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Chapter 2 - journey

Princess Lunastia Celesthera Evandor Valeska sat quietly by the arched window of her ivory tower room, the golden light of dusk casting a soft glow on her ginger-red hair, which flowed like fire down her back. Her golden eyes, so much like her mother's, stared out at the glowing city of Lunareth below-but her thoughts were far away. Tomorrow, on her eighteenth birthday, the Tree of Fate would either reveal her long-awaited powers... or confirm everyone's worst fear. What if I really am powerless? she wondered, her hands tightening in her lap. What if I'm not the daughter everyone believed me to be? The heavy silence of the room wrapped around her like a cloak, and for the first time, the girl who looked like a goddess felt anything but divine.

"Luna... Luna..." came a soft, tinkling voice like wind chimes on a spring morning. Princess Lunastia turned her head slowly, golden eyes weary, only to be met by a warm, glowing light fluttering toward her. The light shimmered and then took the familiar form of Sira, the Fairy of Courage, her tiny red armor gleaming in the moonlight. "You're thinking too much again," Sira said with a smirk, crossing her arms as she floated at Luna's eye level.

Before the princess could reply, the balcony doors gently flew open, and one by one, the rest of her fairy companions entered, their wings glimmering like stars. Vina, the Fairy of Wind, twirled in gracefully, her sea-green dress flowing like waves. "You wouldn't believe the gossip in Sylorine," she whispered dramatically, landing on a small cushioned chair near Luna's bed. "They say the nobles are preparing to name a new heir-just in case..."

Luna's smile faded. Her heart sank. But Floe, the soft-spoken Fairy of Healing, reached for her hand with a calming glow. "Don't listen to them," she said gently, her pink wings pulsing with warmth.

Solé, the Fairy of Stars, holding her worn notebook, added in a soothing tone, "You were born for something greater, Luna. Even if the world doubts, we believe."

Lira, glowing bright as the Fairy of Light, floated down beside Luna and brushed her hair behind her ear, "You are more than your power. You are you."

Crysie, the silvery Fairy of Illusion, danced through the air with a twirl, casting sparkles around the room. "Let's turn those worries into stardust, shall we?"

The fairies each found their spot on the miniature chairs made especially for them long ago-each one matching their element, their laughter echoing like soft bells. Though small in size, they filled the room with warmth, light, and unshakable friendship.

As the moon climbed high, Luna finally climbed into bed. The fairies curled up beside her-some resting on the pillow, some on the bedpost, some curled into Luna's curls-and together, the princess and her seven loyal fairies fell asleep, the storm of fear inside Luna calmed, at least for tonight.

NEXT DAY___

The soft golden rays of dawn slipped through the silken curtains as Princess Lunastia slowly blinked awake. Her long Ginger hair shimmered under the morning light, and the scent of blooming moonflowers drifted through her window. Around her, the room was already alive with gentle motion.

Lira, glowing with a soft brilliance, was hovering over an elegant white and gold gown, using her light magic to remove every wrinkle. Floe, ever gentle, was humming as she prepared Luna's hairbrushes and ribbons. Beside her, Crysie was forming tiny illusions of flower patterns, testing designs for Luna's dress hem. And in the corner stood Myra, a quiet helper fairy with eyes like twilight, organizing the jewelry box with delicate care.

Luna smiled-until a loud splash of magic water broke the peace.

"Haaaahhhhh! What?! What happened?!" came the synchronized, high-pitched screams of Sira, Vina, and Solé, now soaked and flapping their wings wildly from their little beds.

Lira, her arms crossed and glowing brighter than usual, looked furious. "Seriously?! Luna's magical ceremony is today and you three are snoring like hibernating trolls!"

Sira rubbed her eyes and grumbled, "I was having a dream about slaying shadow beasts..."

"You'll be slaying my patience if you don't move!" Lira snapped. Then she turned to Vina, "Prepare Luna's earrings now, and make sure they match the stars on her sash."

"Yes ma'am!" Vina groaned, hopping out of bed with her tangled hair puffed up like a dandelion.

Lira shot a glare at Solé and Crysie. "You two-go see what's happening outside the palace. Any guests arriving early? Any suspicious magic? Report back in ten minutes!"

"Oh, and bring breakfast!" Floe added sweetly, still brushing Luna's hair.

As the room bustled with energy, Luna sat silently in the middle, watching the chaos of her beloved fairies and smiling softly. No matter what the day would bring, she knew she would never be alone.

