
Adanna laughed, "I will not make any promises, little one, but I shall certainly keep an eye out for a griffin feather on my travels!"
A shadow of sadness crossed Governor Nari's face as he approached, handkerchief in hand. He cleared his throat, voice gruff with emotion. "Adanna," he began, "be safe in Aerionia. Remember you should represent Niameda with honor."
Adanna hugged her father, tears welling up despite her excitement. "Fear not, Father," she murmured, a lump in her throat. "I shall return before you know it. Four months, at most! Just as we agreed."
Governor Nari chuckled, the sound shaky. "Four months it is, then," he conceded, brushing away a stray tear from her cheek. "Just...promise me you shall take care."
"Always, Father," Adanna vowed, squeezing his hand tightly.
Suddenly, the sounds of approaching horses and a carriage broke the tender moment. All turned towards the main gate, anticipation in the air.
"Here they come!" Asha muttered, as she yawned. A majestic Ivamis carriage, pulled by two sleek black horses, rolled to a halt before the estate. The carriage door swung open, and out stepped none other than Nia herself, closely followed by a young woman, an elegant woman with jet black hair and piercing brown eyes.
Nia, greeted her family with warm hugs. Then she turned to the young woman beside her . "Everyone," Nia said, "as you all should know, this is Princess Serena, my sister-in-law and Adanna's traveling companion."
A chorus of polite greetings filled the air. Serena, with her friendly demeanor, quickly won over Adanna's sisters, Asha even curtseying tiredly.
Finally, Nia hugged Adanna tightly. "Enjoy your time in Aerionia, Adanna," she whispered. "This is a chance to explore a new world, meet new people, and discover more about yourself."
Adanna nodded, smiling. "Thank you, Nia. I promise I will make the most of this opportunity."
Turning to Serena, Adanna cleared her throat and extended her hand in greeting. "Princess Serena, a pleasure to meet you once again after all this time."
Serena returned the smile, clasping Adanna's hand firmly. "The pleasure is all mine, Adanna! I am most excited to embark on this adventure with you."
"Princess Serena," Adanna said with a smile, "I must confess that I am a bit nervous about this journey. I have never left Niameda before, and the thought of being so far from home..." Her voice trailed off, a mixture of excitement and apprehension in her eyes.
Serena's eyes sparkled with genuine warmth. "Please, call me Serena. This whole 'Princess' business tends to frighten people away," she said with a playful wink.
Adanna could not help but laugh. "Noted, Serena. And you may call me Adanna, of course."
"And I too feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension," Serena confessed with a reassuring smile. "But remember, Adanna, we are both here to experience something new and grow as individuals. We will face challenges together and have many adventures along the way. This journey is an opportunity for us to learn about ourselves and each other, and I am honored to be a part of it."
Though they had only met four times previously, an instant connection seemed to spark between them. Perhaps it was their shared thirst for adventure, or maybe the desire to escape the confines of their respective kingdoms for a while. Whatever the reason, a sense of easy camaraderie settled between them, pushing aside any initial awkwardness.
As they chatted excitedly about their hopes and expectations for Aerionia, another carriage pulled up with a flourish. It was a smaller, more private carriage, likely arranged by Nia to ensure their comfort on the long journey.
"Well, ladies," Nia said, emerging from the larger carriage, "I believe everything is in order. If there is nothing else, I should return to my duties in the palace. Adanna, Serena, please do not hesitate to contact me should you need anything while you are away."
Adanna and Serena exchanged looks with each other before with a final wave, Adanna and Serena boarded the carriage, settling themselves comfortably on the plush seats. As the carriage rolled away from Nari estate they leaned out the window, waving goodbye to the kingdom. A wave of exhilaration washed over Adanna, a thrilling sense of the unknown beckoning her forward.
"Aerionia, here we come!" she exclaimed, the anticipation in her voice bubbling over.
Serena, leaning against the window with a mischievous glint in her eyes, chuckled. "Indeed we do, Adanna. And who knows what adventures await us in that faraway land?"