The palace glittered like a constellation brought down to earth.
Hundreds of lanterns burned along the high stone walls, their golden light spilling across the grand celebration hall. Musicians played lively tunes from a raised platform while servants moved through the crowd carrying trays of wine, fruit, roasted meats, and honeyed pastries.
Laughter rose into the vaulted ceiling.
Silk rustled.
Jewels flashed in candlelight.
From their elevated thrones at the far end of the hall, King Bazi and Queen Omuro watched it all.
The king sat tall and still, one hand resting on the carved arm of his throne, his dark eyes scanning the festivities below. Beside him, the queen observed the room with the calm detachment of someone who had spent decades studying the movements of people like pieces on a chessboard.
Below them, members of the royal household mingled among the guests. Lady Gema laughed lightly with a cluster of nobles, while Lady Erini reclined elegantly beside a pillar, her sharp gaze drifting from one conversation to the next.
Then Badri approached the throne.
He leaned close to the king and spoke quietly.
"Our guests have arrived."
King Bazi did not hesitate.
"Let them in."
Badri bowed and gestured to the guards.
The massive doors at the entrance of the hall swung open.
The music softened.
Conversations slowed.
Every head turned.
Kharivanpa entered the palace hall with her family.
The sudden attention felt like walking into a storm of eyes.
Khari kept her breathing steady as they crossed the marble floor. Lace veils covered her face and Sirene's, a palace custom meant to preserve modesty until the formal introduction.
But even through the veil Khari could feel the weight of the crowd's curiosity.
These people had come to see the girl who would marry a prince. Or perhaps something else entirely.
Their family stopped before the throne.
Badri stepped forward.
His voice carried clearly through the hall.
"Our mighty King Bazi, our graceful Queen Omuro, honored members of the royal household, and distinguished guests."
He gestured toward Khari's parents.
"Standing before you is the humble family of Heya. They have traveled far to answer the royal calling."
A wave of applause thundered through the hall.
Khari's father nearly trembled with pride.
"Let us show them," Badri continued, "how grateful we are that they have arrived safely."
The applause grew louder.
"First," Badri announced, "I call forth Heya, the devoted head of this family, and his wife Foni."
Khari's parents stepped forward together and bowed deeply.
King Bazi leaned slightly forward on his throne.
"How was your journey?"
Heya lifted his head, smiling broadly. "The journey was long, Your Majesty, but our excitement made it feel short."
Foni nodded eagerly. "The carriage was filled with food and refreshments. We lacked for nothing during the trip. Your kindness made the road a pleasure."
The king chuckled softly.
"I am pleased to hear that."
They bowed once more before stepping back.
Badri raised his voice again.
"Next, I present Kharivanpa, sister of our beloved consort-to-be."
Khari stepped forward.
She lifted her veil but kept her gaze lowered.
A murmur passed through the hall as the guests finally saw her face.
The king studied her. "What an unusual name," he said thoughtfully. "Does it have a meaning?"
Khari swallowed her nervousness.
"My grandmother gave me this name, Your Majesty. Khari means bringer of joy, while Vanpa means dreamer of harmony."
Foni and Heya glanced at each other, question marks clouding their faces. That explanation was news to them.
The queen leaned forward slightly. "And why would she give you such a name?"
Khari hesitated for a moment.
"She was abandoned by her parents as a child," she said quietly. "But a group of virtuous women adopted her and raised her together. For fifteen years she knew happiness."
Her voice softened. "Until they were murdered."
The room fell silent.
"My grandmother survived," Khari continued. "But she carried their dreams with her. When she named me, she hoped those dreams might live again."
Queen Omuro's expression softened. "Poor woman."
"With my name," Khari finished, "she placed her hopes in me. That perhaps I might help build a kinder world than the one she lost."
A young voice spoke from the royal table. Prince Noro. "Careful, girl," he said with a faint smile. "You almost make it sound as though our king is failing to maintain peace."
Khari lifted her eyes calmly. "Not at all, my prince. My grandmother and I are grateful for the stability of our kingdom. Our king's leadership is beyond price."
King Bazi smiled faintly. "Face me, Kharivanpa."
Khari raised her head fully.
The king froze.
His eyes widened.
Something like shock passed across his face.
For several seconds he said nothing.
Guests began whispering.
Queen Omuro noticed immediately.
She gave a small signal to Badri.
The priest stepped forward.
"Thank you, Kharivanpa."
Khari returned to her place.
Badri lifted his hands dramatically.
"And now, the jewel of the evening."
The hall quieted.
"The maiden who has captured the heart of Prince Avana—Sirene."
Sirene stepped forward. Slowly she removed her veil. Gasps rippled across the hall. Even the musicians faltered briefly. Sirene's beauty seemed almost unreal beneath the palace lights.
Prince Avana swallowed hard.
Everyone waited for the king to speak. But King Bazi remained silent. Queen Omuro broke the moment.
"Welcome to the royal family, dear."
Sirene bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Highness."
Badri clapped his hands once.
"Let the celebration continue!"
Music swelled again.
Queen Omuro stood.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she announced dryly, "continue enjoying yourselves. Eat, dance, drink…" She paused, "Just don't fuck on my floor."
Laughter erupted through the hall. The music resumed. And the palace celebration continued.
Queen Omuro took another quick look at Khari. It wasn't a look of confusion or a trip down the memory lane. It was almost a disappointment, not in Khari, but in herself.
***