Chapter 40 - Me, a Door

  As she moved through the room, the bination of emerald green and gold created a captivating aura around her. She exuded fidend grace, each element of her attire w together to reflect her vibrant personality and timeless elegance.

  "I didn’t expect to see you here, so early in the m, Luxana." The words hung in the air, a delicate thread woven into the tapestry of our royal court. Daleyza’s voice cut through the soft m light that streamed through the high arched windows, illuminating the grand hall with a golden glow. I turned slightly, my eyes still closed, sav the warmth of the sun on my fabsp;“Didn’t expect you either—yet disappoi finds a way,” I replied with my eyes closed, a pyful smile tugging at my lips, my voice ced with a teasing lilt. “What?” Daleyza interjected, her brow furrowing in fusion. “Hahaha!” The King’s ughter boomed like thunder, reverberating off the marble walls and filling the room with an ued levity. “How amusing.” “What are you ughing at, Your Majesty? She just insulted me! THE QUEEN OF DOMINO!” Daleyza’s fury erupted like a volo, her cheeks flushed with indignation. “Are you just going to stand by and watch as she uses ill manners and—” “It appears that her remark was intended as a facetious observation,” the King replied, his tone measured and calm. His gaze bore down on Daleyza, sharp and unwavering. “Are you truly incapable of dising su evident maion of sarcasm?”{Meaning: She was merely being sarcastic. Are you so deo not uand that?} The irritatioched on Daleyza’s face deepened as she huffed and plopped down beside the King, her posture rigid with annoyance. She turned her gre toward the teapot that sat imperiously oable, its polished surface gleaming like a bea of hospitality. But without a maid in sight, she was left to stew in her frustration. *Koobsp;Just then, a soft knoock echoed through the hall, breaking the tension that hung thi the air. *The door opens*

  The heavy door creaked open, revealing a maid who entered with graceful poise. But it wasn’t just her; trailing behind her were Princess Lilith De Lyria Von Draken Mistglen De Zorathian ahree sons, Prince Fenris, Prince Eamon and Prince Idris—an impressive sight indeed. “Greetings, Your Majesty,” Lilith intoned with reverence, bowing low until her bright hair cascaded like a waterfall over her shoulders. “With utmost resped benevolentness, I greet the Sun of the Dominion Empire, the King of Domino.” “Greetings, Your Majesty,” came a harmonious chorus from her three sons as they followed suit, bowing deeply in unison. “You may raise your heads and have a seat.” the King anded gently yet authoritatively. Princess Lilith De Lyria Von Draken Mistglen De Zorathian. In a vibrant tapestry of color and style, she emerges as a striking figure. Her hair, a bold and brilliant shade of purple, flows like a cascade of amethyst waves, each strand catg the light and shimmering with an almost magical glow. The pyful hues dance around her shoulders, framing her fad atuating her features with a whimsical fir. Her eyes are a captivating blue, remi of the clearest summer sky, sparkling with an iious enthusiasm for life. They radiate warmth and curiosity, inviting those arouo share in her joy and advehere’s a depth taze that hints at stories waiting to be told, making her preseh intriguing and magic.She wears a stunning dress that elevates her already enting appearahe gown is a masterful blend of vender and pale pink, crafted from ahereal fabric that flows like silk. The bodice is intricately designed with delicate ce detailing that hugs her figure gracefully, atuating her silhouette while allowing for ease of movement. The skirt of the dress billows out in soft yers, creating an enting effect as it sways with her every step. Each yer is adorned with subtle floral embroidery that seems to bloom across the fabric, adding a touch of romand whimsy. The hemline dances just above her knees, revealing elegant legs adorned with delicate araps on her shoes, which sparkle subtly uhe light. As she moves through the world, there’s an effortless grace about her—each step imbued with fidend charm. She embodies a unique blend of creativity and elegance, making her not just a vision of beauty but also an inspiring figure who embraces her individuality with pride. In her presence, one ot help but feel uplifted by the vibrant energy she exudes. Lilith’s sons were dressed in matg horse-riding outfits that atuated their strikiures—each outfit tailored to plement their hair and eye color. The atmosphere shifted subtly as they entered—a blend of elegand power that filled the hall with an almost palpable energy. I leaned back slightly, this family al grad strength. The m sun bathed