A Dream's Reality

We all made it to the carriage at about the same time. Good, Naida won’t be upset. We greeted each other before filing back into our ride. At first, it was quiet as the carriage drove off. Probably because we’ve been out for a while now and everyone is tired.

“Queen Celeste? Where did you get that bracelet?” Naida whispered, pointing at my wrist. I immediately blushed and held the bracelet.

“Um…I saw it at a jewelry booth.” I felt happy looking at the bracelet.

“And? Did Prince Braeden buy it for you?!” Naida asked, her voice getting just a bit louder with anticipation. I shushed her, feeling embarrassed, and nodded silently with a red face. “Really?”

“Um. Queen Celeste, mind if I ask what your home life is like?” Lyall asked softly. Thank you, Lyall, for saving me! I silently thanked him for interrupting Naida’s prying. I looked at his pale blue eyes, thinking about his question.

“Well, I lived with my grandmother most of my life. Both my parents are photographers so they travel a lot and are never really home.” I smiled bitterly to myself. I always rather resented my parents for neglecting me, even if it’s childish now. Everyone’s eyes were on me, wanting me to continue. “My ‘town’ is pretty small, with all the homes very close together. Down the street was some small shops and food places, we all basically knew each other.” I smiled at the memory and closed my eyes as I spoke. “Um. There are various beautiful buildings all over Earth, even some palaces. But most places have no extravagance, but I don’t mind. I like the quietness of my hometown. I was a student in college, where I was studying Folklore Research. I also worked at the local library.” I opened my eyes to see everyone’s eyes on me very intently and blushed.

“Wow, Queen Celeste! You must really like your home!” Braeden said cheerfully and I couldn’t help but smile. “But, what is college exactly? Is it school?” I looked at him with wide eyes.

“You don’t have a college here?” Everyone shook their heads. “Um, well. College is school, yes, but it’s for students who have finished all their regular schooling. Ah. It’s where someone goes to study a specific career they want to have.

“So you can go to school to get a job?” Lyall asked me curiously and I nodded.

“Yes. When you finish school, you get a degree in the field you chose and move on to getting a job there. It’s very hard to get a career you really want without college.” I really hoped I explained it well enough for all of them.

“So that would mean that you are actually smart, huh?” Karayan said mockingly.

“What? What does that mean?!” Karayan chuckled at my outburst.

“Nothing. I just wonder what career you would get by studying a subject about myths.” My nose flared in annoyance. But before I could retort, Braeden interrupted.

“So Queen Celeste does that mean you can choose whatever job you want. No matter what?” Cade’s cat ears perked up at this, his orange eyes showing interest.

“Ah yes, you can.” Braeden looked at me with amazement.

“Wow. Here, we are basically all born into what we do for the rest of our lives.” Braeden sounded almost sad at the words, and I couldn’t help but feel a bit of pity.

“Well it’s our duty; we have no choice in the matter,” Naida said matter-of-factly. She takes this very seriously… As we all conversed a bit more about Earth, we finally pulled up to the castle. Naida had the guards take all the bags of clothing to my room. Aw, I’m starting to miss home even more…

“Alright, let us all go into the dining hall for some lunch.”

“Alright! I’m starving!” Elion cheered with Braeden agreeing. I smiled as we walked together towards the dining hall. It was huge!

The table could fit all seven of us plus three more, so a ten-person table. It was a long, white-wooden table with a deep blue tablecloth embroidered with white designs. The plates were all white with gold silverware set perfectly. The chairs were also white-colored wood with deep blue cushions. The room was full of beautiful paintings and a giant golden chandelier dead center.

“Wow…” Karayan must have heard me as he chuckled.

“Is this really all that exciting for you? How simple.” I turned to see his red eyes glowing with amusement and scoffed.

“It’s just new for me, that’s all!” I tried to play it off as I walked to find a seat, but I could still hear Karayan’s deep laugh.

“Queen Celeste; please sit at the head of the table.” Naida gestured for me and I obliged.

