Fire Soul

Chapter Two

As the moon cast its silvery glow over the castle, Princess Corliss stood in her chambers, her royal blue gown draping elegantly over her slender frame. The soft rustle of silk echoed in the room as she smoothed the fabric, her fingers tracing the intricate embroidery adorning the bodice. Nervous anticipation fluttered in her chest, mingling with a deep sense of duty that weighed heavily upon her shoulders.

The scent of jasmine wafted through the air, dancing with the faint aroma of the beeswax candles flickering in ornate sconces. Corliss took a deep breath, the fragrance calming her nerves as she glanced towards the mirror, her reflection shimmering in the dim candlelight. Her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and apprehension, knowing that the dinner marking the arrival of King John and Prince Phillip was a pivotal moment for her kingdom.

Every movement, every gesture tonight would be scrutinized, every word weighed carefully. She longed to make her father proud, to prove herself worthy of the alliance that had been carefully arranged. With a steadying breath, she straightened her posture, the weight of her tiara feeling heavier than ever before. Tonight, she would be more than just a princess; she would be a symbol of strength and diplomacy, a woman worthy of becoming queen.

As Princess Corliss meticulously prepared herself for the evening's festivities, the imposing figure of her father, King Barthol, made his entrance into her chambers. Despite her bubbling enthusiasm, she maintained a stoic demeanor, offering him a respectful bow. His rare smile, a precious treasure, warmed her heart as he expressed his pride in her. With a discerning eye, he admired her royal blue gown before turning his attention to her servant, suggesting a more relaxed hairstyle. His words, stern though gentle, held the weight of authority, and Corliss acquiesced with a nod.

In a heartbeat, the king revealed a small box, its rich wood polished to a luminous sheen that shimmered in the candle's flickering glow. Corliss's heart danced with glee as her gaze fell upon the box; as she knew her father's gifts were always exquisite. He bid her to turn and close her eyes, his voice a blend of authority and tenderness that stirred her soul. She obeyed, jubilation coursing through her veins, tingling with a hint of nervousness. Once her eyes closed, he unveiled the necklace, its sapphire gems sparkling like stars against the velvet night. As the cool metal touched her skin, a shiver of delight raced down her spine, intertwining with a sense of duty that lay heavy upon her shoulders. In that fleeting moment, pride and responsibility joined, creating a tapestry of emotions that swelled within her heart.

She opened her eyes and dashed to the mirror, eager to behold her new gift. The sapphires glimmered with a celestial blue, its facets catching the light in a mesmerizing dance of radiance and elegance. Draped in jewels and silk, Corliss felt as if she were adorned with the very essence of royalty itself, a regal aura enveloping her. The weight of the gems against her skin and the smooth caress of the luxurious fabric imbued her with a sense of grace and poise. Despite her giddy excitement, she maintained her composure in her father's presence, her sense of duty ever forefront in her mind. As she admired the jewels in the looking glass, her father rested his hand gently on her shoulder, silently conveying his pride. Then, with a commanding tone, he directed her servant to adjust her hair and emphasized the importance of punctuality for dinner, his authoritative voice filling the room with an air of urgency.

Even as the king made his exit, the weight of his authority seemed to linger in his wake, leaving behind an undeniable sense of gravity that pervaded the space. Moments later, Alina swept into the chamber, her arrival accompanied by a whisper of velvet against the stone floor. The room was filled with a ripple of exhilaration as the two girls exchanged admiring glances, their gowns shimmering like moonlit waves and their jewels sparkling with a luminous brilliance. They reveled in the opulence of their attire, the richness of the fabrics enveloping them in a cocoon of elegance and sophistication.