A Royal Makeover

I join everyone else at breakfast taking a seat next to Benjamin. The table is full of more goodies. If only we were living in Remly for the six months, we would be eating real good. I fill my plate with fruit and pastries and begin digging in.

“Good Morning Ambassadors, I hope you all slept well.” Albernath greets us, with the King and Queen following behind him. “We have prepared a special surprise for you.” A huge grin fills his face, and you can’t help but smile back. “ Tonight Remly will be hosting a festival in your honor.” Amelia and I glance at each other with excitement. “So after breakfast I have arranged for all of you to go to our tailor and be fitted for some traditional Elvish wear then we will go on a lunch cruise through our river and by the time we get back the festivities will be ready.”

“How wonderful Albernath! You are certainly full of surprises.” The Queen says, patting his shoulder.

“It is my honor, your Majesty. We have a lot to celebrate.” He says looking at Elauthin and Maeve. “So please finish up your breakfast and Pelleas will escort you to the tailors.”

We do as we are told, choking down our food, and soon we are a few blocks away entering a small storefront.

“Welcome, Princess Maeve, Prince Elauthin, and Ambassadors. I am honored to have you in my shop.” A tall blond Elf man greets us as we enter. “Please take a look around and pick out what you would like to wear tonight.” He motions us to the rows of colorful dresses and we disburse to look through the endless silks. “Please once you have selected one of your liking let me know and I will get it tailored to perfection.” He follows Maeve and Elau, suggesting different color schemes to them.

I am instantly drawn to the rack of green dresses. Green is easily my favorite color. I thumb my finger through until I get to a deep emerald dress. It has golden lace decorating the chest in a deep V shape and a golden belt through the waist. On the back long strips of green material flow like a cape from the shoulders to the floor. I pull it out and hold it up to myself looking into a nearby mirror.

“That is a wonderful pick.” The shopkeeper comes up to me. “Would you like to try it on?” I nod my head and he guides me to a room in the back to change. I put the dress on and it fits snuggly on my breast but a little loose in the waist. I walk out of the changing room and to the tailor's sewing room next door.

“Perfect! I will just tighten up that waist for you and you are all set.” He helps me onto a small stand and magically he stitches the dress around my waist without pricking me. “Lovely.” He says, turning me to face the full length mirror behind me. The dress flows beautifully around my figure. The green pulls out the color of my eyes and the gold tans my skin.

“Thank you, I love it.” I smile at the man and he helps me off of the stand.

“I’m glad you do, Ambassador. Now please head to the next room. We have women waiting to do your hair in traditional Elvish braids as well as facials and make up.” He guides me out of the room and grabs Benjamin waiting in the hallway.

After a morning of being pampered we leave looking not even human anymore, but just your normal group of elves. Pelleas waits for us by the dock and guides us to our lunch cruise. I catch him getting a glimpse of Ben and can’t help but smirk. I think they make a lovely couple. We reach the end of the pier where a decent sized boat awaits us. The boat has a small cabin but a large deck with tables adorned with white cloths waiting for us. The tables are set for two each with lovely wild flowers as the centerpiece. I follow the group aboard as Pelleas helps us all up the ramp. Amelia and I choose a table towards the front of the ship and as I sit I get my first real glance of Elau after his makeover.

He pretty much looks the same, but his clothes are blue and silver matching Maeve's dress. I make eye contact with Maeve and smile at her. She has been nothing but kind and deserves my support. I look at Amelia across from me, she wears a beautiful pink dress which seems to be the perfect color for her pale skin. Luke and Benjamin managed to pick similar suits, but Benjamins was a lighter green and looked lovely on his dark skin.

“Amelia, how do I feel like royalty?” I chuckle

“I think I am going to have a hard time adjusting when I get home. They really have been spoiling us.” She smiles at me and turns to take a look at Luke.

“Do you want to sit with him?” I ask and she looks back blushing.

“No it’s fine. I…”

I stand up before she can respond and walk over to Ben and Luke. “Luke, would you mind if I sat with Benjamin for lunch?” I ask and notice Elau look over at us.

“Oh, no, I don’t mind.” He stands, “You can have Benny all to yourself.” He guides me to his seat and pushes the chair in.

“Thank you, Luke.” I say as he walks away and sits down with Amelia.

“You look lovely, Nic.” Benjamin says, pouring me a glass of wine.

“So do you.” I grab the glass and take a sip and then lean in close so only Ben can hear me. “Sorry to disturb your lunch but I could tell Amelia wanted to sit with Luke.”

“Not a disturbance at all.” He whispers back and smiles at me. I lean back in my seat and notice Elau still staring at us, but with a weird look on his face, almost like he is annoyed.