“Ah, okay.” Lyall was waiting for me at the head chair as he pulled it out for me to sit. “Thank you so much, Prince Lyall.”

“My pleasure, Queen Celeste.” Lyall gave me a charming smile before taking his seat next to Braeden who sat to my left. Naida sat on my right with Elion and Karayan, while Cade sat next to Lyall.

“Please bring in lunch!” Naida calls to I’m guessing the maids/butlers. Within seconds, a group of maids and butlers come in carrying large platters of food. My eyes widen. So much!

There was a salad, soup, bread, rice, vegetables, steak, cake, and cookies; each of the platters containing much more than enough food for all of us. I didn’t realize I was so hungry until the food was placed in front of me and my stomach growled. I blushed, hoping no one heard.

“Celeste. That’s not very queen-like, you know.” Karayan spoke smartly. Damn. He heard… My cheeks flushed even more in embarrassment.

“S-sorry.” Elion and Braeden started laughing.

“Queen! It’s really okay, Karayan isn’t being serious.” Braeden said with a smile, I sighed in relief.

“Prince Karayan, please don’t tease little miss Celeste too much,” Elion said in an amused voice. Karayan just responded with a ‘tsk’ and turned away.

“Alright everyone please let the servers know what you would like to eat.” Everyone had their own server and started asking them for the foods they wanted. I felt awkward, wanting to just serve myself but thought better of it.

“Um, may I have some of the soup, please? What kind is it?” I asked the middle-aged woman standing next to me.

“Yes, your highness. It is a vegetable stew.” She gave me a smile before handing me a bowl of the soup.

“Sounds delicious. Thank you…uh. And what is your name?” She looked surprised that I asked what her name was.

“U-um. It’s Kirin, your highness.” Kirin looked bashful, hiding her blue eyes behind her light brown bangs.

“Ah, Kirin. I will remember that. Thank you.” Her eyes widened and I smiled. She quickly bowed and left, since the rest of the servers were waiting on her.

I didn’t realize, but the guys were all looking at me strangely. I guess they aren’t used to ‘royalty’ becoming friendly with maids. Naida was the only one who was smiling and didn’t even seem phased.

“Let us eat,” Naida said and we all nodded in agreement. For the most part, lunch was a comfortable silence as we all enjoyed the delicious meal prepared for us. I decided to break the silence with a question.

“So, you all know what I am and I know Naida is also elemental. Can I ask the princes what kingdoms you’re from and what supernatural race?” I asked, looking around at the princes around me.

“Oh yeah! Well, you already know I'm a demon. But don’t worry I’m a good guy!” Braeden spoke cheerfully with a wink. “And well, Irkalla is my kingdom. I will bring you soon.” I smiled at Braeden and nodded, already knowing about him from Naida.

“Well, well. I’m glad you have taken an interest in me darlin’. In Thystum, we are elves.” Elion grins, gesturing towards his pierced pointed ears. That explains those pointy ears!

“I’m a werewolf from Styria, I’m sure you’ve heard about us from your home.” Lyall smiled, moving his long brown hair to his other shoulder. I nodded. I wonder if they are similar to what I’ve read.

“If you must know, I’m a vampire from Grimoire. That is something anyone should notice right away.” Karayan said smartly. Well then! “And do worry because I am not what you would call a good guy.” His voice was deep and his eyes filled with intensity. My body shivered as Karayan smirked at my reaction.

“Could’ve guessed that!” I retorted, making Karayan blink in surprise. That only lasted a second before he grinned evilly.

“Prince Karayan! Please refrain from teasing Queen Celeste.” Naida gave him a stern look and he just rolled his eyes in annoyance.

“Prince Cade? What about you?” Cade wasn’t really paying attention to what was going on; in fact, it looked like he wanted to leave.

“Nothing interesting. Just a half-human/half-Neko. In Akkala, we are all half-human and half-beast.” Cade didn’t look at me, avoiding my eyes for some reason.

