"There! Now you look like a proper royal!" Nour states proudly as she finishes smoothing back Reyna's hair.

"I don't feel like one." Reyna groans before glancing at the mirror to examine her reflection. She disliked every bit of her appearance right now, but there was no way she was going to tell her maids that after all their hard work. The gown she wore, a simple one strap light blue with pale blue feathers lining the top, a wide brown cloth belt with gold embroidering wrapped around her waist and a large blue cloth also wrapped around her waist to trail behind her, belonged to her grandmother. She remembered how her grandmother would take it out of her closet to let her try it as a child despite it being too large for her tiny frame and promising her that she'll get to wear it when she grew older, and now here she was years later wearing it for a wedding to someone who didn't even love her. Disappointing.

"Oh and the king said that you and your husband will have to do the portrait another day, the guests arrived a bit late and had to freshen themselves up, so we need to get you to the throne room." Nour says as Reyna stands. "So, are you ready or is there something else you need for your appearance?"

"Paint. Just some white paint, it's something I remember my grandmother telling me that's required for a Skywing on their wedding."

"Oh of course."

In a few minutes, a small jar of white paint was brought to Reyna, along with several different sized brushes and some wet towels just in case. With Nkur and another maid's help, Reyna carefully reapplied the paint to her ears, adding small dots to both wrists and the upper part of her arms and some on her chest to look like she had pearls draped around her neck before declaring herself perfect.

"I feel like something is missing." One maid comments with a frown. "I can't quite put my finger on it."

"What's missing?" Reyna asks in confusion.

"Hmm, your horn...do your people normally decorate them or put things on it?"

"Aisha!" One of the other maids exclaims.

"No we actually do put accessories on them, like ornaments to hang from them, sometimes even bands of metal or wood. We don't even wear rings, we put something that's meant to be the equivalent of one." Reyna explains and tapped her longer horn. "If I was marrying an elf, I would have put one on this horn during the ceremony."

"Oh rings! We were told you would have the wedding bands, do you know where they are?" Nour asks.

"No why would I-" Reyna stopped and looked to her closet. "Wait, his gift..."

She hurried over to the closet and grabbed the one parcel that was still wrapped close, tearing the paper to reveal a simple box that was clapped shut. Reyna carefully opened it to find the interior covered with a soft blue velvet cloth and seated in the middle were four metal arm bands, a pair of silver rings, and a single horn ornament along with a folded letter. She could feel tears coming to her eyes as she places the box on her bed and grabbed the letter to unfold it, finding a note written to her.

Dearest little crow, by the time you open this gift you would probably be prepared for your wedding. It brings an ache to my heart that neither me, Ibis, Ikaros, Cici or your grandparents would be there to hand you off to your husband - but we will be with you there in spirit.

It was a privilege and an honor to be your father for these past twelve years, getting to raise you to be the feisty elf you are today since you came into my forge after getting into a fight with some other children. I hope someday our people, the dragons and the humans will make peace and we can see you again. Don't you lose that spark in you my little crow, don't let these people ever douse your spirit.

With love, your father, Zolar

By the time she was done reading the letter, Reyna was in tears. The reminder that she wouldn't be able to see her family again hurt, yet Zolar still had hope that she'll get to see them again. Of her three fathers she was closest to him, always there to comfort her when she was sick or upset, always there to guide her and taught her how to fend for herself properly. Her heart ached knowing he and their family were missing her and couldn't be here with her, and it made her want to tear this damned dress off and fly back home to them where she felt safe and loved. At least here, she had something from him and her family to bring her comfort, especially the rings. It made her smile to know that she at least would have a bit of one of her fathers with her at times, a comforting thought.

"They're here, I have them here." She manages to say, her voice shaking as she picked up the rings from the box. Before closing it, she removed the horn hand and carefully slipped it onto her right horn until it was secured before slipping the golden arm bands onto both of her arms, fitting them perfectly between the dots she painted earlier.

"My lady, are you ready now?" Nour asks carefully as Reyna wiped the tears from her face.

"No, but let's just get this over with."

---

Reyna was already having regrets, standing with her back to the door with a bouquet of flowers Kasef's siblings had picked for her to hold and gripping the stems so tight, she was sure the poor thing would break in her grasp. All eyes were on her right now, the royal families of the human kingdoms on the left and the important families of Neolandia on the right, and Reyna could sense the scrutiny from them.

It's okay, you got this. She tells herself as she takes a deep breath and exhaled before taking a few steps forward. Just act like they're not here and focus on getting to the front of the room. You're used to being stared at back at home, you can handle this sort of attention even if it makes you uncomfortable.

She could still feel all eyes on her as she walks up to the front of the room, every one of these humans staring right at her before soon approaching Kasef. He was dressed somewhat simply as well, a simple white tunic and brown pants with a black and brown robe with the sleeves a ends embroidered with gold thrown over it, his hair braided this time and with his bangs pushed back, only a small tuff sticking up a bit.

"You look uncomfortable." She comments as she took his hand to allow him to lead her up the steps where a woman dressed in pale white and gold robes was waiting for them.

"Father always makes me brush my hair back for these ridiculous occasions. I hate slicking my bangs back." Kasef responds.

"Well now you know how uncomfortable I feel right now."

"Esteemed guests, we are gathered here today to witness the union between these two youths and hope it sparks a sliver of peace between their people." The woman states loudly as she lifts her hands upwards. "May our ancient ancestors and gods see to it that this union is meant to be! If not, give us a sign!"

What an odd way to start a wedding ceremony. Reyna thought as she glanced behind her. I wonder what sort of sign she is looking for to know if this union is meant to be?

After a few moments of complete silence, the woman lowers her hands and says, "Our gods and ancestors have spoken, this union between Reyna Alouette Taube and prince Kasef of Neolandia shall commence. Please, step forward."

Reyna gulped nervously as Kasef took her hand to lead her up the steps again and knelt, gently tugging at her to follow. She follows in suit, placing the bouquet aside to adjust her skirt properly before grabbing the flowers and facing the woman.

