The Magic of Aurelian

Kiran

“Kiran! How did your first day go?” I met my mother for dinner at one of the local restaurants in Aurelian City. As expected, she was excited to hear about my first day. She had put a lot of work into the program as she was hopeful it would help continue to improve the relationship we had with the dragons and fairy types. So far, all but the Ice and Mountain fairies had been supportive of Luminaria Academy. The Ice Fairies because they still harbored animosity toward Light Fairies, and the Mountain Fairies because they just preferred to remain more secluded. We were hopeful they would eventually send students to the school.

“I know it’s early, but have you made any new friends yet?”

I held back the urge to sigh as my mother knew how I struggled with new people. I was a public figure, but that didn’t mean it was easy for me to make friends and meet others. I lucked out that Eleonor just so happened to be in my classes. I had only met her twice before, and one of those was when she was only a child, but I enjoyed spending my day with her. She was kind and funny, and I felt at ease around her in a way I hadn’t felt around others before. I was also glad that she didn’t fawn over me like most women tended to do.

“Do you remember Eleonor Lightstorm?”

“Cillian and Mariel’s little girl?”

“Yes, but it’s been ages since the war, she’s a grown woman now.”

“I suppose you’re right,” she chuckled at her mishap, “But what about Eleonor?”

“Eleonor is in my classes, so I did manage to make a friend today.”

“Oh, how nice! She comes from a wonderful family, so I imagine she will be an asset to Fairmist.

“Yes, I agree. She did well today, and she was even good about handling a few of the more difficult students.”

“Difficult students?” She looked at me over the rim of her glass as she took a drink intrigued by my comment.

“Yes, some of the Air Fairies think they deserve special treatment just because of who they are. They talked down to Eleanor just because she isn’t high born.”

“Well, from experience, there’s always someone who thinks they are better just because of what they have. Maybe they’ll learn how to treat others while here at school.”

“We can only hope.”

“Let’s move on from unsavory topics. I did have something I wanted to discuss with you.” My mother paused for emphasis, and I felt this would still be an unsavory topic for me.”

“Your father and I think it would be good to have a ball for your birthday. It’s perfect timing with the new program opening up, and we’ve been working on building our relationship with the other Kingdoms. A ball would bring everyone together.” She smiled at me as if it was the most innocent of ideas.

“And?” I looked at her waiting for the catch.

“And…” She again paused, “It might be a good way for you to meet your future bride.”

I covered my face with my hand and sighed loudly. I knew there would be a catch, but I didn’t expect my mother to be trying to marry me off.

“I know you don’t like big events, but just think about it. We’ll hold masquerade balls where we invite fairies from all of the Kingdoms, which lets you meet all of the eligible women from around the Realm. At the same time, we get to build up our alliances.”

“Balls? Did you say balls as in plural?”

“Yes,” Her eyes lit up. She really does love her parties, “Three masquerade balls will be held once a week, each with a different theme. It’s going to be so much fun.”

“It sounds like you already planned everything.” I narrowed my eyes at her. “When is this set for?”

“Next week. The final ball would be on your actual birthday.”

I was in the middle of chewing and choked on my bite.

“You’ve been planning this for a while then?”

“Not too long.” She looked down at her food innocently, and I knew there was no way I was getting out of this.

“If I agree to this, do I have to pick a bride?”

“Not at all…but I’m certain you’ll find someone…and I have the perfect costumes for you!” She squealed a little at the end, and I was certain I was in for a month of misery with these balls.

“I assume you’ve sent out the invitations already?”

“They’ll be delivered tomorrow.”

“I see. I get the feeling you only told me about the ball as a courtesy instead of actually asking if I wanted a birthday party.”

“This will be good for you though, for the whole Kingdom.

“Right...is it too late to include a few guests of my own?”

“Is it Eleanor?” She smiled broadly at me.

“Yes, but I thought she might like it if I also invited her cousin, Miss Jacinta’s daughter.”

