Stray Dawn's Guest Wing – Morning
KNOCK. KNOCK.
A few groggy groans echoed from behind the thick guest room door.
Josh (from under a blanket):
"Who the heck knocks this early? I swear if it's a training summons—"
Another KNOCK—gentle but persistent.
Elly peeked her head out from beneath a quilt on the couch, blinking blearily toward the door. Cedy, already half-dressed, moved to open it.
And there stood a proper royal butler—immaculate coat, gloved hands, and just behind his leg...
A pair of glittering, curious eyes.
Princess Arienne grinned up at them, already dressed in a soft blue daygown with silver threading, curls neatly pinned in little braids.
But it was the massive grin on her face that said something chaotic was brewing.
Princess Arienne:
"Good morning! I'm here to steal Seri."
Cedy blinked.
"...Excuse me?"
The butler bowed low.
Butler:
"Her Highness requested permission to invite Miss Seri for... what she has deemed a 'castle exploration day.'"
Princess Arienne nodded with utmost seriousness.
"It's a royal expedition. For research. And snacks."
Behind them, a mop of hair rose slowly from one of the armchairs.
Seri, blanket still wrapped around her like a sleepy burrito, rubbed her eyes.
Seri (blinking):
"...Me?"
Princess Arienne beamed, already skipping into the room with princely confidence.
"You're close to my age, and all the noble kids are boring. C'mon! I'll show you the secret pantry door and the squeaky armor hallway!"
Seri (still half-asleep):
"...Wait. You're the princess..."
She flailed slightly under her blanket, suddenly self-conscious.
"I'm still in my pajamas—"
Too late.
Arienne grabbed her hand with the force of a sugar-fueled hurricane.
Princess Arienne:
"No time! Adventure awaits!"
Seri (panicking):
"At least let me get dressed first!"
Arienne (with a mischievous giggle):
"Oh. Right. Teehee~."
The room burst into light laughter.
Kristie (grinning from her bedroll):
"Ohoho, now this I wanna see."
Josh (yawning):
"Go on, Little Star. Might as well learn how royalty breaks the rules."
Iver (sipping tea calmly):
"She'll be back before sundown... probably."
Ren (smiling faintly):
"Stay alive."
Seri, cheeks puffed in betrayal, shot them all a glare as she was tugged toward the corridor by the gleaming force that was Princess Arienne.
Seri:
"THIS FEELS LIKE A KIDNAPPING!"
Princess Arienne (cheerfully):
"It's royal diplomacy!"
And just like that, the door shut behind them.
Stray Dawn remained behind... wondering what sort of diplomatic incident was about to unfold.
...
The moment Seri was yanked into the hallway in her nightgown, the entire day was doomed—or blessed—to spiral into royal-grade chaos.
Princess Arienne didn't walk.
She skipped.
Down the long velvet-carpeted corridors, giggling like a spark let loose in dry grass.
Seri stumbled after her, half-asleep and clutching the edge of her pajama shirt with one hand and trying to tame her bed-hair with the other.
Seri:
"Waitwaitwait! You said 'play' not kidnapping!"
Arienne (cheerfully):
"It's royal summons! Same thing!"
The poor butler trailing behind them sighed, muttering something about updating the castle emergency routes. Two handmaidens attempted to follow, but the moment the Princess grabbed Seri's hand again and yelled "Turbo mode!" they both gave up, abandoning all hope of catching the two gremlins on legs.
They were gone.
The Hall of Portraits
Arienne led them into a corridor so long it could serve as a runway, flanked by towering portraits of every past monarch of Lithrium.
Seri gawked.
Seri:
"Are these... all your relatives?"
Arienne (nodding proudly):
"Yup! That one there? She once declared war because someone insulted her cat."
Seri:
"...Are you serious?"
Arienne:
"Dead Serious."
Seri looked at the painting of the stone-faced queen with a furry orange menace in her arms and decided history was way more fun than books made it seem.
Then Arienne pulled out chalk.
From her hair.
Seri:
"Wait, no—"
Too late.