"Marriage is a sacred moment in our lives when two souls bond to become one. Today we bind these two young souls and pray to you ancestors and gods to see their marriage through, through sickness and health, through thick and thin until death do them part. Please stand." The woman offers her hands to them, which they take as she surprisingly managed to lift them o to their feet with no problem. "Now face each other and take each others hands. Do you, prince Kasef, swear in front of these witnesses to protect, love and guide this woman as your wife?"

Kasef glances at the crowd before looking back to Reyna. She could see the skepticism in his eyes right now as he says, "I do."

"And you, Reyna Alouette Taube, swear in front of these witnesses to protect, love and guide this man as your husband?"

"I...I do." Reyna responds softly and swallows nervously before saying loudly, "I do!"

It felt very weird to hold Kasef's hands, but oddly comforting. Her own hands dwarfed in comparison, yet his felt almost as rough and calloused as Zolar's, which made her want to cry a bit. The woman placed both hands on their clasped hands and closed her eyes, quietly murmuring something before opening them and lifts her arms up.

"The union is complete, may you two go forward in peace and let your marriage prosper. The rings please."

Amir had stepped forward with the rings on a small cushion and presents them forward, allowing Reyna and Kasef to take one each.

"Shit." Kasef mutters as he's looking at her right hand's fingers. How amusing. Reyna then twitched her fourth finger to subtly show him where to place it before he slipped the ring on it and let's her slip the bigger ring onto the fourth finger of his own hand.

"That's what happens when whatever deity made elves decides to be funny and give us four fingers." She whispers and could have sworn she saw Kasef crack an amused smile before it was replaced by his usual frown. Well, at least he seemed to have a sense of humor.

Once the rings were placed on their fingers, the woman raised her hands up in the air. "Let these rings be a sign of your bond, and may you go and have a prosperous marriage. You may now kiss."

Oh gods, he had to kiss her, in front of everyone! Her now husband didn't look too enthusiastic about it either, so at least they were on the same page about that.

"Fuck it." The elf mutters, and the next thing she knew, she was grabbing him by the front of his tunic and yanking him down so he was at least somewhat leveled with her and pressed a kiss to his lips before quickly pulling away. She was feeling just as flustered as he was looking now, especially now that the guests were clapping and some (probably Kasef's family) cheering before her husband grabbed his hand and tugs her to the bottom of the steps. She lets him guide her out of the room past the guests and shut the doors behind them with a sigh, trying to ignore the faint sounds from the other side.

"Well that's out of the way now." Kasef says, startling the elf a bit. "And now we have to get a stupid portrait painted. "For history!" as my father and his right hand like to say. With how things are, I doubt historians would want to write about this in full detail."

"Kinda hard to gloss over that an elf became queen or consort, or whatever my title would be to a Neolandian king." Reyna says with a shrug, glancing at her bouquet. "I really don't care about making history, but I do hope whoever writes it won't write me in such a poor light and demonize me. Anyways, where are we supposed to go for this?"

"One of the royal gardens used mainly for painting. You'll find a lot of royal family portraits done in that garden thanks to the first queen." Kasef responds as he starts to walk off, Reyna following and struggling to keep up.

"Slow down! I wasn't blessed with ambler length legs like you!" She yells as she grabbed onto the sleeve of her husband's robe, forcing him to slow down. "Ugh, the gods really couldn't bless me with my mother's long legs. Just had to get the short ones!"

"You sound like my younger siblings when they're trying to chase me."

"They're between five and seven, of course they're gonna have little legs! And slow down!"

"What, you want me to carry you?"

"That's embarrassing, I'm a grown elf and I don't need- AHHH!"

Reyna hadn't noticed Kasef stop walking, but the second he did, he scooped her right into his arms. The elf failed and managed to throw her arms around the human's neck to steady herself before glancing up at him with a startled face. Well now he was blushing and she could feel her own cheeks heat up as well.

"Don't you dare drop me." Reyna says, breaking the tension.

"Don't tempt me." Kasef mutters but instead sets her down gently. "Come on, at least we'll be sitting and relaxing instead of socializing."

They soon reached the garden, a large room filled with beautiful flowers and trees. Reyna thought she had stepped into one of the lush forests of Xadia, all this place needed was maybe a few melodaisies, maybe one of those big trees with the large seeds that she, Cici and some younger elves liked to race on to the roots of their trees.

"This place...its beautiful." She comments as Kasef led her to some woven chairs surrounding a large table. "I've never seen so many flowers and trees in one place like this."

"Wait until you see the gardens of Evenere, the queen loves gardening so much that the other rulers prefer sending her seeds as gifts instead of jewelry and clothes." The prince says as they take a seat. "I don't hang out here much, not since my mother passed a few years ago. This place was special to her and my father for many reasons."

"Oh..." Okay now things were awkward. What was she even suppose to respond to this?

"Ah there you two are! Was wondering when you'd show up!" They hear someone say before a woman emerged from the plants, a large paint covered smock covering her partially paint covered clothes. "And a good thing too because - Oh! Oh, is that an elf?"

"No, just a human girl with some odd skin conditions." Reyna responds and the woman laughs. "Wait, you thought that was funny?"

"Well of course! Sarcasm is funny and now I understand the fuss those nobles were making a big deal of when one came to me for a painting of one of his birds, he was moaning and complaining that now that the prince had a wife, his daughter had no chance at becoming queen. And he wasn't about to marry her to the second prince either."

"Let me guess, councilman Ido was the man?" Kasef asks with a roll of his eyes. "Figures. His daughter had the biggest crush on me since we were children, but she's a spoiled brat and throws the worst tantrums that apparently I can only calm down."

"I'm guessing that's Noya? Nour and the other servants mentioned her to me yesterday." Reyna says with a shake of her head. "Haven't personally met her, but she smells like trouble. At least you're stuck with me as a wife and not her."

"I suppose that's one upside to this marriage."

"So, shall we behind with the painting session so you two can go back to the guests and enjoy your wedding party?" The painter asks as she motioned for the two to follow her to a large tree dotted with pale white flowers. "Usually the royal newlyweds want to be painted next to flowers, but I think that the white jasmine tree would be more fitting, don't you think?"

"Its...pretty." Reyna admits as she looks up at the towering tree as a single blossom fell. "But what does this sort of tree symbolize? My father said that painters like to sometimes put symbolism into their works, so usually certain details mean something."

