𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅

chapter seventy-two

Emriana

"Wow, you were right! This is beautiful!" I said, looking back at Dana, who watched me with a grin.

"I told you, remember? The Queen absolutely loved it," she said, and I nodded, turning around one more time to look over the beautiful mural. I recognized every little design and color as we all worked hard on it.

"It looks really good," I smiled, tilting my head back to look at the ceiling. The colorful patterns were magnificent.

"Ilyon and Nicor really did an amazing job on the ceiling. This is so beautiful," I smiled, looking around for things I could've missed.

"It was one of our best projects. Roza loved the different vibe behind this mural," I nodded, walking over to her by the door.

"So, what do you want to do today?" I said as we walked down the hallway. Akira walked along, trailing behind us slowly, still sleepy from his previous nap.

"I have to go meet with Tom soon," she said, blushing, and I wiggled my eyebrow.

"When am I going to meet the man who had my best friend on a cloud for the past week?" I asked, and she laughed.

"Soon. I don't want to rush things," I nodded as we passed a bunch of guards. I smiled at each of them.

"I get it. Take all the time you need. I'm only messing with you," she smiled before moving closer to me.

"I don't want to speak too soon, but I think he could maybe be the one," my eyes widened.

"Really?" I yelled, furiously blushing as all eyes turned to us. I quickly apologize to them before turning to meet a laughing Dana.

"Yes, but it's still too early to know for sure," I nodded.

"I'm so happy for you, Dana,"

"Thank you. I'm thrilled you found them too. At first, I didn't understand why you could stand those men, but seeing how they treat you makes it easy. Let's not forget the fact that they are totally gorgeous," my face burned at her words, and she laughed as we neared the exit door.

She stopped all of a sudden, and I frowned at her.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, and she grinned at something ahead. I followed her eyes to a man waiting by the entrance with a bouquet of flowers, with a nervous smile.

"Is that-

"Gotta go! I'll see you later, Emri," she squealed, running over to him, and I watched her hug him before he handed her the flowers. They left soon after, and I watched them disappear behind the castle's door.

Fur brushed against the bottom of my gown, and I looked down at Akira.

"Hello to you too. Are we awake now, sir?" I laughed, my hand caressing the back of his ears. He purred, inching closer to me. I leaned down and dropped kisses on top of his nose, burying my hand into his soft fur.

A chuckle made me turn to see a few guards smiling at us.

"Hi," I said to them before pecking his head like an annoying mother.

"Hi, Princess," they replied, and I smiled.

"I hope the three of you have a wonderful day," I said before standing up and walking away with Akira.

"Emriana," I turned around to see the Queen walking toward me. My heart accelerated as I curtsied, bowing my head down in respect.

"Good morning, your Majesty," I said, and she smiled.