Princess Arienne, heir of Lithrium, started drawing mustaches on the faces of her ancestors.
Seri stared in horror.
Seri:
"We're going to jail."
Arienne:
"I own the jail. Now help me give this guy cute girly eyes."
The Kitchens
They somehow ended up in the massive underground kitchens.
Dozens of chefs were preparing a feast for the day's diplomatic meetings, trying to ignore the whirlwind of gossip about Stray Dawn and the frosty throne room incident.
And then...
CRASH.
Flour exploded like a smoke bomb.
The kitchen doors slammed open as Arienne skidded in on a silver tray like a sled, Seri holding on behind her like they were in a bobsled race.
Chef:
"YOUR HIGHNESS, THE TRUFFLE PIES—!"
Arienne (pointing):
"TO THE SUGAR MOUNTAIN, SOLDIER!"
Seri:
"Whose idea was it to wax the floors!?"
Two towers of whipped cream were sent toppling.
A pot of honey splattered like golden rain.
Someone slipped and fell into a vat of beetroot stew.
As the Princess and her hostage/friend escaped out the back door, one of the senior chefs sighed and crossed out "flambé" on the menu with a trembling hand.
The Armory
Why the armory wasn't locked is a mystery that would later result in five new security policies.
Seri blinked at the endless rows of swords, spears, banners, and glittering armor.
Seri:
"...I feel like I'm not allowed to be here."
Arienne (grinning):
"I definitely am not."
She grabbed two helmets and shoved one onto Seri's head—backwards.
Seri (muffled):
"I can't see—"
Arienne:
"Good! Less fear that way!"
She dramatically pointed to a suit of armor.
Arienne:
"I dub thee Lady Dragonshield of House Pancake."
Seri:
"Why pancake?"
Arienne:
"Because you're flat on courage!"
Seri:
"Take that back you traitor!"
Cue a swordfight with spoons. A full duel broke out—Seri with a soup ladle, Arienne with a pair of salad tongs. It ended when Seri tripped and accidentally activated a wall lever that opened a secret passage.
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Both of them screamed—and dove in without a second thought.
The Secret Tunnel
They tumbled down a slide and landed in—
A library.
A beautiful, ancient one. Dimly lit. Dusty. Quiet.
For a whole ten seconds, they were still.
Seri looked up in awe.
Seri:
"...This is amazing."
Arienne (wide-eyed):
"I didn't even know this room existed."
Shelves rose like towers, ladders dangled from rails, and glowing glyphs danced across open books that flipped on their own.
Seri slowly walked toward a table with an ancient tome glowing gold.
Arienne looked around.
Arienne:
"...You think if we find a spell book we could enchant a pie to walk?"
Seri:
"What is it with you and pastries?"
Arienne:
"They're trustworthy."
She opened a book—and it sneezed glitter into her face.
Seri:
"Okay, that's cursed."
The two erupted in laughter.
The Garden Disaster
Somehow, someway, they made it to the Royal Gardens. The guards saw them and began to panic—but then the girls vanished into the hedge maze before anyone could react.
A flock of phoenix geese were disturbed.
Arienne got chased by a giant butterfly.
Seri accidentally fed an apple to a gold-furred deer that followed her around for twenty minutes like a loyal dog.
Eventually, they made it to the center of the maze—panting, sweaty, and covered in leaves.
Seri dropped to the grass.
Seri:
"I'm not built for royalty."
Arienne (flopping beside her):
"Royalty's not built for me either."
They stared at the sky.
Arienne:
"I like you, Seri. You don't bow. You don't panic. And you hit pretty hard with a spoon."
Seri (smiling):
"I like you too, even if you're the reason I'll have nightmares about flaming soufflés tonight."
Arienne held out a pinky.
Arienne:
"Official pact of bestest mischief sisters?"
Seri grinned.
Seri:
"Done."
Pinky locked.
And then—
BOOM!
A thunderous voice echoed through the garden.
