• The sun was starting to set and cast an orange glow over the city streets, creating a blanket of light over the many guests that were travelling through the gates of the citadel, on their way towards the Royal Palace and the Banquet.
    Kaya stood at the window of the room, fully dressed and ready for the Banquet. She was waiting for her mother to come and see her so they can be at the doors to welcome the guests together so she didn’t have a great deal of time. Her room was vibrantly decorated, the walls were made from stone and elegantly designed pillars held the roof up. Red velvet curtains were tied back from the windows to allow the light to come through, adding to the many candles that had been lit up. A long bed was placed at one end of the room, with blue silk bed sheets and light blue velvet webbing hung to keep any bugs out. A study desk had been converted into a dressing table for the night and had a collection of make up and jewellery boxes. Three small crystals were sat next to the boxes; one was red, another blue and the third one was green. Taking a deep sigh; Kaya walked away from the window and looked into the mirror one last time. It was amazing how much she had changed in a couple of hours. The crystals had extended her hair to below her shoulders, and two plats had been braided and adorned with gold jewellery. The jewel that the shop keeper had been placed around her neck as Kaya wanted to show respect to the one that gave it to her and as a thank you.
    With the overall outfit on, Kaya was having difficulty breathing; the inner gown had been done up extremely tight and was constricting her body movements. The bodice of her outfit didn’t help either; the tight fitting sleeves and the size of the bodice created an even tighter fitting. Her skirt wasn’t too bad; she had the leg space to walk around freely. Despite the overall feel of the complete outfit, there was still one part that Kaya was comfortable in which was the surcoat that had been placed over the bodice and the skirt. White fur lined the top part of the outfit while a long piece of cloth draping down was layered upon a piece of leather. It was adorned with the Heraldry that Kaya herself designed during her teenage years and showed a griffin flying over the forests. The griffon was one of Kaya’s favourite creatures; it was majestic and graceful in flight while also willing to defend those that needed its help.
    After a long moment in solitude; a knock came from the door and Kaya got up and walked over to see who it was. She was finding it more and more difficult to breath with every step she took but she shook the feeling off and continued walking towards the door. “Who is it?” Kaya shouted before opening. “Just me!” Queen Morvahna shouted back and Kaya opened the door while stepping back. The Queen was wearing a similar outfit to Kaya, but her bodice and skirt were coloured sapphire instead of ruby. Her hair had been extended well beyond her neck and reached down to her thighs. The Royal Crown was placed on her head and radiated a divine light that reflected off the silver used to create the crown. In her hands she carried a brown leather box with her and immediately Kaya bowed down in front of her mother. “Rise Princess Kaya, there is no need to bow” Queen Morvahna commented as Kaya quickly got off the floor and walked alongside her mother. “Oh my how the Gods of Garandra have blessed this land with a Princess of such immense beauty. You look amazing”
    “Thank you mother. You look pretty good yourself” Kaya replied as Queen Morvahna opened up the case to reveal the Royal Phoenix crown. From the many history lessons Kaya had been to, the crown was created from the strongest bronze found in the Larenchian Mountains and is used in the ceremonies to crown the next Heir or Heiress of the throne. “Well Princess, are you ready to meet the guests?” Queen Morvahna asked as she placed the crown upon Kaya and looked at her with pride. “As ready as I’ll ever be” Kaya replied and followed her out of the bedroom, and towards the main hall for the Banquet.

    Lavish details had been placed into the design for the Banquet, and Kaya was stunned by the work done during the past couple of days and how the Main Hall had become designed for such a big event. The walls were covered with purple silk drapes aligned with red and purple roses native to Garandra. Bronzed tables were set out along the edges of the room, leaving a space for a large dancing area. Servants were busy setting up food and drinks ready to be served, and each one was wearing the same black and red tunic marking their status and role within the palace. The lighting from the gold chandeliers reflected off the marble floors and created a solid tapping noise with every step Kaya and Queen Morvahna took in their high heeled shoes. “I’d forgotten how much detail was put into use for these events” Kaya commented as she watched the servants bow to the two of them as they walked through. “We need to. Every banquet gives us the opportunity to strengthen the relationships with other countries and we want to make a good impression” Queen Morvahna stated with a stern voice as they walked towards the entrance to the Main Chamber.