“Wow. So you guys all are really supernatural beings!” My eyes twinkled with excitement, as I have never met anyone other than humans. Or so I think. “Do you guys ever go to Earth?”

“Well, yes. We study you, humans, a lot – hence our having what you would think of as ‘normal’ food and such. Although we do not really follow your strange technologies.” Naida explained to me and my interest was piqued.

“Oh really? Have any of you been?” I looked around the room, wondering if any of them have seen my home.

“The princes/princesses aren’t normally allowed to go to Earth. They have many duties to attend to.” I looked at Naida with curious eyes.

“Oh? And you, Naida?”

“A-ah well. Yes, Queen Celeste. I have.” She looked uncomfortable and shifted her eyes. Huh?

“Okay! Well, it seems that everyone has finished their lunch. You guys may rest for a bit, but then I want everyone to meet in the courtyard. I have to assign everyone their duties regarding Queen Celeste.” Naida spoke while gesturing for the servers to retrieve our plates and food.

“Queen! Let me show you where we are staying so you know where to go if you ever need anything.” Braeden said goofily. I nodded and smiled, curious to know here there guys are staying.

Everyone else has gone their own way, I’m guessing to their rooms. Braeden comes to me and holds out his hand with a broad smile.

“My Queen.” He tries to say in a serious voice, but I start giggling and he pouts. “Hey! Don’t laugh at me!” He huffs and I grasp his hand.

“Sorry Prince Braeden, thank you.” I give him a smile. “Let’s go!” I started to run a bit, trying to remember the way to the stairs.

“Woah!” Braeden was surprised by my dragging him at first but then lets me pull him along. “Queen Celeste, do you know where to go?” I suddenly stop in my tracks and look are Braeden’s face holding a grin.

“W-well, um.” I looked down, feeling embarrassed. All of a sudden, I feel Braeden’s warm hand on my chin as he raises it. A blush dusts my cheeks at the sudden contact and closeness.

“Come on, Queen Celeste. I’ll show you the way.” Braeden whispers as he starts pulling me up the wide staircase.

Once up the stairs, we make a left towards my bedroom but walk right passed my door. Down the hall was another set of stairs that we took which led to the hallway of the guys’ rooms. The first part of the hallway had five doors, which I guess was the bedrooms. Braeden led me to the first one on the left.

“See. We are really close, so if you need anything you can come here.” Braeden gives me a sincere smile, his golden eyes shining brightly. “This one here is mine.” Braeden opens the door before turning to me with an apologetic look. “I’m sorry the room is a bit messy, I haven’t really unpacked.” He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly.

“Oh, it’s okay Prince Braeden!” I giggled, making Braeden blush. He had bags and clothes in piles everywhere, as well as books. His unmade sheets were dark blue and white. He closed his door, probably still embarrassed as he ushers me towards the door across from his.

“This is Prince Elion’s.” He knocks on the door before twisting the knob. Elion is there, folding his clothes on his dark green and light green sheets. He turned towards us with a grin

“So, darlin’. You came to see my room already, huh?” Elion smirked; brushing his white hair out of his tanned face.

“Prince Braeden is just showing me around!” I spoke quickly and Elion just laughed.

“Ah, I see. Well, welcome to my new abode.” Elion gestures to his room with his hand and I nod. “You are welcome here any time you like, Celeste. Even in the middle of the night, although I can’t guarantee I will hold back.” Elion winked and a blush instantly flooded my cheeks.

“Okay, see you later Prince Elion!” Braeden says quickly. Braeden grabs my arm and pulls me towards the door next to Elion’s. “This is Prince Karayan’s room.” Before Braeden could even knock, the door opened to a glaring Karayan.

“Yes?” Karayan was blocking most of his room, so all I could see was deep purple sheets on his bed.

“S-sorry. Prince Braeden was just showing me to your rooms.” I said awkwardly. Karayan just gave a smirk.

“Oh. Well, I can't help you much, Celeste.” Karayan spoke mysteriously with an odd glint in his bright red eyes.