Queen Seraphine:
"ARIENNE VELYN SERAPHINA OF HOUSE LITHRIUM—YOU BETTER NOT BE IN THE MAZE AGAIN!"
Arienne froze.
Seri:
"...Do we surrender?"
Arienne:
"Run."
Stray Dawn's Lounge – Later
The door slammed open.
Seri stumbled in, her once-white pajamas now stained with jam, glitter, and dirt. Her hair was a disaster. Her eyes were wide.
She collapsed face-first on the carpet.
Josh:
"Kid's back. Looks like she went through war."
Kristie:
"Or a sugar dimension."
Seri:
"I'm never trusting royalty again."
Elly:
"...Is that a crown made of bread?"
Seri:
"...She said it was the Symbol of Friendship."
The group stared.
Then Ren walked by, glanced down at her, and simply said—
Ren:
"Welcome to politics."
Meanwhile, Princess Arienne was being lectured by Queen Seraphine
But she stood tall, eyes gleaming.
And tucked behind her back?
A scribbled map.
Labeled: "Escape Route Beta. Next Mischief Day: Friday."
...
Royal Guest Wing – Days Later
The morning sun spilled softly through the windows of the guest chambers, painting the floor in slanted stripes of gold.
A sharp knock tapped against the large oak door—three polite raps, followed by a muffled giggle.
Josh grumbled from under his blanket.
Kristie cracked one eye open and muttered:
Kristie:
"Tell them the royal chaos quota's already filled."
But Elly opened the door instead—and there stood Princess Arienne, grinning from ear to ear with her hands folded neatly in front of her lavender dress. A stately butler stood behind her like a shadow, trying (and failing) to match her enthusiasm.
Arienne:
"Good morning! I'm here to borrow Seri again!"
The butler bowed stiffly:
Butler:
"Her Highness requests the presence of Miss Seri for the morning. Under chaperoned supervision, of course."
Everyone turned to the side.
There—still in a messy bun, rubbing sleep from her eyes—stood Seri, blinking like an owl.
Arienne lunged forward and grabbed her hand with royal authority.
Arienne:
"No time! You have to come see my room! I have outfits!"
She giggled innocently, completely ignoring the formalities and practically dragged Seri out the room while Seri's slipper squeaked against the polished floors in protest.
Princess Arienne's Chambers – Moments Later
The room was a dream in silk and stardust.
Soft pastels colored every inch—lavender drapes, ivory rugs, polished crystal mirrors, and golden sconces carved with lilies. A canopy bed took up one corner, guarded by plush animals and an enchanted mobile of floating constellations.
Maids curtsied as Arienne burst through the doors with Seri in tow.
Arienne:
"Operation Dress-Up begins!"
Seri (half-wheezing):
"Is this... legal?"
Arienne (genuinely confused):
"Legal?"
She laughed and pointed toward the biggest wardrobe Seri had ever seen.
Arienne:
"Everything in this room belongs to me. So yes."
The maids exchanged smiles and instantly got to work. Ribbons, sashes, jewel-toned dresses, and embroidered gowns started flying off the racks like birds released into spring skies.
Seri stood frozen.
Seri:
"I-I don't think I can wear something like this... I'm just—"
Arienne:
"—My friend."
Seri blinked.
The Princess stepped forward and smiled.
Arienne:
"I don't care if you're a commoner, or Stray Dawn, or a dragon in disguise. You're my friend. And I want you to look like royalty with me today."
Seri hesitated.
Then nodded.
Moments Later – The Reveal
The maids gasped in unison.
Even Arienne clapped her hands with glee.
Seri stood awkwardly in a soft blue velvet dress—modest, but tailored to highlight her natural softness. Her hair had been braided with silver-threaded ribbons, and a small brooch in the shape of Koirin shimmered at her chest.
Arienne (beaming):
"See?! You're amazing!"
Seri (blushing hard):
"I feel like I'm pretending..."
One of the older maids knelt to adjust her sash and smiled.
Royal Maid:
"Sweetheart, most nobles only pretend to look this good."
They laughed together.