"Ah you've gotten yourself a clever wife prince Kasef." The painter chuckles before picking up one of the fallen white flowers. "The white jasmine tree is meant to be a symbol of love and sensuality, even purity and modesty. I picked this tree because this same tree was the one Capella was painted under with her husband for their first portrait as king and queen of Neolandia. That was the dawn of a new age for the infant kingdom, and perhaps your marriage will spark a new dawn for both your people."

"A bit ironic to use a tree meant to represent love for a loveless marriage." Kasef comments and the painter chuckles.

"Perhaps it would seem so now, but perhaps in time you two will get over your dislike for each other and have love in your hearts, romantic or not."

"If he keeps up that awful attitude, I doubt it." Reyna mutters before sticking her tongue out at Kasef.

"Now now, let's be on our best behavior before you have to return to your guests. Alright I want you two to be facing each other and...clasp hands." The two did as they were told, then allowed the painter to adjust their heads to face her before she stepped back to examine them and shook her head. "No, that won't work. Oh, put your hands on her hips."

Reyna nearly burst out laughing at the flustered look on Kasef's face when he gingerly placed his fingertips on her hips, before the painter hurried forward and firmly placed then where she instructed. If the prince's blushing wasn't already obvious, his face was looking as red as a ruby potato.

"Must I do this?" Kasef asks, his voice a bit strained.

"I'm trying to at least capture an intimate moment between you two, just try not to get handsy with her."

"I doubt he can." Reyna states, amusement lacing her voice. "Something tells me you're not used to this."

"I'm not." Kasef mutters as their heads are turned to face each other. "This is stupid, can we just be standing side by side?"

"No, and this is the exact pose Capella and her beloved were in for their portrait!" The painter says cheerfully as she moves Reyna closer and moves her hands so they were now resting on the prince's chest "Aaaand...perfect! Now try to hold that pose for as long as possible. I'm going to be drawing you first before trying to paint, can't mess this up!"

"Oh joy..."

---

After what felt like hours of standing still, trying not to move or sneeze when a flower from the tree fell on them, the painter finally let them leave. Reyna was very sure that Kasef's face was going to be left permanently red from the excessive blushing, but the second he had released her and bolted out of the garden, she found him waiting outside looking like his usual self.

"So, shall we?" She says holding her hand out to him.

"I've held your hand enough for today, let's just go. The reception hall is located in one of the gardens." Kasef says with a roll of his eyes but she caught a slight blush appear on his cheeks.

"Wait how many gardens do you even have?!" Reyna asks as they start to walk.

"Like...three. One we use for parties like this and it has numerous plants imported from every kingdom except Xadia. Though that one pales in comparison to the Evenere queen's private gardens, which we'll probably see in the future."

Once the two had arrived at a set of glass doors where four guards stood outside. Two quickly disappeared inside while the other two waited before they were let in. The room was filled with even more flowers and trees than the previous garden, lanterns were strung up on the walls and trees while loud music played as guests were dining at tables or dancing.

"Announcing the newlyweds, prince Kasef of Neolandia and lady Reyna of Xadia!" One of the guards shouted as the music died down a bit for him to speak. Reyna felt Kasef take her hand, which surprised her, as the guests glanced over at them. All eyes were on them now, once more.

"Come on, I see my family ahead." Kasef whispers as the music resumed and the guests went back to what they were doing.

The two soon reached a large table covered with a white tablecloth where the royal family was seated, Zaria watching the guests with a look of disdain, Ahling happily chatting with a woman Reyna didn't regognize and Kasef's siblings either eating or chasing each other around the table.

"Reyna!" One of the kids yell before the rest ran up to crowd her.

"Seems more than one someone is happy to see me." The elf chuckles as the children tug them to the table. "Also I'm starving, all I had to eat this morning was just a single fruit!"

"Sorry about that, we just couldn't have our new bride be unable to fit into her wedding gown." An unfamiliar voice says as an older woman who looked around Zaria's age approached. "Forgive me for not introducing myself, I'm Khalen, Ahling's right hand. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person Reyna, you're quite...different than what we expected."

"I suppose you expected a more docile and soft spoken elf to be the bride?" Reyna asks. "Sorry to disappoint, and I don't plan to be any of those things while here."

"Not disappointed at all, though I do suggest you watch yourself with other council members. Some can be a bit...sensitive. But anyways, I'll have a servant bring you both some food, I take it you're not used to our strong spices right?"

"Unfortunately not." Reyna admits, recalling how she reacted last night with her meal.

"It's fine, I'll just have them serve you something with the amount of spice we give to the Katolians, they have a decent tolerance to some spice but not like the Duren people. Anyways, enjoy the festivities, maybe try to mingle with the guests when you have a chance with Ahling."

And with that, she left. Reyna let out a sigh of relief before turning to say something to her husband, only to find him gone.

"He went to go find his friend, wanna try this?" Amir says as he held out a plate to her with what looked like dessert pieces.

"Ooh what is this?" Reyna asks as she plucked up a small chocolate tart and bit into it, nearly gagging when it touched her tongue. "Oh gods what is in this?!"

"Cardamom, it's a spice." The teen responds cheerfully. "Kasef loves chocolate desserts with cardamom mixed into it, but I assure you not everything has it!"

"Ack...you guys really love putting spice in everything like a Sunfire elf."

"Well everything would taste bland if it didn't have some sort of spice, right?"

"Ah there you are Reyna!" They hear Ahling say as he approached them and pulled her into a hug. "It's so good you're now a member of the royal family, I promise we'll make your stay here as comfortable and fun as possible from now on. But this also means we'll have to start your royal education if you're going to be queen once I either retire or pass on, and that means you'll have to learn everything about the human kingdoms."

"Looking forward to it." Reyna says and rubbed the bridge of her nose with a sigh. "I just...I just hope this will at least kick start something good at least, maybe make some progress as peace with my homeland."

"I'm sure it will. The sooner that happens, the sooner we can perhaps hold trade with Xadia and perhaps your family can visit us and we can visit them." Ahling says as he takes her hands. "I'm sorry they can't be here to see you like this, your fathers, your sibling, your grandparents and other relatives - I'm sure back at home they're celebrating on their own and praying to see you again soon."

