<div class="floatright">(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b1/9c/ba/b19cbab1601d3932798037a82a9836ae.jpg)</div><br/>Allura straightened her back as her handmaiden tightened the seam on her dress one last time so that the velvet burgundy gown she chose fit perfectly to every curve of her sculpted form. Gold and silver threads were braided into her hair as it was wound in a french braid like a crown. She stood mannequin still and simply watched the transformation as the heavy gilded  burgundy cloak was fastened over her shoulders with emerald- inlaid brooches and the emerald starshower earrings were carefully put in. Today was the day of her brother's wedding. The castle was filled with strange and beautiful women, come to marry into the family and become the potential 'Queen, mother to the Heir of the Nations United'. Her regal facade broke into a tired sigh.She could not anger at the women for seeking out their reasonable individual goals. She could not be angry at her ailing father for choosing her soft-spoken brother as Heir. She could not anger at her mother, who did indeed try to speak on her behalf  when deciding the hier. She was still mourning Abasalom and Kreyta and didn't have it in her to be disappointed at Allaran's decision to abdicate. She had spoken her mind back then and would not guilt him any further.  Sadly , the raven haired woman asked her reflection," What am I to do?" Allura's eyes met the quiet smile of her round-faced Servant and she relaxed her shoulders, tight with the tension in her mind. "War is not to occur again over this, but Auren will not back down," She bit her lip and bitterly thought about all the years she spent preparing to be a fitting and understanding Empress to the people of the Realm and her beloved Auren , her favorite person on the plane, is becoming the Crown prince. He would be good but she would be better.<br/><br/>"Marie, please get me my commendations."  In a blink, the handmaiden held a box of medals and clips before her. Allura carefully pulled out three palm sized objects and placed them on the vanity beside her. First she pinned a golden metal with eleven sigils to her cloak and spoke aloud "I have bravely fought to protect my father's rule against traitors." Second she gently adorned her brow with a diadem interwoven with a spell bestowing it with an opalescent sheen." I am the remaining daughter of Imperial Majesty Krygold II, King of Kings and Emperor of the Known and apprentice to the his Honorable Precept Nestor Aruleus."And Lastly she slipped on two gold bracers and narrowed her eyes at the mirror reflection and whispered ." I am the rightful queen after Bishop Allaran."<br/><br/>As if on cue, the distant horns were heard announcing the prince regent's return from his bachelor hunting party. Exhaling Allura stepped of her dressing podium and stepped into the antechamber, She made eye contact with a young guard and  cleared her throat.  "Lady Allura!" The young lather-clad man noted cheerfully and opened the door wide. The princess smiled politely in response  and gave a small curtsy in thanks and exited to the hall where an older gentleman stood serenely holding his arm out to her.<br/><br/>"Hello your Highness" The older gentleman appeared to be anywhere between 40 and 240. In this world of mixed races, it was hard to tell especially because his silver-blue skin hid any signs of age.<br/><br/>"Ah! hello Precepter!" Allura embraced the man before her for no more than a breath and took his arm gladly, returning the composed posture she had before . They walked through the castle in a comfortable silence.<br/><br/>A few steps before they reached the wedding hall, they both paused at the  sound of Allaran and Auren's voices. With a glance Her escort release her arm. "Say your blessing and meet me in the grand hall, in 5 minutes, I will be counting."  Allura nodded politely and curtsied, she knew she was on close watch  because of her sister's betrayal and she would not be one to raise suspicion on herself.<br/><br/>"Yes, of course Your Honor. I still have so many to greet before the ceremony." She smiled mischievously and nodded taking her leave down the adjoining hall. She made eye contact with Allaran first then took in the sight of Auren and one of his new brides. "good, Blessed day Bishop ! " Her voice echoed down the corridor. "How fortunate I am to catch you, Auren," she paused for a second to recall the woman with them, " and Lady Serana vi Marion, before your cleansing!" She followed with a laugh and stopped so they could approach her. She curtsied to the woman and Auren and held her hand out to the elder brother in a familiar gesture that hadn't changed since they were younger.