Lakita looked at herself in the mirror, examining the dress designed to celebrate her coming of age ball. It was a beautiful, light cream color, with silver and blue swirls coming up from the base. The fabric was light and formed to her body perfectly, flowing out a bit once it hit her hips. Her sleeves were long, and the opening flared out and fell to the floor, almost as long as the dress itself. The top left her collarbone exposed so she could show off the family jewel, a beautiful opal set in a halo of diamonds, but didn't show off any cleavage.

"It's beautiful. Make sure the people who made this are paid handsomely." She smiled at the woman working on the alterations.

The entire kingdom had come together to celebrate their princess. She was the gift that wasn't supposed to exist but had given the kingdom hope.

Lakita was special to them. She was the first royal in over 300 years to be blessed by the gods. Her parents had known right away that she was special. Her mother hadn't felt any pain during childbirth, and their baby girl was born with perfect health. They had given her the name Lakita, an old-world name meaning treasure, wanting the kingdom to know how special she was.

As she grew, so did the health of the people. Those dying from sickness had suddenly become healthy. Fruit trees that were once barren now provided fruit faster than some of the farmers could keep up with. Winters were not as harsh, and the fish returned to the sea.

She truly was a gift to the land.

"You look beautiful, Kita." A deep voice said behind her, causing her to look over her shoulder.

"Thank you, Hwa. The people did an amazing job." She watched as her brother came to stand beside her in the mirror.

It was easy to tell that Lakita and Seonghwa were related. They both had striking, platinum blonde hair, another trait only the royal family had. They also had kind eyes and soft smiles.

"Are Mother and Father back yet?" She looked at him hopefully.

"No... not yet. They are trying though." He took her hand in his and squeezed gently.

Even though Seonghwa was only five years older than her, he had practically raised Kita. She understood why, her parents were very busy tending to matters in the kingdom, but they were barely home.

"I know they are." She moved to smooth out her dress. "Is everything ready for tonight?"

Her brother laughed and ruffled her hair. "That is not for you to worry about." Then he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small box. "Happy birthday baby sister."

Kita took the box and carefully opened it. Inside was an opal ring matching her necklace. "Hwa, it's beautiful, but you shouldn't have."

"Yes, I should have. Every girl deserves to get something pretty for her birthday." He kissed her forehead and walked out of the room.

Kita watched him go then placed the ring on her right ring finger. Its rainbow surface rippled in the sunlight coming from her window.

She spent the rest of the day getting ready. Maids came in to braid her long hair, weaving pearls into it to add accents. They draped the braid over her shoulder then helped her apply some light makeup.

"Thank you, ladies. Please, go get some rest before tonight. And, take some time to enjoy yourselves too." She returned the maids bows with a smile and slight nod of her head.

A few minutes later, there was a light knock on her door. "Come in." She called. "Mother! Father!" She cried out when they came into her room. They hurried to her and brought her into a tight embrace.

"Happy birthday, Sweetheart." Her mother said, placing her hands on either side of her daughter's face. "Oh, you look lovely."

"I'm so glad you could make it back in time." Kita beamed at them both.

"So are we, and we have a surprise for you." Her father winked at her, holding his hands behind his back.

"What is it?"

"If we told you then it wouldn't be a surprise." The queen chuckled. "Now your brother will be here shortly to escort you to the main hall. We'll see you down there." She kissed her forehead and Kita watched her parents leave the room, arm in arm.

As promised, Seonghwa came a few minutes later, looking rather handsome in white slacks, knee high boots, and a refined navy-blue jacket. He bowed to her playfully, waving his arm in a big circle, before extending it for her to take.

They could hear music the closer they got to their destination. Kita straightened a little at the sound. She turned to look at her brother, who was failing to hide his smile. "Do your duty first, then you can go see him."

"Fiiiine." Kita whined, but her smile got brighter.

The music stopped when they came into view of the guests.

"Presenting His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Seonghwa, and Princess Lakita." Clapping echoed around them as they descended the staircase, bowing their heads to anyone they made eye contact with. They slowly made their way over to join their parents, getting stopped frequently by people wanting to wish Kita happy birthday.

She thanked each one of them for their kindness and made sure to shake hands with anyone who offered it. Just her touch alone could ease a weary soul, and it made her feel better seeing the happiness it brought to her people.

When they reached the King and Queen seated at the head of the ballroom, Kita had to work hard to stay focused on them when she could feel a pair of eyes watching her every move.

"Thank you all for travelling so far from home to help us celebrate our precious daughter's birthday. Please, eat, drink, and enjoy." The King said, clapping his hands and motioning to the buffet tables set up at the far end of the room.

They had set it up so that there was no sit-down feast. The royal family prided itself in the fact that they mingled with their people as often as possible, and a formal sit-down dinner separated them from their guests. Tables of food were set up in various parts of the palace and outside in the courtyard. The entire kingdom had been invited, but because of Kita, there was no shortage of food.

The music started again, but Kita still had to fight the urge to break away from her family. They had a few noble families they still had to greet.

Seonghwa reached over and pinched her arm when he noticed her fidgeting, and she could hear her father chuckle. "I guess you figured out what our surprise is. Go. Have fun." He kissed her on the forehead and Kita hugged him quickly before walking into the crowd.

She still took her time, stopping to speak with anyone who approached her.

When the last person bowed to her before walking away, Kita bit her lip and walked over to the performers, looking for one in particular.