Like Light and Dark (by Miriam & Erich) – 9

All eyes were on Crystalline. “Let us begin!”, the elven queen broke the silence. “Dear members of the high-elf court! I warmly welcome you to today’s long-awaited court meeting! Now I am utterly curious to hear what has happened in my Queendom during my somnolent ‘absence’.” As she looked around, several smiling faces were beaming back at her and she could even hear Sofiya and a few others giggle. Only the Master of Shields‘ expression remained unchanged, keeping its rock-like, pokerface seriousness.

Crystallline turned towards Lady Lyanne, the Mistress of Voices, first: “Lady Lyanne, could you tell us what mood my people are in? Do they feel pleased about my ascension? Any disturbances to report?”

“Oh, your Highness, you wouldn’t believe how delighted they are! Now that they are ruled by a young, gracious angel elven queen like yourself, they feel like a brand-new, glorious, bright and prosperous chapter is opening up for all of us!”, Lady Lyanne laughed with a huge and happy smile. Crystalline gleamed with joy, her doubts melting away like snow on a spring day. WOW. She had not quite anticipated such a positive reaction. The Mistress of Voices seemed to notice that, which in turn increased her own excitement. Lady Lyanne clapped her well-manicured hands together and was slightly hopping up and down in her chair, much to the annoyance of the Master of Shields, who was rolling his eyes and probably thinking something along the lines of: Seriously? Why so unprofessional?

Crystalline continued: “Thank you so much, dear Mistress of Voices! I am indeed relieved to hear that! May the people have every reason to feel blessed and blissful during my regency! Is there anything else you would like to share with the Council?”

Lady Lyanne in her pink silk dress couldn’t contain her joy anymore and exclaimed: “Oh yes, my Queen! I suggest that we organise a huge festivity to honor your ascension, because we have every reason to celebrate! I envision a beautiful combination of celestial music, group dancing, a feast provided by the most renowned chefs of our country… and a cooking contest where the winner will be given the opportunity to work for our palace kitchen! Oh, the children could dress up and the ones with the most original, unique costumes would be invited into the palace to explore what it means to live a royal life!”

“May I interject, my Queen?!”, the Master of Treasures asked and raised his finger hesitantly. “The expenses for such festivities would be rather high and I do believe there are other projects that need to be prioritised in our current situation.” He was going through his accounting books and viewing the numbers critically. “Not to spoil the fun, but…”

“Oh, please! Come on, Richard! There must be at least some budget left for partying!”, Lyanne tried to convince him, winking. “Don’t you remember the good old times? All the glorious prom-nights we used to host under Her Majesty’s father, King Turmalion?!”