A few weeks had passed since Leon's return to the palace, and life at Eldralore was… bustling, to say the least. Though Leon slipped back into his role with natural ease, Zia found herself in a constant struggle to adjust. The palace was a world away from her usual haunts of dark alleys and chaotic markets, and she wasn't exactly cut out for the dainty graces expected of a prince's consort.
One morning, Zia stood in front of a massive, gilded mirror, grimacing at the elaborate gown she'd been forced into. Layers of fine silk, lace, and embroidery weighed her down, and she looked like she'd just stepped out of a painting rather than ready to face her day.
"Are you sure this is necessary?" she asked, tugging at the stiff collar.
Her new friend and maid, Lila, snickered as she adjusted the gown's collar. "Necessary? Absolutely. If you're going to be the future queen, you need to look the part."
Zia rolled her eyes, crossing her arms and giving the mirror a dissatisfied look. "I look like a very confused chicken."
Lila burst into laughter, almost dropping the jewelry she was holding. "It's not that bad! Well… maybe a little. But think of it this way: the nobles love a bit of elegance, and this is about as elegant as it gets."
Just as Zia was contemplating ripping the dress off and making a run for it, Leon sauntered in, pausing in the doorway as he took her in. His eyes sparkled with mirth as he tried—and failed—to keep a straight face.
"Ah, so you're embracing the royal look?" he teased, taking in her exasperated expression.
"Don't start," she warned, narrowing her eyes. "I feel like I'm drowning in lace."
"Well, you look… respectable," he managed, though he was clearly holding back laughter. "And that's not a word I'd ever thought I'd use to describe you."
Zia swatted him playfully, but the rigid dress made her movement awkward, which only made Leon laugh harder. Lila, amused by the whole exchange, grinned and moved to tie a final ribbon at the back of Zia's dress.
As they left her quarters, Zia struggled to keep her balance in the ridiculous shoes Lila had insisted she wear. Each step was a wobbly adventure, and she held onto Leon's arm with a death grip, muttering under her breath about the absurdity of palace fashion. But for all her complaints, Zia felt a tiny thrill—she was walking through the palace, with Leon, and people were beginning to acknowledge her as his equal.
Their first stop was the grand dining hall, where breakfast was being served to the palace staff. The head chef, a large, round-faced man named Theo with a booming laugh, noticed Zia immediately. He had been a quiet admirer of her boldness and honesty, finding her far more interesting than the refined palace nobles.
"Ah, Lady Zia! Are you finally gracing us with your presence?" Theo called from across the hall. "How about a proper welcome?"
Before she knew it, he was whisking her and Leon into the bustling kitchen, where the clatter of pots and pans filled the air. The aroma of fresh bread and roasting herbs was intoxicating, and Zia's mouth watered.
"Now, if you're going to be future queen, you must know your way around the kitchen!" Theo declared. "How else will you rule the kingdom?"
"I'm not sure the kingdom needs me cooking," Zia replied, raising an eyebrow.
"Nonsense!" Theo laughed, handing her a spoon and pointing to a massive pot simmering on the stove. "Stir this. Royal decree!"
Zia rolled her eyes but stepped up, stirring with dramatic concentration as Leon and the kitchen staff watched, amused. A few guards gathered at the door, chuckling at the sight of their future queen holding a wooden spoon with the intensity of a warrior.
But as she stirred, Zia noticed something strange. Her friend Lila was slipping handfuls of berries into Leon's pockets while his back was turned. She nudged Leon just as he turned around, a few berries tumbling to the floor.
"Lila, again?" Leon groaned, but his exasperation was softened by a grin. It seemed like a running joke between them, and Zia found herself laughing despite herself.
By the end of breakfast, Zia had made more of a mess in the kitchen than actual food. But she left with a satisfied smile, her friendship with Theo and Lila warming her heart.
The following days turned into a whirlwind of palace life as Zia tried to balance her old habits with the strange expectations of royalty. Every time she'd accidentally forget her manners or trip on the endless layers of her gown, there was a palace attendant or advisor giving her a horrified look—which only made her snicker, much to their dismay.
One afternoon, Leon and Zia were lounging in the gardens, finally able to relax. Lila and a few other attendants were nearby, attempting to organize some flowers while stealing curious glances at the couple. Leon was stretched out on a bench, watching as Zia wrestled with yet another fancy dress, her scowl deepening by the minute.
"Are you quite done?" Leon asked, amusement clear in his tone.
Zia groaned, pulling at the sleeves. "I just don't understand why this can't be simpler. Who thought it was a good idea to give future queens outfits that make them immobile?"
Leon leaned closer, his voice low. "We could always… take a break. Escape the palace."
She looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? And where would we go, Prince? The Underground Market?"
He laughed, nodding. "Why not? A trip back to our roots might do us some good."
But just as they were planning their escape, they heard the loud, booming voice of Sir Ewan, the eccentric palace jester and unofficial court storyteller. Known for his unpredictable antics, Sir Ewan was a constant source of chaos in the palace.
"Your Majesties!" he called, bowing with exaggerated flair. "I've brought tales of magic and mischief from the far corners of Eldralore, if you'd like a diversion!"
Zia's eyes lit up. "Finally, someone who understands entertainment."
Ewan took her response as encouragement, launching into an absurd tale about a goat who outsmarted a dragon. His voice rose and fell dramatically, gesturing wildly as he acted out each part. Lila and the other maids gathered around, giggling at his performance.
Leon, too, laughed, watching as Zia tried to hold back her own laughter but failed. Sir Ewan was unlike anyone else in the palace—unpredictable, ridiculous, and endearingly quirky. By the time he finished, Zia had tears in her eyes from laughing so hard.
As they prepared to return inside, Lila sidled up to Zia, her face mischievous. "You know, I could teach you how to curtsy properly. Then maybe you wouldn't look like you're planning a heist every time you bow."
"Oh, please, like I need lessons in bending my knees," Zia shot back playfully, nudging Lila. But she grinned, realizing she'd come to appreciate her new friend more than she'd expected.
Throughout the next week, Lila and Zia's friendship blossomed, with Lila giving her the ins and outs of palace life while they laughed over every little blunder. Leon would often join them, entertained by their antics as Zia struggled to grasp the intricacies of her new world.
Each day brought a new challenge, whether it was navigating royal dinners without offending half the nobles or figuring out which spoon to use for which course. But with Leon's unwavering support, Lila's mischievous friendship, and even the occasional lesson from Sir Ewan, Zia found herself settling in—her rough edges starting to fit, just a bit, into palace life.
And when Zia would catch Leon's gaze, she'd see the pride and admiration in his eyes, reminding her why she was here. In a palace filled with strangers and allies alike, he was her anchor.