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Chapter 19 - Thalmyra's Birthday

Lior arrived at the kingdom of Myrrhvalen using the carriage. They didn't expect that they would be fetched by the kingdom's carriage. When it arrived at the hollow, the hollow's people almost killed the guard and the one maneuver because they thought that they were being attacked by the Water kingdom. And the guard of it is also ready to fight that create a small commotion

 

When Lior heard about the 'attack' of the Water kingdom, Lior immediately went there, and she and her friends arrived at the scene. That's when they found out that they were being fetched by the command of the first princess of Myrrhvalen

 

Even when they are travelling through the valley of the ocean, they still feel the glare of the security of the carriage. They arrive at the kingdom, not that long since the carriage drove fastly

 

"I really thought you would not come. And just to agree to my invitation out of respect. But I'm very thankful that you're here…" Thalmyra exclaimed as they got out of the carriage

 

"How can we not come here when we are fetch?" Lior teased, which made Thalmyra giggle

 

"By the way, the others are there already, let's go…" Thalmyra grabbed Lior and Kira's hands and pulled them inside the castle

 

The kingdom, with its blue theme, was nice. Design by how the ocean represents. It's not their first time coming around, but they still pretend that they are mesmerized by the beauty of the palace

 

They see how Thalmyra smiles when she sees them admire the beauty of the castle, without knowing that they have been there plenty of times

 

They stopped at the big door, and they thought that they would be there, but Thalmyra faced the 3 boys, following them

 

"You go inside to change. Your clothes do not fit the theme…" They all understand what Thalmyra means, since they are all wearing black, and not really suitable with the theme party

 

The boys go inside, and they continue walking to the other room. When they went inside the room, they saw a lot of dresses, full of lines, colorful dresses.

 

Lior is used to wearing colorful dresses since she always wears colorful dresses at Hollow, but for Kira, who was used to wearing black, it might be hard for her

 

Lior looks at Kira, but Kira just smiles at Lior, saying it's okay. Lior smiles back and goes near Kira

 

"Don't force if you don't like. We can talk to Thalmyra about it," Lior whispered to Kira in concern

 

"It's okay. I will try" Kira assured that makes Lior feel assured

 

She smiles and follow Thalmyra go near to the hanging dresses "Choose your dresses first and I will be back…" thalmyra said and leave them to some maid

 

But the maid, look at them at strange look. Smiles to them to give some happy vibes but they just rolled their eyes

 

One thing, about lior is when she give positive vibe she doesn't one negative. Lior use her black magic to pull the maids who was about to leave them

 

"Leave us here and you will leave this world forever…" lior said in warning tone that made you shiver in scared

 

The maids look at her, scared.

 

But lior just raised her eyebrow with a serious look.

 

Lior and Kira stood side by side before the gilded mirror, the hush of the dressing room wrapping around them like velvet.

 

Lior's gown was a midnight reverie—deep navy blue cascading in layered waves, embroidered with golden constellations that shimmered like secrets. Her corseted bodice held her like a promise, while sheer puffed sleeves floated at her shoulders, tied with ribbons that whispered with every breath.

 

Beside her, Kira glowed in blush and brilliance. Her pink gown sparkled with sequins and pearls, the off-shoulder neckline edged in lace like a soft sigh. The voluminous tulle skirt caught the light with every shift, a glittering cloud that made her look like she'd stepped out of a dream spun from sugar and stars.

 

They didn't speak. They didn't need to. The mirror reflected not just dresses—but the quiet awe of two girls seeing themselves as something more than beautiful. Something radiant. Something ready.

 

The devilness once look like are now look like an angel. So innocent with the ball dresses that they are wearing

 

"I didn't know you would be this beautiful in pink…" Lior teased, but kira just rolled her eyes and left Lior standing in front of the mirror

 

They sat down in the chair where the makeup artist was waiting. When they sat down, the makeup artist stared at them. Doesn't know what to do with their faces

 

They both look at it, puzzled. "Is there anything wrong?" Kira asks in her emotionless tone

 

The makeup artist opens her mouth, but there is no voice coming out as if they are cast by a spell

 

For a moment that the makeup artist was stunned by them before she spoke, "You don't need makeup, princess."

 

"We are not a princess," Lior corrected

 

To be exact, Lior is a princess, but she doesn't like to be addressed as one. She believes they don't have a kingdom, so why address her with that title?