Castle Courtyard Hall – En Route to Tea
The two girls walked side by side—one princess, one adventurer's child—sharing jokes and stories as the tea party venue approached.
Arienne carried herself with elegance, but behind the grace was boundless joy.
Seri couldn't stop smiling.
But that changed quickly.
From the far end of the corridor, the rustle of dresses and faint perfume signaled the arrival of several noblewomen—all elegantly dressed, adorned with jeweled fans and veiled hats.
They paused as soon as they saw Seri.
Their expressions twisted into masked horror.
Noblewoman 1 (whispering too loudly):
"That's her. The Marked Child from Stray Dawn..."
Noblewoman 2:
"They let her near the Princess?"
Noblewoman 3 (stepping forward):
"Your Highness, forgive me, but this girl has no place beside you. She's one of them. Dangerous. Unruly. A child raised by monsters."
Seri flinched.
Like a blade, those words dug deep—so deep they hit scars she didn't know were still there.
Her breath trembled. Eyes lowered.
Seri:
"I—I should go. I'm sorry, I—"
She turned to flee—
But Arienne grabbed her wrist.
The Princess stood firm. No longer just a playful girl.
Now—Arienne Velyn Seraphina of House Lithrium stood tall.
Arienne:
"She is my guest. And my friend."
Noblewoman 1:
"Your Highness, we mean no disrespect, but—"
Arienne:
"You do disrespect. You insult someone under my protection. You question my choice."
The young Princess stepped forward.
Arienne:
"You hide behind titles and etiquette—but I was raised by a Queen. And I know what power is."
Her eyes were sharp. Regal.
Arienne:
"Power is protecting people when others only point fingers."
The noblewomen were stunned silent.
And just as one of them tried to reply—
A deeper voice cut in from behind.
Prince Luther had arrived, calm as snowfall.
Luther (quietly):
"Is there a problem here?"
Noblewoman 2 (startled):
"Your Highness—"
Luther glanced at Seri—then at Arienne. Then at the noblewomen with a cold smile.
Luther:
"Stray Dawn may be difficult. But they're not liars. Or cowards."
He stepped beside the girls.
Luther:
"If this is the future of Lithrium..."
He looked down at his sister.
Luther:
"...Then I think we're in good hands."
The noblewomen fell into awkward curtsies, muttering apologies before retreating into the corridor's shadow like moths fleeing flame.
Seri stared up at Arienne.
Eyes wide. Tears forming—but not from fear.
Seri:
"You didn't have to..."
Arienne:
"But I wanted to."
She offered her hand.
Arienne:
"Now come on. We've got a tea party. And you look too pretty to be crying."
...
Castle Garden Conservatory – Mid-Morning
The conservatory looked like a dream spun from glass and sun.
Fragrant wisteria hung like purple waterfalls from the archways, and crystal butterflies flitted lazily under hanging vines. Marble statues of past monarchs peeked through the hedges, and a small fountain burbled gently nearby. A wide round table was set under a parasol—adorned with delicate pastries, fruit tarts, and mismatched teacups painted with gold leaf.
Seri stepped in slowly, still overwhelmed. Her shoes clicked against the tiled floor, echoing slightly in the serene garden stillness.
Arienne skipped ahead, hair bouncing, then spun dramatically:
Arienne:
"Welcome to the Royal Conservatory! It's my favorite hideaway!"
Seri (awed):
"This... this looks like it came from a fairytale."
Arienne:
"I am a fairytale, thank you very much."
Suddenly—hoofbeats.
Well, not quite hoofbeats. More like soft clops followed by refined footsteps.
A girl, no older than nine or ten, arrived at the garden gate.
She was clad in an emerald gown laced with ivory trim. Her silver hair was tied back with cascading ribbons, and she wore white gloves and a silver circlet. Behind her walked a miniature unicorn bond, pure white with opalescent eyes and a braid of silk flowers in its mane.
The girl curtsied with perfect form.
Arienne (grinning):
"Seri, this is Clarisse Alouette Sylvestry of House Sylvestry! She's my tea nemesis!"