“That’s a good idea, I’ll add them to the list. How about we invite the whole family?”

I could hear the excitement in my mother’s voice, and I wondered how my mother could be so poised and regal one moment but so excitable the next. At least, she let me invite Eleanor, which was a win in and of itself.

Eleonor

“The post has arrived.” Sylvie waved around our letters as she walked into the room. “One for Aria, one for me…oh, and one for Eleonor.” She unceremoniously dumped the letter on the desk in front of me.

It was the first piece of mail I had received since arriving, so I quickly picked up the envelope and opened it to find a letter from my mother. She wrote about how proud and happy she was for me and about how much she missed me. There was nothing unexpected about the letter until the end where she told me we had been invited to the Queen’s masquerade ball and that I needed to return home the night before the ball to get my dress fitted as it was a bit last minute.

I groaned out loud before I realized I was still in the same room as Aria and Sylvie.

“No one needs to know about your pathetic mail, keep it to yourself if it’s that miserable.” Aria rolled her eyes at me before turning to Sylvie. “Are you going to Prince Kiran’s birthday ball?” She said it a little too loudly, most likely ensuring I heard her.

“Yes, I’m still thinking about what to wear, but I’ll be there.”

“Prince Kiran will be choosing his future bride after the third ball.” Aria threw her hair back over her shoulder. “That’s why only the most important people from each Kingdom are invited. I’m sorry you don’t get to go, Eleonor.” Of course, that’s what she was getting at, just trying to rub it in my face how much better than me she thought she was.

“Actually, my family and I were all invited,” I said in my sweetest voice. “That must make us important, too.”

“Oh, Eleonor, you don’t have to pretend. I wouldn’t have expected you of all people to be invited. Don’t worry about it though, Sylvie and I can tell you all about it when we come back next week."

“How kind of you.” I gave them my best sarcastic tone as I walked to my room. I didn’t need to prove anything to them, they’d be proven wrong when they saw me at the ball anyway.

Kiran

“Have you heard about the ball this weekend?” I took my seat next to Eleonor at our usual table. I was certain she'd heard about the ball as all the chatter on campus was about the ball.

“Yes, I received word from my mother last night. She’s expecting me back home in two days so that I can attend, but I’m not sure about going yet.”

“You don’t want to go?” I looked at her surprised.

“I’ve never found parties very enjoyable, but my mother insists on going."

“I’m not too fond of parties either, but if you go, then we can keep each other company.”

“I’m sure you’ll be too busy with all of your guests to have much time for me. Besides, I’m a terrible dancer, and you’ll want to dance with someone who knows what they’re doing.”

I laughed at her comment, “I’m a pretty terrible dancer, too.”

“Prince Kiran,” Aria sauntered over to our desk acting like she owned the world. “What’s your favorite flower?” I groaned internally, wondering what the reason was for her line of questioning.

“I like red roses.”

“What a perfect choice, they're my favorite as well." She smiled at me, “Do you prefer sapphires or emeralds?”

“Emeralds?” I furrowed my brow and looked at Aria in confusion, but she didn’t appear phased.

“And, what is your favorite animal?”

“I like mice.”

’How interesting.” She furrowed her brow and gave me a small wave before heading back to her seat, not even acknowledging Eleonor.

“What was that about?”

“No idea,” I shrugged, “But I gave her all wrong answers, so it doesn’t matter much to me anyway.”

“What?” Eleonor laughed, “Why?”

“She doesn’t deserve my real answers, only certain special people get to know the real me, and she’s not included in that group.” I winked at Eleonor, hoping she knew she was included in that group. She blushed prettily and looked away as our professor entered the room.

I let my gaze linger on Eleanor for longer than usual. She was quite a beautiful woman with her long blonde hair and green eyes. I’d be blind not to notice, but I had never gotten the notion to flirt with her until just now. Would it be possible that Eleonor could be more than just my friend?"