Should it feel wrong to have someone dress her? No. She liked the pampering; it made her feel noble and ready to step into the role expected of her. She recalled Alkazar's words. ‘Exist for the present.’ That was what she was doing.
Kezar stood beside Thya as they studied her reflection.
“You are cheering to the eyes, my lady.”
“I wish I could say the same,” said Thya. “You are a beautiful person… I mean Tsinian. Why do you hide your beauty under drab clothes? And you should do something with your hair. It covers your stunning face.”
Kezar blushed as Thya touched her face.
“Are you married yet? Married, you know, have a mate?”
Kezar looked down to the floor, embarrassed. “I am not yet at the… age for betrothal.”
“I will make it my duty to find you a match.” Thya laughed. “Now, as my attendant, I expect you to dress the part.” She looked Kezar up and down. “Umm… yes. Put on the dress I wore yesterday. You are the same build as me. It should be a perfect fit.”
“Oh, I could not,” Kezar gasped. “It would not be fitting.”
“As your princess, I demand this from you.” Thya smiled. “And do something with your hair, pin it up or something. Well, come on, hurry up. Everyone will be waiting for us.”
Kezar's ecstatic grin warmed Thya's heart.
It wasn't long before Kezar was ready and as Thya expected, she looked beautiful. It reminded Thya of a scene in the film My Fair Lady, where the professor took Eliza Doolittle to a ball.
“I will have to be careful you don't outshine your princess,” Thya joked.
“Oh, I could not do that.” Kezar gasped. “I would never… You are too exquisite, Thya. There is not one that could bear comparison to your loveliness.”
“Steady on girl, it's a figure of speech. Thank you for the flattery, even if it is a little overdone. I wouldn't have you looking any different. You look sensational and will have all the male Tsinians falling at your feet.”
They both laughed. Thya took Kezar's hands and gazed at her.
“You are beautiful, Kezar, and you have a gentle nature. I am proud to have you as my friend. I know you think of me as your princess, only think of me also as Becky, a young woman—sorry Tsinian—like yourself. Can you do this for me?” Thya twirled Kezar around to get a better look at her. “Your citizens will be proud of you.”
“They are also your citizens,” Kezar reminded her.
Thya forced a smile. She did not want to think about that for the moment. She wanted to relax and enjoy the festivities. There would be plenty of time to worry about the future later.
A soft knock on the door disturbed her thoughts. The plump cook, whom Thya had met the day before, announced that Omad had arrived and was waiting in the attendance room.
“Kezar, will you see to Omad? Tell him I will be there soon.”
Kezar expressed puzzlement.
“Proceed to Omad. I will come,” Thya repeated.
There was no way she would get used to their peculiar speech patterns.
Omad stared open-mouthed when Kezar walked into the room. “Kezar…” blurted Omad, “you sight admirably.”
She blushed, and couldn't help but stare at Omad's apparel. He wore a long, dark green velvet jacket, the collar of which displayed delicate gold embroidery. His trousers were velvet too and stopped just below the knee. They appraised one another and grinned. The door opened and Thya strolled into the room, bringing with her an air of authority.
Omad took her hand and kissed it. “You are a striking sight. Your kinsmen will be overwhelmed by their princess.”
“Thank you, Omad. You do not look too bad yourself.”
“We ought to depart. Your subjects wait for your vision, only firstly…”
Omad reached into his pocket and pulled out a diamond-studded necklace. He passed it over to Kezar, who fastened it around Thya's neck.
Thya ran over to the mirror to examine it. “It is amazing,”
She recalled an actress wearing something similar at the Oscars. The stones were big enough to be noticed, yet not oversized. The necklace was in a v shape, the point of which ended where her cleavage began. It gave her a sense of empowerment.
“This jewel was held by your mother,” Omad told her. “Tis fitting you be sighted wearing it.”
Thya caressed the stones. “My mother's,” she whispered, blinking back the tears welling up in her eyes.
