4: Darken War

26: Alexandria

Chapter Twenty-Six: Alexandria

"Almost done, dear," Carlisle said as he tightened my gown.

"Why do I have to wear this?" I complained, frowning at the mirror. "You'd think I could wear whatever I want as High Queen."

"It is because you are High Queen that you need to look your best," Carlisle said matter-of-factly, his fingers precise as they worked the corset strings. "Now stop complaining and look in the mirror."

He turned me toward the full-length glass.

"Now that is a queen."

The gown was... breathtaking. His best work yet. It was a deep celestial blue, so dark it bordered on violet, speckled with tiny hand-stitched beads that shimmered like stars. The embroidery flowed with the fabric, catching the light with each movement, as though I were wearing the night sky itself—constellations that shifted and danced as I turned.

The bodice hugged my form with just enough structure to make me regal, not rigid. The corset lifted and shaped without overwhelming, trimmed with delicate lines of gold thread. Tiny sapphires were sewn across the chest in swirling patterns—constellations from Drakaria's sky charts, a map of the heavens I had stared up at as a child.

Along the hem and sleeves, scales were embroidered in shimmering metallics—one from each of our fallen dragons, collected over both wars. Each scale had been carefully worked into the design, a living tribute to their sacrifice.

The back was mostly open to allow my wings freedom. The golden leaves that had grown over my scars remained visible, glowing softly against my skin. The skirt fell in layers, pooling like mist around my feet, the train long enough to trail behind like the tail of a comet. It was heavy—but majestic.

The neckline dipped lower than I was comfortable with, revealing the golden leaf patterns that etched my chest—marks I usually tried to keep hidden. But tonight... maybe they could be part of the story too. Not shame. Strength.

Upon my head, Carlisle had placed a delicate silver chain crown, a single sapphire hanging from the center of my forehead, with smaller stones glinting along the chain like droplets of starlight. My hair, still golden, had been curled into soft waves and fell to my hips in a cascade.

"Do you have it?" I asked him quietly.

Carlisle walked over to the table in the corner of the room, where a satin box sat waiting. He picked it up and returned to me with reverence.

I gave him a small nod in thanks and opened it.

Inside was my gem—the one that had been shattered and restored. It shimmered a deep violet, catching light in ways no ordinary stone could. Around it, Carlisle had mounted an ornate necklace, ringed with smaller gemstones of every color—a rainbow echo of every kingdom we had united.

"Thank you, Carlisle," I whispered, fastening the necklace around my neck. The gem settled just above my heart.

"Anything for you, dear," he said warmly. "You are everything your people hoped for and more."

"Do you have the other one?" I asked quietly.

"I do," he nodded. "Once it is your brother's turn, I will give it to him."

"You still haven't told anyone he's awake yet, right?" I asked, glancing at him in the mirror.

"My lips are sealed." He drew a finger across his mouth as if zipping it closed.

"Good." I gave a small twirl, watching the light catch the stars on my gown. "Tonight has to go perfect for him."

Carlisle stepped forward and took my hands. "And it will, my queen. You've already given us more than we dreamed. Let him have this moment, and he will shine."