-Konira Palace; Afternoon-
In the opulent tea room of Konira Palace, the air was filled with the delicate aroma of steeping tea and the soft clinking of fine china. Nobles gathered around elegantly set tables, their voices low but animated as they indulged in the latest gossip.
"What did you say? Princess Luxana was composed?! Impossible!!! How could she have been?" one noble exclaimed, disbelief etched across their face.
"I'm telling you, the Princess is no human!" another responded, their tone filled with a mix of admiration and incredulity.
"No, the Queen doesn't like her! That's why Princess Luxana suffers," a third noble chimed in, a hint of sympathy coloring their words.
"But does that matter? She's now the heiress to the Dragon Flames!" someone countered, their voice rising with excitement.
"Wait... so why does the Queen hate the Princess? Shouldn't she be...?" another began, but a sharp "SHHHHHHHH! Don't say it too loud!" interrupted them, causing a ripple of nervous laughter to spread through the group.
"I heard the conflict between the First Princess and Queen was quite the show!" one noble whispered, leaning in closer, eager to share the latest scandal.
"Oh my! I wonder how pressurized our little Princess Isabella must've been," another added, their eyes sparkling with intrigue.
"I bet His Majesty supported Princess Luxana!" someone declared confidently.
"HE DID! I heard the maids say it," came the excited confirmation, fueling the gossip further.
The conversation shifted as another noble piped up, "Did you hear that the Princess wore a very beautiful dress?"
"Yeah, I heard it was a red dress with gold sequins all over it. I heard it was custom-made for her by a famous designer. It had a lace overlay on the bodice and a dramatic train that trailed behind her as she walked. There were also a matching pair of gold heels that she wore to complete the look. Along with a Ruby Jewels set, I even heard she put up a stunning updo with intricate braids and curls to complement the dress. I also heard the dress was made out of luxurious silk fabric that shimmered in the light, adding to the overall glamorous effect. The combination of the intricate details and high-quality materials truly made her stand out at the event," another noble recounted, their voice filled with awe.
"It sounds like she really went all out for the event and made a lasting impression with her fashion choices," someone remarked, a tinge of envy evident in their tone.
"The dress must have cost a fortune, but it definitely made a statement at the event," another noble added, shaking their head in disbelief.
"I bet the Queen was left speechless and stunned by Princess Luxana's calm composure," one noble mused, a sly smile creeping onto their face.
"It's like a silent slap in the face!" another laughed, the sound echoing through the room.
"Haha!! I agree with you!" came the chorus of laughter, the nobles reveling in the delicious drama that unfolded within the royal family.
In the lavish tea room of Konira Palace, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as nobles gathered for an afternoon of gossip and indulgence. The soft clinking of teacups and the rustle of silk gowns filled the air, creating a symphony of elegance. Suddenly, a maid burst into the room, her voice ringing out with enthusiasm.
"Everyone! The host of today's party, Lady Lily Furia, is here!" she announced.
"Oh! There she is!" came the chorus of delighted voices, heads turning toward the entrance.
"I was wondering what took my lady so long!" another noble chimed in, a playful tone in their voice.
"Haha, apologies for the delay. But nevertheless, welcome to my tea party! I'm glad everyone showed up!" Lady Furia greeted, her smile radiant as she took her place among the guests.
"Of course, how could we not?" one noble replied, raising their teacup in a toast.
"Totally agreed," another added, nodding enthusiastically.
"But... I heard you have something to say, Lady Furia?" someone pressed, curiosity piqued.
"Hoho, of course I do. That is why this grand party was hosted," Lady Furia teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Ow, c'mon! We can't wait any longer! Tell us! Tell us!" the crowd urged, leaning in closer, eager for the revelation.
"Yes, Lady Furia, please do us the honor of knowing another of your true facts!" another noble exclaimed, practically bouncing in anticipation.
"Of course, I'd be delighted! So today's astonishing news is... Princess Luxana is getting MARRIED!" Lady Furia declared, her voice booming with excitement.
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA—" The room erupted into a cacophony of shock and disbelief, gasps echoing off the walls as nobles exchanged wide-eyed glances.
"Is it true? How can that be?" one noble stammered, their hand flying to their mouth in astonishment.
"Who is the lucky suitor? Do we know him?" another questioned, their curiosity igniting a flurry of whispers.
