A Dream's Reality

"O...okay." I just nodded, not sure what else to do. I guess I can go along with it for now and go to this 'ceremony'. Naida smiled broadly.

A few hours go by as Naida begins running around the palace trying to get things sorted. Braeden stayed with me but we didn't talk very much. It was a comfortable silence, allowing me to take in all these strange things. I mean, me a Queen?! Naida came back in panting so Braeden and I quickly stood up. She regained her composure before speaking.

"Thank you! Let us get you dressed!" Already? Naida calls out and two maids who walk in quickly. "First we have to get your measurements." Before I can say anything, the maids have rushed to my side and started measuring every part of my body they needed. I felt a little uncomfortable, never having this done to me before. Plus, Braeden is still here...

"Um...Queen Celeste, Naida. I guess I should get going. See you at the ceremony!" Braeden scratched the back of his head sheepishly. He must have sensed my awkwardness. Phew... He gave me a bright smile before closing the door behind him.

"Alright! Measurements are done; while we wait for the dresses, you can shower." Naida spoke excitedly. She ushered one of the maids out to get dresses for me to wear. I wonder what she will get... I wondered to myself. "Now, obviously you do not have any toiletries or beauty items here yet. So I will let you borrow mine!" She had a bounce in her step as she left the room.

"Queen Celeste, if you would please step into the washroom and get ready for a shower." The maid bowed and I felt awkward at the formality. I smiled shyly.

"Um. Miss, there is no need to bow or anything. Thank you for your help." She just nodded, looking down with a red face. I feel weird being treated this way. But decided to just follow her into the washroom as she walked ahead.

"Here we are Queen Celeste, please use the shower." She bowed again. I examined the bathroom in awe after the maid closed the door on her way out, it was all ivory-colored with some gold accents. What a bathroom... Just then I heard a knock, and I jumped.

"Queen Celeste! I have some shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for your shower." Naida peeked into the room before handing me the items. "After you are done with your shower, you can come out and pick the dress you want." She smiled happily as she bounced out of the washroom. I giggled to myself as I undressed to shower.

The shower felt amazing; the hot water dripping onto my skin. I sighed in relief. All of this is unbelievable, but it feels so real! I thought about my situation during my shower. I stepped out, having an idea pop in my head. Maybe if I close my eyes and reopen them, I will wake up. As silly as it sounds, I shut my eyes tightly and silently wished to wake up on my bed.

"It didn't work..." I whispered to myself as I opened my eyes and saw that I was still in the gorgeous 'dream' washroom. I sighed and put on the white robe that was hanging next to the shower door. When I walked out of the room, I saw 5 beautiful dresses.

"Okay, Queen Celeste. Now to pick the dress and accessories!" Naida smiled as my gaze examined each one. I was drawn to a navy blue gown that was sleeveless; it was form-fitting to right above the knees then flared out like a mermaid dress with the front shorter than the back. The strappy heels were a metallic gold, which matched the gold bangles and crimped spike necklace.

"This one." I lifted it up to show Naida and the two maids.

"Beautiful choice Queen Celeste." Naida smiled. "Now we can start with hair to go with that dress and some makeup. Have a seat!" Naida gestured to a cushioned white chair that was placed in front of a vanity. I did what was asked and sat down, not sure what they were going to do. "I think I am just going to give you a simple look makeup-wise, as for the hair I’ll try to match it with the dress you chose." She smiled warmly, looking excited to be doing my makeup and hair.

"Um. Thank you, Naida." She just smiles before starting with my hair.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Naida has finally finished with my hair, we talked animatedly the whole time. I enjoyed Naida's company, we seemed to have a lot in common as we continuously talked. It feels like we've been best friends for a long time... I almost forgot I was in some crazy confusing dream.