“The jewel has a place with you, my lady, and you display it admirably. You sight similar to your mother. She too was a remarkable Ganty, with both beauty and intellect.”
Thya felt uncomfortable and embarrassed by all the compliments, though she could see the beauty they spoke of. “Thank you for your kind words, Omad. Let us leave.”
Omad held his arm out for her to take. Kezar opened the door ahead of them. The servants gathered outside the Recas bowed to her as she passed, and then followed behind. Thya noted they too had dressed for the occasion and that the festival seemed quite a big deal. She vowed not to let them down.
Kezar stood behind Thya, head raised as her friends and acquaintances stared at her transformation. Omad puffed his chest out with satisfaction, assured she would formulate into a fine princess.
Wonderful fragrance and enchanting music engulfed Thya. The sound of a hundred orchestras filled the air. As they walked through the forest, cheers from the villagers echoed from their tree-top dwellings. Silver streamers, confetti, and ribbons fell onto the gathering. Thya marvelled at the sight. Silver hanging decorations adorned the green trees, making the city look even more magical.
The procession grew in size, and as her subjects joined, the laughter and love expanded. It warmed the centre of Thya's heart and she felt honoured by the attention. She sensed the love and want around her. She felt truly at home for the first time ever.
Omad led Thya to the Upess, which looked very similar to a sports arena. The villagers seated in the stands rose when she entered, their interest focused on their princess. Two Tsinians waved at her, and she recognised the joyful faces of Salco and Valcan. She returned the joy. However, her attention focused elsewhere. Her eyes searched for Alkazar, only she couldn't see him.
Omad directed her to the stalls reserved for royalty and motioned for her to sit. She felt a little apprehensive about it, as if doing so was a sign she had accepted her role, which she had no intention of doing.
It seemed stupid to stand when everybody was waiting for her to sit, so she did as Omad requested. Quiet murmurs filled the stadium.
To begin with, Thya was introduced to the highly regarded Tsinians. There was no way she would remember their strange names so she choose something about each person that stood out, hoping it would help her recall them.
Thya decided Valcan would be remembered for his bushy, chestnut beard.
“My lady, tis my delight to sight you in good health,” he said.
“Valcan, how can I ever repay you? You have a marvellous gift. Thank you for saving my life.”
“I would replicate my performance a thousand turns over.”
She giggled. “I hope that will not be necessary.”
Nimas was next in line. Nimas the nimble she chuckled to herself, which of course was far from the truth. The old Tsinian leant heavily upon his staff. His eyes showed experience and knowledge. “I bestow praise to the Changlins for your secure return,” he said.
Thya didn't know how to reply and so nodded her head in response. He departed, leaving her feeling dumbfounded. She felt as if she had been spoken to by one of the oldest and wisest people she would ever meet.
When at last Thya spotted Alkazar, her heart pounded in her chest. She listened to the last few introductions, only her attention focused on Alkazar, who engaged in a heated conversation with a female. Though Thya hadn't met the redhead before, she took an immediate dislike to her, which wasn't in her character. The couple noticed the line before them had disappeared and made their way to Th
ya.
“My lady, I introduce Siren, my betrothed.”
Thya's heart dropped into the pit of her stomach. She swallowed hard. “Alkazar, it is wonderful to see you again. Siren, it is a pleasure to meet you. Good luck to you both.”
That was as pleasant as she was going to be. Even though Siren had done nothing to cause Thya's dislike, Thya knew they would never become friends. She watched Alkazar leading Siren away and felt oddly saddened and alone.
“Kezar, will you ask Alkazar and Siren to join me. I wish the presence of their company.”
Once everyone settled in their seats, bells rang out, announcing the start of the festivities. The arena filled with graceful female dancers. Each wore a costume made of muslin and silk. Pastel shades of pink and green flowed before Thya. The sight reminded her of butterflies. So elegant and smooth were the dancers, their arms and legs moving gracefully in a contemporary style of ballet. Thya watched spellbound, having never seen anything like it before. An expression of their language, so Alkazar informed her. Thya was fascinated by the spectacle and saddened when it ended. She applauded enthusiastically.