Praying, probably. Celebrating, I doubt it. Reyna thinks as she nods in response.

"If it's okay with you, I'd like to personally introduce you to some friends of mine, as well as their children. You'll be seeing them a lot in the future when we have to visit their kingdoms." Ahling says gesturing to the guests. "And many of them will soon be kings and queens in their own time too, so you'll get to meet your future allies today. Would you like to meet them?"

"Well...I suppose it wouldn't hurt, as long as they keep any rude comments they have to themselves."

"Don't worry, I've already told them to hold their tongues if they didn't want you going off on them." Ahling assures her with a chuckle. "Come then, by the time we're done you'll have your meal."

Reyna let her father-in-law lead her through the crowd before tugging her towards a woman she saw him speaking to earlier, who was chatting with someone else and holding onto the hand of a child, who was trying to run. She had beautiful red hair pulled back in a bun and dressed in a lavish dark green and dark magenta dress with silver jewelry, the child also dressed the same but in a more simple dress.

"Fareeda! There you are!" The king calls out as they approached the woman. The child she had been gripping immediately ducked behind her, peeking out to stare at them.

"Ahling, this is your daughter-in-law, right?" The woman asks as she released the hand of the child. "I was surprised they sent a Skywing elf for this treaty marriage, though better a Skywing and not a Tidebound."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Reyna asks with a frown.

"Forgive me, Tidebound elves can't do so well in hot places from what I heard, though I'm sure the king would have made sure you would have been well soaked and prepared for the trip across the desert." Fareeda responds with a small bow. "I meant no insult."

Reyna just looks at Ahling and shrugged before turning her attention to the small child staring at her from behind the queen, her pale grey eyes staring straight at her. She looked a little older than Nijah, but it was kinda hard to tell.

"Ophelia darling, it's rude to stare." The man Fareeda was speaking to earlier says as he reaches down to pry the child away from the queen. "Sorry, this is our daughter Ophelia. She's just not...used to elves."

"I can tell, but I can assure you I won't bite, or cast a spell on her." Reyna assures the man. "And you are...?"

"Oh Silas, I'm Fareeda's husband." The man responds with a small bow. He seemed slightly taller than the queen, dressed in rich greens and browns and looking like...well...she wasn't sure what to compare him to. One of those earth dragons?

"Pleased to meet you, all three of you." She says politely and curtsied. Alright now what?

"The garden here so so pretty, I'm glad to see your gardeners maintaining the plants I sent you." Fareeda says, turning to Ahling. "You haven't tried watering them, have you?"

"Oh heavens no! You know I have a black thumb when it comes to plants!" Ahling laughs. "My eldest when he was a child, he used to love coming to the gardens and demanding to help plant the newest roses you'd send us when his siblings were born, now that boy had a green thumb so green one would think he was half Earthblood elf!"

"Huh, to think my husband actually likes gardening." Reyna chuckles. "I can't really imagine him kneeling in the dirt picking turnips and sowing seeds."

"He liked to, before his mother passed. After that he refused to even step foot in the gardens, especially the one she used to stay in the most."

"Ah...he mentioned that earlier in the other garden. I wasn't sure how to respond to that when he told me."

"Noelani was a good woman and an amazing mother and queen." Fareeda says with a nod before looking at Reyna. "A lot of people will be expecting you to be just as great as her, so do what you can to at least meet those expectations."

Seriously? I'm not even a mother nor a queen yet, why is she telling me this now? Reyna thinks as she and her father-in-law go off to look for another ruler to speak with. I'm already regretting this, the next king or queen we talk to better not be anything like that woman. Seriously, who tells their friend "Oh good thing your in-law is a Skywing and not a Tidebound!", that's just rude!

"Ah Iris! I was hoping to find you!" She hears Ahling say as a woman dressed in a deep purple gown and followed by a small girl dressed in a pale blue dress approached them. "Oh and Aanya is here too! You've grown so much my dear, how old are you now?"

"I recently turned ten this year sir." The girl responds proudly.

"She refused to admit it back home, but she was very excited to hit the double digits." The older woman, Iris, says with a chuckle.

"This is queen Aanya and her regent Iris." Ahling says as the two bowed politely. "They're from our neighboring kingdom of Duren, you'll probably be seeing or hearing from them a lot."

"It is an honor to meet you lady Reyna, I do wish you and your husband a good and prosperous marriage." The older woman says with a small smile before pushing the child forward. "Perhaps by the time you've become queen, little Aanya will officially be queen as well."

A child queen, is that normal around here? Reyna thinks as she and the young girl bow to each other. I wonder what happened to her poor parents for her to be stuck with this role.

"I love your gown." Aanya comments. "I've never seen a peacock dress like that before, it's quite unique."

"Oh, this was my grandmother's dress, she said I could wear it even after my wedding if I didn't have any fancy dresses here that I wanted to wear for certain occasions." Reyna says, glancing at her gown. "Some of the council didn't like it and demanded I wear something more Neolandian and traditional."

"Thankfully my mother put a stop to it, she pointed out that her wedding gown wasn't traditional and that if we were going to make Reyna wear something Neolandian, that my son would have to wear something Xadian." Ahling chuckles. "Reyna did joke about letting the tailors make a large version of the red dress she liked to wear and that shut them all up."

"That would have been fun to see." Aanya says with a small grin.

"Maybe if the prince and I get along and renew our vows in the future, I'll convince him to dress like that." Reyna jokes, earning a laugh from both women.

"I'll try, but knowing him, he won't allow it."

"Oh! Iris, do you have any good detailed books in Duren on plant life in the five kingdoms?" Ahling asks. "Reyna is studying to be a healer and uses herbs to make medicines back in her homeland, and I thought she could still do that here."

"Oh we do! Duren prides itself in it's well written books on herbs and plants that are used as textbooks for medicines and remedies, I'm sure we can find something to expand her knowledge on medicines, Neolandia has never had a queen who practiced medicine before right?" Iris says with a nod.

"As far as I'm aware, no. A lot were artists, warriors, some astrologers or dabbled in magic, but never ones who dabbled in or performed medicine. Reyna, you could be the first queen to do so! Wouldn't that be grand?"