"Let's move on to makeup Queen Celeste." I smile and nod, allowing her to do as she sees fit. This time, there isn't much talking as she applies my makeup. I don't want to mess her up by moving my face too much. Naida didn't take long to do my makeup, which I was grateful for. I've been getting antsy from sitting in this chair and not being allowed to see my hair or face. "Done!" Naida looked content with what she had done and smiled.

She let me turn around in the chair to see my long blonde hair was curled and pinned away from my face. My makeup was just thin black eyeliner, neutral-pink eye shadow, neutral blush, and matte pink lipstick. I gasped lightly, surprised by what I saw in the mirror. Wow she's good! Naida giggled at my response and clapped.

"Wow Naida, my hair and makeup look great. Thank you." I thanked her, smiling softly.

"Of course, you have to look perfect for your ceremony! Now for the dress, shoes, and accessories!" She gestured the maids to take away the dresses that I didn't choose. "Let me help you with your dress, okay?" I shook my head.

"No, thank you Naida, but I can at least put on the dress myself." I smiled, wanting to think to myself for a bit before this 'ceremony' thing. She was going to object but must've realized what I was thinking and nodded.

"As you wish, Queen Celeste. Holler if you need me!" I let out a sigh the moment she closed the door. I sat on the bed for a few minutes, trying to let things sink in. I feel a bit self-conscious about wearing such an extravagant dress, but decide to just wear it as Naida asked.

"Just go along with it..."

I finally started putting on the dress after having pulled on the underwear that was also provided. They must've bought these for me too...They think of everything. As I pulled up the dress to my waist and started to bring it over my chest, I heard someone open the door.

"Naida, I told you that I wanted to do this myself," I say, but I actually wasn't sure how I would zip up the back. I hear footsteps drawing near me as my back is turned towards the door. "Naida, is something wrong?" I ask worriedly. She's usually so talkative. I turn around to look at her but was hugged from behind.

"Found you!" I shout in surprise at the new voice. This is not Naida... The person is at least a foot taller than me and their voice is smooth and almost seductive. "You're the Queen, right? Well, aren't you cute? What's your name?" I turned my head to see a beautifully tanned man with shaggy white/silver hair and crystal blue eyes one could drown in. His ears were strangely pointy with black piercings covering them. He was showing a toothy grin.

"Wha...Who are you?!" I tried wriggling out of his hold, but he wasn't budging.

"I'm Elion. Nice to meet you!" With every word, his breath tickles my ear and makes me shiver. "Won't you tell me yours? It's only fair." He smiled, his eyes gazing down at me intensely.

"Celeste..." I was in a daze.

"Celeste? What a beautiful name." A small blush creeps up my cheeks at the compliment. "I see you're having trouble with your dress. Allow me to help, I'm very good at this." His warm fingers touch my back and trace along my shoulder blades softly. A shiver traveled down my spine as goosebumps covered my arms.

"L-let me go...!" I felt uncomfortable and finally escaped Elion's arms. There was a loud crash as I knocked a vase over in my escape. Uh-oh... Not long after, the door is flung open. Braeden.

"Queen Celeste! Are you okay?!" His golden eyes were clouded with worry. He was dressed differently, probably changed for the ceremony. He was dressed in all black except for a light purple cape that hung around his shoulders. The front of his suit was covered in buttons, but they were only buttoned from his chest to his tan belt. The rest were unbuttoned, showing his black slacks and black shoes.

I reflexively maneuver over to Braeden, feeling relieved to see a 'familiar' face. "Braeden...!"

"Did something happen?" He gave me a worried look before eyeing Elion.

"I must've surprised Celeste by walking in unannounced before she was done changing." Elion gave a small smile and Braeden sighed.

"Is that right?" Braeden smiled in relief. "Your dress is all messed up, let me help." He swiftly fixes it and zips up the back before I can object.

"Thank you..." Ugh how embarrassing. I just wanted to get dressed.

"My pleasure, Queen Celeste." He gives me a warm smile as his golden eyes light up. "You're so pretty." His voice was sweet as he lifted his hand to touch my cheek. I jumped in surprised with my eyes wide. I could feel the warmth fill my cheeks; I'm blushing. Hard.