"Can you believe it? The Princess, engaged!" someone remarked, shaking their head in disbelief.
As the nobles continued to chatter, the atmosphere shifted from shock to intrigue. The prospect of Princess Luxana's marriage sent ripples of excitement through the crowd, each noble eager to speculate on the implications of such a union.
"Imagine the power shift! This could change everything!" one noble mused, their eyes gleaming with ambition.
"Indeed! The Queen won't like this at all," another added, a sly smile creeping onto their face.
"Let's hope the engagement doesn't come with too many strings attached," someone else remarked, their tone laced with skepticism.
As the gossip swirled around the room, Lady Furia basked in the attention, her smile widening as she reveled in the chaos her announcement had created. In the heart of Konira Palace, the nobles were united in their fascination with the royal family, their conversations weaving a tapestry of speculation and intrigue that would surely echo throughout the halls long after the tea party had ended.
-In Amoria Palace; Inner Training Ground-
In the inner training grounds of Amoria Palace, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Luxana prepared to unleash her newfound powers. The sun streamed through the high windows, casting a warm glow on the polished wooden floors. Mylo and Myla, her loyal companions, were nearby, their excitement palpable as they gathered their own enchanted armaments.
"WOAHHHHHH! Are those swords?" Mylo exclaimed, rushing towards a basket filled with practice blades.
A playful smirk crossed Myla's face as she shot back, "Mr. Grandpama, I believe it's not safe for you to touch them. As a Grandpama, you are too old to be playing with them. We can't afford treatment for you anyway."
"SHUT UP, DOG!" Mylo retorted, and Luxana couldn't help but giggle at their antics.
"You guys, never stop, do you?" she mused, her heart lightened by their playful banter.
"But, Princess, why'd you ask all the knights to take a leave this afternoon?" Mylo asked, curiosity shining in his eyes.
"Today... I'm gonna practice how to use my new power—THE DRAGON FLAME!" Luxana declared, her voice filled with excitement.
"OHHH!!" Myla exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"And the two of you may practice how to use your Arm Runic Bands!" Luxana suggested, eager to see her friends in action.
"Sure!" they replied in unison, enthusiasm evident in their voices.
With a determined focus, Luxana turned back to the ancient tome laid open on a nearby table. The pages were filled with intricate illustrations and instructions on harnessing the Dragon Flame. "So first up, according to this book on 'The Secrets of the Dragon Flame,' I'll have to make sure my hand movements are right!" she said, her heart racing as she prepared to channel the energy within her.
As she began to mimic the gestures described in the book, Luxana felt a warmth building in her palms, a flicker of fire igniting at her fingertips. The flames danced playfully, teasing her with their potential. She concentrated harder, her fingers twisting and curling in the precise motions, and suddenly, the warmth surged through her body, igniting her hair in a fiery halo that flew back from her face.
"That's it, Luxana!" she encouraged herself, feeling the heat intensify. The flames grew larger, licking at the air around her, as she willed the fire to expand.
With a determined thrust of her hands, she called forth the Dragon Flame. The fire erupted from her palms, swirling and expanding in a magnificent display of power. Her hair whipped back dramatically, caught in the fierce heat of the flames, as the inferno grew to an astonishing size.
"Look at that!" she gasped, awestruck by the sheer magnitude of the fire that erupted before her. It soared high, a towering inferno that illuminated the training ground with its brilliant glow, casting flickering shadows on the walls.
Mylo and Myla watched in awe, their mouths agape as the flames reached for the ceiling, a breathtaking spectacle of raw energy and beauty. "Incredible!" Mylo shouted, his voice filled with excitement.
As Luxana stood there, surrounded by the roaring flames, she felt an overwhelming sense of triumph. She had unlocked the Dragon Flame, a power that was now hers to command. With a flick of her wrist, she directed the fire to dance and twirl, a mesmerizing display that showcased her newfound abilities.
In that moment, she knew this was just the beginning. With the guidance of the ancient tome and the unwavering support of her friends, she would master the Dragon Flame and wield its power to forge her own destiny, no matter the challenges that lay ahead.
After the family dinner at Helia Palace and the invitation sent by the Knight a few minutes ago, I felt a tempest of emotions swirling within me. The evening had been fraught with tension, especially under the weight of the Queen's piercing glares and the subtle jabs aimed at me. As I walked through the grand halls, the echoes of the royal family's conversations lingered in my mind, but my heart was set on something far more important than the politics of the dinner.