them in a warm glow, enhang their noble presenbsp;Daleyza’s irritation seemed to wane as she regarded Lilith and her sons with a mixture of curiosity and begrudging respect. Perhaps even she reized that amidst our pyful banter ay squabbles y an intricate web of alliances and rivalries that defined our world—a world where every word spoken could shift the bance of power. *BAM* The door swung open with a dramatic flourish, revealing Isabel, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I’m readyy!” she excimed, her voice eg down the hallway like a cheerful bell. She donned a fitted long-sleeve riding shirt in deep emerald green that hugged her form, highlightihletic figure. The mandarin colr framed her nee with sophistication, while subtle white piping along the edges provided a refiouch. Delicate gold and coral embroidery adorhe shoulders, glimmering softly as she moved and creating an enting py of colors. Her high-waisted breeches, crafted from a deep charcoal gray fabric, offered both fort and practicality. The sleek desigured zippered pockets, merging funality with style. Coral ats along the seams ected effortlessly to the vibraails of her shirt, enhang the overall look. pleting the outfit were knee-high bck leather riding boots, polished to a high shine and radiating elegahe intricate emerald stitg on the boots added a final touch of sophistication that plemehe shirt beautifully. Trailing behind her was a light coral cape that began at her waist and cascaded gracefully down her back. Its scalloped hemline swayed gently in the evening breeze, lending an air of whimsy to her silhouette. Faste the front with a delicate emerald brooch, the cape shimmered subtly against the fading light, drawing attention to its elegant movement. Soft emerald leather gloves adorned her hands, providing both grip and style as she prepared for her ride. Atop her head sat a cssic ridi with a matte bck finish, ated by a vibrant emerald band that framed her bright blonde hair—a striking trast that shimmered like golde iwilight. This outfit was not merely clothing; it represented fidence, adventure, and gra ensemble that came alive with every motion, transf her into a vision of strength ay against the stunning backdrop of nature. Each element harmonized perfectly, crafting a striking portrayal of style and spirit that resonated with every heartbeat. Not to mention, how eerily simir it was to mine - like my father went shopping at "Sisters-R-Us" and asked for the buy-o-one-free special on daughters. Guess he hat Pi board titled "How to Make Your Kids Look Reted Even If They're Not." grats to father on his A+ ctrl+C, ctrl+V parenting skills. The man deserves an Oscar for Best Achievement in Strategic Child Matg. Isabel's exuberarance came to an abrupt halt as she stepped into the opulent royal chamber. "HUH?" she blurted out, her eyes widening in surprise. For what felt like ay, she stood frozen, her gaze darting from one er of the room to aaking in the ued gathering before her. After a moment of stunned silence, Isabel's voice rang out again, a mix of fusion aement. "Eamon, Fenris and Idris? Oh and even Princess Lilith?" Her informal outburst echoed through the chamber, causing a ripple of disfort among the assembled royalty. Daleyza, her face a mask of barely cealed irritation, fixed Isabel with a stern look. "Where are yreetings, Isabel?" she questioned, her voice tight with anger despite the forced smile that pyed on her lips. Realization dawned on Isabel's face. "OHH, right!" she excimed, quickly posing herself. With a deep breath, she unched into a formal greeting, her voice taking on a more respectful tone. "I greet the Sun of the Kingdom, His Majesty, the King of Domino, The Moon of this Kingdom, Her Majesty, the Queen of Domino, and Princess of Zorathian along with Prince Fenris, Prince Idris and Prince Eamon." As she spoke, Isabel bowed low, her earlier exuberance repced by a show of proper etiquette. The King of Domino, his fa impassive mask, regarded Isabel with a cool gaze. "Have a seat," he ordered, his tone brooking nument. The formal greeting seemed to have little effe his demeanor. The entire room collectively pulled off the most synized "judging you" fa royal history - me, Lilith, and her sons looking like we'd just witnessed someo pizza with a fork and k a state dinner. Picture four pairs of eyes rolling so hard they could've geed enough energy to power the entire kingdom. It was the kind of unified disapproving look that would make even a statue feel self-scious and check if it had spinach stu its teeth. Sigh Oh Isabel, you're like a geous book cover ed around a manual on how to embarrass yourself in 101 different ways. All that geic lottery winning, a somehow