Divinity

The Tiara

I slowly smoothed out the creases in my lilac, floor length, satin dress enjoying the feel of the extravagant material against my hands. Slowly I looked up and into the elegant, but modern, silver framed mirror standing before me, already knowing I looked stunning, compellingly stunning. I just wanted to make sure it was still that way and not just in my head.

My dress had been carefully sewn and seemed seamless. It was strapless, so there was no need for slits for my wings to slip through; the bodice was expertly embroidered with small silver beads and sequins in the shape of flowers. It was made to look as if it was wrapping around my waist. There was no embroidery on the gathered section around my stomach separating the bodice from the skirt. The billowing skirt of the gown was laden with ruffles made of sheer lilac faery material called sheasharn that shimmered in the light.

I looked at myself admiringly. My near white hair shone, highlighted with natural silver and cerise streaks, showcased in an elaborate up-do. Intricate braids and twists held in place with tiny jewelled clips intertwined through my luxurious, wavy hair before finally combining to form a cascade of loose ringlets that easily reached the centre of my back even though my hair was tied up.

I don’t wear make-up but I did have a small glittering, light pink heart painted beside my right eye perfectly complimenting my own eye colour, a shade of pink known as Persian Rose with ribbons of a purple called Red-Violet thinly spiralling around my pupils. The distinctive colours of a divinity user’s eyes.

I picked up my necklace out of its velveteen case and wrapped it around my neck and with experienced hands did up the clasp. The silver of the thick chain shone and the small amethysts attached glittered. I placed my hand on the chain and ran it through my fingers the movement making each of the jewels catch the light and sparkle. It is times like these when I truly feel like a Princess.

I spun once the gown whirling around me, somehow adding to my natural faery grace. I stopped peering over my shoulder at the mirror inspecting my wings. A divinity user has opaque, shimmering white wings that are either edged in purple or pink bursts of colour. I of course; found a great sense of pride in having both colours interlocking along the lace-like edges of my wings. Tonight, I want to be perfect, all the princes and nobels of the court will be here, and this is my night...

My thoughts were interrupted by a tentative knock at the door. I picked up my white, elbow-length, silk  gloves and stood ready to receive whoever was knocking. “Come in.” I called.

My mother, High Princess Rosetta De Luca, slipped in through the door wearing an emerald green, floor length, velvet mermaid style of dress. She looked amazing her gown designed perfectly to compliment her, deep red, glowing, medium length hair and red and brown fire user eyes. The gown was plain apart from some small diamonds attached in a line down the centre of the bust. She wore a gold chain around her neck with a pendant, depicting the family crest, adorning it. Atop her head she wore a small but intricate gold band encrusted with small rubies, which defined her as High Princess De Luca.

“Darling!” She crooned, crossing the room,"you look absolutely beautiful!” She stood beside me and looked into the mirror as well, placing a hand on my shoulder.

I smiled widely “You really think so?” I asked running my hands over the soft material of my dress again.

“Of course! My little girl is the most stunning creature in The Realm.” She smiled at me and in the reflection of the mirror, I realised, below her flame-like red and orange wings, she was holding a black velvet box behind her back.

I turned to her, “What’s in there?"

“Well Darling, there is one thing that could make you even more beautiful.” She handed me the box and kissed the top of my head.

I flicked up the clasp at the front where a lock had already been removed and I gently opened the box. And there it was glittering, shimmering, sparking, dazzling, my tiara. I gasped, it was beautiful. It was silver, my favourite precious metal, and was covered in diamonds and light pink amethysts, the largest of which was placed in the centre of the crown. It was much larger than Mum’s golden band, it was easily four inches vertically and the semi circle shape of the band that would fix it into place was about 8 inches around.

I could feel the tears welling in my eyes, a Queen or High Princess giving a Princess a tiara means you think they are ready to accept their roles in society, and to get married. I wrapped my arms tightly around my mother holding back the tears to appear strong and worthy.

We stood like that for a minute before we parted and she took the tiara out of the case and held it over my head, she smiled proudly her eyes shining with the tears she was holding back too. She gently placed the tiara on my head and she fixed my hair around it.

I turned to the mirror and as I did a small tear escaped my eye and my mother whispered “There. Perfect. Now will y...” her voice wavered as she still held back tears. She cleared her throat and sniffed once. “Now, will you please accompany me down stairs, the guests are arriving.” She held out her hand for me to take, I slipped my gloves on and took one last look in the mirror, and one deep breath, before taking her hand and exiting the room.