    Kaya looked towards the door of the Main Chamber and saw that many of the guests invited were already turning up to the Banquet, each dressed in different colours and styles of garments that came from different lands. The first to walk through the entrance was Lord Sindar and Lady Enelye of the land of Immora. They were a tall couple with slender bodies yet Lord Sindar had a muscular frame and a firm grip. He was dressed in a tight fitting suit native to his land consisting of a tunic dyed blue to match the colours of his land. His trousers were made from black cotton and were tightly fitted against his legs and tucked into a pair of brown leather boots. His long flowing brown hair cascaded against the side of his face and his green eyes showed a great deal of power and respect within his countries court. Lady Enelye had ocean blue eyes that glittered like diamonds behind long flowing golden blonde hair. She was dressed in a one piece purple silk gown with two different sets of sleeves; a pair of tight fitting sleeves, much like Kaya’s and Queen Morvahna’s own and a pair of free flowing and loose sleeves that draped off her arms.
    “Lord Sindar, Lady Enelye; we welcome you to the kingdom of Garandra” Queen Morvahna started as she and Kaya bowed to them both, watching as they returned the gesture.
    “Queen Morvahna; King Decius sends his apologies for not being able to attend tonight’s Banquet but has urgent business to attend to back in Immora” Lord Sindar replied with a welcoming and warm tone of voice as Queen Morvahna nodded and stepped to the side to allow the couple entrance. “Please go inside and help yourself to food and drink, and once again thank you for coming” Queen Morvahna finished and the couple walked inside.
    Kaya was used to events and roles such as this yet she always became bored within the first couple to enter the doors and proceed into the banquet. She had dealings with Lord Sindar and Lady Enelye in the past, around the age of nineteen during the time Kaya was studying to become the queen. She enjoyed Lady Enelye’s company the most, believing her to be a kind and warm person to be around. Looking back towards the crowds of guests; Kaya noticed the next couple proceed towards the entrance. Despite being a couple; both of them were the complete opposite but the only similarity was that they both had over tanned skin due to the heat of where they came from.
    Prince Verusk, and Princess Nymyde of Enthemust; a desert kingdom south of Garandra. The Prince was small of stature but large in girth; he had no chin under a large oval shaped balding head. Kaya remembered the dealings with the Prince from the past, and knew about his fetish for the finer materials for clothing and the evenings banquet was no exception to that matter. His garments were made of pure silk and had been dyed black for the event. He wore a pair of finely crafted trousers along with an embroidered black jacket with gold stitching placed into the cuffs, the sleeves and the buttons. Under that he had a shirt made from the same silk, but the only difference to his other garments was that it was kept white instead of being dyed. His pointed nose nestled in between his red eyes. Princess Nymyde was tall and thin much like a twig found in the forests. She had an overly large neck, a lot larger than anyone of the same age. Her eyes were weird to Kaya in the fact that they were both purple and had no iris. Her gown matched her eyes in every way; the silk used to make the gown was dyed purple and had been adorned with gold trinkets and jewellery most likely as a way to show off the immense wealth that traders offered her. The one piece gown was baggy when measured up against her frame, despite the lacing being done up as far as it could. Her hair was straightened and offered no particular style that Kaya could recognise. As they walked up towards the entrance; Queen Morvahna bowed to them and eventually Kaya also bowed to them with great reluctance as she felt a kick through her skirt and inner gown against her shin. “Greetings Prince Verusk and Princess Nymyde; welcome to Garandra. Thank you for attending” Queen Morvahna started as Kaya tried to hold back her negative feelings towards the Prince and Princess. The relationship between the three of them was rough at best as they all wanted to try and annoy each other.