 

She may be the daughter of the leader, but they don't have a kingdom to rule with, so why bother with that title

 

The makeup artist immediately bowed to ask for forgiveness for her mistake

 

They dismissed the people around them, including the maids, leaving the two of them waiting for their friends

 

Not long after, when the door opens, revealing the two princesses and five duchesses

 

First to step through was Princess Thalmyra, her sky-blue gown trailing like a whisper of dawn. The corset shimmered with frost-kissed embroidery, and sheer sleeves floated beside her like clouds. She moved with the calm certainty of someone born to carry light.

 

Behind her, Princess Glacielle glided in a gown of icy elegance—crystal chains and snowflake motifs catching the light like frozen stars. Her gloves gleamed, her hair cascading like winter wind, and the room seemed to chill in awe.

 

Vilkaessa followed, her gown a storm of pink marbling and ruffled fire. The gradient of her dress deepened with every step, swirling patterns alive with motion. She was a tempest wrapped in silk.

 

Thalyn entered next, ethereal in pale blue and mint. Her layered gown flowed like water over stone, and the word "October" whispered from her hem as if the month itself had dressed her.

 

Elwyn arrival was a hush of lavender and peach, her high collar and gold filigree casting her in celestial regality. She looked like dusk meeting starlight, her sleeves puffed with quiet drama.

 

Lithwyn stepped in, her gown a cascade of floral embroidery and sheer tulle. The cape-like train drifted behind her like a garden in bloom, and the lace-up bodice held her like a secret.

 

Veyla followed, her ballgown a soft gradient of green to ivory, floral appliqués blooming across her sleeves. She was serenity incarnate, a breath of spring in a room of stars.

 

And finally, Skira—draped in green and white, her gown trailing like forest mist. Floral vines curled down her bodice, and the sheer shoulder piece gave her the air of a queen born from the earth itself.

 

Kira and Lior, who was sitting in the high chair, turned slowly. Their eyes widened—not in envy, but in wonder. The room, once quiet, now pulsed with color, texture, and the unspoken stories stitched into every hem.

 

Even the girls who just arrive was shock of the looks of Lior and Kira. Lior and kira stand up and approach the girls

 

"Wow… SO beautiful…" Glacielle commented

 

They talk for a while, commenting each other before they decided to go to the hall where Thalmyra's birthday will be held

 

When they arrive at the hall, someone assisted Thalmyra to the other door, while Lior and the others are escorted to the main door going to the party

 

Lior was shock, big eyes seeing the crowded hall. Lior breath deep and exhale, calming herself. She couldn't explain why but there's something inside her that she couldn't explain but she feel scared

 

She keeps on smiling as what the other did but deep inside of her she is scared, she doesn't know why.

 

When Lior spot Jex, she walk fast and immediately hug him even though Jex is talking to the royalties and duke the same age as them. Jex is her safe place. Her breath is uneven that immediately jex rubbed her back to calm her

 

Lior doesn't mind about the people around them because at the moment she is scared and she couldn't hide anymore

 

Her other friends - Thorne, Kira, and Keal- approach them, worried and trying to consol Lior

 

"What happen to you?" it was Yrion, sounds worried

 

Lior didn't answer but just rested her whole being towards her friend

 

Just a moment, Lior pulled at the hug and give Jex a sweet smile. Then the ceremony of the party begin

 

"Please let's welcome our celebrant princess Thalmyra Ondrissea Virellithen of Myrrhvalen…" and round of appluase that make it create a noise

 

Then Thalmyra walk down from the stairs, with admiration from the people round them. When Thalmyra reach down, people, like an ant reaching for sweetfood, they approach thalmira and greet her happy birthday

 

While Lior, who is smiling seeing her friends being happy on her day. And her friends having a talk, Kira talking to Terren, Keal talking to Glacielle, while Thorned couldn't leave his eyes to the birthday girl and other's talking to other people leaving Lior with the two boys - Yrion who couldn't take his eyes to Lior and Jex who keeps on looking to Lior worried

 

Lior roam her eyes around and spot to a man, ocean blue hair, wearing a white coat adorned with gold embroidery and epaulettes that shimmered like sunlight on water. A deep blue cape cascaded behind him, catching the breeze with a regal whisper. His teal shirt peeked from beneath the coat, softened by a neatly tied white cravat, while tall brown boots laced to the knee grounded his elegance in quiet strength.