“The name is Faykar, tis our nation's dance performed in your honour,” Omad told her.
“Please, thank them for me. That was beautiful.”
“Certainly.”
“If you will allow me pardon, my lady, tis my turn to amuse,” Alkazar announced.
Thya felt a little uncomfortable sitting beside Siren and so struck up a conversation with Omad, only it was cut short when the bells rang out again.
Thya watched as a Tsinian walked over to a gathered group, Alkazar being one of them, and held out a leather pouch. One by one they reached inside with their hand then touched their lips with the tips of their fingers. The strange act caused Thya's curiosity to stir. She couldn't make out what was in the bag and as far as she could see they pulled nothing out.
A Tsinian with ginger hair stepped forward.
“My lady, I am named Pertius, from the generation of Mundox. I am the tutor of our code.”
His voice rang out loud and clear, as though he was speaking into a microphone. The volume astonished Thya. Somehow they could amplify their voices.
Pertius continued. “You may have sighted or learnt, since your arrival, that some Tsinians possess unique powers, or gifts, as we prefer to name them. Sadly, not all exhibit these. I presently require aid from Alkazar, our tutor of the arts.”
Alkazar opened his mouth, and as before, his voice projected around the arena. “My lady, tis my pleasure to provide an introduction to Athron, a Tsinian who is valued highly.”
The Tsinian of that name stepped forward and bowed. Thya acknowledged him with a nod of her head.
“Unfortunately,” Alkazar continued, “Athron's talents are unpredictable. He cannot at this moment display his gift to you. Nonetheless, by your leave, he will attempt to explain his specialty.” Alkazar stepped back and Athron bowed again.
“I bear honour by this encounter, my lady, as it was my father who foresaw your reinstatement. I am allied to the generations of Zenith's. We are born with the gift of Sight, able to sight and foretell impending occurrences. As my good friend Alkazar has announced, I could progress into a trance at any duration. When this transpires, I am presented with images of expected events. While in this state, I inscribe the vision. Unfortunately, tis in form of a conundrum that only I can decipher. When I am released from this stupor, I do not recall the vision, yet I retain an understanding of the context. Tis then my duty to inform the council of my findings.
“Tis I that forewarned the council of your attack, and I dislike to announce to you that the Oracle was disregarded.” There was a sudden rupture of murmuring in the crowd.
Alkazar stepped forward. “Athron, tis not the place!”
Once Athron's words sunk in, Thya realised the seriousness of his words and turned to Omad. “Does Athron speak the truth?”
“He does, my lady. It was a grave error, for which the council will always be regretful.”
“Good, Athron,” Thya called. “Omad, head of the council, has given me his word that never will an Oracle be ignored again. You will always be taken in earnest. Does this satisfy you?”
All eyes were upon the white-faced councillor. Omad rose from his seat. “I pledge by the grace of the Changlins, that any reading you present will be judged accordingly.”
Even though Athron wasn't convinced by Omad's assurance, he accepted graciously. “Tis all I require.”
He bowed to Thya then glanced at Alkazar, whose face blazed with anger. He knew he would receive Alkazar's wrath for speaking out of turn.
“Good, Alkazar, continue,” Thya said.
Alkazar's anger cooled, his calm stature reappeared and he introduced Thya to the others who possessed gifts.
Sparto, from the generation of Humal, could create illusions, which he did so magnificently, causing a cry of alarm as a fierce dragon appeared before them all.
“I also am aligned to the house of Humal,” Siren informed her.
Next was Grenko from the generation of Bolarg, who, as Thya had already learnt, could grow nature. This she saw for herself when he presented her with a single rose that grew instantly from the ground, blooming while she held it in her hand.