"I suppose, assuming historians writing about it don't skim over it." Reyna says with a shrug.

"I'm sure they won't, just writing you off as the first elf queen of a human kingdom won't be enough for some." Aanya assures her. "I've read several history books myself and have seen that some tend to skim over certain things about some rulers while others go into great details about their lives. You've already made your mark on the world as the first elf in centuries to be married to a human who's a member of a royal family, now you just have to show that you're just more than that."

"Huh, you are right. I suppose once I take up learning medicine again, perhaps I'll be able to do more." Reyna says with a smile. "You know, for a ten-year-old, you sound almost as wise as the oldest Skywing in my village. And everyone thinks she's nuts, but she's the most wise and knowledgeable elf you'd meet."

"I'll take that as a compliment." Aanya says proudly.

"Aww, look at you two getting along so well. I'm sure when you meet Florian and his family you'll get along too." Ahling says with a smile. "He has two daughters close to your age and one of them is quite close to my son. Oh and speaking of which, I see him with one of them right now. Florian!"

"Ahling! There you are, been looking for you!" A man who looked nearly as tall as her grandfather laughs as he strides over to them before pulling the Neolandian king into a big bear hug. "Congratulations again! I still can't believe you managed to get your stubborn boy to marry! And here I thought my niece Platinum would be queen!"

"Sorry old friend, but it was for peace with the Skywing elves. Plus I'm sure your niece wouldn't have really liked living here, poor girl isn't used to the heat."

"Of course not, that's Platinum for you." Reyna hears someone grumble before a girl who looked her age approached, dressed in a dark blue gown with her pale hair braided into a neat bun that sat atop her head.

"Oh where are my manners, Reyna, this is king Florian and one of his daughters, Elvira. She's the friend of Kasef's I had mentioned earlier." Ahking says, turning to the elf and turned back to his friend. "This is Reyna, she hasn't even been here for more than two days and already caused quite a stir among the inhabitants of the palace.

The human girl, Elvira, looked at Reyna with what looked like a mix of disgust and annoyance, before giving her a false smile. Ugh, she barely knew this human for a minute and already hated her. "A pleasure to meet you my lady, I do hope that you and my dear friend have a prosperous and happy marriage."

Yeah right, what a snake. Reyna thinks bitterly before pulling on a false smile. "Thank you princess, I hope so as well."

"How does it feel to be a married woman?" King Florian asks. He seemed genuinely kind, she found no hostility in his tone - so far. Perhaps she'll get along with this ruler better.

"A bit odd, but I'm sure I'll get used to it." Reyna assures him with another forced smile. "It's an arranged marriage, but over time maybe the two of us will warm up to each other."

"And I'm sure once that happens, Ahling will finally get some grandchildren." The king chuckles and Ahling let out a gasp.

"Florian! Give them time, they're only eighteen!" The Neolandian king groans. "Knowing my son, he's not going to be rushing for children even if the council and nobles push for it. I'm sorry Reyna, don't listen to him."

"I-its fine, I just wasn't expecting to be a mother so soon into my marriage, and I'm not ready for that." Reyna says quickly. "If it's possible and the ancients are willing, perhaps a child will come into our lives."

"Gods I hope not." Elvira mutters, but it seemed like neither of the kings heard her remark. "Anyways, I must go find my mother and sister. I'm sure the other rulers are just dying to meet you - or not. Play nice with them, will you?"

Reyna had to refrain herself from rolling her eyes at that comment as the two royals walked off. As if her grandparents and fathers hadn't been drilling that into her head the months leading up to her departure to Neolandia when they weren't trying to make her memorize the customs of the kingdom.

"It's alright, Harrow's children will be kinder when I introduce you to them." Ahling assures her and gently pats her hand. "They lost their mother many years ago to Thunder when she was trying to save their court mage during an excursion to save their kingdom and the kingdom of Duren during the winter when things got hard for them."

"Thunder?" Reyna asks in confusion. "Wait, do you mean Avizandum, the dragon king?"

"Oh that's his name? We just call him Thunder, for reasons. Your father is an liason for the dragons, have you met him before?"

"Seen him a few times, he would sometimes come to the festivals my people held in the summers to check on us and give blessings. First time I saw him up close and personal when I was a small child, my father would tell me I actually tried sticking my arms up the dragon king's nose when he bent down to sniff me." Reyna gave a small smile. "I don't remember it, though I'm quite sure it happened when I was a baby. Ibis said that he's never seen Avizandum look so confused in all the years he was an liason, which really says something."

"That sounds like a cute story, though maybe don't talk about the dragon king in front of Harrow, it might stir some bad memories. Ah, there he is with his court mage and their children. Harrow! Viren! Come meet my daughter-in-law, she's a sweet girl, don't worry."

Reyna felt her blood boil when her eyes fell on the man dressed in dark clothes, who must have been the king's dark mage. Ahling kept referring to him as a court mage, but she knew that human court mages were really practitioners of that vile thing they called dark magic. It took all her willpower not to grimace when the two men approached her with their children.

"Reyna, right?" The man dressed in red asks as he held a hand out to her. "It's a pleasure to meet you, these are my sons, Callum and Ezran, and the grumpy fellow my youngest is holding is Bait."

"Hi!" The smaller prince says cheerfully and held up his pet to her. "This is Bait! He's a glow toad and he really likes the cardamom tarts from the dessert bar!"

"Ah, thank you?" Reyna says as she shakes the king's hand. "Harrow, I presume?"

"Yes, and this is my friend Viren, and his children." Harrow says as he gestures to the two teens who were looking at the elf warily. "It's okay you two, I'm sure she doesn't bite."

"Does she have fangs?" The older teen asks skeptically. "Someone at camp says elves have fangs."

"Soren!" The mage hissed. "Be respectful!"

"Yeah dummy!" The younger female teen hisses at her brother.

"I did, just filed them down to not scare the nobles." Reyna says and gave them a grin to display her flat teeth. Okay that was a lie, but where was the fun in not joking around with the guests who believed these stupid myths? Not like she was gonna see many of them again unless her new family as traveling to those specific kingdoms.

"I told you Claudes, you owe me jelly tarts!" The boy says as he elbowed his sister. "And you too Callum!"

