The Kingdom of Nexus was vast, its lands blessed by both mountain and sea. The royal family's residence, the White-Blue Palace of Vasiliou, was majestic enough, but for occasions that required the kingdom to open its gates to nobles, commoners, and visiting dignitaries alike, another estate was used—one built for grandeur on a different scale.
This palace, called the Coral Hall, was raised upon stone terraces overlooking the ocean. Its walls gleamed with pale coral and polished marble, kissed by veins of azure that shimmered in the light like the surface of water. Windows stretched wide and tall, letting in the ocean breeze. Its spires were crowned with gilded shells and sea-glass ornaments, and in the evening, the entire structure caught the glow of the setting sun so that it appeared aflame with orange and gold.
It was here that Princess Eloisa's coming-of-age ceremony would be held—a celebration of her eighteenth year, her formal entrance into noble society, and, though Zuleika hated to think of it, the occasion for Feltogora's Crown Prince to stand on Nexus soil.
Inside the Coral Hall, the ballroom was already alive with preparations. Dozens of servants and attendants moved with practiced efficiency, carrying silks, garlands, crystal chandeliers, and long swaths of fabric in ocean hues. Zuleika stood with her mother, Queen Elisha, both overseeing the arrangements.
"Place the banners higher," Elisha instructed calmly, her serene voice cutting through the bustle. "The emblem of Nexus must be seen from every angle."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the attendants chorused, adjusting the flowing white-and-blue banners until they arched gracefully along the vaulted ceiling.
Zuleika followed her mother's gaze, then tilted her head. "Is Sister Stella truly unable to come?" she asked, her crimson eyes softened with disappointment.
Her mother's smile was tinged with regret. "Sadly, yes. Duties keep her far inland. Eloisa knows of it too. But she understands."
"I suppose so…" Zuleika muttered, adjusting the fall of a nearby drapery before sighing.
The ballroom's transformation continued with almost ritual care. Polished marble floors were buffed until they reflected light like water. Great coral columns, carved with patterns of kelp and waves, framed the vast hall. From the vaulted ceiling hung chandeliers strung with crystals the color of aquamarine, scattering shards of light across the walls so that the hall seemed to shimmer like the ocean's surface.
Seamstresses spread tablecloths dyed in gradients of turquoise and ivory, the fabrics threaded with fine golden embroidery. Centerpieces of blown glass shells, filled with pearls and flowers from the royal gardens, were placed carefully upon each long table.
Musicians rehearsed quietly in a corner, harps, flutes, and violins tuning their strings, the soft notes mingling with the sound of ocean wind slipping through the balcony doors. When they struck the right chords, the hall filled with a melody so light that one could almost imagine the waves singing along.
Zuleika trailed behind her mother as she inspected every detail. At one table, she stopped to study the floral arrangements. "Mother, these lilies—don't you think Eloi would prefer chrysanthemums? She said they remind her of the fields."
"You are right." Elisha gave a nod to the gardener, who immediately began replacing them. "You have an eye for her tastes, my dear."
"Of course I do. She's my sister," Zuleika replied with a smile.
They moved to the dais where Eloisa would sit during the banquet. It was draped in blue velvet, the throne-like chair adorned with coral motifs. Zuleika brushed her hand along the armrest and sighed. "She'll look so grown here. It feels strange, Mother. She's still my baby sister in my eyes."
"Even when your siblings grow, you will always see them as little," Elisha said softly. "It is a gift, and sometimes a burden, of elder sisters."
Zuleika chuckled at that, though a trace of wistfulness lingered in her expression.
·___________·
Later, in the royal kitchens, the air was thick with the scents of spices, baked bread, and roasting meats. Chefs scurried between stoves and counters, their aprons dusted with flour, their brows beaded with sweat.
Zuleika strode in, sleeves rolled slightly, and was immediately greeted with bows.
"Your Highness, forgive the mess!" one of the head cooks exclaimed.
"It smells divine," Zuleika said cheerfully, ignoring their fluster. She leaned against a counter, eyeing the spread of ingredients. "Tell me what's being prepared for Eloisa's banquet."
The head cook straightened. "We've planned roasted fowl with lemon glaze, seasoned lamb with herbs, and pastries filled with sweet cream. There will be fresh bread from the bakeries, and wines from the southern vineyards."
Zuleika tapped her chin. "And the sea? Nexus without seafood would be like the sky without stars. Have you considered?"
Another cook nodded quickly. "We've prepared salted fish, but supplies from yesterday's catch were limited."
"Limited?" Zuleika frowned, then brightened suddenly. "Then I'll catch them myself tomorrow morning. Fresh fish, straight from the coast. Eloi deserves no less."
The cooks exchanged nervous glances. "Your Highness… you need not trouble yourself—"
"Oh, but I want to." Zuleika's grin was mischievous. "Besides, it has been far too long since I cast my nets. I'll bring in enough for every guest, you'll see."
The head cook, though hesitant, could not refuse her. He bowed his head. "As you will, Your Highness. We shall prepare for your catch."
"Good." Zuleika clapped her hands, already eager. "Now don't burn those pastries, I'm counting on you."
The kitchen filled with laughter, and Zuleika left with the scent of spice and sugar still lingering in her hair.
·___________·
Evening crept across the Coral Hall as lanterns were lit, their glow warm and golden against the coral walls. Servants departed one by one until only silence filled the vast ballroom. Zuleika, carrying a list in hand, made her way back to oversee the final touches. But as she neared the grand doors, a sound stopped her—the faint notes of music.
Curious, she slipped inside quietly.
There, in the center of the polished floor, King Stewart and Queen Elisha moved together in a slow, graceful dance. No orchestra played for them, only the memory of melody in their steps. The King's hand rested gently at his wife's waist, her fingers lightly held in his. They laughed softly, their gazes locked as though no one else in the world existed.
Zuleika froze, caught between amusement and disbelief. "Really? At their age?" she muttered under her breath, frowning at their display.
But as she lingered in the doorway, her expression softened. The way her father's stern face melted into warmth, the way her mother's serene beauty seemed to glow brighter in his arms—it struck something deep within her. For all the politics, all the burdens of crown and throne, here was something simple and pure: love that had endured.
Zuleika leaned her head against the doorframe, a small smile tugging at her lips. "…They're ridiculous," she whispered, though her tone carried more affection than complaint.
For a moment, she allowed herself to be still, watching the King and Queen spin slowly across the coral-lit hall. A glimpse, perhaps, of what love could be when it survived the years.
And then, with a sigh, she turned away, leaving them to their dance.