“Okay…Well, goodbye Prince Karayan.” Braeden said awkwardly, again pulling me across the hall. This time it was the room next to Braeden’s. All I heard was a grunt before Karayan shut his door. “Now we are at Prince Cade’s!” Braeden seemed happy as he started opening the door without even a knock.

“Braeden?” Cade looked groggy as he rubbed his orange eyes. Did he just wake up? His room was completely unpacked with everything in perfect order. His bed made neatly with red sheets. Once he realized I was there, his eyes widened and his cat ears stood straight in surprise. “Q-queen? What are you doing here?” His words felt somewhat cold.

“I’m showing Queen Celeste everyone’s rooms so she knows where we are if she needs anything!” Braeden smiled wide. He’s so sweet and cute.

“Oh. Well, you won't want any help from me...” Cade says, looking away as he starts to shut his door. Braeden stops the door.

“Cade! Don’t be harsh to the queen, okay?” Braeden says with a small smile. Cade just blushes and shuts the door. What the…? “Don't worry about him, he's just shy. And now for Prince Lyall!” We walked to the room next to Cade’s as Braeden knocked once more.

“Oh hello Prince Braeden, Queen Celeste.” Lyall gives us a warm smile. Oh! I noticed his glasses were off and I could see how beautiful his pale blue eyes were. Lyall caught me staring and I turned away with a blush. Busted… “Ah sorry, I had taken off my glasses.”

Lyall turns to go back into his room. His golden sheets were slightly messy with piles of clothes placed neatly on his bed. He comes back with his glasses on and smiles, holding something else in his hands.

“Ah, Queen Celeste. I got something for you.” Lyall hands me a book as I read the cover, The First Divine Elemental. Oh! He rubs the back of his neck shyly. “Well, I thought that you might really like this book. I enjoyed reading it and it could help you understand things better.”

“Wow. Thank you, Prince Lyall, how thoughtful.” I smiled at the book, feeling a bit excited to read it. Lyall patted my head softly.

“Of course, my Queen. Now, I think we must meet with Lady Naida.” Lyall said as he stepped out his room and closed the door.

“Right!” Braeden took my hand as the three of us started walking towards the courtyard.

“Thank you for showing me around Prince Braeden.” He responded with his charming smile and I smiled back.

One way or another, all of us had made it to the courtyard for our meeting. I wasn’t too sure what kind of training I would be going through, so I felt a bit nervous. Naida gave me a reassuring smile as if reading my thoughts.

“Alright, Queen Celeste. As I’ve said, I will be in charge of your duties as Queen and since I have the control of water I will teach you that as well.” Naida spoke firmly and I nodded in response. “As for the princes, most of them also have control over a certain element and will be teaching you that. Of course, they have other skills as well.”

“Oh, I see! So what will I be learning then?” I looked at Naida curiously and she smiled.

“Well, Prince Elion, of course, would be teaching you about how to control earth-based powers.” Elion gave me a wink and a charming smile. “Prince Braeden will help with the controlling of fire.” Braeden smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Prince Cade will help you with learning how to use herbs in healing.” Cade just looked away awkwardly. Why? “Prince Karayan will teach you how to use the sword as well as how to dance,” Karayan grunted as my eyes widened. Dance?! “And Prince Lyall will teach you basic fighting skills.” Lyall gave you a warm, closed-eye smile.

“Wow. That’s a lot to learn…” I suddenly felt a rush of nerves at the overwhelming amount of things I must learn. How am I supposed to do all this? Lyall noticed my discomfort and rested his warm hand on my shoulder.

“Queen. Please do not worry, we all will teach you in the best way we can. We all believe that you will accomplish everything.” I felt warm butterflies in my stomach at his kind words and gave him a smile.

“Thank you, Prince Lyall.” I feel a little better…

“Alright!” Naida clapped her hands. “You may all go back to whatever it is you were doing, except Queen Celeste. I will begin basic training today and then we will all have our supper.” Everyone nodded in agreement and went their own way.

