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The Carnival air still covered the capitol from the previous night’s reveling. The decorations hung unmoved connecting buildings together as they dangled above the streets. That night performers had played and dancers filled the streets in celebration but as the sun rose over the city all was silent and still. Even in the palace there was a contented calm. A princess was in power and all was at ease.

Flora stood before the mirror looking down at the tiara in her hands. The smooth silver was intricately designed it reminded her of the winding vines of a rosebush. She ran her fingers over the design and caught herself gazing at her ring. Even though they were made of different materials they seemed to suit one another somehow.

A knock sounded on the door waking her from her thoughts. “Flora? Ah, I mean Princess Flora.” The voice called. “It’s me Aero.”

“Come in.” She called setting the tiara on her head. “Have you been feeling better?”

“Yeah.” Aero answered looking outside.

“Liar.”

“I do feel a little bit better.” She insisted. “Really, you shouldn’t be worrying about me. You’re their princess now. You should be worrying about your realm.”

“You’re in this realm aren’t you? Besides, we’re friends so I can worry about you all I want.” Flora argued.

Aero crossed her arms. “That’s not what I meant.”

There was a knock on the door. “Flora, are you there? It’s Rook.”

“Come in.”

“Oh, it seems both princesses are here.” He pointed out.

“We’re not supposed to talk about that remember.” Aero warned quietly. “I don’t want to get sent back to that place.”

“I know. Don’t worry no one is around here. They’re all helping with the meal. Lunch is about to be served after all.”

The three of them sat at the long dining table. Against the walls stood the ladies in waiting, with their hands folded before them, waiting to clear the table and bring out the next course. Aero distracted herself by moving around the food on her plate. Across the table Flora sent Rook a worried look.

“Aero, you aren’t eating again?” Rook asked. “Do you not like the food?”

“I’m just not very hungry.” She explained without looking up.

Rook sighed standing from the table. “Well, I guess if you don’t plan on eating it.” He took her plate. “I’ll just have to do as Tornado advised.”

“Huh?” She looked up at him with wide eyes. “Torna-”

He stuck a spoonful of food in her mouth. “Tornado told me to take care of you even if you refuse to take care of yourself. So far I guess I’ve been failing on my part of this plan.” He spoke softly as he explained. ”Tornado said, ‘I know that she’ll be hurt but I hope that when I come back she’ll at least be safe. And if she could be happy I wouldn’t ask for anything more.’ He’s trying his best, Aero, we all are. You should try too.”

Aero looked down at her hands in her lap. She wanted to blame herself even more for wishing to simply waste away in her own misery. Everyone was in pain. Even Tornado was suffering but he was still trying to work hard so he could return. She took a deep though shaky breath as tried to hold in her emotions and held out her hand for her plate.

Rook handed it back to her and returned to his seat. “How is it?”

She wiped her face with her napkin and took a bite. “It’s really warm.” She told them happily with watery eyes. “I’d forgotten how nice warmth feels.” She laughed a bit at herself. “I’ll try my best. I’m sorry I’ve been such a bother for you both but I’ll be better now. Thank you for taking care of me.”

That afternoon Aero and Flora went for a stroll in the garden. The fresh air was filled with the scent of flowers. The bushes of roses overflowed with blossoms in various colors.

“There are so many roses.” Aero marveled that the garden.

“It’s the sign of the monarchy.” Flora explained as she brought a blossom close to her face.

“Does that mean it’s your symbol now?” She asked. “Or does that not happen until you’re queen?”

“Hmm I’m not sure.” She answered breathing in the sweet aroma. “How about you? Does the Light monarchy have a symbol?”

Aero thought for a moment. “There were wings . . . and a . . . star? Ah, it’s no use. I only see glimpses of it. I guess it was too long ago.”

“So, you never want to go back?” Flora stood. “Not even to visit your family? I can understand not wanting to return to that town but what about your parents, siblings?”

“I don’t remember them. I don’t even know why I was separated from them in the first place. Or why . . . I see worried faces from the villagers when we talked about them.”

“Aero . . . did something happen.”

“I don’t know.” She answered shaking away the memories. “But it’s okay now. I have many families here. If they’re near or far it doesn’t matter, right?”

“Right.” Flora told her happily. “We’re a family.”

“Ah.” Aero looked up at the tall palace walls.

“Aero?”

“Do you hear that?”

They listened for a moment.

“It’s music! I think it’s coming from the market area!” Aero exclaimed. “Maybe the people are celebrating again. Come on, let’s go see!” She ran off towards the street as Flora ran after her. At the garden gate they stopped seeing the sight of villagers filling the street. As the performers played the villagers gathered in a dance. They all moved together as they danced with their partners.

“We should join them.” Aero offered.

Flora laughed. “We can’t. Neither of us know any of the dances.”

“We’ll catch on, besides, last night you only got to watch. And this time you won’t have to worry about me.”

“I don’t want to look foolish . . .”

“You just need a good partner. After all, it’s the gentleman’s role to lead.” Rook told her walking over. “May I have this dance?” He asked holding out his hand.

“Ah, yes.” She answered surprised. “Wait, what about Aero?”

“Go on, have fun.” Aero assured her pushing her forward as she teased. “I don’t mind looking foolish.”

The dance was complicated and the music moved quickly but Rook led her as if it was second nature.

“How do you remember what to do?” Flora asked as she was turned back to face him. “It’s all I can do to not trip over my own feet.”

Rook laughed kindly. “I was taught when I was younger. Trust me, it gets easier with practice.” He turned her back around again as he instructed. “We split up now. Watch the other ladies. They repeat the steps twice.” She walked across with the others and followed their lead. Flora watched and was able to repeat the steps without watching. “See that wasn’t so bad.” He told her smiling as they came back together.

“It helps that I have a good partner.”

Aero watched from where she sat with the performers. She swayed along with the music as she sang along. As the song ended the dancers all applauded the performance. One of the performers sat down beside her.

“I guess it’s to be expected of an ethereal.”

“Huh?”

“You’re known for your skills in song aren’t you?” He told her. “Come up and sing with us, that is if you don’t want to dance of course.”

“I’d rather sing.” She answered happily.

“What’s your name?”

“I’m Aero.”

“Nice to meet you.” He introduced himself. “I’m the leader of this group, Ive.”

The next song began and Aero went up to stand with the other singers. She followed along with the score as she got a feel for the melody.

“Rook, look!” Flora explained as the singers began. “Aero is singing with them.”

“I don’t think we’ll have to worry anymore. It seems she’s found a place where she can fit in.”