    “We are only here because the King sent us, that’s all” Prince Verusk claimed with a deep but sharpening voice and caused Kaya to grip the fabric of her skirt as she got annoyed with the Prince’s remark.
    “Once this evening is over we shall be gone and shall go back to Enthemust for the evening” Princess Nymyde added with an upper class voice that she was known for. Princess Nymyde talked down to everyone she considered lower than her, which included Kaya and Queen Morvahna. She would even talk down to those that would save her life or die defending it. “Of course, please proceed inside and enjoy yourself” Queen Morvahna replied with a great deal of reluctance in her voice as they watched the couple step inside. “I’m gonna try and avoid those two for the evening” Kaya stated as Queen Morvahna placed her hand on Kaya’s shoulder. “Do not worry about it Princess, they’ll get their comeuppance. Just try to enjoy the evening” Queen Morvahna reassured her and they looked on with a renewed sense of happiness as they saw the next couple to arrive. Kaya was particularly interested with this couple as they were friends of hers. Captain Dominic Caine and Captain Katherine Finn of the Garandra Royal Guard units had been friends with Kaya since they were twelve years old, and each looked out for one another.
    To Kaya, Katherine was the most beautiful captain in the Royal Guard and of the Storm Knights. She was around the same height as Kaya, with a more muscular build that still had femininity. She had an even complexion and a pair of cobalt blue eyes that matched her long, flowing dark blue hair. She wore a one piece amethyst gown that had similar designs but with a few small differences such as the embroidered sleeves and a gold lace pattern that flowed from the trim of her skirt, all the way to her thighs.
    Dominic was the famed leader of the Storm Blades, a veteran of countless campaigns and in each one he led his units of Storm Blades in a fury of attacks which crippled the enemy every time they struck. His muscular frame was the envy of most men through out Garandra. His eyes were emeralds that shone from under the black fringe that covered it. He was dressed in a black guardsmen tunic made from silk, and under that he a turquoise dress tunic on along with a pair of leggings and a pair of thick boots.
    “Katherine, Dominic; it’s so good to see you” Kaya opened with a renewed happier tone of voice as she and Queen Morvahna bowed to the couple, and they both received the same greeting.
    “Thanks for inviting us Princess” Katherine replied in a calm voice as she turned to Queen Morvahna. “And thank you for the wonderful gifts you sent us both your highness”
    “It’s not a problem. You’ve both served Garandra with honour and pride and deserved a reward for it” Queen Morvahna replied as they both stepped aside and allowed the two into the banquet. “I’ll see you guys once I get out of this” Kaya stated and Katherine and Dominic both nodded and walked inside.

    A couple of hours into the banquet and everything was in full swing. The guests were enjoying themselves and enjoying the company of the others; each one dressed in extravagant garments that were all unique to the lands they came from. The women were dressed in gowns of different colours, some being bright colours ranging from yellows, blues and even a couple of pinks, yet some decided to wear darker coloured gowns instead, showing an element of uniqueness. Many had jewels strung through their hair or around their necks and wrists. Their tresses were all arranged beautifully all the while being elaborate at the same time; curls, pin-straight hair all hung from the female guests.
    The men wore lavish coats, capes, breeches, trousers, short and long boots depending on the land they came from, some even wore hats that hid parts of their faces, showing them to be mysterious and mystic.
    Kaya was walking through the tables, doing her duty in finding out if anything was wrong. She had mixed duty with having fun and decided that after this pass around the tables she would go and join her friends and actually enjoy herself. Walking towards the dance floor, Kaya never noticed someone walking in front of her and before they knew it, they had collided and knocked one another to the floor. Everyone quickly rushed up towards them both to see if they could help them, but Kaya just told them to give them some space and enjoy themselves. She looked to the tall, medium built man that she bumped into and started to think. He had long black hair tied in a knot and was dressed in a pair of black trousers, a black jacket with a white shirt under it. As he looked towards her; Kaya recognised his hazel eyes to belong to Prince Ashton from the country of Orenth, three days journey east of Garandra and Kaya couldn’t believe that she never noticed him.
