Lachlan looks handsome layered in Aeradian reds. A sparkling gold sash that mimics his father’s crosses his chest. He unlocks his hands from behind his back and wipes sweat from his brow. King Lester smacks him upside the head and grunts. Lachlan’s face sinks, and he resumes his former position. I don’t like King Lester, not one bit. Theodore is regal in a golden gown and red shoes, her hair intertwined with more Salvas.

My mother sits on her throne, her face tense. Piles of green fabric spill around her and onto the marble dais. Her dress mimics the one she wore yesterday, pearls and all, but I figure it is intentional. At least there’s no silly peacock feather this time.

She looks me over and then promptly sticks her nose in the air. I suppose she isn’t impressed, but what can I do? She’s hardly ever impressed. Or happy.

I reach my father’s side. He’s standing proud and upright. I stifle a gasp as I take in how many people are here. Hundreds are squeezed in at the long tables that stretch nearly from wall to wall. Some wear Baellilean green, a familiar sight; others are in red. The strangest sight is the Verdanian blue that cloaks parts of the room. I’ve never seen this color in our castle. But I like it; it matches my eyes.

The horns blow, and everyone rises, including my mother. This is it; she’s here. King Ivar and Queen Revna enter, their chins held high. They wear their frosty blue outfits with pride, and I hear the guests murmur. Queen Revna’s eyes meet mine. They lighten as a faint smile forms on her face. As she ascends the steps to the dais, the smile disappears.

The horns play a soft, whimsical melody. Maidens enter and throw white petals into the air, creating a delicate illusion of snow. The Princess follows. A sheer veil covers her face, and she takes slow steps toward the altar that sits on the dais. The audience buzzes. This girl is the future of Baelliles. This day will seal that truth, and everything we know will change.

As she approaches, I glimpse her features behind the mesh. She beams at me as she climbs the steps. When she stands before us, my father lifts his hand, and the music ceases.

“Baellileans, Aeradians, and honored guests from Verdana. We come together to mark the end of a centuries-long war. Today, we put away our Kingdoms’ feud, and with it, we do away with any grudge. For far too long, the people of Baelliles and Verdana have suffered the consequence of our ancestors’ actions. For far too long, we have held hatred in our hearts for the mistakes of our predecessors. Today symbolizes the dawn of a new era. There will be free trade amongst all our countries. There will be no more slaughter for control of the river. Even our dear friends from across the sea in Osinea have written to congratulate us on this most advantageous occasion. People of all nations, I ask that you join me in welcoming the future Queen of Baelliles, Princess Idalia, by raising your hands to the Lady and bowing your head for the Guard.”