you're out here making a mannequin look overqualified for your job. The universe really said "Here's a face that could unch a thousand ships...and a brain that might have trouble operating a rowboat." Well done, Isabel. You've truly mastered the art of setting the bar so low it's practically a trip hazard in hell. I'd slow cp, but I'm afraid you'd take it as a standing ovation. gratutions on your outstanding achievement in making mediocrity look ambitious - they should mint a participation trophy just for you. And guess where our social butterfly with the navigational skills of a GPS having a stroke decided to park herself? RIGHT. . TO. ME. On this adorably tiny love seat clearly designed by someone who hates personal space. Picture this: a sofa so small it makes sardines in a look like they're practig social distang. And there I was, sharing this miniature furniture with Isabel - a woman so inprehensible she needs her mother to be her personal transtor. It's like being stu aor with someone who only speaks in interpretive dance, and the only person who decode it is her mom. The furniture gods really said "here's a couch for two, may the odds be ever in your favor" and threw me into my own personal episode of "Rich People Problems: Extreme Sofa Edition." *BAM* *The door opens*Me, a door, writing in my diary: DEAR DIARY, Today I was assaulted by yet another human arently thinks I'm a drum set from a heavy metal cert. BANG BANG BANG at 7 AM! Do I look like I'm hosting tryouts for Metallica? And don't get me started on these visitors - they're showing up like they're auditioning for a bad sit. One guy literally finger-gu me. AT ME. A DOOR. The only det one is that purple princess who actually knows how to knock properly wipes away a wooden tear. She gives me a geap tap" like I'm a distinguished gentleman, which I AM. I've got a PhD in Dy, thank you very mubsp;I swear, if one more persos me like I owe them money... I'm going to do what any self-respeg door would do - absolutely nothing because I'M A DOOR. But I'll do it PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVELY. Maybe squeak extra loud. That'll show them. Sincerely,Your very tired and slightly dented friend,Door Mgerton III, Esq. P.S. If my hinges soura squeaky tomorrow, mind your own business. I'm n, you're g. Oh wow, did I just receive a letter from the door, how very honourable. Really. Okay, and who exactly is this new circus member? I thought just as I turned around to see and— *SQEEEZE* Suddenly, my world pressed into a golden-haired whirlwind of overwhelming affey personal space wasn't just invaded; it was pletely obliterated. The force of this ued embrace was so shog that I could practically hear the collective gasp of everyone around me. I'm pretty sure someone's dentures must have cttered to the floor and started running away in pure shobsp;"H-h-hey, hat're y-you doin?" I stuttered, sounding like a broken GPS desperately trying to recalcute its route in a pitch-bck tunnel. My soul was being crushed against this woman's chest like a stress ball in the hands of an overworked atant experieng a particurly bad tax season. The golden hair was unmistakable - unless someone had given a mop a truly luxurious and expensive dye job. Wait a minute. Lady Lily Furia? THE Lady Lily Furia? Well, this is just perfect. Of all the ways I imagined my demise, being hugged to death like a teddy bear at a toddler's overzealous tea party was not on my bingo card. I always thought I'd go out doing something marginally cooler, like tripping over my ow in an epically dramatic fashion. My brain was short-circuiting, desperately trying to pute the proper form of address. Mom? Lady? Aunty? Queen? Princess? Your Royal Huginess? At this point, I was seriously sidering just making chi noises and hoping for the best. Maybe if I stood perfectly still long enough, someone would pull a fire arm and rescue me from this utterly mortifying social nightmare. "Umhh.....ahhh....." The sounds esg my mouth were less human unication and more panicked animal noises. Articution had left the building, along with my dignity. "Umhh....Umhh.........AHEMMM!" I muttered, hardly making sense. The King, cool as a cucumber, simply took a sip of his tea and remarked casually, "Lily, please." DUDE, while I'm being squeezed into human juice like the world's saddest stress ball, you're just standing there having a spiritual moment with your leaf water? I bet if the apocalypse started right now, you'd just tsk and mutter "terrible timing, my oolong is at the perfect temperature" while your wives facepalm so hard they need aspirin! At this rate, I'm starting to think you emerged from the womb with a teacup in one hand and a pinky raised.To be tinued...