Luna's POV ___

Once the room had quieted and the echoes of Lira's scolding faded down the hallway, I slowly pulled back the velvet covers and stepped onto the cold, polished floor. My bare feet touched down softly as I sat at the edge of the bed, the silky hem of my nightgown brushing my ankles. Morning light filtered in through the crystal windows, scattering rainbows across the walls.

Floe was already floating nearby with a warm towel, her healing aura wrapping around me like a mother's hug. "Come, Luna," she whispered gently, patting my hands dry as I stood.

Myra adjusted the ivory gown draped over a mannequin, then brought it over with Lira's nod. The fabric shimmered like woven moonlight, soft and weightless in her arms. Lira guided my arms through the sleeves with practiced hands, every motion smooth and steady. Her golden wings glowed faintly, matching the confidence in her movements.

Crysie twirled around me, sprinkling light sparkles across the air that settled onto my skin like stardust. Her illusion magic blurred the dark circles under my eyes and softened the tired lines on my face. In the mirror, I barely recognized the girl staring back-delicate, serene, glowing like the princess I was born to be.

My hair was brushed back by Floe and twisted into elegant braids. Vina, fluttering back in with a small breeze behind her, returned holding a pair of silver earrings shaped like falling leaves. She slipped them into my ears carefully, her expression gentle.

The scent of honeyed bread and flower-sweet fruit drifted in before Solé and Sira reentered with a levitating tray. They set it near the window, where the sunlight could reach me.

I sat down quietly, my gown pooling around me, and picked up a slice of fruit. Every bite steadied my nerves just a little more. The fairies didn't speak now-they knew I needed this silence. They simply fluttered around me like a quiet shield, smoothing folds, fixing strands, adjusting details, making sure I felt whole.

"What if the Tree of Fate confirms I don't have any magic?" I whispered, staring out at the land of Lunareth. My people... they doubt me, they hate me. Am I really the princess? The daughter of Goddess Celesthera?

"Of course you has," Myra said firmly. "In just a few hours, you'll see it with your own eyes."

But I couldn't believe it. I looked down at my palms-empty, powerless. No glowing lines, no spark of energy. No symptoms of magic. Just silence.

"I'm nothing," I murmured. "Even if I do have magic... it'll be weak. I'm just a waste."

"Don't say that," Sira began gently, fluttering closer-but before she could finish, a deep, familiar voice interrupted.

"I thought our princess wasn't this stupid."

I turned quickly. "Kaelith!" I cried, rushing toward him and throwing my arms around him.

He hugged me back, strong and warm. "You are our princess, Luna. Magic or not, nothing changes that."

Kaelith-my sweet, supportive brother. The warrior prince of Lunareth. I'm lucky to have him.

"You'll be late," another voice said calmly.

We both turned to see my eldest brother-Crown Prince Auren-standing near the door, arms crossed, his usual cold expression in place. He's distant... quiet. But maybe, just maybe, he still loves me.

"Come, Luna. Let's go," Kaelith said gently.

I nodded and stepped forward, walking between my two brothers. Kaelith casually draped an arm around my shoulders, while Auren walked beside us in silence, his icy gaze ahead.

Author's pov ___

The golden doors of the royal corridor slowly opened as Princess Lunastia Celesthera Evandor Valeska stepped into the grand hall. On either side of her, her brothers-Kaelith, the warrior prince with warmth in his eyes, and Auren, the crown prince with a calm, unreadable expression-walked silently, protecting her presence with quiet strength.

Inside the hall, King Evandor stood tall, his royal robe gently flowing behind him. Despite the crown on his head and the ministers surrounding him, he looked first and only at his daughter. His face softened, eyes warm with fatherly love.

"Luna," he said, his voice gentle but steady.

As she approached, he opened his arms, and without hesitation, Luna stepped into his embrace. He held her tightly, as if trying to take all her worries away in that single moment.

"You're not alone, my little moonflower," he whispered. "No matter what the Tree of Fate says, you are mine. You are hers. You are our princess."

Luna nodded against his chest, hiding the trembling of her hands. Ministers watched in respectful silence, each of them holding their breath-not just for the royal family, but for the entire kingdom.

With a soft touch, King Evandor led her outside where a silver carriage waited, shining like a dream under the morning sun. Two majestic white horses stood still, their armor adorned with the royal crest of Lunareth. The air was heavy with tension, yet beautifully still.

The King helped Luna into the carriage with care. Kaelith stood beside the carriage, forcing a smile, trying to be strong for her. Auren remained quiet as always, but his gaze lingered on Luna with something unspoken-a protective silence.

As the carriage door closed, the royal family stood together watching her ride away. No words were spoken. None were needed.

Because today, the fate of their daughter... and the future of Lunareth... would be revealed.

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