Royal Academy Diaries II

The Imperial Witch ⚜ Ch. 3

The response they managed to get from Headmistress Irene's dream as to who she fancied was nothing short of cryptic. Faraja was just grateful they hadn't been caught.

While the others were doing tutoring or such at break, the princess found herself wandering, halfheartedly searching for Duma. When she came to the open field beside the school, she was surprised to see a somewhat elaborate set up. Curious, she got closer.

"But what are we going to do? I won't pass if the design won't work. This has to go up tomorrow!"

The girl sounded so distressed, she had to go see what was happening. 

"Is everything alright?"

The small group of girls in long dresses looked up, and someone looked back. "Fine, fine. Just some last minute alteration issues." 

By her strained smile, the princess knew she needed help. "Anything a wand could fix? I'm Faraja, by the way."

"Sofia. I... Well I mean, I can't. But maybe somehow..." She bit her lip and sighed.

"What exactly is the problem? If you don't mind my asking."

Sofia dismissed the thought with a waved hand. "No, it's fine. See, I'm from the Art school, and I designed these dresses in the style of each model's home country, completely in white. They'll then present their flags as they go down the walkway. But what I failed to think of was exactly how. Draped over an arm could work. I'd love hats or something, but it's too late for that now." She sighed. "If only I could change the fabric. Oh but that wouldn't be acceptable either."

Faraja looked at the lovely designs, that clearly needed colour to make them right. "I wonder..."

Sofia looked to her hopefully. "What? What are you thinking?"

"What if the dresses appeared to be made from the flags?" the witch suggested.

She shook her head. "Impossible. They'd never allow that."

A bit surprised, she asked, "Why not?"

"They'd call it disrespectful," Sofia sighed, studying the gowns for what had to be the thousandth time.

"Would it be? Each girl would be representing the style and banner of their kingdom, all in a respectful, proud, almost symbolic way."

Intrigued, Sofia looked back to her. "Go on."

"Each model would represent the best of their nation, respect for tradition, all while presenting something fresh and creative and new. Right?"

Looking to the other girls, Sofia shrugged. "What do you all think?"

"We love that idea!"

"Absolutely. And the colours will be more flattering for all of us than white."

With a clap of her hands, Sofia said, "C'est la vie. Some designs are better in theory. But this new idea I like." Turning to Faraja, she asked, "How exactly do we do this?"

"Hm..." The witch thought for a moment. "I wonder... For each flag and dress, do you have an idea of more or less how it will look?"

Sofia nodded. "I've always been pretty good at creative visualizing. So yes."

"Alright. Hold on to the wand with me then. I'll cast a spell to change the colours while you direct your idea of what you want that to look like."

"Let's see if this works." Sofia took hold of the wand and the princess took a breath.

Aiming carefully at the first model, she said the spell. "Transmuto colorado bandera." 

A blast of colourful sparks burst from the tip of the wand, spattering on the dress and forming into larger swaths of colour, like water droplets condensing. The design covered the gown and, fortunately, left the model untouched. 

"Did it wo- oh my!" Sofia gasped. "Look at that. It's beautiful. So crisp and strong, yet feminine... Oh Faraja!"

The princess chuckled. "Now you can do any last alterations before tomorrow. And it all will have been your work, no cheating. Just, changing the design on the fabric."

"Yes! Now let's do the others," Sofia said eagerly.

Faraja smiled and held out her wand. "Let's."