The Return

Chapter 10

Ann wasn't sure if her brain could process all of the things that were spread before her. She sat in the lush royal transport, never letting go of her sister's hand as they stared out of the window. The technology, people, and style of the capital city was awe-inducing.

Marble white buildings seemed to grasp at the petal pink sky whilst the transports and people wandered the streets below. The citizens wore delicate clothes that consisted entirely of the colors white, black, and silver. To compliment the colors, they added gold and silver jewelry and accessories. The women's faces were dusted with simple yet elegant pale makeup. The majority of the people were average height with dark hair and light eyes, giving them an almost fictitious look.

The dresses of the women flaunted with obvious pleasure at their natural beauty would've blown any other away, had they not been the norm. Styles ranged from long, lacy maxi dresses to cocktail dresses meant to show off cleavage, to sophisticated evening gowns adorned with sequins and sleeves with flowing bell cuffs. It made the twins feel quite underdressed in their simple tunics and boots.

The men were just as well-dressed. They sported tight leather tunics, white linen shirts, and dark, tall leather boots. A select few wore capes, cloaks, or longs coats with the common color being black. They all, however, wore brooches. Most of them were various colors. "Why don't they all wear the same color?" Mary asked. "Are they not allowed to?"

"Another lesson is Brethion, then!" Zuke clapped his hands together. "And I get to tell it this time!"

"In Grazër, and most of the provinces in Brethion, the men wear these brooches. The different colors represent different ranks. For example, the darker the color, the higher up that person is. Only the king wears a black brooch, though. He's the most powerful.

"How do you and Jordan know so much about this place and Mary and Ann don't?" questioned Simone as she gazed curiously at Zuke.

"Well, we were part of the royal guard, so when we left with the king, we had to know about where we were going," said Jordan simply.

Ann didn't really care for the conversation that her friends were sporting, so she returned her eager gaze to the window.

The prominent cheekbones complimented the people's graceful, slender figures. With details as if designed by an artist, the people of Grazër had small chins, long faces, and a strong, sharp jawlines. Ann suddenly noticed something. Most of the population had artificial features, metal attachments meant to enhance their beauty. "So this is why they look so perfect," she thought.

The buildings suddenly spread out to form a long drive lined with the floating trees. The transport drove along and halted at a large, magnificent gate. It was made of gold and silver metal with spiked tops which twisted into flames that were so beautifully crafted, they could have been real. Ann knew without a doubt that this was the famed "Terrana Palace".  Smoothly, the gates pulled back to allow the transport into the royal family's home. Ann felt her sister's grip on her hand tighten. The palace was a beautiful structure made of shining marble that brushed the sky. Large glass windows covered the front of the palace and shining steps led up to the main entrance and entrance hall. Multiple balconies covered the upper levels that probably led to rooms that belonged to the members of the royal family. It was too much to take in and Ann's eyes filled with tears. The sight of the palace was too much and it brought back memories of another palace that she once called her own. It felt like a stab to her already fragile heart, and she could tell that her sister had the exact same feeling.

The transport halted behind the one that the king was traveling in separately. That was when the grand front door of the palace, made of fine wood the was painted a shining white, opened and the king's family stepped out with their guards. The royal guards wore long capes made of darkness and thick suits of gleaming metal with a few spikes at the shoulders. Their faces were hidden behind silver masks. One of the guards stepped forward to the king's transport, pushed a button, and helped the royal out as the door slid open. As soon as his feet touched the ground, his family rushed to his side.

The royals of Brethion consisted of Markai's wife, Corriann, his two sons, Henery and Corvin, and his daughter, Finley. Henery was 14 and had a steel leg, Corvin was 10 with no visible attachments, but that didn't mean that he was normal, and Fin was 8 with wiggly cyborg fingers. The queen had a neck of metal that was covered in gold necklaces that glinted in the fading light.  Their transport moved up and the door rolled away smoothly. The girls and stepped out into the air that seemed to stick to them amd press against their chests in a heavy, hot manner. Ann didn't care to find out how all of these people became the cyborgs they were now and kept her mouth shut against the questions that threatened to spill.

As the group pushed their way out of the transport, Markai called to his family and they all stepped forward to examine their guests.

"Hello. Welcome to our palace. Make yourself at home," said the queen with a gentle voice and soft smile that reminded the twins of their mother.

"We will, thank you," said Zuke as he realized the Ann and Mary were on the verge of tears. They were all herded into the palace to make their way to their rooms. The floor was blinding marble, gold walls were decorated with awesome murals, and the high, silver ceiling had a chandelier made of gold and crystal. It was so much to take in and this was only the entrance hall! The queen told Jordan that the group would get a guest suite and that supper would be brought to their room since the teens had all had a long day. The door to the girl's side of the guest suite was a shining ivory with a dark aluminum door knob. One of the guards opened the door to reveal a spacious room with fluffy white carpet, shimmering gold drapes, and three king sized beds with gold and white comforters. The inner sheets were a sliver-grey and soft to the touch. On the far wall was a dark wardrobe filled with clothes that the girls could wear since they only had the clothes on their backs. There was also a washroom with a large tub, toilet, and a sink. The room contained a broadcast screen to watch whatever, a desk with an attached chair, and a nightstand for each bed with a lamp on top.  On the wall opposite the beds was a door that led to the sitting area that was shared by the two bedrooms that made up the guest suite. Ann, Simone, and Mary flopped down on a bed and began to cuddle next to each other as they took a nap before supper. Griffin shut the door behind them as the boys were led off to their room. Finally, they would all get the rest that they deserved.