Athania, a female from the generation of Ifreas, could control and communicate with animals. A large insect rather like a huge butterfly flew down and landed on Thya's knee. It made a sound like a tril, only sweeter. Then, to Thya's astonishment, it sang the melody she had sung while bathing.
Lastly, Thya met Jenin, a female from the generation of Devka, who remarkably, had the ability to freeze objects. Jenin displayed her gift by freezing the rose Grenko had grown.
“The flower retains eternal existence, as does the light that shines within you. Maintain it as a remembrance of your introduction to your loyal subjects.”
From then on, Thya held the Tsinians in awe of respect for their gifts and importance, yet she was also fearful of their power and strength.
After the completion of Alkazar's introductions, there was a brief interlude for refreshments before the Lupa tournament began. Alkazar joined Thya in a glass of cool, sweet wine made from the succulent berries of the forest. She felt warm and relaxed as she listened to Alkazar explaining the rules of lupa.
The lupa—a laurel made of leaves and twigs—passed from one team member to another until it reached the end of the arena. Once there, the nearest player would throw the lupa over a pole, gaining their team a point. The team with the highest points were the winners. The other team would try and defend by catching the lupa in midair. There were only two rules. Firstly, the player who held the lupa was not allowed to move until it had left his hand. Secondly, the defending team couldn't take the lupa by force.
Thya didn't feel the need to share the news that they had a game almost identical in England. Alkazar explained the rules with such passion that Thya could have listened to his voice for the rest of the day.
“We will sight upon a fervent game in honour of your presence,” Omad said. “We amuse ourselves in recreation only. Despite this, the participants are eager to attain the reward and will compete in fierce competition.”
“And what is the reward?” Alkazar inquired.
Omad coughed awkwardly. “With your allowance, my lady, I pledged your favour to the victorious team.” He blushed.
Thya wasn't sure what that meant, although from the look on Alkazar's face, she had a rough idea.
“My dear friend,” Alkazar gasped. “I would recommend you converse with our lady before granting such a flirtatious reward.”
Thya was still uncertain what she was supposed to give or do, even so, she smiled and rested her hand on Alkazar's shoulder. “Relax, Alkazar. You have my permission, Omad. What better way to identify with my citizens.”
She winked at Alkazar.
“Wonderful!” Omad cried. How would it have looked if the head of the council had promised something
he could not deliver?
The teams entered the arena. One Tsinian from every team carried a coloured silk flag to represent their team. It was then Thya noticed an array of colours in the crowd. It seemed each villager had a preference. There were four teams; blue, red, silver, and gold. In turn, the teams paraded around the arena to cheers and jeers from the audience. They stopped briefly to show their respect to the princess.
Thya felt honoured and returned their bow with a smile and a slight nod of her head. She was astounded by the spectacle. She had never even been a spectator at a sport, let alone a V.I.P.
A dull horn sounded the start of the tournament. It was fast and furious, with players smashing into one another hoping to grasp the lupa. Oohs and ahs escaped from the engrossed audience. The atmosphere was electric and Thya was soon caught up in the atmosphere. The first time a team scored a point she stood and clapped enthusiastically, causing the scorer to blush and bow in response.
It amused Alkazar to see Thya so thrilled with the game.
There was a short break before the final match. Thya was breathless from excitement and clapped hard for the winning team.
“Wow, that was amazing. I have never seen anything like it. You really do get caught up in it, do you not?”
Omad and Alkazar laughed.
Siren left to speak to a friend, and soon Omad made his excuses to leave. “If you will absolve my departure, my lady, I speculate that my fellow Tsinians desire to converse.”
Thya watched as Omad walked over to a group of Tsinians that were similar in dress. They patted him on his back as if in congratulations.
She turned her attention back to Alkazar. She smiled at him and their eyes locked, until Alkazar broke away.
“Who do you surmise will be victorious?” he asked.
“I am sure the silver knights will win. They seem to be the stronger of the two. You are more familiar with the game, who do you think will win my favour?”
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