"Now tell me," she says, inching closer, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "you, Alibaba and Sinbad. Our sisters can't seem to stop talking about the small love triangle, especially Farah."
"I assure you, it's simply interaction," I say, trying to sound nonchalant.
"You know if you marry any of them you will be an empress," she says, her voice tinged with excitement. "The ladies are envious."
"I don't care or wish for that," I say as I start walking towards the other girls, but Flora follows me like a determined duckling.
"I'm team Sinbad, but Alibaba seems so sweet too. This is going to be confusing to pick the perfect in-law," says Flora, giggling.
"Oh, it's not that simple," I say, shaking my head. "Sinbad is like a force of nature—charming, adventurous, and unpredictable. Alibaba, on the other hand, is kind and steady, but he's got a mysterious side too. It's like choosing between a whirlwind and a warm, comforting fire."
Flora chuckles. "Sounds like you've thought about this more than you admit."
"Only because you keep pestering me about it," I retort, rolling my eyes. "I'm focused on more important things right now."
"Like magic?" she teases.
"Exactly," I say, smiling. "And you should be focused on your big day. It's not every day a girl gets married to a prince, after all."
Flora sighs dramatically. "True. But your love life is way more entertaining. Imagine the gossip if you end up with Sinbad. He's practically a legend!"
"And Alibaba?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.
"He's like the perfect romance novel hero," Flora says, swooning a bit. "You really can't go wrong with either."
"Well, you know me," I say, grinning. "I like to keep you guessing."
Flora laughs, linking her arm with mine. "Just promise me one thing: if you do decide, let me be the first to know. I need some leverage over Farah and Flavia."
"Deal," I say, chuckling.
As Flora and I join the rest of the princesses and noble ladies, I try to push thoughts of Alibaba and Sinbad out of my mind. The garden is alive with laughter and chatter, the cheerful atmosphere infectious.
As we mingle with the other guests, I spot Farah and Flavia huddled together, no doubt cooking up some scheme or other.
"Should we go see what mischief they're up to?" I ask Flora, nodding towards our sisters.
"Absolutely," she says with a grin. "Knowing them, it's bound to be entertaining."
"Good morning, sisters," Flora and I say in unison. "Enjoying my bridal shower?" Flora adds with a bright smile.
"Good morning," Flavia replies, fanning herself dramatically. "It's beautiful, but rather hot. You should have gotten a mage to make us some ice drinks."
Farah, ever the practical one, nods in agreement. "Indeed, a bit of cooling wouldn't hurt."
Flora rolls her eyes playfully. "Always with the demands, Flavia. Next time, we'll hire an ice mage just for you."
I laugh, "or we could just summon a breeze ourselves. Anyone got a spare spell?"
Flavia raises an eyebrow. "Oh, please. As if you'd let any of us touch magic today, Daniella. You're the family's resident sorceress."
With a mischievous grin, I mutter a quick incantation under my breath, and a gentle, refreshing breeze sweeps through the garden. Flavia lets out a delighted squeal.
"There, satisfied?" I ask, giving her a mock bow.
"Immensely," Flavia says, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Now, this is more like it."
Farah chuckles. "We should have bridal showers more often. Daniella's magic always livens things up." Can't tell if she mocking me or a complement but I brush it off.
"Daniella," says Flavia, leaning in conspiratorially, "I heard that Prince Malo proposed."
My eyes widen in surprise. How did she know? Only Prince Malo, my father, Flora, and I knew about it. It doesn't take long to guess who spilled the beans—our father probably couldn't resist telling these two.
"Why are you holding out on him?" asks Farah, her eyes scrutinizing me.
I stay silent, contemplating my response.
"Or maybe you're waiting for Alibaba or Sinbad," Flavia teases, a smirk on her lips. "For heaven's sake, they are emperors. You're probably going to be one of many wives or concubines."
"If Prince Malo sent you to convince me," I say, narrowing my eyes, "good try, but my answer is still a firm no. As for Alibaba and Sinbad, I don't wish to marry either. They are good allies, but I don't see myself with them."
"Just say you like women," Farah says, waving her fan in frustration. "You're not getting any younger."
"You're our eldest sister, and it seems you will die in our father's house," says Flavia, trying to reason with me.
"Come on, guys," says Flora, stepping in to defend me. "She has other redeeming qualities beyond being married."
"I understand," says Farah, her tone softening slightly, "but I think she should use such gatherings to find a prince. The best you can get at the national balls is a baron or a landlord considering all the viscounts are married. Listen, Daniella, I ain't trying to be a bully right now, but you must find a husband before you reach spinster age."
"Believe it or not, if not Prince Malo, then Sinbad. Both have resources to defend us from enemies," says Flavia. "Flora had an opportunity to get Prince Malo but decided to go for his brother, who won't be getting a title."
I look at Flora's face, and her smile slowly fades.
"They are twins. We still don't know who will get the title," I defend.
"Are you blind?" says Farah, her voice rising. "Prince Malo has everything required to be the king candidate—brains, magic, royal regalia..."
A king candidate is someone born with special skills, showing characteristics of a king from a young age, and is then chosen by a deity to guide them.
"There are a lot more requirements than those," says Flora, almost on the brink of tears.
I place a reassuring hand on Flora's shoulder. "Flora's right. It's not just about skills and regalia. There's a whole lot more to being a king or queen than meets the eye."
Flavia rolls her eyes. "You're being idealistic, Daniella. Reality is different. Practicality should come first."
I take a deep breath, trying to keep my composure. "I understand your concerns, Flavia, Farah. But marriage isn't a transaction for me. It's not about securing power or titles. It's about finding someone I genuinely connect with."
Flavia opens her mouth to retort, but Flora interrupts, her voice steady despite the tears welling up. "Daniella has always been there for us, supporting us in ways that go beyond political alliances. Let's respect her choices."
Farah sighs, shaking her head. "We just want the best for you, Daniella. That's all."
"I know," I say softly, "and I appreciate it. But the best for me might look different from what you envision."
The tension eases slightly, and we lapse into a more comfortable silence, the garden's peaceful ambiance slowly soothing our frayed nerves.