“Good luck Queen Celeste!” Braeden shouted cheerfully, waving his arm in the air. I couldn’t help but giggle as I waved back and thanked him.

“So, Queen Celeste. Since you are completely new to the royal world, my parents will be in the background doing most of the heavy stuff until you can do them on your own. For now, I will start teaching you how to act like a proper lady.” I gulped at Naida’s words, feeling nervous all over again.

“O-okay. At least I won’t have to be bombarded with too many Queen Duties.” Naida just nodded knowingly.

“Let’s start with posture and walking.” I placed my new book on the table and turned to Naida.

“Is mine that bad?” I asked nervously but Naida shook her head.

“Ah, not bad but could be refined. The Queen is always being watched so you must try having perfect etiquette at all times.” Naida spoke seriously and I gulped. Great. “Now. One foot slightly in front of the other. Shoulders back. Chin up.

I quickly did just as was told, trying hard not to lose my balance. I wobbled a bit due to all the nerves when Naida put a hand on my back and shoulder.

“Like this.” She gently fixed my shoulders and shifted my chin; I just let her do as she wished. “Good, Queen Celeste. This is a proper stance. When greeting someone, just bend your knees in a slight bow and offer your hand.” I nodded as Naida stood in front of me in the same position. She held out her hand and I grasped it in a shake, bowing.

“Perfect!” Naida cheered and I felt my cheeks pull up in a smile. Yes! “Now, you must walk. Again, Queen Celeste, shoulders back and chin up. Walk gracefully.” I tried my best, struggling a bit with keeping my posture. “Here, Queen Celeste, please use this book to balance on your head as you walk.”

“Huh?” I stopped what I was doing and gave Naida an incredulous look. “A book?” Naida placed the book on her head and walked perfectly. “Wow, Naida. You look so graceful!” Naida blushed and took the book off her head.

“A lot of practice, Queen Celeste.” Naida smiled to herself and I nodded in amazement.

We continued like this for another hour or two, trying to get me to walk gracefully and not drop the book. I still have a long way to go, but Naida figured it would be a good idea to break since it was almost supper.

“Thank you for all your help, Naida.” I gave her a hug and she froze in place.

“U-uh, of course, my Queen.” Naida seemed flustered and I smiled.

“You can just call me Celeste. Please?” At first, Naida shook her head no. “Please, Naida. I would feel much more comfortable.”

“Alright. Celeste.” Naida sighed but smiled, almost like she felt relieved.

“Great! Now, let’s go eat Naida!” I linked arms with her as we made our way into the dining room where the boys were all already waiting.

Dinner was delicious as I expected and everyone was talking animatedly for the most part. It was beginning to feel like one big family sitting at the table like this. I smiled to myself and played with my new bracelet.

“Hey! Queen Celeste, I’ll walk you to your room!” Braeden spoke loudly, walking towards me with a smile.

“Tch. She’s not going to get kidnapped.” Karayan said with a huff. Braeden just stuck his tongue out childishly as Karayan just turned around to walk away without a word. I giggled and nodded at Braeden.

“Why thank you, Prince Braeden, please do.” Braeden gave me a blushing smile and cheered.

“Have a good night, darlin’,” Elion said in a smooth voice as he gently placed his hand on my shoulder. “Come to my room if you need anything.” He gave me a wink and chuckled at my red, pouting face.

“Queen Celeste. Don’t forget your book!” Lyall spoke softly, holding the book he got for me.

“Oh, right! Thank you so much, Lyall.” I gave him a warm smile and he nodded, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Of course my Queen. Goodnight now.” Lyall ruffled my hair before heading back towards the rooms.

“Good night Prince Lyall!” I blushed, shouting my good night. I spotted Cade heading out as well, quiet as usual. “Prince Cade!” Cade stopped in his tracks and looked at me with his cat ears standing up. “Have a good night!” I waved and smiled at him, but he just turned around with a red face and kept going.

