𝓜𝔂 𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓕𝓸𝓻 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓘𝓼 𝓐𝓶𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮

𝒢𝓁𝒾𝓂𝓅𝓈𝑒𝓈 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 𝒜𝒻𝒶𝓇

Silk sheets and satin gowns, preparing for the day as Vivi and Leola assist me out of my bed and get me dressed appropriately for the day. Dressing me in a gown that I had Leola and Vivi pick out for me that matches my tastes that originate from my kingdom while also showing that I have accepted the Sunrise kingdom as my new home.

A royal blue and white palette, with an off-shoulder bodice adorned in gold and blue floral embroidery. A heart-shaped pendant that accents the neckline, while flowing, ribbon-tied sleeves add an ethereal touch. The layered skirt reveals a white underlay beneath the blue, both embellished with shimmering floral designs and gold vines. A blue bow with a floral arrangement enhances the front, completing the graceful high-low silhouette.

"Oh, your highness, you look absolutely dazzling!" Leola exclaims, her eyes widening in admiration. "You truly embody the elegance and beauty of both kingdoms with this stunning gown."

I heave out a small bit of air, tying the silk blindfold around my eyes before adjusting it to not interfere much with my bun. Taking a deep breath, I prepare myself for the tour. "No need for such compliments. I am merely dressed for the occasion. Now, shall we begin the tour?"

Leola nods excitedly as she proceeds to open the door of my bedroom and guides me outside. Vivi walking steadily on my right behind me as we make our way through the palace corridors, the sound of our footsteps echoing against the marble floors. The brunette has her simple yellow and white wings flutter with excitement as she tells me the history of each hall and room we walk into.

I can't help but be captivated by her knowledge and passion for the palace's history, making the tour surprisingly more enjoyable. As we continue on, I continue to maintain my stoic face as we proceed down one hall. She tells me of the hall, what rooms can be accessed, the history of the rooms, tells me about the architecture, and who the architect was. I find myself becoming more and more intrigued by the intricate details she shares; her expertise certainly deeming her worth keeping around.

Leola's voice carries through the hall as she gestures to the next section of the corridor, her hand extending toward an oil painting framed in ornate gold. My eyes are drawn to the striking image: a regal figure adorned in golden armor, his butterfly wings a kaleidoscope of sapphire and amber hues. His gaze is resolute, almost mournful, as though aware of the burdens his destiny demanded.

"That," Leola announces, her voice tinged with reverence, "is King Zephyros the Radiant. He was the warrior-king of Moonfall and Sunrise who led the butterfly clans to victory during the War of Shadows."

Her words momentarily pause my stride. I cast a glance at Vivi, who tilts her head in silent curiosity, her delicate white wings shimmering in the faint light. Leola, energized by our interest, steps closer to the painting, her wings fluttering softly.

"Centuries ago, the bat people of the Nocturne Abyss sought to claim the Glowthread Worm mines, a resource vital to both kingdoms. Tensions escalated into raids—entire villages devastated, silk farms burned, workers enslaved. King Zephyros ascended to the throne amidst this chaos, vowing to protect his people." Her voice lowers slightly, as though she's divulging a secret meant for the walls alone.

"He forged an alliance between Moonfall and Sunrise, uniting our butterfly clans under one banner for the first time in history. His armies trained relentlessly, learning to fight in the bats' shadowed territories. For seven long years, the war raged, each side bearing heavy losses."