"I'm sure she's just messing with you Soren, just like us, elves do have a sense of humor." Harrow chuckles. "Sorry, he's been away at camp for so long, so the soldiers in training tend to tell some...weird stories about elves that I am very sure aren't true to young and new recruiters."

"Depends on the story." Reyna chuckles before sending the mage a false smile. "It was a pleasure to meet you all, but I feel a bit exhausted and would like to head back to my seat to rest."

"Oh dear, I'm sorry if this was a bit socially draining for you!" Ahling exclaims. "I'll walk you back to your seat, I'm sure Kasef is there and can keep you company."

Reyna nods at the humans before allowing her father-in-law to lead her back towards the tables where the royal family was seated. She did spot Kasef at the table, holding one of his younger siblings as he was talking with that Elvira woman from before. He didn't look too happy, but then again when did he ever look happy?

"Reyna, Reyna!" The child, Nijah, yells as she starts trying to wiggle out of her brother's arms. "Kasef let go! You boring!"

"Ah, I see the bride is here." Elvira comments when they get close and Kasef releases his sister, who makes a beeline for Reyna. "Seems like you have competition for Nijah's affection."

"She's just a bit exhausted from interacting with the guests." Ahling explains.

"You can sit with me!" Nijah says as she grabs Reyna by the hand and pulls her to the tables. "Kasef boring right now."

"I am busy." Kasef scoffed.

"Well I should go, just think about the offer." Elvira says with a shrug. "She's not tied down yet, so if you want you can take the offer."

"What was that about?" Reyna asks once the princess had left.

"None of your business, what goes on in conversations between me and my friend is none of your concern." The prince responds with a scoff.

"Now now you two, you've only been married for less than a day, try to get along." Ahling says quickly. "Just sit down and eat, maybe talk, get to know each other better. This union is forever until either of you die."

And it's to ensure Xadia won't harm your people and kingdom, at least the Skywing elves won't. Reyna thinks as she sits back in her seat, Nijah climbing onto Kasef's seat and babbling away about stuff she didn't understand and repeating herself from time to time.

The entire time, her eyes kept wandering to the somewhat more important guests of the party, trying to remember who they were exactly and why they were so important. Harrow was king of one of the two kingdoms that was located near the borders of Xadia, his kingdom was known for being prosperous even in the bad winters. Aanya was queen of the other kingdom located next to Xadia that was also located near Neolandia and were on very friendly terms with each other, which meant she was probably going to be seeing the young queen and her regent a lot more than Harrow. Florian was located near Neolandia, in a kingdom that apparently was supposed to be quite cold and probably the kingdom that focused its trade of furs and weapons. Fareeda was queen of a kingdom that was so far away from the others it was practically located on an island and not much was known about her - save for the pet alligator Ahling had told her about that scared a lot of people. All this he had been telling her about while servants and hairdressers were attempting to get her ready, so at least she would get to establish a good relationship with them and their children since she was marrying the future king of Neolandia. Queen, she was actually going to be a queen. It felt so weird to think about honestly, and she really couldn't see herself in the future standing next to her now husband as he sat on the throne. Then again, she never thought she'd get married to anyone, much less a crown prince. She always thought Cici was the only one of the two of them who'd marry and give their fathers adorable grandchildren to fuss over. Meanwhile she was just going to remain happy and single, help take care of her sibling and their children until she got old. Well now she wouldn't be able to do that, at least for another few years until these damn humans make peace with the elves and dragons and they all put aside their differences.

And they better do it soon, this war has been dragged out long enough. Reyna thought bitterly as a servant brought her a plate of food and stabbed her fork into it. Both sides, not just the humans. I have family to see, and I'm sure the humans who were captured after sneaking into Xadia wanna return home too.

"Dessert!" Reyna looks to her side to see Nijah and one of her brothers (Kafele? Gods she needed to memorize their names and faces) pushing a plate full of fruit and what looked like those chocolate tarts from earlier.

"I haven't finished my meal yet." The elf laughs as she points at her plate.

"We won't tell!" Kafele whispers and puts a finger to his lips.

"Alright, but no tarts for me, I discovered I'm not a big fan of desserts with spice." Reyna chuckles as she plucks a fruit from the plate and pops it into her mouth, savoring the sweet taste.

"Where's brother?" Nijah asks. "He's supposed to eat too!"

"Dunno, probably off talking to his friend." Reyna responds with a shrug before swallowing. "I'll give him some space, for now."

"Big brother's shy." Kafele giggles as his sister shushes him and gives him a shove. "It's true!"

"Shy with who, girls?"

"No! You!"

"Nah, he just doesn't like me." Reyna says rolling her eyes. "Know what, I don't wanna sit right now, sitting for too long makes me antsy."

"Dance?" Nijah suggests.

"Eh, no this song is too slow." Reyna said shaking her head and grabbing her chalice. "I'll just walk for a bit until I get too tired, you two wanna come?"

"Too hungry." Kafele says and points at the food. "We'll save your stuff!"

"Alright, you two do that. But save the fruit for me at least."

Being on her feet and walking around felt good, she absolutely hated sitting for too long. At least she could admire the plants and trees of this garden with the decorations, it was a little more fancier than the one she was in earlier, and she could have sworn she saw some colorful birds fluttering through the trees.

Some peace and quiet from the noise at least. The elf thinks to herself as she stops near a large tree with what looked like large orange fruits hanging from it and leaned against it. Gods I can't wait for this party to be over, starting to miss that bed I only had for the night.

"Oh, I certainly wasn't expecting to find the bride secluded over here." Reyna hears someone say and looks up to see a girl her age dressed in a dark blue gown with fur (who in their right mind wears fur at this time of year?!), her pale blonde hair piled up in a bun with an elegant blue hair pin stuck into it and holding a chalice in one hand. Everything about her just screamed snobbish. "Aren't you supposed to be dressed in white?"

"We don't wear white where I come from." Reyna scoffed and frowned. "Who are you even supposed to be?"

Ha, now the girl was looking offended. "I am king Florian's niece, obviously."

"Well pardon me for not knowing whether you were important or not."

"I am important, I am lady Platinum of Serpentongue." The girl scoffed before taking a sip of the drink in her hand. "And your red wine for this party is awful."

