"Princess, you are beautiful. Goddess Sun may find herself jealous of your radiance." Suni says as she watches me look at myself in the mirror. Her words make me smile.
"Suni, I would simply have your hand in marriage if you were a man. You always know what to say."
Suni covers her mouth and laughs. She deepens her voice. "Your majesty. Prince Sunu asks for your hand in marriage."
"But I am promised to another!" I say pretending as if I have never been sadder.
"Who?! I will challenge him and he will fall at my feet!"
Alexandria stares at us as if we are without a brain.
Suni covers her mouth and laughs again. "Honestly, princess you are dazzling."
"Thanks to you, Suni."
"Tsk. Goddess sun has blessed you with beauty to envy for years."
I look back at Alexandria. "Do you find this to be true?"
She shrugs. "What does my opinion matter to you?"
I roll my eyes. "A simple nod would suffice, guard."
Alexandria looks away from me without so much as shrug. She is so incredibly infuriating. A knock comes to my chamber door.
"Come in!" I answer.
Ju opens the door and steps inside. "All salute the Queen!" He properly announces.
Alexandria first pats the palm of her hand over her heart before doing the same with a closed fist, holding her hand there while her body is in a stiff attention. Suni bows as low as she can without kneeling to the ground. I simply stand.
My mother walks in looking as regal as ever. A golden headdress resembling Goddess Sun sits atop her head making her at least a head taller. Her gowns and robes are of the most fine material. Still she wears the boots of a warrior, at least they are clean.
"Queen Amor." I say and I dip my head in acknowledgment to the crown.
She smiles at me brightly. "Daughter. Come here. You are beautiful."
I walk into her embrace and she squeezes me tight. She smells of vanilla and cinnamon. It is her scent. The one I've known to be hers since I was a child. It is comforting even though I am anxious about the night.
"Are you well?" She asks after she lets go of me.
"I am but I am nervous." I admit.
"What of?"
"Meeting Prince Abel."
"Isis. You have known Abel for many summers now." She says trying to comfort me.
"Yes but not with so many expectations between us. You and his mother alike are wishing for marriage."
Mother sighs. "We are but try not to think about it so heavily. Think of it only as good friends sharing a meal. It will be easier this way."
"As you wish, mother." But no matter what I think or how I think of this meal it will never be easier. I do not find it easy to pretend I want anything more from a man than friendship alone.
The Queen smiles. "Wonderful. Prince Abel has already arrived. Let us make our way to the grand dinning hall."
Yes. The grand dining hall. Not to be confused with the Royal dining hall. I nod and follow my mother from my chambers. I notice there are more guards lining the hallways than usual. Men and women on either side of me, holding the hilt of their swords with one hand and saluting the Queen with the other.
