Mirror Kingdom

-Ask the flowers, easy for you to say!- Ruby was still wandering around the garden, too shy or too scared to do what she was told.

-Still here?- she jumped.

-You scared me!- Demos was back.

-I can see that.

-Will you take me back, please?

-I can try,- he smiled.

-Don't laugh at me, i am not used to asking plants for help.

-Not just any plants,- Demos whispered,- they have feelings too.

-Aha, i see.

Ruby followed Demos and in two minutes time they were inside.

-You were close,- he said,- it's nearly lunch time, i would have to be in the hall.

He bowed and left Ruby alone again. She heard someone run, Devina.

-I was looking for you! Where were you?

-In the gardens,- Ruby responded.

-As „the gardens"?- Ruby nodded and Devina understood that she wasn't there alone.

-How was the meeting?

-Well, it was interesting, in some sort of way.

-What do you mean?

They walked back to their chambers.

-They wish for me to agree to a few things, but im not sure if i can do that. And... they said they are considering my options.

Footsteps stopped their talk. Rose appeared in the hallway.

-Masters wants to have a lunch together in the Blue Bell room.

-In a what?

-I will lead the way,- Rose walked to the other side and the women followed.- this is very special room, don't touch anything.

They continued walking until they reached glass door, which was slightly opened.

-They are here,- Rose bowed and left. Ruby and Devina walked in admiring the room, it had dozens of blue roses, blue glass figures, an aquarium that made the room look like a fish tank, but it was beautiful.

-Ladies, have a seat.

Food was served when they all were seated, and they had a small talk in between.

-Devina, have you thought about the agreement?- Nathan asked politely.

-Yes, i have, but i still need more time.

-You know, if you do your part, we'll do ours.

-Yes, of course.

Fruit salad with mango and other fruits looked refreshing, so Ruby decided to have a little of them.

Seeing that she want's to reach for the bowl, Demos stood up and put some salad on her plate.

-Thank you,- Ruby smiled.

Devina almost choked on her warm cherry pie.

-Are you alright?- Nathan was by her side.

-Im fine, just need a glass of water,- and of course Nathan handed it to her. After Nathan was back in his seat, they started talking.

-Me and my father decided, as an event of finding my bride, we should have a party.

-A party?

-A ball to be precise,- Demos corrected.- all woman and man of the Kingdom should be here, to see the future queen.

-When do you want to held it?

-As soon as possible, maybe next Friday?

-It's almost ten days to it, so it should be enough time to get the seamstress to do the job.

-We have plenty of dresses in our closets,- Devina said.

-They are for everyday wearing, for a ball you need something special,- Nathan smiled,- as you are special, it will be the night of our lives, people will see that we have found someone and start numerous rumors.

-And you are happy about it,- Ruby was surprised.- usually rumors are bad.

-These ones will be the same, every woman will want to be you, and every man will want you to themselves, but i am the only one to get you. All for myself.

Devina stuffed her mouth with more food so she wouldn't have to respond. Yes, Nathan was charming, she had to admit, but she still doesn't think she could ever love him.

-Where do i stand in all of this?- Ruby asked.

-Well, you are a close friend, we could put you with one of the courtsman, you could be a partner.

-Not a bad idea,- Nathan smiled, and soon after they ate, everyone in the kingdom new that there will be a ball.- it will be in Friday the 13th.

-Oh, what?

-It's my fathers favorite day of the year, if a 13th is on Friday, it makes him very pleased.

-Uhm, in my world that day is horrible.

-Is it?

-Yes, people die, get hurt, their plans go to waste... its a total black Friday.

-It won't be here, i promise.

Devina didn't look happy about it, but after her talk with Ruby, she understood that here everything is different, so maybe Friday the 13th isn't that bad after all.