"Didn't pick it, so don't complain to me." Reyna states and rolled her eyes. Gods help me, I need to leave - before I punch her nose in.

"You know what I think?" Platinum asks as Reyna is turning to leave.

"No and I don't care." The elf responds.

"You shouldn't have been chosen, and you shouldn't even be here."

"Like I asked to be picked for this, I'm only married so there's peace between the Skywings and Neolandia. I can't back out of this without risking tensions to rise." The elf snaps as she turns to face the human. She's smirking now, and by the elven gods did Reyna want to punch her.

"No but I honestly think it's disgraceful that the poor king had to stoop so low as to let his eldest marry something like you."

Reyna's hands were now shaking in anger, gripping her chalice to steady it but it seemed to do nothing.

"Sorry, but are you jealous that I am the one now married to a prince and not you?" She asks sarcastically. "Oh you poor thing. I didn't ask to get picked for this marriage, yet here I am. At least I'm gonna do something with my life other than just being a trophy wife, what can you do other than just look pretty?"

Oh how she wanted to laugh when the blonde's mouth dropped open at that remark. If that girl Kasef mentioned before was anything like this one, oh she was going to be a pain in the ass to deal with.

"At least I'm pretty." The human retorts with a huff. "I bet back wherever you came from, no one wanted you for your looks."

"Oh quite the contrary, I was pursued by a lot of Skywings back home, a bit annoying to deal with especially when they got quite upset after I rejected them." Reyna snorts before taking a sip of her water. "At least their reasons for liking me were more than just my looks. Bet no one has told you "Oh you're so clever Platinum!" at all."

"I can be clever when I want to!" Platinum shrieks. "You should know your place!"

And with that, she swung her arm back and swung it forward, tossing the wine right at Reyna. Before the elf could even try to jump back, she heard a "Hey Reyna!" before only a few droplets hit her arm.

"Amir!" Reyna gasps when she sees the second oldest prince in front of her, now drenched in Platinum's wine. The poor teen was looking very startled, his clothes now stained a bright red color from the wine with half of it dripping from his face and hair. He looked at Reyna in confusion before wiping at his cheek and licking the juice from his fingers.

"Blegh, not fruit juice." The teen gags. "I think this was wine."

"Sorry I think that was meant for me." Reyna said, casting a glare at a now horrified Platinum. "Here I'll help you clean up."

"I smell like a drunk." Amir gags as a servant rushed over with a towel that Reyna took and began to wipe his face. "Wasn't expecting to have wine splashed on me at all tonight, are you okay?"

"Just peachy."

"Good, also, lady Platinum shouldn't you not be drinking this?" Amir says turning to the woman. "You're too young for wine aren't you?"

"It's my mother's." Platinum states quickly. "I was just going to take it to her."

"No, your mother drinks white wine, this is clearly red."

"And I saw you drinking it earlier." Reyna adds with a frown. "Apologize, now."

"Excuse me?" Platinum asks.

Reyna frowns as she walks over to the human, not caring that several guests are now staring. "You heard me, apologize to my brother-in-law. Or were nobles like you not raised to say sorry?"

"You really think I'm going to grovel at the feet of a child and beg for forgiveness?" Platinum sneers as she stares her down.

"You will if you don't want that average face of yours to get messed up." Reyna says lifting a hand and closed it to make a fist. "Noble or not, you don't scare me. Now apologize to Amir before I fix that too straight nose of yours."

"My nose is perfect you...feathered freak!" Platinum gasps as she covered her nose.

"As if I haven't heard that one already, try again!"

"Reyna don't!" She feels a familiar hand immediately grab her fist and pull her away from Platinum. Oh finally he decides to show up. "That's-"

"King Florian's niece, I've already heard her whine about it." Reyna scoffed as she tilted her head back to see Kasef looking down at her with a frown. "Hey don't frown at me, frown at her, she soaked Amir with wine!"

"I thought it was juice!" Amir yells as he waved at his brother.

"Oh dear, keep your little wife under control Kasef, we don't want her getting in a little scuffle that could end badly." She hears Elvira say before she emerges from behind Platinum, a glint in her eye as she smirks. "That'd be awful."

"Yeah for your cousin, she doesn't even look like she's lifted a sword in her life." Reyn spat.

"I'm a lady of the court, I don't need to." Platinum scoffed.

"And I'm about to kick your ass if you don't apologize to Amir!"

"Hey how about we go back to our seats and eat dessert?" Kasef suggests quickly as he scoops Reyna up and turns heel. Once out of earshot, he stops to give her a look. "That was a stupid thing to do, you can't-"

"Can't what, defend your brother?" Reyna retorts. "What am I supposed to do, let that blonde bitch think it's okay to throw wine at people? She threw that at me and Amir get hit by it, I'm not even asking her to apologize to me, I'm asking her to do that to him!"

"Platinum wouldn't even apologize even if you held a knife to her throat and beat her black and blue, that woman is as stubborn as a mule and her cousin is just the same." Kasef says as they approached their table. "Please just behave yourself for right now."

"Oh I'll behave myself, when when the humans here learn to behave and understand its not okay to talk down to me just for being an elf." Reyna mutters as he sat her back down at her seat next to one one of the older princesses, Sharifa, as she is playing with some fruit on her plate.

"Okay I'm going to ask if we could retire early for the night, I'm exhausted and I know you are as well." Kasef says as he points to where Ahling is with the other adult rulers. "I'll ask him before we do something and knowing my father, he'll say yes and let us leave the party early."

"Cake?" Sharifa asks as she lifts her head.

"Yes that too, but it's something else that's important that Salim wouldn't shut up about."

"Well now you got me curious." Reyna chuckles.

"Food." Sharifa says as she pushes a piece of fruit against Reyna's cheek. "Food."

"Alright I'll have a piece or two, my plate is gone so I want something to settle my stomach at least."

A few moments later, Kasef returns looking a bit annoyed as Sharifa was attempting to push a piece of chocolate covered fruit into Reyna's mouth.

"Why so mad?" Reyna asks as her husband takes a seat next to her.

"Father insisted we wait a bit and have a first dance before we do the thing I wanted to do before retiring for the night." The prince states before reaching across and plucked a small green and brown fruit from the plate. "I told him we were tired, but he insisted it was tradition to share at least one dance."

