After a long pause, Zuleika finally let out a groan and pushed herself upright, stretching like a lazy cat. Her crimson eyes slid toward the balcony window, sunlight streaming in through the wide panes. She shuffled to the nearest table, fingers reaching for a ribbon. With little care, she gathered her turquoise hair and tied it into a loose ponytail.
Her bare feet touched the floor as she stood, lifting her arms high above her head before releasing a jaw-cracking yawn. "So…" she murmured mid-stretch, glancing at Aquila with half-lidded eyes, "what exactly are we doing in town?"
Aquila, still perched on the couch with that ever-composed demeanor, replied crisply, "We will be attending a feast. It is hosted by the Zhenka family—the noble house entrusted with guarding the West."
Zuleika hummed, more interested in her hair than the weight of the words. "A feast, huh? That sounds like free food. I'll go." She breezed past Aquila without a second thought, moving toward the wardrobe.
But Aquila's gaze lingered—not on her stride, but on her back.
The loose folds of her backless nightgown swayed with every step, revealing in full the massive black tattoo inked into her skin. Aquila's lips parted, breath catching. It wasn't crude nor garish; it was alive. The serpent's body, sleek and dark as obsidian, coiled majestically across Zuleika's back. Its eyes glowed the same brilliant turquoise as Zuleika's hair, like gemstones that refused to be dimmed. Every curve of its form was etched with fluid precision, as though it might ripple and move with the tide of her very breath.
It was not just a mark—it was a claim. A living symbol carved into her flesh.
"What… is that?" Aquila's voice slipped out before she could temper it.
Zuleika turned, blinking innocently, as if she hadn't realized what was being seen. "Hm? Oh, this?" She twisted slightly to glance over her shoulder. "It's the symbol of the Nexus Kingdom. A sea serpent."
Aquila's silver eyes narrowed slightly, studying the ink. "Why a serpent?"
Zuleika's lips curved faintly, as if amused that Aquila didn't know. "Because Nexus protects the oceans of the empire. Our crest is born from the tides. The serpent represents both the danger of the deep and its guardian. It is said the sea bows only to those it accepts."
Her tone softened, almost reverent, as she continued. "I received it just before I turned sixteen. When I was named heir of Nexus."
Aquila tilted her head. "Do all heirs bear that mark?"
Zuleika's expression shifted, the playful air dimming to something more solemn. "No. Only the chosen one does."
"Chosen one?" Aquila echoed.
Zuleika nodded, stepping closer as she explained. "On the eve before of our coming-of-age ceremony, the waters of the ocean are poured over us as a blessing. Then… we pray before the Empress of the Sea." Her eyes seemed to glow with memory, her voice low and steady. "If she answers, she marks us. If not, we remain unmarked."
Aquila's brow furrowed slightly. "Answers? How?"
"She tests us." Zuleika's crimson gaze flickered, as though replaying that moment. "Sometimes with visions, sometimes with trials of will. For me… the sea itself rose." She smirked faintly. "She decided I was worthy. Or maybe she was just bored and wanted to make my life harder."
Aquila said nothing, caught between skepticism and awe.
Zuleika chuckled softly, continuing, "My elder sister, Stella—the other Crown Princess—you know of her, right? She bears the mark too. But hers is small. A wave curling around her wrist. Mine…" She gestured lazily to her back. "Mine was a little more dramatic."
Aquila studied her, then asked, almost softly, "Did it hurt?"
For a beat, Zuleika said nothing. Then she began to move—slow, deliberate steps that carried her closer.
Aquila stiffened slightly on the couch as Zuleika leaned down, her shadow falling over her. Their gazes locked, crimson and silver clashing, neither backing down.
Zuleika lowered her face until her lips were only a breath away. From Aquila's ear, her voice husky with mischief.
"...Every burn, every sting—it felt like being kissed by the ocean."
Her breath brushed against Aquila's skin, warm and teasing. "Tell me, Princess… have you ever been kissed by something that owns you?"
For a moment, silence hung heavy between them. Their faces were so close that Aquila could feel the faintest trace of her warmth, the brush of her scent—sea-salt and something dangerously sweet.
Then Aquila snapped.
