Chapter Text
- I’m Covered In You
Flora took a deep breath as she studied herself in the mirror, taking in Minthe and Lorelei’s work.
She didn’t appear like she’d stand out too much at the New Year’s Ball, which was the idea. She didn’t need to overshadow any of the Bellan Empire’s noble women, not when she was already in a precariously new position.
Minthe, the lead stylist with the Obsidian Court, had been loaned to her, as had the room she was to get ready in, thrilled with the challenge of turning a “Hannes Goodie-Goodie into a Bellan Stunner”. (Her exact words, the excitement running wild in her golden eyes.)
And Lorelei, her family’s favored stylist, had assisted in making sure her look did stay close to her roots. She wasn’t willing to forsake her Linphean heritage, and Valkyrie was well-aware of that.
Dragons though… Did the two of them work wonders on her.
They’d braided the majority of her hair into one long braid down her back, with a few strands rose-braided on the top of her head. Her makeup palette just a tad darker than what she’d normally have worn herself.
And her dress.
It was a crimson red gown, flared around the skirts. Intricate vines entwined around the gown, holding it together and making patterns, dark pink roses lining around the vines.
She looked incredible.
Now if she could just play the part.
Flora shook her head, glancing toward the clock. Not long now… She’d be escorted to Valkyrie and they’d make their entrance together… And then all she’d have to do is enjoy herself.
Right?
She could do that. It was a simple task.
Knock. Knock.
“Come in.” She called out of habit, unsure if she should be allowing anyone into the room or if she was supposed to be alone until time.
Her anxiety quickly quieted down as Griffin entered the room, being mindful of the door and her dress skirts.
And she’d thought she looked beautiful.
Long purple locks mostly left down aside from simple strands braided around her circlet, giving her an enchantress look. Golden eyes seeming to pop from the color around her eyes.
And her dress. A ballgown in a simple midnight blue, decorated with what appeared to be shining stars made of pearls. The ‘stars’ were arranged quite deliberately, showing the dragon constellation, both dragons coiling around the gown and meeting at her heart.
“Feeling alright, Flora?” Griffin asked, a small knowing smile on her lips.
Flora flushed, her arms wrapping around herself. “I’m fine… Just-”
“Nervous?” Griffin finished. Flora gave a nod. The older woman placed a hand on Flora’s shoulder, careful of the decorative vine sleeve. “I was too. Nothing to be ashamed of. I found taking three deep breaths help. If not… I do have a tea brew that could help put your mind to ease.”
Flora smiled, giving a slight chuckle. “Thank you. I…” She took a deep breath. “I think I’ll be okay once we actually get started. It’s the waiting that’s the problem.”
Griffin snickered, moving to sit on the bed. (Her skirts just seemed to move with her, allowing her to sit with little effort, proving the practice she must have put into moving so effortlessly.)
“Waiting does give the mind time to worry about what can go wrong, but I wouldn’t listen to any of them.” Griffin advised. “Trust me, I’ve been where you are and it will not help to think of the potential catastrophes.”
Flora found herself frowning, giving the Empress a quizzical look. “Forgive me, but I don’t see how you could have been worried at your debut. At least you’re from the Bellan Empire. And the aura you exude… I can’t believe you to ever be worried of others.”
The older woman laughed, almost shocking Flora. Melodic, deep. Honest. “I forget that you’re so young and from the Hannes Empire. You never heard the terms the press and others from the Bellan Council thought of me.”
Griffin locked eyes with Flora her hand coming up to number the terms as she spoke. “I was called a ‘gold digger’, ‘seductress’. It was said that I ‘bewitched’ or ‘spelled’ Valtor. And even after we married, I was labeled a ‘false queen’.”
What? How did that happen?
And how did she miss this?
She knew Valkyrie was on shaky ground with her own Empire, but her mother too?
“Why would they-”
“Say such things?” Griffin shrugged, a bit of a smile on her lips. “I think it’s in part that many of the other kingdoms had hoped their daughters would have been picked instead. I was seen as a threat to their whole… Royals only scheme.” She paused, as if weighing her next words carefully.
“Or it could be that I had no title. I was simply the librarian’s assistant, here at the Palace. The daughter of a school teacher and an astrologist.” Her eyes lit up, another smile coming to her lips. “Me working at in the library is actually how we met.”
A more whimsical smile and laugh. “I hated him at first, you know. I had been working on a project and he just charged into the library and had my hard work just come crumbling down around me.” She chuckled. “I had no idea who he was and I threatened to kill him.”
Flora laughed, trying to imagine how anyone could have gotten away with such a threat. No one else would have. “Now that sounds like the start of a true love story.” She teased.
Griffin chuckled. “I’m sure it does.” A wink. “But one that we’ll save for later.” She gestured toward the clock. “It’s almost show time, and I do abhor being late for anything, let alone my own parties.” She stood, extending her hand to Flora. “Are you ready?”
The nervous feeling had gone, her excitement for the debut back. “I think so.” She took Griffin’s hand. “Thank you, by the way…”
“We false queens have to stick together.” Griffin led her out, toward the grand staircase where Dragon Valtor and Valkyrie were waiting, both dressed in lavish suits and ties, their crowns fixed just so.
She watched as Griffin went to take Valtor’s arm, both of them starting their descent as they were announced.
“Sure, you’re ready for this?” Valkyrie had leaned up to whisper to her, her eyes searching Flora’s.
Flora grinned, pressing a light kiss to her cheek as she took Valkyrie’s arm. “I’m ready for whatever comes, as long as you’re at my side.”
“Wouldn’t dream of being anywhere else.” Valkyrie grinned, carefully squeezing her hand. She could hear their names announced, and their legs went on their own accord, taking the first steps of their new life.