Games of Ambrosia {Book I}

3. The Gathering

"Is it really necessary for me to wear this?" I asked breathlessly, awestruck.

   On my head rested a golden headpiece and its dangling gem on top of my forehead, intricately incorporated into my golden hair, which was swirled into a beautiful updo. This headpiece. It was last designed for and worn by one of the greatest heroes of Ambrosia, the Angelic Princess Corona. All throughout the Games, she was admired by all of the Kingdom's inhabitants, her name and well-known courage on the lips of many supporters. Ambrosia was heartbroken when the news of her tragic, yet honourable death broke. 

"Yes, Miss Beatrix. I saw it in my dream, you were the One whom Princess Corona granted this estimable headpiece." My stylist Rosa spoke in wonder. "Dreams never lie. You will steal many hearts tonight."  

   My stylist Rosa and maid Geraldina were such kind people, making me feel immediately welcome. Rosa was probably a decade older than me, sweet and wise. She was a fashion genius, her innovative taste always ingenious and classy. Geraldina was an elderly woman, but with a young and lively heart. I had more stylists and maids, but I requested the strict minimum of people in my room, being on edge and all.

   In front of a glassy mirror stood someone I barely even recognised, I was covered in gold from head to toe. A golden dress composed of gold feathers hugged the curves of my body I never knew existed after years of dressing in flowy white clothes, and gold and purple painted the lids of my emerald eyes. 

"Thank you so much, Rosa. You have done an incredibly wonderful job. You too, Geraldina. I can't believe this is happening," I sighed, cracking a smile.

"Good luck, Miss Beatrix. Remember to be your most charming self-- though I doubt you'll be having any trouble with that--, maintain a good posture, relax and smile. May the gods bless your soul."

   The theme of the Gathering ball was to wear a designed attire that divulges your pride for your current faction. They usually had extravagant apparel and imaginative eye-catching makeup. In my case, I also flaunted a heavy statement piece of jewellery. With the dream Rosa had, I knew that it meant that I needed to do the princess justice.

   I took a deep, shaky breath. As I went down the spirally stairs to the majestic ballroom, the loud clatters of dish plates and booming chatters stopped. A few of the interviewers gaped at me right in the middle of other contestants' exchange, which made my cheeks flush a deep shade of rose. Knowing that I was currently being broadcasted all over Ambrosia, I straightened up my posture and took a solemn expression, going down the stairs as gracefully as possible.

I heard a few exclaims and gasps.

"Princess Corona's headpiece..."

"Talk about a show stopper!"

My golden dress and headpiece gleamed in the lights of the ballroom, where countless chandeliers were dangling from the high ceiling. 

"Now, here is the beautiful Beatrix Syleph!" An interviewer quickly dragged me in front of his cameraman. "How are you, dear?"

I quickly wore my biggest, most charming smile, "Hi, I'm doing well! Thank you. How are you?"

"In a great mood as always," he laughed. "Beatrix, dear, are you aware of the value of the piece of jewellery on the crown of your head right this moment?"

"Of course! I am so very honoured to be wearing Princess Corona's headpiece for this special Gathering. I barely feel worthy of it!" I sheepishly laughed. "My stylist Rosa dreamed of the princess granting me it, and as everyone says, dreams never lie! I only wish to do it justice."

"Very wise words, there. Now, would you mind telling us about your attire?"

"Well, as you may have easily guessed, I am from the Angel faction, which explains my gold-feathered mermaid dress. And, every time I touch my dress..." I bring a hand over the fabric,"it sparkles!" I giggled.

"Right, because gold reacts to the touch of angels! Brilliant! What a marvellous dress, Beatrix!"

"Thank you! All the praise goes to Rosa, really, she's a very talented stylist."

"Have you had any chance to interact with the other contestants yet? Who do you hope to have on your team?"

By this time, my cheeks were aching from grinning so much. "Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity yet. I guess that's what this Gathering is for! As far as I can see, I'll be having quite the competition."

   I saw a girl with luscious black curly hair from afar playing with water that appeared from out of nowhere, then a tan guy showing off his werewolf strength... Then, I saw the arrogant boy I had bumped into the first night in the palace, his silhouette gracious yet strong. He suddenly disappeared into thin air, red petals swirling around, leaving the reporters astonished. From when we were very young, we had all learned and developed many unique tricks and powers of our own. School had also taught us quite a few skills from other factions in the occurrence of some rare cases. All though, we were never able to try them, our beings unable to perform the ones from other species than our own.

He nodded, "Would you like to show us one of your special skills?"

   Knowing that I had to be careful not to reveal any hidden strengths, I opted for an impressing yet less-than-useful trick. My porcelain skin started to glitter as my eyes shut, majestic wings grew from my back and flapped with strength. The light radiating from them was bright and blinding at first, then settling for a shimmering gold. I flew off the marble floor, swivelling and whirling in the air for all of Ambrosia to see. 

   Without warning, the mystery boy appeared right next to me, causing me to almost crash onto the ground if he hadn't vanished again to catch me before I could hit the floor. I inhaled sharply as he seized me, his arrogant smirk present as ever.

"You have got to stop that!" I blurted out, my cheeks red from embarrassment and fury.

He chuckled lowly, "What? Stop an angel from falling?"