 

He spoke with nobles and young guests alike, his words thoughtful, his posture graceful. Though surrounded by formality, he carried himself with warmth—less like a ruler, more like a bridge between worlds.

 

Lior leaned near to her right where Yrion is standing and whispered "Who is that man?" she ask pointing to the man busy talking to the nobles

 

"That's the crown prince…" Lior faced Yrion in shock, couldn't believe " Prince Brinlor Ondravael Aquenessa, Thalmyra's older brother"

 

Lior's eyes widened at what Yrion said. Even though they had trespassed into the palace several times before, she had never seen that man—not once.

 

She turned her gaze back to him, and this time, she couldn't look away. His presence pulled her in like a spell. He was beautiful—too beautiful.

 

"New crush unlocked?" Jex whispered from her left, making Lior snap her head toward him.

 

She gave him a shy smile and quickly signed 'shhh,' which only made him laugh.

 

She looked back at the man again, but panicked when their eyes suddenly met. He was walking toward them.

 

"Welcome…" the man said, and Lior quickly turned her head away.

 

The crown prince was now standing in front of her—but not facing her. He was speaking to Yrion. Lior relaxed a little, thinking he hadn't noticed her.

 

But then, her eyes flew wide open when the prince turned and looked straight at her. She quickly hid her reaction when she saw the seriousness of the person and stared back

 

"I hope you won't cause any trouble here…" he said, his voice sharp with judgment.

 

Lior grabbed Jex's hand to stop him from reacting. She could feel his anger rising beside her.

 

"You don't have to worry, Your Highness," Lior said firmly. "As long as we're not threatened, we won't harm your kingdom."

 

The prince gave a polite smile—the same kind he gave to everyone else. "That's good," he replied.

But Lior raised one eyebrow, showing the prince her usual attitude.

 

She walked away from the scene and stepped out onto the terrace to calm herself. Her heart felt heavy. She thought she had found a new crush, but it turned out he saw her as a threat.

 

She leaned her elbows on the railing, trying to breathe. She thought she'd be adding someone to her crush collection—but apparently, not today.

 

Then she felt someone behind her. She turned—and saw the man who had just broken her heart.

 

"I'm Thalmyra's older brother. You can call me Brin," he said.

 

Lior just stared at him.

 

She tried to walk past, but he gently grabbed her arm, stopping her beside him.

 

"Let go, Your Highness," she said, her voice shaking.

 

But the prince didn't let go. Instead, he guided her back toward the terrace and stood in front of her, placing both hands on either side, trapping her between his arms.

 

"Don't be rude. I'm talking nicely," he said, his voice soft and teasing.

 

Lior pushed him aside.

 

"Lior, Your Highness," she said, introducing herself with pride.

 

The prince smiled.

 

He stood beside her, looking out over the palace grounds. "I didn't mean to be rude, I—"

 

"I understand, Your Highness," Lior interrupted. "You're just protecting your kingdom. You'll be the next ruler, after all."

 

The prince chuckled. "That tone is scary. Can you be a little gentler with me, Lior?"

 

She looked at him, confused by what he meant.

 

"I want to see that smile again," he said.

 

Lior's eyes widened. He had noticed her earlier.

 

She quickly looked away, feeling her cheeks warm.

 

Then, slowly, a smile formed on her heart-shaped lips. He had noticed her. Really noticed her.

 

She thought she'd be heartbroken—but she wasn't.

 

Looks like she just added someone new to her crush collection.

 

The birthday party ended late into the night, and as soon as Lior and Kira reached their shared cabin, they collapsed onto the bed, exhausted.

 

"That was one wild party…" Kira groaned, and Lior nodded in agreement.

 

But for Lior, the night hadn't been all fun. The prince kept throwing sharp glances her way, even after their so-called "nice" conversation—which she now realized was just him fishing for information about the Lithzaruun incident.

 

She was beyond annoyed. The prince had flirted with her in every possible way, knowing full well he already had a fiancée.

 

Lior wanted to scream, maybe even throw a punch. But instead, she buried her face into the pillow, trying to hide how angry she was.

 

She thought she'd found someone worth liking. Turns out, he was just another royal playing games.

 

Still, as the cabin grew quiet and the night wrapped around them, Lior let out a long sigh. Maybe tomorrow would be different. Maybe she'd stop thinking about him.

 

Or maybe… she wouldn't.

 

And so, with her heart still tangled in confusion, Lior drifted off to sleep—half mad, half enchanted.

 

 

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