"Oh, afraid to hold my hands?"

"No!"

"Yes." Sharifa says and Kasef gave her a look.

"I don't feel like dancing." He finally says and Reyna scoffed. "What?"

"Well I feel like dancing now, so come on!" The elf says as she gets out of her chair and grabbed her husband's hands to yank him out of his seat and pull him towards the dancefloor. "I promise not to step on your feet!"

Several guests had stopped and moved out of the way as the two newlyweds made it to the center of the dancefloor, Kasef looking very embarrassed while Reyna looked excited. She then grabbed her husband's hands and attempts to get him to dance with her as his siblings arrive and start to dance, spinning and twirling while laughing.

"Come on, you have two left feet?" Reyna teases as her husband awkwardly moves with her. "Is that why you didn't want to dance?"

"I don't dance." The prince insists. "It's not something I indulge in."

"Well, that's about to change then. Because I love dancing, so I'll teach you my self. So I hope you like Skywing dances!"

"Oh joy..."

The moment the song was over, Kasef immediately lets go of her hands as his father approaches them with his friends, looking quite happy. "Well, I never thought I'd live to see you dance again, you haven't done that since you were little!" The king chuckles. "Well then, what was it that you wanted to do now?"

"The exchange of gifts between the bride and groom? I told you earlier." Kasef with with a small frown.

"Oh! I have just the gift! Earlier while one of my maids was putting my things away she found something that was meant to be your gift, I wasn't sure if you would like it since I didn't know what you liked." Reyna says excitedly as a servant hurries over with a small wooden case with runes carved into it. "I think you're going to be the first human to be gifted something like this."

Once the servant handed her the case, Reyna struggled to open it up until Kasef had her hold still and he opened it himself. Inside the case was a long knife incased in a hilt, a single set of runes etched into the leather that seemed to glow and radiate a bit of warmth. Surprised, Kasef carefully picks up the blade and unsheathed it to reveal a glowing blade.

"Is this...a Sunforged blade?" The prince asks and his wife nods.

"My Sunfire father is a blacksmith, he can make blades like this but had to travel to his old home to make it." His wife explains as she closed the case. "When he asked me what I should gift you, I joked about giving you one of these. I'm surprised he actually did it. It's a rare treasure, keep it safe."

"I will then." Kasef says with a nod. "Well then, my gift probably isn't as impressive as a magical knife, but if you are going to be my wife and the future queen of Neolandia, you will need one of these just in case. And I gift this to you."

Several guests gasp as a servant led a grey horse into the room. One of the stablehands had brushed and braided the horse's dark mane and tail, also draping a wreath of colorful ribbons around his neck and tied ribbons to the bridle and reins.

"I told you a horse was a brilliant idea!" Salim exclaims as the horse is brought over. "And a stallion too!"

Reyna gasps as the animal is brought over to her before it sniffed her hair and gently nudged her shoulder.

"Kasef, is this really for me?" She asks softly as she reached up to touch the soft muzzle of her mount.

"Well yeah, you're required to get around on horseback in a lot of places, so what sort of future queen would you be if you didn't learn to ride one?" Kasef says as the horse snorts loudly.

"Aren't you such a sweet thing?" Reyna coos as her new companion continues nuzzling her. "And such a beautiful one too, you look like those black and white birds I saw in Duren when I was coming over here."

"You mean magpies?" Amir asks. "Oh those are mean old things, some will even steal shiny stuff from humans and attack them out of the blue."

"Well this sweet boy is nothing like that, but you look just as pretty as one." Reyna laughs as she gave the horse a kiss on the nose. "So I will name you Magpie."

"And with that, I'd like to get to bed." Kasef says as he hands the servant his gift to place in it's case. "Thank you all for coming, but my wife and I are tired and we wish to retire for the night. Good night."

Kasef then takes Reyna by the hand and led her out of the garden, barely having time to say good night to their family before they shut the doors behind them and sighs in relief.

"So...where do I sleep?" Reyna asks as they start walking down the hall.

"For tonight, you can sleep in my room." Kasef responds. "I'll just divide the bed with pillows if that makes you comfortable."

"Very well, I just need my sleepwear that I left in my room, I'll come when I get ready."

"Fine, but don't expect me to stay up waiting."

Reyna hurried off to her room, immediately stripping every article of clothing and jewlery that was weighing her down and combing her hair out until she felt like her usual self. The paint marks weren't going to come off soon, so she wasn't going to wipe it off, but she did immediately wash her face of whatever make up the maids put on her, using a bowl of water someone had left for her and dried her face off with a towel before flinging on an oversized shirt and baggy soft pants she liked to sleep in.

Once dressed and feeling abit more relaxed, Reyna grabs a sleeping robe that was left on a chair for her to slip into and left her room in search of Kasef's room. Thankfully a servant pointed her in the right direction, and once she approached the door of his room, she was too hesitant to knock or let herself in. BUt the second she barely touched the door, it swung open to reveal Kasef on the other side looking a bit annoyed (as usual).

"Took you long enough." He grumbles as Reyna walks past him.

"Oh like you're the one who was dressed in so many layers and accessories, and make up like I was. I wasn't going to sleep in all that."

"Fair enough."

The inside of Kasef's room was more spacious than hers, though a shelf where books probably would have been was covered with various weapons and scrolls, just a few books lodged between them. In another corner was just a rack with various spears, a single leather bag hanging from the top of one of the spears, and the walls are lined what looked like dents and holes.

"Geez, what's with the holes?" Reyna asks with a frown.

"Don't ask." Kasef responds as he walks back to his bed, a large pile of pillows laying in a lumpy line down the middle. "You sleep on the left, consider it your side of the bed if you're being forced to sleep here."

"Fine, but I have to warn you, I kick in my sleep." Reyna warns as she walks to the left side of the bed and lifts the dark green covers to slip under them. "And I move a lot, so don't be surprised if you wake up to find me pressed against your poorly made pillow wall."

Kasef stuck out his tongue in response before getting under the covers of his side of the bed and turns so his back is to his wife. Reyna just rolls her eyes before turning over to stare at the wall. Well, at least this is over now.