The grandeur of the dining hall provided a backdrop to the royal family's evening meal, where Mr Conley had discussions with King Augustine and Queen Pandora about the progress of Mari, Bea and Posy. Even though Mr Conley had more faith in Mari and Bea than Posy, he couldn't deny she was the most hardworking of the trio.
"Your Majesty, Queen Pandora, I'd like to share some updates on the girls' progress. Posy is excelling in horse riding, as mentioned, and Mariposa and Beatrix are making commendable strides as well." He explained, giving the family a respectful bow before leaving.
A huge proud grin appeared on King Augustine's face. He was always proud of all of his daughters' achievements, but there was always something special about Posy's accomplishments that tugged at his heartstrings.
"Lovely, a toast to our remarkable daughter, Posy! Her horse riding skills are truly unparalleled. Well done, my dear." He announced, his green eyes wide and sparkling.
Posy blushed timidly, graciously acknowledging the praise as the rest of the family clinked their glasses.
Mari, her competitive spirit ignited, couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy, the taste of bitterness lingering beneath the surface. She rolled her eyes and slammed her fork down on the table with a huge sulk.
"Always Posy this, Posy that. You guys celebrate her for the littlest things, it's so annoying!"
Queen Pandora's smile faded watching her daughter's discontentment. Still, instead of triggering an argument, she decided to change the subject.
"Speaking of events, the Chroma Ball is fast approaching. This year's theme is pastel pink."
The Chroma Ball was the most anticipated event in the KodaCait kingdom. The kingdom's ball, renowned for its vibrant hues and extravagant themes, took place once every year. The enigmatic tradition was rooted in the belief that fairies brought colour to the kingdom through magic and music. One of the eight royal princesses also received the privilege to wear a beautiful and unique diamond necklace- which was strongly thought to be a gift left behind by the fairies. Whoever got to wear the necklace usually got the most attention and praise from the public, and was to be worn with pride, but it wasn't chosen randomly- it was chosen based on the achievements of the sisters, who represented the KodaCait kingdom the best.
The reaction among the sisters varied like a canvas splattered with different shades. Stella, Bella, and Evie, their eyes glowing with excitement, squealed collectively with delight. Meanwhile, Posy and Mari exchanged a look of mutual dread.
"Pastel Pink? Really?" Mari grumbled, "I wouldn't even be caught dead in that dreadful colour!"
Queen Pandora nodded, "Yes, and remember, only we can wear pastel pink. All other attendees must wear any colour except for the chosen one."
"I can't wait to wear a pastel pink gown!" Stella beamed.
"It's going to be so much fun!" Bella nodded in agreement.
"And the decorations will be amazing. Could you imagine? It's going to be a pink paradise! And sweet mother of heavens, the food!" Evie chimed in dreamily.
"I still can't believe we have to wear pastel pink of all colours." Mari whispered with a frown.
"It's ridiculous" Posy uttered back, shaking her head in disbelief.
Evie's eyes lit up seeing the huge array of colourful petit fours that a maid placed in the middle of the table. The adorable confections were crying out her name, and Evie couldn't resist the temptation. She loved cakes and sweet treats more than anything else in the world.
"Evie, don't you dare go near those treats" Queen Pandora scolded, raising a perfectly arched eyebrow, "You know too many fatty cakes are bad for your skin, dear".
"But Mum! That's not even fair! Mari got to have some earlier, and she took more than me, so why can't I have a few more?" Evie protested with a pout.
Mari stuck her tongue out teasingly at Evie while popping a pink petit four into her mouth, "Well maybe it's just because I'm Mum's favourite!"
"You just love her more, don't you Mum?!"
Queen Pandora rolled her eyes and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "Quit with the melodrama, Evie, you are not having any more, that is final."
Evie pouted again and returned to her chair grumbling.
"At least it's not brown like last time." Isa sighed in relief.
"I think pastel pink is lovely." Odie commented with a lopsided grin.
Bea just shrugged, caring more about the food on her plate, "I'll wear whatever"
As the dinner table carried on with discussions and varied emotions, the anticipation for the Chroma Ball grew, promising a night where the royal family would be draped in pastel pink, casting a regal glow over the festivities, while attendees added a kaleidoscope of hues to the enchanting affair.
"Right, thank you girls for joining us for dinner" Queen Pandora smiled at her daughters as she stood up regally, "Isa, Odie, Mari, the three of you must accompany me to a photoshoot later on today"
Posy cringed at the words and sank deep into her chair, wishing the ground would swallow her whole. She always shook with jealousy everytime her sisters were summoned to do photoshoots. Everyday she silently prayed that one day, it would be her turn to accompany Queen Pandora to a photoshoot, but the knowing look of confidence on her sisters' faces made it clear that it was only a deluded fantasy. She'd just have to live her dreams through gazing at the Crystal trio's many photos.
Isa stood up first, spraying herself with a small bottle of perfume and checking her perfect face in her pocket mirror. Odie and Mari rose from their seats and repeated the same actions.
"Dora, give those three a break, will you?" King Augustine chuckled at his perfectionist wife, "Why don't you take the other girls instead?"
Queen Pandora turned back to her husband, "I would, but I wouldn't want to disrespect the photographer. He specifically requested for these three girls. Besides, our three prettiest daughters can not afford to stay home".
Queen Pandora soon left, with the other three girls following her like how ducklings followed their mother duck. They left in a perfect, synchronised pattern- leaving the other girls partially offended and disappointed.
"Psst, Evie, come here darling" King Augustine ushered Evie as the other girls retreated to their bedrooms.
With a curious gaze, Evie sauntered over and sat on her father's lap.
"What is it, Dad?"
"Don't be too disheartened by your mother, at least you get to stay home and spend some time with me!" he beamed, pushing some mysterious goods wrapped in a handkerchief into Evie's arms, "Here, take these as compensation. Don't tell your mother though, or she will have me on the chopping block!"
A cheeky smirk slowly donned on Evie's face as she slowly unwrapped the handkerchief to reveal five petit fours. Her eyes widened and she clapped her hands gleefully.
"Sweet mother of heavens! Five petit fours?! Oh thank you, Dad, you're the best!" She squealed, kissing her father on the cheek before skipping merrily to her room, excited to tuck in to her secret reward.
YOU ARE READING
8 Sisters of KodaCait: The Original
Teen Fiction"For the first time in the seven years since she first arrived, she began to think the Orphanage was a better place for her. She just hated herself, hated her life, hated everything. " King Augustine and Queen Pandora make a life changing decision t...
