ᴡᴍᴍᴀᴘ: ℌ𝔢𝔯 𝔊𝔬𝔩𝔡𝔢𝔫 ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔦𝔫𝔰

Resonance: the Star

D+56

The next month arrived faster than anyone had anticipated, the steady stream of hors d'oeuvres and drinks making rounds on rectangular silver platters throughout the wide ballroom, everyone breathlessly awaiting for the entrance of the Imperial family. 

Not a moment too soon, they arrive. Both Claude and Athanasia are in their formal uniforms, in matching black and gold. 

They entered together- down the winding steps of the staircase, Claude's hair pushed to the side, his coat slung over his shoulders with gold epaulettes, a dark red and gold sash over his chest. 

Athy's cape hung over a shoulder, secured with a black and gold sash that was secured under the cloak and went across her chest, white piping along the black expanse of the cloth, her hair in a formal updo with a few stray locks framing her face. 

Both of their coats have the Imperial crest boldly emblazoned on the back, gold embroidery glittering under the chandelier lights.

Jennette arrives later than the both of them, perhaps believing being late is fashionable- when it was actually quite rude to the guests gathered. Athanasia stuffs a canapé that she took from a passing tray, into her mouth to stifle her laughter. 

The burst of savory sweetness from the tomato jam partially distracting her from Jennette who flounces down the stairs, almost posing at the end with her shallow curtsy.

Athy, now holding a flute of champagne that has notes of peaches and floral honeysuckle, the small bubbles ever so pleasing as they swirl around in the glass.

Even more pleasant as it glides over her tongue as she speaks to Claude in a lowered voice, her gloves held securely in her other free hand.

 Her earrings winking off the diamonds hanging from the ceiling, catching the eyes of many as they whisper behind open fans, their half filled glasses close to their mouths as they mouth to partners and family alike. 

"His majesty and her highness have matched together for today's ball- do you think it could have to do with the-"

"Shhh! Not so loud- there are eyes and ears everywhere in the palace, you have to watch where you tread." And they're right. 

The palace floor isn't covered in fluffy cotton, it's covered in glass filled eggshells. Their halves open like hungry chicks in a nest, waiting for their mother to bring them food. 

It's danger disguised as simplicity, as elegance- as something they should never dare to try and obtain. There are ears on these walls, these oh so golden walls of hers.

 Athanasia runs her tongue along her teeth, catching the stray basil leaf in her molars. Because I made it that way- secure it shall be, and secure it shall stay, for as long as I'm able- it will keep us in the right, and Jennette in the wrong. 

Whichever foolish nobles or lucky commoners have made their way into this palace of our's, will find ways to keep their heads on their shoulders- and let's see them try to betray us. It will never come to pass.

The collar of Athy's stiff white collared shirt, all the more suitable for the occasion with the delicate gold tips on the ends of both sides of the collar. 

Her crisp tie a deep navy, with a hint of gold- the tie pin all the more eye catching, dark eyeshadow dusted upon her eyelids made her aura different than what most were used to seeing from the crown princess.

Usually pastel colored dresses or the occasional uniform were what she chose to wear on the norm, but today- it felt as if they were looking upon someone who wasn't even in their reach, able to gaze from afar but never to draw near.