    “Princess Kaya, forgive me I did not notice you” he quickly apologised with a frantic voice as he rushed towards Kaya to help her up. “No I should have been watching where I was going Prince Ashton. I am to blame” Kaya replied as she stared into his hazel eyes and started to have feelings for him, every time she saw his eyes. “Tell me Prince Ashton, do you dance?” Kaya asked as she listened to the music change. “A little bit. Would you like to dance with me?” Prince Ashton asked as he offered Kaya his hand and with a simple nod, Kaya took it and they walked through to the dance floor.
    The music was something Kaya had danced to quite a lot growing up. A melody consisting of different string music that gradually built up to a mixture of wind and percussion instruments. Many couples were taking positions on the dance floor and started to move to the slow but soothing music. Both Kaya and Ashton moved with grace and fluidity as they held one another at the waist and moved in time. They danced around the floor, spinning and twirling in time with the music and at certain points Kaya was lifted up with each heavy beat from the percussion and that happened frequently.
    “I never knew you were such a graceful dancer” Prince Ashton claimed as Kaya looked into his hazel eyes. “Then again, when was the last time we danced with one another?” he asked and Kaya thought back to her childhood memories and those of when she was in her teenage years. Like the time she spent with Lord Sindar and Lady Enelye; she built up a strong friendship with Prince Ashton and she even wondered if it would go further than just being friends. “Tell me something Prince Ashton; what made you come to the banquet?” Kaya asked after being lifted into the air. “My father sent me as a representative of Orenth. I also think my mother is trying to set me up with a Princess of another land so I think that’s one of the reasons they’ve sent me here” Hearing his answer; Kaya couldn’t help but giggle quietly to herself as she knew that was the same reason the queen wanted her at the banquet. “Well I know how you feel. My mother is trying to get me to marry a prince or lord from another land” Kaya said as they started to twirl with the music. “We’d make a perfect couple”
    “What are you trying to say Kaya?” Prince Ashton asked with a certain hint of eagerness. “Well we both have mothers that want us to marry a noble man or woman and we both have the same story” Kaya continued as the music started to slow. “Maybe… well maybe we could see how things turned out” Kaya suggested but Prince Ashton stopped moving and sighed before looking into Kaya’s crystal eyes. “What’s wrong?”
    “Well it’s just that…”
    “You like another woman?” Kaya enquired as she closed her eyes and started to think about how much she had been a fool to think he would be interested in a girl like her. “Yeah, but it’s just that…”
    “You are torn between you’re duty and you’re feelings. You find that you like this woman, but your parents don’t approve of it and you are stuck and trying to decide on what to do” Kaya said everything that was running through the Prince’s mind at that one time, and Kaya simply placed her hand on Prince Ashton’s cheek, and with a soft voice she started to tell him of what she would do. “Follow your heart Ashton, and only your heart. Duty can only give you so much but it can take away everything you held dear. There will always be time to fulfil your duty, but you must also fulfil the feelings you have” Kaya finished and Prince Ashton nodded and bent down to give her a peck on the cheek just as the music finished. “Thank you Kaya, you’ve really put things into perspective for me” Prince Ashton commented as he bowed to her, mimicking the actions of the other male dancers. “It was my pleasure” Kaya replied and curtseyed along with the other females. “I’ll speak to you again later on this evening Princess”
    “I’m looking forward to it Prince” Kaya replied and walked from the dance floor towards a table where Katherine and Dominic were sat at. “Hey guys, mind if I join you?” Kaya asked as they both looked towards her and nodded.
    “You were certainly having a good time with Prince Ashton just then” Dominic commented as Kaya sat down next to Katherine. “Yeah, so give us the details. Is you’re friendship going to be advancing any further?” Katherine asked as Dominic laughed quietly to himself as Kaya and Katherine looked towards him. “What’s so funny Dominic?” Katherine asked as she twisted his ear. “It’s just… it’s just that your so… nosey” Dominic stuttered as Katherine started to tighten her grip on his ear. “You’re one to talk. Besides I have a right to be nosy. Kaya is my best friend and as such it is my responsibility to help her in any way which includes giving her advice based on the things she has told me” Katherine stated as she let go and pushed him to the side, almost off his chair. “So what happened?”
