Timeline - 36 Hours Prior
"Swanky" was definitely the wrong word for this spa and resort. Eko couldn't help but feel impressed, even overwhelmed, by just how over-the-top everything was. It was the exact kind of luxury she had always dreamed about for her bachelorette party.
The resort sprawled over four city blocks and towered twenty stories high. The treated glass windows glittered like emeralds in the late afternoon sun, casting a radiant glow across the polished streets. Eko had heard whispers about this place—it ranked in the top five of elite destinations in the districts, catering exclusively to the wealthiest royals. She had never found the time to visit before, but standing in front of it now, she deeply regretted not coming sooner.
The moment they stepped out of the car, Eko's eyes widened in wonder as her gaze swept over the sprawling grounds. Centran palm trees, transplanted from across the galaxy, lined the entrance, their leaves swaying gently in the breeze. Exotic flowers bloomed in bursts of color around stark white marble fountains, water cascading down in perfect harmony.
"Look at this place!" Eko sprinted toward the lobby, her sunflower print dress flaring out as shrieks of joy escaped her.
"This is incredible!" Jasmine exclaimed, hurrying to catch up, her eyes shining with excitement. She pointed ahead. "They have a casino, too!"
Mya, taking in the scene, paused beside a sign boasting about some kind of convention happening that weekend. It featured actors, merchandise, and costumed events.
This Weekend Only!
Fun! Prizes! Games! And More!
Vote for Your Favorite Celebrity Impersonator!
Ride and Pet the Illamas!
Mingle with Sloths!
Show Up in Costume, or Don't Show Up at All!
"What the—?" Mya muttered to herself, piecing together the disaster they had just walked into. Mackenzie had been hounding them about attending this event for weeks, and now here it was, right at their feet.
"Oh boy, Jesse?" Mya pointed toward the sign. "We have a problem."
Jesse's eyes followed Mya's finger, and as she read the sign, her face twisted in a way that made her look like she had just swallowed something sour. "She did this on purpose," she muttered darkly.
"Who? Jazzy?" Mya asked, raising an eyebrow.
Jesse sighed heavily. "We leave the party planning up to her, and look what we get."
Mya squinted at the flyer advertising the "coveted garment contest," trying to make sense of it. "What the heck is the coveted garment?" she wondered aloud.
"I really don't want to find out," Jesse replied, her mouth hanging open in genuine fear.
Before they could further ponder the bizarre possibilities, Jasmine's voice rang out from ahead. "Come on, guys! The casino is calling our names! Sooki is already getting the lounge ready for us!"
Jesse rolled her eyes and called back, "We're not here to gamble! We came to relax, and we need to check in first! Sooki can wait!"
But predictably, Jasmine paid no attention to Jesse's practical suggestion, already swept up in the excitement of the night.
Mya glanced around, suddenly realizing someone was missing. "Where is Eko?" she asked, scanning the hotel's check-in area. "I need this massage and a bottle of wine. God knows we've earned it."
"Haven't we, though?" Jesse muttered, her voice dripping with exhaustion. "I'm getting a massage if it's the last thing I do."
"Even if we let those two loose on the town?" Mya shot Jesse a knowing look, eyebrow raised.
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Ashes Of The Throne | Part I
Fantasy"Not every heir wants the throne." PART I | Some people survive war. Princess Sera survived what came after. Her kingdom is gone-burned to ash, buried in betrayal. She escaped the ruins with nothing but a haunted heart, a shattered name, and a secre...
