Blue Bloody Ribbon

Extra # 1: Amara

Amara knew she was destined to be something special.

She didn't expect that it meant playing the violin or joining the city's best orchestra at such a young age.

Meera and Ivan beamed at her as she finished a piece that she had composed just for them. It was her version of a wedding gift.

Amara," Dimitri greeted her. "You look nice in that dress."

"What that a compliment?" Amara grinned. "Did that hurt? Do you need an ambulance?"

"Not funny."

"It's a little funny."

Dimitri nudged her shoulder. "Not bad, huh?"

Amara took a sip of her fake alcohol. "We should get drunk."

He rolled his eyes. "We're underage."

She snorted into her drink. "And that's stopped you? What are you? A WASPy soccer mom? Man up, Farewell."

Dimitri rolled his eyes, putting his drink down. "I know where Nikolai hides his stash."

Amara perked up at that. "Then what are we waiting for?"

His gaze turned past her, his green eyes widening slightly. He smiled, the polite fake one that he wore in the academy. "Well...if isn't my sister in law?"

Amara turned around, hoping that they didn't look suspicious. "Hello, cuz."

Amara knew that in their culture white was worn during funerals but Meera looked so beautiful in her wedding gown that she had to ignore in. Her red wedding lehengas was gorgeous too.

"I hope you too are enjoying yourselves," Meera said, smiling gently. There was an untouched flute of champagne in her hand.

Dimitri plucked the champagne from her hand and exchanged with a glass of water. "Of course. I must say, not a single dry eye during the ceremony. Your dear 'cuz' included."

He nudged her again. Amara wanted to dunk his head into the nearby bowl of punch but held back. She smiled, hoping that it didn't come off too forced. "I have no idea what you mean."

Meera laughed, hiding her mouth underneath her gloved hands. Her eyes crinkled in happiness.

Amara wondered if there could be a bride as beautiful as her favourite cousin

"Do you mind if I borrow her for a moment?" Meera asked, already looping her hand around her arm.

Dimitri downed his drink in two gulps and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He winked at Amara. "I'll go find us something to drink."

"Tch," she muttered. "Traitor."

Meera walked around the room, introducing Amara to several guests. Some of these guest were the important people in the city, all in dept to the Farewell family. She wondered how her cousin, who had been before so reserved and timid, could openly laugh and engage in coy conversation with mere strangers. Amara searched the room, looking for a familiar head of blonde.

Ivan was on the opposite side of the room, entertaining his own guests. Once in a while, he would look up from in between the crowd and catch Meera's gaze. His eyes sparkled whenever they met hers, promising something Amara couldn't decipher.

"Thank you," Meera said suddenly. She leaned her head against Amara's shoulder, a gentle smile on her lovely face.

"For what?"

"Being here. With me." She said. "I'm so happy that I have someone as wonderful as you."

Amara didn't doubt a single word of it.

She coughed, turning away as her cheeks went warm. "You're lucky it's your wedding day or else I'd be cringing."

Meera laughed again, turning several heads. Amara, protective as ever, wanted to snarl at them to mind their own business. She opted for a stern glare instead.

Ivan came for his bride, sweeping her away to introduce her to more of his guests. Amara watched their figures glide across the room, picture perfect.

Dimitri slid up next to her, leaning against one of the pillars. There were two glasses in his hand both of them smelling of something strong. Amara didn't hesitate to take a sip of hers, revering the bitter and burning sensation. 

"I sent in my audition for Juliard." She said, picking off some fluff from her dress.

"Oh, that's—"

"I got rejected." She shrugged, holding back the bitterness. "Oh well, their loss. They couldn't tell relent from luck unless someone rammed it up their asses."

Dimitri looked unfazed by the admission. "I'm sorry, Amara. I know you really want to go there."

"It's fine." Amara brought out a letter and handed it to him.

"Amara?" He looked confused for a moment but opened it anyway. His eyes widened comically. "This is—"

"I got accepted to Guildhall." She said, smiling smugly. "I'll be a whole ocean and several time zones away from you but at least I can still visit."

Dimitri stayed silent, taking a quick gulp of his drink. "I always thought we would perform together. You know, dynamic duo and all?"

She placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently. "We will. It's not an orchestra unless we're battling each other. Besides, we'll visit each other."

"Yeah?" He sounded hopeful.

Amara nodded, her throat feeling tight. "Yeah."

Amara watched Meera and Ivan dance together. She wondered if she could find someone to look at her like that one day. She fiddled with her dress. As she watched the other brides maids get swept off onto the dance floor.

"As your platonic best friend, I'd like to extend my offer for a dance." Dimitri held his hand out.

Amara rolled her eyes. "How long did that take for you to practice in the mirror?" she asked.

"Five minutes," he shot back. "Cmon. I don't have all day."

"Fine, you ass. I accept your request to dance platonically."

"Wouldn't haven't any other way, Saravana."

"Right back at you, Farewell."