“Goodnight Queen.” Cade surprised me with an answer, even though it was just a low mumble. I smiled.

“Night Naida! Let’s go, Prince Braeden.” I nodded at Naida and walked towards Braeden.

He led me towards my room as we both chatted the whole way there. Braeden was easy to get along with. I’m glad we can talk just like normal friends, even though we are supposed to be royalty. I felt just a bit more comfortable with this completely new world. Once we made it to my door, we stopped and just looked at each other.

“Ah. Thank you, Prince Braeden.” I smiled at him sweetly.

“Sure thing, Queen Celeste. Sleep well now.” Braeden gave me a broad smile before walking away to get to his own room. I smiled to myself before entering my room. Time to read a bit.

The First Divine Elemental by Leon of Styria. Huh? A prince wrote this book! I flipped open the cover and read the author’s note aloud, “To my dearly beloved, Esme, may your prophecy grace this land forever.” How sweet. I decided I wanted to read at least a bit of the first chapter before heading to bed so I flipped to page one and began.

Chapter 1

It was a normal day here in Styria. A young man by the name of, Prince Leon was walking through the forest trying to get away from the suffocating royals in the palace. That’s when he saw her for the first time. Soon to be Queen and Divine Elemental, Esme.

The young woman had just appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the forest. At first, he was just as confused as she. Once he felt a strange, warm feeling in his gut, he knew he had to meet her. He walked towards the girl, feeling a bit nervous yet bold. He normally lets people come to him. As he got closer, he realized her beauty and his eyes widened in awe.She had porcelain skin, perfectly golden brown curls that rested at her mid-back, and mesmerizing grey eyes. Oh, those eyes.

The girl noticed Leon, and her eyes widened in awe as well as surprise. He was a handsome man, standing tall with lean muscles that shown through his blouse. His skin was tanned and he had a messy head of chocolate brown hair well as intense hazel eyes. They looked at each other for a moment in complete silence, the only sounds coming from the animals and winds within the forest.

“Who are you?” Leon asked almost harshly. He bit his lip, cursing his normal harsh tongue. The girl shook out of her stupor and a look of fear spread over her face.

“Where am I? Where is my home? Who are you?” She babbled on, trying to figure out how one second she was in her room getting ready for bed and the next she is brought to a forest.

“You’re in Styria. I don’t know how you got here or where you are from. I am Prince Leon, Prince of Styria.” Leon tried to speak kindly as the girls' eyes widened.

“I’m in Styria?! But how?” She panicked and looked at Leon for help. “I-I’m from Ishior!”

“Ishior? The Kingdom of Elementals? How did you get here?” Leon was also thoroughly confused as the girl nodded in answer to his question.

“I-I don’t know. I just finished closing up my mother’s flower shop and was going to bed, and then I ended up here.” Leon thought of an idea and took hold of the girls’ shoulders.

“What’s your name?” He demanded, wanting to know at least that much about her.

“Esme.” Her name was beautiful. Esme.

“Esme. Come with me. I may have someone who can help you.” He grabbed her hand, not waiting for an answer and starting marching his way back towards the town. Esme blushed at his action and squirmed a bit in his grasp. However, Leon was not letting go. He kept holding her hand as she finally gave in and let him drag her.

“I’m going to take you to our Seer. She will know why you are here.” Esme just nodded, not knowing what else to do and too lost to try finding out how to get home.

Only royalty, knights, travelers, and merchants ever left their own kingdoms. She was none. Just a girl who helped her mother in their flower shop. Esme was a normal girl, until the day she met Leon. They didn’t know it at the time, but their lives would then change forever and their destiny was decided that night. One thing about Esme was interesting though, aside from her ability to use earth control she had recurring dreams of a battle she led.

I closed the book with a yawn, not forgetting to mark my page. So far, the book seemed interesting. It was about the first Divine Elemental after all. She had dreams like me. It also seemed like there was a bit of a love story that would happen between these two characters. Can’t wait to read more, but I’m getting sleepy. A love story!