A Court of Wings and Teeth

Chapter 1: Lady of the Day

Celeste POV:

"Sweetheart, are you almost ready? The other courts will be arriving soon". Lord Helion, ruler of the Day Court, strutted into my room with his arms spread. His golden crown shone in his onyx colored hair, the diamonds sparkling as he twisted his neck left and right. "Do you like the new crown I had made? I want to make a statement".  

I sighed, he was as proud as a peacock. "Yes, I think it looks, great dad". 

His lips turned up in a cheshire cat smile. His teeth shone almost as bright as the diamonds he flaunted. "Excellent, now Celeste I had one made for you as well," he said as he clapped suddenly. A Day court servant slipped into the room holding a bright yellow box. He leaned over and grabbed the box from their outstretched hands and walked over to where I was seated at my desk. He pushed aside the gadget I was working on and placed the box in front of me. "Try it on," he said excitedly. I lightly traced my fingers over my name written in gold filigree on the box. I unlatched the lid and opened it. Inside was a piece of art I was hesitant to touch. 

I breathed out in relief as I noticed it wasn't as grandiose as my father's. Helion, high lord of the Day court loved to wear extravagant pieces, but my style was much more muted. It seemed he noticed my taste as I pulled the crown out of the box. My father gathered some of my golden hair and pulled it back from my face as I placed the crown gently onto my head. A servant had already fetched a mirror for us and we turned to face him. I stared at the mirror and looked at both of us in the reflection. With matching dark skin and amber eyes, the family resemblance was strong. My hair he claims, the mass of tumbling golden waves was all my mother's. My eyes drifted up to the crown. Long and short alternating golden spines shot out from the band. The crown looked as if the sun was emerging from behind me. "The Day court is behind you my sweet," he said as he kissed my forehead. "Now finish getting ready and meet me in the Dayroom" he said as he made a swift exit, his white and gold robes trailing after him. 

After his departure, Calista and Siella walked into the room to help me prepare. I gave them a soft smile as they led me to the closet to help me dress. Usually, I enjoyed the morning in silence as I worked on creating a new gadget, but today was bound to be different. "Are you excited?" Calista asked. 

"Or nervous?" Siella offered. 

"I'm not sure, it still seems so strange that I've never met any of the other heirs of the courts before now" I started. 

"It's probably because there was so much uncertainty after the war, no one wanted to risk their kids" Calista speculated. 

I considered her words. After the war ended with Hybern things were messy for quite a while. Families were broken, children lost, mates dead. No time probably seemed like the right opportunity to present the next heirs outside of their respective courts. The other heirs seemed shrouded in mystery, I wondered what they'd be like. 

"Do you know anything about any of them?" Siella asked. 

"I know a few of their names but Lord Helion wouldn't go into great detail. He said he wanted it to be a surprise" I chewed my bottom lip. 

Siella laughed, "that does sound like something he'd do, he loves theatrics".  They finished undressing me and slid a silk slip over my body. I shivered as the fabric passed over my skin. Calista held out the dress as I stepped into it. It was a simple, high neck dress with buttons down the back and a light gold overlay that fit tight to my body. Siella's nimble fingers made quick work of the buttons. The sleeves were long but tapered off into gold points at my wrists, leaving most of my hand and fingers free. I sat down in the carved, wood chair in front of my mirror as they added some light makeup to my face. A light dusting of peach blush and a pink lip stain left me natural enough for the day arrivals. I put on my small golden hoops as Siella stayed my hand "don't you want something a bit more, eye-catching for your ears?" she asked. 

I shook my head "not for the first day, I promise to let you pick something more elaborate for tonight". Siella smiled wickedly, I'm sure she was planning to make me more ostentatious than my father. I hope it was something she crafted, Siella had a fine talent for jewelry making. Calista brushed out my hair and secured it into an artful updo and adjusted my crown to sit perfectly in front. 

"All done" they said in unison. I stood up and walked towards the full-length mirror. I looked every part of the next High Lady of the Day Court. 

A slow smile spread across my face, "thank you, the outfit looks beautiful". 

Calista moved forward to take my hand "it isn't the outfit that's beautiful, you are". I felt a subtle tinge of warmth move through my body and into our locked hands. 

"I think I'm almost ready, but can you give me a few more minutes?". They nodded and left the room. I walked deeper into my closet and pulled out a small box. I slid it open and pulled out the small gold sun-shaped necklace inside. Twisting it in my fingers I traced the engraved "sweetheart" etched into the back. I slid the box back into place and went to the mirror and slid the necklace on. I fingered it for another moment before grasping it in my closed fist. Letting out a breath, "let's do this mom". I slipped the necklace beneath the neckline of my dress so that it fell close to my heart. Turning, I walked towards the doors to my room and cast them open, letting the light of the new day warm my face as I walked towards meeting the next High rulers and my own destiny.