Clarisse (with practiced grace):
"Rival, Arienne. Rival, not nemesis. Though I do plan on destroying you in macaron stacking."
Seri:
"...Macaron what?"
Clarisse (tilting her head politely):
"Oh, I forgot commoners don't—"
She paused. Eyes locking with Seri's. Something changed in her posture—like a pre-written script crumbling.
Clarisse:
"—don't usually get introduced to royal tea customs."
Arienne jumped in.
Arienne:
"She's not just a commoner. She's Seri of Stray Dawn. My friend. And she's a Marked One."
Clarisse blinked.
Clarisse:
"You're that girl?"
Seri (shrinking slightly):
"I... I guess."
Clarisse:
"You bonded with a Starbeast?"
Seri:
"Well, apparently I'm destined to do so..."
Clarisse let out a gasp that could have shattered porcelain.
Clarisse:
"That's so cool."
And just like that—the tension melted. They were kids again. Not politics. Not names.
Tea Party – Chaos Mode Activated
Maids poured rose-infused tea into glass cups as the girls settled in.
Arienne had brought a ridiculous amount of snacks—mini tarts, tiny fruit skewers, lavender biscuits shaped like stars, and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Seri was still trying to figure out how to eat a pastry without looking weird when Clarisse leaned in:
Clarisse (whispering):
"You can eat like a squirrel. I won't judge."
Seri:
"...Really?"
Clarisse:
"I once bit into a raspberry scone and it exploded on a Duchess."
Arienne:
"She did. And then blamed the wind."
They all burst into laughter.
And thus began:
The Macaron Stacking Showdown?
Arienne: "I summon the royal raspberry and a lemon base—begin the tower!"
Clarisse: "You stacked diagonally, you heretic!"
Seri: "I'm just trying to stop mine from sliding—why are they so slippery?!"
A poor maid watched in horror as towers wobbled and fell into the jam bowl.
Seri's First Royal Insult Battle (Unofficial)
Clarisse suddenly pulled a small notebook from her sleeve.
Clarisse:
"Seri. I need your help insulting a baron who called my unicorn a goat."
Seri:
"...W-what?"
Arienne (grinning):
"It's a game! You have to say an insult that sounds polite."
Clarisse flipped open the book.
Clarisse:
"How about: 'May your toast always burn only on one side.'"
Seri:
"...That's terrifying."
Clarisse:
"Or 'Your perfume reminds me of a stable—and I mean that with the deepest nostalgia.'"
Seri burst out laughing, covering her mouth.
Later – Calm After Sugar Storm
Empty cups, fallen macarons, sticky fingers.
Clarisse lay on the grass with Arienne beside her, watching the enchanted butterflies dance overhead.
Seri sat between them, arms wrapped around her knees.
Seri:
"...I thought nobility would always look down on me."
Clarisse:
"Oh, some still will. But not all of us are stuck in the past."
She looked at Seri.
Clarisse:
"I've never met anyone outside our circles who faced such dangerous adventures and lived."
Seri:
"I didn't fight it alone, I have Ren and the rest of Stray Daw. I was mostly scared."
Clarisse:
"Exactly. You were scared. And stayed anyway."
She said it like it was the bravest thing in the world.
Arienne (grabbing both their hands):
"We're gonna change the court someday. All three of us."
Seri:
"Three troublemakers in pretty dresses?"
Clarisse:
"Unstoppable, if I must say."
Arienne (grinning):
"Let's make a pact."
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a ring pop.
Clarisse:
"You've got to be kidding me."
Arienne:
"Nope. Official royal seal."
She broke it in three and passed them a sticky shard each.
Arienne:
"This means no matter where you're from—you have a place at my table."
Seri looked down at the candy. Then back at them.
And smiled
The royal sun dipped behind the stained glass.
A noble, a princess, and a commoner sat laughing, faces smudged with sugar and hearts a little lighter than before.
Let the court whisper what it will.
This was diplomacy the old world couldn't dream of.