With a sharp exhale, she shoved Zuleika's face away with her palm, glaring at her with a mixture of annoyance and disbelief.
"Enough of your nonsense. Just get ready."
Zuleika, laughing as though she'd won something, spun toward the door.
"You're no fun, Princess. I was just being honest~" She called out for Cess, her laughter echoing down the hall as she left Aquila behind.
Aquila pressed her fingers to her lips where Zuleika's breath had lingered, her brows furrowing deeply. She exhaled again, long and heavy, as if trying to dispel something that clung too closely.
Dangerous.
That was the only word in her mind.
And yet, the warmth creeping up the back of her neck and settling hot in her ears refused to fade.
...
The two princesses, now fully dressed, looked as if they had stepped straight out of two different portraits—both dazzling, both dangerous in their own ways.
Zuleika had chosen a sleeveless, high-neck turtle dress in deep sapphire blue, the neckline dipping into a tasteful V at the upper chest. The fabric hugged her figure more snugly than she preferred, so she layered it with an elegant long coat—dark, refined, but styled in such a way that it didn't dull her fashion sense, it was loosened around her shoulder revealing her medium tone skin. Two fitted black gloves accentuated her slender hands. Her dark turquoise hair fell in loose waves down her back, catching the sunlight that filtered through the glass like strands of ocean foam. Her jewelry was subtle yet deliberate: three small black gem studs climbing her left ear like midnight stars, while her right ear glittered with two tiny white gems—contrasting, balancing, a quiet rebellion in symmetry.
Aquila, on the other hand, embodied the image of imperial elegance. Her light purple hair, long as a waterfall, cascaded down her shoulders in carefully maintained waves. A single light-blue flower pin adorned her locks, softening the severity of her aura, though her newly grown bangs brushed the bridge of her nose, adding a mysterious frame to her silver eyes. She wore a fitted black off-shoulder dress that reached until her heels that she has to pick her dress up when she walks, the cut accentuating her slender curves with graceful restraint. White gloves reached delicately to her wrists, matched with thin silver bracelets and a small sapphire brooch pinned at her chest—a symbol of refined authority rather than vanity.
When they settled inside the carriage, the silence between them lasted only a moment before Aquila broke it, her tone composed as ever.
"We should stop by a merchant before the feast," she said, folding her gloved hands neatly in her lap. "The Zhenka family is not only hosting a banquet, but also celebrating their daughter's coming-of-age. It would be inappropriate to arrive without a gift."
Zuleika tilted her head, crimson eyes glimmering with mischief. "A gift, hm? Something fancy, then? Or should I just give her the joy of my presence?"
Aquila's brow twitched. "Do not jest. The Zhenkas are a proud family. Their daughter's celebration is not to be taken lightly."
"Relax," Zuleika teased, leaning back against the velvet cushion, her coat falling open just enough to hint at the curves the dress embraced beneath. "I know how to behave. …Most of the time."
"Most of the time is already too much," Aquila muttered, her silver gaze narrowing as if she regretted inviting her at all.
Zuleika only grinned, resting her chin on her gloved hand, watching Aquila with open amusement. "Then you choose, Princess. What should we buy? You seem far more invested in proper appearances."
For a moment, Aquila hesitated, then answered calmly: "A gift with meaning. One that reflects her station and the significance of her day. Not something frivolous."
Zuleika smirked, tapping her chin in exaggerated thought. "So… no fish, then?"
Aquila closed her eyes briefly, breathing out through her nose. "Unbelievable."
The carriage slowed to a halt before one of Velmoura's most renowned accessory boutiques, its sign carved from polished oak and its windows glittering with fine pieces that caught the afternoon sun. Captain Rhys stood tall just outside the door, already waiting, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword in quiet vigilance. The moment the two princesses stepped out, whispers followed them again, though none dared come too close under the captain's watchful gaze.
Inside, the shop smelled faintly of cedar and lavender oil. Velvet-lined cases displayed rings, pendants, and delicate hair ornaments, each one glimmering as though vying for attention. The owner, a portly man with a carefully trimmed beard, rushed forward, bowing so low his forehead nearly brushed the floor.
"Your Highnesses," he greeted breathlessly. "What an honor. My humble shop is at your complete disposal. Please, feel free to browse anything you wish."
