4: Darken War

26: Alexandria

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

"why do i have to wear this?" i complained. "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. "Now stop complaining and look in the mirror." he turned me to look into the full-length mirror. "now that is a queen."

the gown was gorgeous, his best work yet. it was a deep celestial blue color. Tiny beads were embroidered to make it look like the night sky itself, forever changing as it moved. the bodice was a corset top, pulled tight enough to just show my natural curves. sapphires sewn into it with gold lining every single one. 

scales were embroidered along the hem and sleeves, one from each of our fallen dragons during both wars, a momentum of their sacrifice. 

my back we also left mostly open, to allow my wings to be able to freely move naturally, showing some of the golden leaves that were etched into my skin where scars once were. The skirt fell in flowing folds to the floor, with a dramatic train that seemed to shimmer and ripple like the sky above.

the neckline went a little too low for my liking, you could see my gold leaved etched into my breasts, ones that i try to keep hidden. 

upon my head was a silver chain crown, a sapphire hanging on my forehead with others shimmering along its entirety. my hair, curled, falling to my hips, still a golden color. 

"do you have it?" i asked Carlisle. 

he walked over to a table in the corner of the room, picking up a satin box and brought it over to me. 

i gave him a nod in thanks and opened the box, inside held my gem, the one that had been restored to its rightful form. it shimmered in its violet color, matching my eyes. Carlisle had it mounted of a beautiful necklace, surrounded by gems of every color. 

"thank you Carlisle." i smiled at him as i fastened the necklace around my neck and centered it. 

"anything for you dear." he smiled.

"do you have the other one?" i asked. 

"i do." he motioned behind him. "once it is your brothers turn i will give it to him."

"you still havent told anyone he is awake yet, right?" i asked as i took one last look in the mirror. 

"my lips are sealed." he promised. 

"good." i did a spin, the gown shimmering in the light. "tonight has to go perfect for him."

"i will see you out there deary." Carlisle walked me to the door of his studio, this one had been designed to be much larger than the one in our old home, almost as large as the shop he once had in Spindlemarsh village many years ago.

"wish me luck." i said as i left the room.

-------------------------

i reached the door of the ball room, after getting lost a few times on the way there. 

i saw James standing there talking to Thorne and Alana as i approached. 

"i am still amazed by how beautiful you are." James bowed, kissing my hand. 

he wore a pair of black breaches, a black shirt, and what i have always called a man corset but was honestly just a vest that laces like one. it was in the same color as my gown, beads sewn in as well. his hair was still as messy as ever though, cut short and black.

"they wont let me see him." Alana approached looking worried. she wore a blood red gown that hugged her body tight, the bottom looking like flames as she moved. her black hair was curled into ringlets around her shoulders. "is everything okay? is he okay?"

"he is fine." i smiled calmly at her. "its just extra security with all of these extra people around. they will only let me see him right now but i promise, after this i will take you to see him."

her face calmed. "thank you."

Thorne was also wearing a similar outfit as James, his in a deep green color. Lilliana standing next to him, her figure had returned to her after birthing their second child. she wore a green gown that was simple and plain, her hair tied into a bun. her tale freely moving from the slot sewn into her gown. 

i smiled knowing that she no longer had to hide her true self. 

i looked to the corner and the siblings who remained stood there, also dressed up in their own gowns and vests. this would be their first introduction as members of the royal family. the eight year old twins would not be at this event, they would be introduced when they were older, just like my own children. 

i walked over to the group. "how are you feeling?"

"nervous." Seraphina answered. "what if they dont accept us?"

"then they will be going against the Great Dragon." i answered. "then they have a whole other issue to deal with."

"but we are not truly Darkens." Thalira said. 

"Thats not true in the slightest." i told her. "you are Darkens in every sense of the name. we share a father, we share each other as siblings. i have already added your names into the family records as Darkens."

"truth."  Calista smiled. 

the others seemed to calm down a bit. 

"you are accepted but the people who matter, me and Alexander." i said. "to hell what anyone else thinks. you are going to walk in there when it is your turn with your heads held high like the members of this family that you are."

"thank you sister." Sebastian smiled. "i think we all needed to hear that."

"Its time." James said, placing his hand on my shoulder. 

i walked over to stand in front of the door and nodded to the announcer waiting. i smiled a bit remembering that that was once Thornes job. James stood next to me, giving me a reassuring smile.

the doors swung open and everyone stood from their seats at their tables. there had to be about a thousand people in the room. 

"Introducing her Majesty, High Queen Alexandria Darken, the Great Dragon, and her husband, King James Heartfire, king of the fairy realm."

i took a breath, James offered me his hand. i took it and he led me to our seats at the other side of the grand banquet all. we stepped up a few steps to our raised platform and sat. everyone sat after us. 

i felt a little dizzy. "everything okay love?" James asked, squeezing my hand.

"i am." i lied a bit, glad that Calista was outside the hall right now and couldn't tell the truth. "this is just the biggest gathering i have ever seen, more so than when we were in capital." 

"i know." He chuckled. "its a bit overwhelming." he looked to to door. "its time."

i nodded. then motioned to the guards on this side of the door. the guard knocked three times and the doors swung open once more. 

"introducing His Royal majesty, King Surok Thornvale, of the even kingdom of El'gorin and his wife Queen Lilliana Thornvale." Thorne and Lilliana made their way up to the head table and sat in the two seats to James's side. 

"i didnt know there would be this many people." Thorne muttered just loud enough for us to hear. 

the doors swung open again. "introducing her Majesty Queen Alana Ignisfatia of the Dragon Kingdom of Ignisfatia." Alana made her way up, then stopped, looking at the two seats remaining on my side. 

"take the farthest one." i told her. 

she did as i said and sat. "why the empty seat?"

"there should always be a seat free for Alexander." i answered. "even when he is not here."

she nodded, looking unsure.

i looked to the empty table to our left, near the front, others motioning to it curiously. i looked to James. "i guess now is as good of time as any."