City of Fall

News of the King's death did not affect the Council of Flores much, since the King's court depended more on them, than Flores depended on the King. However, placing themselves upon the throne, would give them more power and respect, which was what Flores had been craving for years.

The Solarium family was particularely interested in the Riches that they could gain from the Crown, and the Aylana family had their eyes set on the Political and Military power they could have if they ruled over the Kingdom. So, they had decided to Ally themselves, the Solariums would have direct economical control, and the Aylanas would get the armies and power they had wanted. The Aylana family offered the eldest Solarium son as the one to sit upon the throne and rule the crown, as long as he had wed one of their daughters, and made her Queen.

So far, Flores had most success in war plannings, and had decided that they would make their move soon. Their chances of winning were pretty high, considering that Flores was one of the most desired regions in the realm. Would their efforts be successful, or would they be supressed by the powers of Corona and it's council?

Ayame gently held Serena in her arms, patting and scratching behind the Feline's ears meanwhile one of her personal maids was brushing her long, dark brown hair. She tilted her head slightly in wonder, "Why all the sudden formality requested of me today?" she asked, her eyes moving to look outside the window, which had direct view to the main court. She could see several carriages arrive, she recognized the crest, those were the Solariums.

The maid smiled happily at Ayame, and put the brush down, walking over to get one of Ayame's favourite formal dresses. "I'm surprised you have not been told, m'lady." She nodded gently, choosing between the different floral colours and patterns of dresses, "After the most recent union of the Solariums and Aylanas in the council court, they have decided that you or your sister would have to wed the Solarium boy, for political and war efforts." she said in a gentle voice.

Ayame's face went pale. Not only had she never talked to a boy except for her Brothers, but never had she even liked one. And now, all of the sudden, she had to wed one? A Solarium, no less. The Solariums and Aylanas had strong bonds since the past, breaking a promise would not go well! She twitched, and Serena jumped off, walking away slowly. Ayame then rose from her chair, turned around and glared at the maid. "I'm not going anywhere!" She said loudly.
"I'm sorry m'lady, but these are your Father's orders. You know how much your Father cares for you, he's giving you the chance to become a Queen! No, THE Queen!" The maid said reassuringly.

Ayame thought about it for a second, and opened her mouth to protest, but realised that there was no use. She had a sister, so there was a chance that she wouldn't be the one to get married. She sighed and stripped down from her everyday dress, and put on the one the Maid had handed to her.

"You look stunning." The Maid said, putting the Aylana Necklace around Ayame's neck. "Anyone who got the chance to wed you would be a lucky man!"

Ayame trembled at the thought, she knew that her mother got married at fourteen, and Ayame was nineteen right now.. But she just didn't feel ready. "What if they don't like me? I prefer my books and my flowers. I'm not a good conversational partner." She said insecurely. The Maid gently patted her back. "M'lady, your father will want you to be in the meeting hall in about ten minutes. And do not worry, many women who are married right now and have a loving family did not know their husband untill after the marriage. " She told her, and walked out of the room.

Ayame sighed, walked up to the window and stared out of it, inspecting the new-comers.