    “Well he was torn between his feelings for another girl back in Orenth, and his duty. We talked about it and I told him to follow his feelings and go for the girl back home. He would have been miserable if he chose his duties” Kaya explained with a reluctant tone of voice as she took a drink from one of the passing servants. “You would have made an excellent wife to Prince Ashton. You two are pretty much the same and you both have feelings for one another. What makes you say otherwise?”
    “It’s not just me. It’s marrying any noblewoman in general; he wouldn’t be happy about it knowing that she wasn’t the one his feelings chose” Kaya commented and took a sip of the drink she had and savoured the sweet taste it had.
    “This is a joke!” with a sharp voice, everyone turned towards the serving table to see Prince Sindar chucking food and cutlery all over the table while servants tried to calm him down. “Get away from me you peasant scum!” he shouted while knocking back one of the servant girl’s to the floor with his large right fist. “What is the meaning of this?” Queen Morvahna asked with a raised voice as she rushed towards the table to help the servant girl up. “Prince Sindar what is the meaning of this?” she asked as Kaya quickly rushed up to join her. “I am having trouble stomaching the crap you call food. I don’t know why I am here or why I’m still here”
    “If you do not like the evening then the door is over there” Queen Morvahna continued as she pointed towards the door. “I suggest you leave as my patience with you and your sister has been wearing thin these past couple of hours. “You have continuously insulted all the guests present; you have insulted the members of the Royal Staff and you have assaulted someone who did you no harm” Queen Morvahna finished as she watched Kaya help the girl to a chair and sit her down. “My father shall here of this”
    “Yes he will. I shall tell him of the actions you have both performed this night and we shall see what he thinks” Queen Morvahna replied as she signalled for guards to escort him out of the Main Hall, quickly followed by his sister; Princess Nymyde as she shoved through the halberd wielding guards. Each of them had blue armour plating on and shirts of Chainmail under it.
    With deep regret Queen Morvahna walked towards the music and prepared to make a speech on what’s happened and to try and keep a calm manner on the events that just took place. “Ladies and Gentleman, I must apologise for what has just took place. I did not mean for any of this to happen so if you could accept my most sincere apologies” Queen Morvahna explained as she looked at the crowd that gathered around her. “But I implore you, please enjoy the rest of the evening and have fun” she finished and stepped down from the stage and approached Kaya and the others. “I need to speak with you three immediately” Queen Morvahna stated and led them out onto the path wall on the outside of the Main Hall.
    The moon shone on the stone that was used to make the palace. Guards were posted at different sections of the wall and all had their halberds pointing towards the sky. Other guests were out enjoying the moonlight while looking at the twinkling stars. “Mother, what’s wrong?” Kaya asked as Queen Morvahna looked into the quiet city streets below them. “After the actions of Prince Sindar and Princess Nymyde; I believe that King Finuvar shall attack the kingdom in force and if that happens then I want to be ready for it” Queen Morvahna continued as she turned towards Katherine and Dominic. “Katherine I want you to increase the numbers of the Storm Knights. Increase the amount of recruits each week and train them as best you can”
    “Your majesty if I may. With the amount of time given we’ll be hard stretched to properly train the new recruits, I fear…”
    “I know Katherine, but I would not ask this of you if I did not feel you were up to the task” Queen Morvahna reassured the young knight with a firm hand placed on Katherine’s shoulder. “And Dominic; I want you to over see the training of the standard militia. I also need you to increase the sentries along the wall and have scouts deployed along the foothills of the Larenchian Mountains” Queen Morvahna instructed and Dominic simply bowed to her and prepared to speak. “Understood your highness, but we will need to increase the amount of weapons and armour being turned out from the blacksmiths”
    “Yes I know. I’ll have a messenger spread the word at sunrise” Queen Morvahna added while turning to Kaya. “Now I have something I must speak to you about my daughter”
    “What is it mother?” Kaya asked as they watched Dominic and Katherine walk back inside. “It involves your destiny but more shall be revealed in the morning. I want you up and ready to leave at sunrise. You must be in your temple robes” Queen Morvahna finished and walked back inside, leaving Kaya worried and confused as she stood on the walk way, looking into the city she loved. She was focused in her thoughts so much that she failed to notice Aurelia, wife of Talon walk up behind her. She was tall and slender with golden blonde hair and jade green eyes and was dressed in a free fitting burgundy one piece gown with gold lacing that was stitched into the bodice that allowed space around her stomach for her unborn child. The skirt was puffy and gave her ease for walking long distances.
