Through the Eyes of a Fae
Chapter 27

Kora stood at the looking glass set up in her sitting room. The dress was exactly as she designed it. Ethel beamed proudly. An emerald satin, with sheer black lace over the top, that had tiny crystals embedded in it. Princess style, with a deep v on her chest and off the shoulders. The dress twinkled like stars every time she moved. She wore her hair up and curled, with a few loose ringlets hanging down the sides of her face and back. Her eyes done up in a smoky style, with dark red lips, she was unable to deny that she looked breathtaking. She turned to look at Ethel and Agnes, smiling. She was trying hard to not be nervous. Even before Kora had been turned to stone, she had never attended formal gatherings or a season of court. She had been hidden away with the tribes in the jungle, and then as a captive, when she was finally free – her father had kept her at his side constantly until he passed. A knock at the door announced her escort. Ben was so beautiful, Kora’s heart ached. His black-on-black suit made him look cut and showed off his shoulders, his built chest, and strong arms. You could tell he attempted to comb his hair back, but it still fell across his forehead, giving him a sexy bad boy look. His gray eyes gleamed and he looked stunned. Agnes and Ethel excused themselves. She noticed he was holding a velvet box, and he stepped forward, taking her hand to turn her slowly.

“Kora, I know I tell you that you look beautiful all the time. But this… You really do look like a Fae of old.” Kora beamed at the high praise. He looked at her and his eyes grew hot. She reacted and leaned forward, placing a small kiss on the corner of his mouth.

" Thank you.” She could not shake the nerves, though. Catching the shift in her attention, he handed her the box.

“Another gift.” He smiled. Kora opened the box and gasped. Inside lay a black garnet necklace and matching earrings. The color straight on was black, but if you turned them even slightly, the core looked blood-red. It would match her dress perfectly.

" Ben, I -” but he cut her off.

" Need help putting them on, of course.” He finished her sentence. She was about to protest the extravagant gift, but she let it slide. Shadow yawned from his bed in front of the fireplace, clearly not impressed. They linked arms and set out for the great hall. Since she was being introduced to court for the first time, they had to take the back way so that she could be announced. Coming around the corner, she saw Malik and Stella waiting with Royce. Royce was Holding Stella’s hand, and she was blushing and smiling like a fool. She, too, looked lovely, choosing a sapphire mermaid gown with lace sleeves. Her hair was curled and pinned, and her crown sat perfectly atop her head. Adorned with Sapphires and Aquamarines, the white gold sparkled. She saw them approaching and covered her mouth, before walking forward to embrace Kora. Malik and Royce, both in stunning black, Malik’s sleeves and lapel were embroidered in gold, and he wore a simple beaten gold crown. Gripping each man’s arm in greeting, they heard a pattering down the hall and turned to see Ludis.

“Sorry I’m late.” Ludis, of course, was stunning in purple velvet. The dress was sleeveless and hugged every curve she had. The skirt fell softly around her, swishing as she walked. Amethysts winked at her earlobes. Her hair was curled as well and framed her face nicely. It had grown, and how brushed her shoulders. The king’s jaw dropped. Stella laughed and patted her brother’s chin.

" Don’t drool on your suit, brother dear.” Malik ignored her and stepped forward to take Ludis’s hand.

“You are breathtaking.” He kissed Ludis’s hand, and she blushed, pleased. A footman stepped forward, announcing it was time for them to enter the Grand Hall. Malik went first, with Ludis on his arm, Stella, and Royce right after. The applause from the crowd could be heard from outside, and Kora wrung her hands nervously. Ben came forward and took them, kissing each one.

“Relax. You will be great. The kingdom really is lucky to have you.”

Kora nodded, not listening. She could hear Malik as he addressed all the nobles.

“Friends, welcome. Too long have we not been able to gather. I see so many familiar and fresh faces here. The opening of our social season has been the wheel for which our world turns. This is the chance to catch up with our neighbors, to relax after this long war, and to take a break from the work of everyday life. To make new friends, reconnect with family. I urge all of you to try to get to know as many people as you can. We have been trapped in our own corners of the region, and now we can spread our wings. With that, my sister and I have an announcement to make.” Malik stepped back, and Stella came forward.

“We do indeed, brother. Family has always been dear to us. Our houses come first after the Gods and our kingdom.” A round of applause met this. Stella smiled and continued.

" While at war, my brother and I came to know a wonderful woman. We have learned that, after our mother’s passing - Our father, King Leonard, had taken a lover in secret. From this union, a sister was born, though her mother sadly passed, leaving our sister alone.” The crowd began to murmur. Anyone who could do math would quickly discover this little lie, but that was what they were going with, since Kora was indeed older (technically by a lot) than Stella. Better a few years than a 1500, she giggled to herself. Ben, catching her thoughts, smiled too. The whispers died down as Malik spoke.

" While not traditional, it is not our fault, nor our new sisters, that we were never united. This was not unhappy news for us. Since the loss of both of our parents, Estella and I have always felt that something was missing. When we met our sister, a joy we had not known in a while filled our hearts. Today we formally welcome her to our family and introduce her to you all.

The footman stepped forward and ushered to Kora and Ben. Taking a deep breath, Kora slid her noble mask on, smile in place. Holding Ben’s arm- they entered the great hall. She heard the collective gasps and the applause. She had chosen the right dress. Kora made her way forward to the Dias, before sinking into a low curtsy before Malik and Stella. Ben bowed at her side.

" Rise, please, sister.” Malik motioned for them to approach the Dias. Climbing the steps, she turned to face the crowd. She spoke, her answer prepared.

" I am genuinely happy to have found family again. I am humbled by the generosity and love that has been shown to me, so unconditionally. I swear that I will put my House, Gods, and kingdom before all. I will honor this union. Thank you for giving me this chance.” Stella and Malik stepped forward, and Kora kneeled again. In Stella’s hand was a small velvet cushion with a crown - made from black garnets and copper shaped to look like branches. Malik lifted the crown high and spoke. Kora gasped; it was the crown she had been anointed with when she had become queen over 1000 years ago. Stella winked at her when she saw her expression.

" May this be a symbol for you. For your vow to keep our house, the gods and kingdom before all. I hereby name you - Princess Kora Eden, of Deirdre.” Placing the crown on her head, the crowd broke into cheers and applause. Standing, she then turned to face everyone. The worst was over.