"U-um..." I felt embarrassed and was frozen in place. Braeden must've realized what he was doing as he jolted away and blushed furiously.

"Well, you treated him quite differently than you did me," Elion spoke with a mixture of amusement and dissatisfaction in his voice. Just as he was about to get closer, Naida walks in.

"Hey! Don't scare Queen Celeste! And you aren't supposed to see her until the ceremony." Naida gave both guys a stern look.

"Alright alright. I'm sorry." Elion puts his hands up. "It was a pleasure to meet you my dear, Queen Celeste." He bows slightly with a grin on his tanned face before leaving.

"Oh Naida, yes you're right. I just heard a noise and was worried so I barged in without thinking." Braeden smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. Before anyone else can speak, a loud bell rings throughout the palace. Hm? What's that?

"It's time Queen Celeste. Your ceremony will begin! And you look beautiful by the way." Naida smiled, giggling softly. I couldn't help but smile back.

"Yes, alright. I'll tell you some things, but anything else will be explained by the princes you've met and will meet. The ceremony today is just to celebrate your being summoned and to introduce you to the people." Naida nodded as we walked slowly out of the room. Braeden had already left after saying goodbye to both of us. The two maids that helped me early were cleaning up the mess, I turned around and mouthed 'sorry'. They just nodded and continued. Okay, now time for some explanations!

"Well, first thing's first. You are currently not on Earth, but in a different world called Efroria. There are 6 different kingdoms, the one we are in is called Ishior. I won’t tell you about the other 5 kingdoms, which is something you will learn in time upon meeting the 5 princes who reign from them. All I will tell you is that each kingdom has a different race or kind of people. Here, in Ishior, we are the closest to a normal human; except we have element-based powers. Hence the name, Elementals. You, Queen Celeste, are also an Elemental. But you're special. There's a prophecy that says every 100 years, the Divine Elemental will be summoned to Efroria, where she will be queen. Once the Divine Elemental arrives, she must learn to control all the elements in order to lead the battle against the Evil Lord who also comes every 100 years. That's you. Unlike any other Elemental, you will be able to learn all the elements. In order to do this, you must train hard and travel amongst kingdoms to learn from them. The princes play an important role in training you, as they have special abilities of their own. You must also choose a suitor, although it is nothing to be rushed or forced. Whomever you choose as a lover will be king; so you have to watch out for those who want the crown for power. I will teach you about water, my specialty, and about royal duties. I know it's a lot to handle, but I am confident you will succeed."

The entire time she spoke, we were walking towards the ballroom. This palace was like a maze. Once she stopped talking, I realized she was done telling me the story. I stared at her blankly, not sure how I should handle this situation. Naida gave me a small smile.

"...So, I have to learn these powers I know nothing about and rule a kingdom I've never even heard of? And choose a suitor?" Naida just nodded and I sighed. "I can't do this. I'm just a 21-year old girl who goes to school and works in the public library. My parents are just photographers that are never home so I live with my grandmother. There's nothing special about me. What about my normal life?" I felt a rush of emotions. This is too much...

"Celeste." She gave me a sad look. "I'm sorry. I know this has been an abrupt journey. But it's real. There will be times when you can visit your home, but not right now. You're still very unstable. Do not worry, your grandmother knows full well who you are…" I looked at her in surprise and confusion. Before I can speak, she continued. "Do you remember the stories she used to tell you when you were young? They weren't fairy tales, but real." My eyes widened.

"How did you know about that?" Naida's dark blue eyes widened, matching mine. But she quickly shook her head. She remained quiet as she ushered me through large, beautifully carved blue and white doors. "Naida!"

"I'm sorry Queen Celeste, I will tell you in time. But now we are at the ballroom so we must go inside and start the ceremony."

"But, Naida!" I sighed, pouting. What about home? Naida just gave me an apologetic look before walking me into the ballroom.