The Magic of Aurelian

Kiran

“How have you been enjoying the masquerade?” My father had accompanied me to the archery range. We had come out here together since I was a young boy.

“Did mother put you up to that question?” I laughed because he didn’t need to respond for me to know the answer.

“You know how your mother is, she noticed you had gone off with the same young woman at both balls, so she wanted me to ask.”

“Well, you can tell Mother that liking a girl doesn’t mean I’m going to rush off and marry her.”

“She knows that, she’s just excited for you to find our next Queen.”

“I’ll find her when I find her…” I paused to shoot an arrow, hitting my mark. “I won’t deny liking Lady Ella. She’s a lovely woman, and she makes me laugh and feel at ease…” I trailed off watching my father shoot his arrow.

“But?”

“But? I didn’t say but.”

“You didn’t have to,” He chuckled. “It’s written all over your face.”

“I know you weren’t thrilled about the masquerade and are only doing this to appease your mother. I still get a bit anxious around large crowds myself. I’m just lucky your mother is the Queen, and I’m only her consort.”

“It’s alright, Father, my anxiety has improved a lot over the years. This actually doesn’t have to do with my anxiety, though.”

“Oh,” He stopped mid-draw to look at me. “What is it about then?”

I debated whether or not to tell him what I was going through, but eventually gave in as I knew he’d have good advice for me. He has always been the first person I go to for advice.

“Lady Ella has captured my interest, and I enjoy spending time with her. As I said, her presence puts me at ease. It’s just that there’s a girl from school that has also captured my interest. Eleonor, her father is one of Mother’s guards.”

“So, you feel conflicted about your feelings for these two women?”

“Yes, but I don’t want to play around with either of their feelings while I figure this out.”

“I see. Have you told either of them how you feel?”

“No, but I’m certain they both have some idea.”

“Well, then that’s my suggestion. Talk to them. If one of them doesn’t feel the same way as you, then there’s your solution.”

“And if they both reciprocate?” I asked feeling even more confused.

“Then come see me again after that, and we'll figure out your next step.” He laughed as he turned back to shoot his arrow.”

I headed back to Aurelian that evening, and I promised myself I’d talk to Eleonor about my feelings the first chance I got.

A few days passed, and I was still no closer to talking to Eleonor than I had been when I spoke to my father. To be honest, most women came on to me, so I had never had to get a woman’s attention before. I kept getting tongue-tied every time I tried bringing it up, and then I’d remember how she pushed me away when I almost kissed her. Did she push me away because she doesn’t like me that way?

“Did you see that our afternoon classes were canceled?” I looked up as Eleonor spoke.

“No, but that’s good, it gives me extra time to finish my report.”

“You haven’t finished?”

“No, these dratted balls have taken up too much time, so I’m falling behind.”

“How about we go to the library, and I’ll help you finish? Then you can take me to dinner as a thank you.”

“Deal, let’s go.”

We spent the next few hours working on my report and then headed out to the city for dinner. This time, we went to a little cafe that Eleonor knew about. After eating, we walked along the shops before ending up at a park.

It was the perfect time to talk to her. We had enjoyed ourselves and laughed throughout dinner, and now she was smiling as she sat on the grass looking up at the stars.

“Are those stars better than mine?” I gave her my best smirk so she’d know I was joking, and it worked as she giggled.

“They’re real, so they’re wonderful…but yours were also wonderful as they were from the heart.” She blushed prettily and looked down at the grass, running her hand along the soft blades. I took my chance and intertwined my hand with hers. She paused but didn’t move her hand away. That was a good sign!

I sat up a bit and scooted closer to Eleonor.

“Eleonor, there’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about for a few days now.”

“Yes, what about?” I lifted her chin so that she’d look at me as I talked, and I could feel my nerves threatening to overtake me, but I pushed on.

“Eleonor, these past few weeks I have enjoyed getting to know you, and I’ve realized that I have feelings for you…romantic feelings.” I cleared my throat, certain she could hear the slight tremor in my voice, but I continued anyway. “I was wondering if you might reciprocate my feelings.”

“Kiran, I…” She looked down and pulled her hand away from mine. My heart dropped, knowing what was coming next. “I think we work best as friends. You need someone by your side who will make a good queen, and I don’t think that’s me. I truly value your friendship, though, and I would like to remain friends.”

“Yes, of course. I understand. I value our friendship as well, and I will respect your feelings. Shall we head back to school now?”

We walked back quietly, and I dropped her off at her building. I felt sad, but at the same time, I got the answer I needed. My heart still felt conflicted, but if Eleanor didn’t want me, then I had to respect her and move forward.