Aquila inclined her head with curt grace, already moving toward the glass display without wasting words. Zuleika, on the other hand, offered a polite smile that carried just enough warmth to ease the man's nerves.
Aquila's silver eyes scanned the rows of accessories with precision, her gloved finger tapping lightly against the glass.
"Something appropriate," she murmured, mostly to herself. "A young lady's coming-of-age… jewelry should reflect maturity without robbing her of youth."
"Mm, something shiny," Zuleika countered airily, leaning over the case beside her. "Girls like shiny things."
Aquila shot her a flat look. "This is not a matter of indulgence, Zuleika. The Zhenka daughter is entering her formal role within her family. A gift should acknowledge her responsibilities, not treat her like a child with a toy."
Zuleika hummed, pretending to be thoughtful as she picked up a delicate hairpin set with aquamarine. "This one sparkles like fish scales," she said brightly, holding it up to the light. "Don't you think she'll love it?"
Aquila's brow twitched. "…Is all you can think about is fish?"
The owner, caught between them, let out a nervous chuckle. "Ah… both choices could hold meaning, Your Highnesses. We have hairpins that symbolize grace and pendants that represent longevity. Perhaps… perhaps something custom-made to signify her family crest?"
Aquila nodded slightly, approving the suggestion. "That would be fitting. The Zhenkas value legacy above all."
Zuleika leaned closer to the man, her crimson eyes gleaming with mischief. "Tell me, do you have anything shaped like a fish?"
The poor shopkeeper sputtered, blinking rapidly. "A-ah, n-no, Princess, I—I do not believe—"
Aquila closed her eyes briefly, exhaling in exasperation. "Ignore her. Show me the pendants with sapphire inlays."
Zuleika smirked, tucking the aquamarine hairpin back into place before following Aquila deeper into the shop.
Zuleika strolled along the displays, humming under her breath as though the shop were her personal playground. Then her eyes landed on a slender bracelet of light purple and silver, delicate chains entwined like threads of moonlight. She snatched it up immediately and turned, grinning.
"Aquila," she called, holding it out like a prized catch. "Look at this! It reminds me of you."
Aquila, mid-conversation with the shopkeeper about gemstones and crests, didn't even glance her way. She merely flicked her wrist lazily, the picture of disinterest.
"If you are done wasting time, Zuleika, the pendant design is nearly complete."
The grin faded into a pout. Zuleika stared at her, indignant, then puffed her cheeks in mock offense. "Honestly… not even a single look?"
She turned back to the case, crimson eyes scanning with more determination this time. Then—there it was. A bracelet of deep turquoise threaded with tiny red gemstones, bold and vivid, like a spark against the sea. She plucked it up, eyes gleaming with triumph. "Fine. I'll just buy these for myself then."
By the time the shopkeeper returned with the finished pendant—an elegant piece with the Zhenka crest carved in silver—Zuleika was already paying for her bracelets. Once the transaction was done, she suddenly pressed the darker bracelet—turquoise laced with red gemstones—into Aquila's hand with an almost smug expression.
"Here," she said cheerfully. "A gift from me to you."
Aquila blinked down at it, brows knitting tightly. "This?"
"Yes, that," Zuleika answered, already slipping the light purple and silver one onto her own wrist with delicate care. "Mine suits me better anyway."
Aquila exhaled sharply, lips parting as though to argue, but Zuleika only leaned closer with a teasing grin. "Don't pout. It looks… fiery on you. Very fitting for the Ice Princess."
Aquila's jaw tensed, and she shoved the bracelet onto her wrist with an irritated huff. "You're annoying."
Aquila's eyes flicked from her own wrist—where the bold red-and-turquoise gleamed almost aggressively—to Zuleika's, where the lighter one looked delicate, regal, undeniably hers. Her brow furrowed deeper.
"…Did you not say that one reminded you of me?"
Zuleika tilted her head, feigning innocence with wide crimson eyes. "Did I? Hm. You must've misheard. I clearly meant this one suits me." She wiggled her wrist playfully, the silver catching the light.
"You—" Aquila cut herself off, pressing her fingers against her temple as if bracing for a storm.
Zuleika only laughed, her shoulders shaking with amusement as they finally left the shop and returned to the carriage.