As I wandered, I noticed a narrow, dimly lit corridor that I had never explored before. Drawn by an inexplicable urge, I ventured down the passage, my footsteps soft against the polished marble floor. The corridor opened into a small, forgotten library, dust motes dancing in the shafts of light that filtered through the tall windows.
It was here, amidst the shelves lined with ancient tomes and scrolls, that my eyes fell upon an unassuming book, its cover worn and faded. The title, "The Secrets of the Dragon Flame," was barely legible, but it called to me like a whisper from the past. I reached for it, my fingers brushing against the leather binding, and felt a surge of energy coursing through me.
"This must be it," I murmured to myself, excitement bubbling within me. I carefully pulled the book from the shelf, the dust swirling around me as I opened it. The pages were filled with illustrations and instructions on how to harness the legendary Dragon Flame, a power that had been passed down through generations of my ancestors.
As I flipped through the pages, I became engrossed in the teachings. The book detailed not only the history of the Dragon Flames but also the intricate hand movements and mental focus required to wield such power. I could almost feel the warmth of the flames igniting within me as I read, my heart racing with the possibilities that lay ahead.
"Be patient, Your Majesties. I'm on my way." I resolved, clutching the book tightly to my chest. With newfound determination, I made my way back to the training grounds, my mind racing with the knowledge I had just acquired. And that's how I found this ancient tome.
"Princess!" The butler burst into the training grounds, his expression a mix of urgency and concern as he rushed toward me.
"May I inquire as to the nature of your concern?" I asked, maintaining my composure despite the sudden interruption.
"The Knights from the Main Palace are here for you, Your Highness!" he announced, his voice slightly breathless.
"Oh My! Does my daddy wanna see me?" Luxana exclaimed sarcastically, her voice dripping with feigned enthusiasm.
"Umhh...Yes, they said His Majesty, the King, wants to have an audience with you," the butler informed, his eyes darting nervously.
Myla and Mylo stood back, their faces a mixture of shock and apprehension, knowing that something significant was about to unfold again.
"Hehe, I'll go, because I love my daddy soo much and I'm just soo thrilled to spend time with my daddy!" She rolled her eyes dramatically, her voice dripping with insincerity.
Luxana paused, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I wonder if that's how he thinks I'll react. Aww man, but little does daddy know that his daughter doesn't actually worship the ground he walks on." she mused, a wry smile playing on her lips.
"Would you kindly request that they await my imminent presence? I will change immediately," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil brewing inside me.
The butler stood astonished and shocked as if he'd seen a ghost, unsure of how to respond to Luxana's unexpected revelation. He quickly regained his composure and cleared his throat before speaking, "Of—of course, Your Highness," he stammered, bowing slightly before hurrying away to relay my message.
As the butler left, I turned to Myla and Mylo, who exchanged worried glances. "What do you think this is about, Princess?" Mylo whispered, his voice barely above a murmur.
"I don't know," I admitted, trying to mask my own uncertainty. "But whatever it is, I need to be prepared."
With that, we headed toward my room, the weight of the impending audience heavy on my shoulders. The ornate halls of the palace felt more suffocating than usual, each step echoing with the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
Once inside my chambers, I quickly began to change into something more fitting for a royal audience. My mind raced with thoughts of the King's intentions. Was it about the Family Dinner? Dragon Flame? Or perhaps the recent tensions within the family? I couldn't shake the feeling that the Queen's fury might somehow be involved.
As I slipped into a gown that flowed elegantly around me, Myla and Mylo waited anxiously. "You look amazing, Princess," Myla said, her tone a mix of admiration and concern.
"Thank you," I replied, forcing a smile. "But I need more than just a pretty dress to face whatever is coming."
Mylo nodded, his expression serious. "Just remember, we're here for you, no matter what happens."
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the audience with my father. "I appreciate that."
-Helia Palace; Throne Room-
In the grand throne room of Helia Palace, I stood before my father, the King, my heart racing with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.
"Radiant as the golden sun that illuminates our great kingdom, Your Majesty, I, your humble subject, stand before you, humbled and honored to bask in the light of your divine presence," I greeted, my voice steady.
To be Continued...