Eleonor

I cried myself to sleep last night. I didn’t even care if Aria and Sylvie heard me. I did what was best for Kiran, and now I have to do the same as Lady Ella. I planned on revealing my identity at the next ball, but now it didn’t feel right. The lies just kept growing, but now I was more confused. Did he have feelings for both me and Lady Ella? Was he confused, or was he playing with our hearts? But Kiran wasn’t like that, right?

My head ached and my eyes were swollen, but I got up anyway to head to class. Aria and Sylvie were having breakfast in our suite, so I put my head down hoping to avoid them as I left.

“There you are! Poor little Eleonor. You know, we heard you last night. What could have possibly made you so sad, little Eleonor?” She smiled even though her question was anything but humorous.

“Rumor is that Kiran will be announcing his future bride at this last ball.”

“Good for him, but I fail to see what that has to do with me.”

“Oh, Eleonor. Let’s not pretend you don’t look at Kiran with little hearts in your eyes.”

I stepped back as she came up to me. “Know your place,” She shoved me, and I stumbled back. “You’re not queen material. Kiran needs someone who is his equal.”

“Aria, we need to go now or we’ll be late.” Sylvie headed to the door but Aria made her way to the counter where she picked up her coffee. She walked back my way, and before I could react, proceeded to spill her nearly full mug onto my dress.

“Oops, you’ll want to clean that up before heading to class.” With that, they both walked out the door.

I was already an emotional wreck from last night, so the tears fell easily as I looked down at my ruined dress. I headed to my room and changed, then I scrubbed my dress so that the coffee wouldn’t leave a stain. I also cleaned up the mess on the floor so it wouldn't leave a sticky spot.

By the time I finished cleaning up, I was too late to make it to class, so I just waited for my next one. A knock sounded at the door, and I opened it to reveal Kiran.

“Eleonor, you're here. You weren’t in class, so I was worried. I asked Sylvie and Aria if they had seen you but all they said was that you were being lazy this morning. That’s not like you, so I had to come and see for myself how you really are.”

“I’m alright, I just spilled some coffee on my dress this morning right as I was leaving. I’m so clumsy, so I had to change and clean up. By the time I finished, it was too late for class. Nothing’s wrong, just me being clumsy.” I smiled up at him, but he looked back at me skeptically.

“Are you sure that’s all?”

“Yes, how about we head to the dining hall and get some lunch? You can catch me up on how the class went.”

He nodded and we left, but I knew he thought something must be up. I didn’t tell him the truth because I didn’t want him to worry. I’d just get new roommates next year and all would be well.

I managed to make it through the day without another run-in with Aria, but it was now time to head back home for the final ball. I hid out in my room to make sure Aria and Sylvie had left, so I was later in leaving than usual. I got home rather late and ended up sleeping in the next morning. By the time I woke up, it was lunchtime, so I had lunch with my parents and brother before going to see Aunt Jacinta.

“Tonight is the mineral masquerade. I’ve been thinking about this for a while now, and at first, I thought we could go with sapphire, but then I thought that would be too obvious. Solara is already going as an amethyst and your mother and I have chosen topaz and aquamarine, so I was thinking of a diamond dress for you. It’s simple, and most ladies will opt for color tonight, so you'll stand out. Are you ready?”

I nodded and we headed to the living room like last time. The magic started up, this time in swirls of rainbow as the light hit the little diamonds starting to form on the fabric. Thin diamond and lace straps formed on my shoulders leading into a sweetheart neckline. The full skirt was a beautiful mixture of diamonds and lace.

“Oh, Mama, I think this is your best work yet.”

“Thank you, Solara, but I have one last piece. This dress isn’t permanent but will last a few more hours than the last one so that you can stay past midnight. However, I created these using a more permanent spell.” She pulled out a matching mask and jewelry set. Then she pulled out a box that she opened carefully.

“Here, Solara, help me get these on while I take out the shoes.” I stared at my reflection feeling absolutely beautiful. Solara had put my hair up with little crystals all around, and we’d gone with glossy pink lipstick this time.

“Here we are,” I turned and saw Aunt Jacinta holding a pair of what looked like diamond-encrusted slippers. “They’re made of crystal, not diamond as that was much too hard to work with, but they match the dress.”

“Aunt Jacinta, you’ve really outdone yourself this time. I can’t believe all the work you’ve put in for me.”

“Oh, Eleonor, I’m your godmother, I’d do anything for you, just like I would for my own children.”

“Me, too, you’re as good as my sister,” Solara chimed in, “Now drink this, I went with blue this time.” She handed me the color-changing potion for my eyes, and then the two went off to finish getting ready.

I was dressed and looked amazing, but I wasn’t ready for the ball tonight, at least not emotionally. I had to go, though, if only to cut things off with Kiran.