    “Would you like some company Princess Kaya?” she asked with a soft, almost angelic voice. “Aurelia, I’d love some” Kaya answered and after doing a curtsey; she joined Kaya at the walls. “It’s been a great night” Aurelia started while cradling her baby, feeling it kick inside her. “Yeah, apart from the actions of Prince Sindar and Princess Nymyde the night has gone quite well” Kaya replied as she looked at the bump Aurelia was cradling. “So how long until little one is due?” she asked as Aurelia quietly laughed to herself and thought about the little bundle of joy inside her. “Not long, four weeks and five days according to the physician”
    “Have you got any names lined up?” Kaya asked as she felt the baby kick against her hand. “Well if it’s a boy Talon wants to call him Syrius and I agree with him on that”
    “And if it’s a girl?”
    “Then we’ll call her Feyora” Aurelia answered as they watched Talon walk out to join them. Kaya was amazed to see him dressed in a full silk tunic and leggings along with a pair of leather boots which proved to be a huge difference to his normal garments that he wears in the stables. “That was quite a show you and Prince Ashton put on this evening. Care to talk about it?” Talon asked but was elbowed in the stomach by Aurelia and then had a sharp glance cast over him. “It was nothing Talon. Just a dance between two friends” Kaya sighed as she looked towards the entrance to the Main Hall and saw that most of the guests. “I thought it would go further, but I found out he had someone back in Orenth so we had to leave it and stay as just friends” Kaya explained with a hint of remorse in her voice, knowing that she told the one person that could possibly understand her to find another girl. “Hey come here” Aurelia walked up to her and gave her a hug, helping her feel better and giving her something to be happy for as she felt the baby kick against the womb.
    “Excuse me, Princess Kaya?” the three of them turned around to see Prince Ashton standing within the doorway, he was nervous which could be seen in the way he stood. “Would I be able to speak to you?” he asked and Kaya looked towards Talon and Aurelia who nodded and walked back inside, bowing and curtseying to Prince Ashton as they passed him. “What can I do for you Prince Ashton?” Kaya asked as he walked over to join her by the wall. “I just came to say thank you for everything you’ve done for me Princess. If it wasn’t for you then I would not have the courage to face my parents when I return to Orenth”
    “I was just saying what any of your friends would say to you” Kaya claimed as she turned to see his illuminated face from the candles shining off the walls and from inside the Main Hall. “That’s the thing though; none of my friends even want to give me advice. Every time I ask for advice people seem to change the subject” Prince Ashton had the same tone of remorse that Kaya had while speaking to Aurelia and Talon and she felt for the Prince seeing as she’s gone through the same things herself. “Well I must go. I have an early start to return to Orenth”
    “Wait! Prince Ashton” Kaya gripped hold of his wrist and looked into his eyes with an innocent shine in both of them. “I just wanted you to know, that I’ve always liked you… more than a friend. I just wish I told you sooner” Kaya finished and let go of his wrist, allowing him to walk into the Main Hall.
    No more words were said that night to and from Kaya. Not even a final good bye between her and her friends and guests. Kaya was going through some strange emotions; love and rejection, honour and feelings. They were all new to her; the closest she’s come to anything like it was silly little crushes when she was in her early teen years. Looking onto the stone walls, tear drops splashed against the stone, and darkening it from the light under the water.