The Changeling

23

Masha started shadowing Cetlali amid the tumultuous transition of power. Even with a simple and clear line of succession, it became an exhaustive effort. Not to mention making the arrangements for an Imperial wedding likely to surpass any the realm had ever seen. Masha had been invaluable, eager and astute. She was a consistent source of support for Cetlali, a type of mainstay, as she was being whipped around in every single direction. Masha always thought of Cetlali as competent and strong and she was right, but every capability, every single one, had a limit.

Hours buzzed together, humming,

culminating into a lingering chaos. The arrangements to celebrate Eraughn as their new Emperor occupied Ezren. He notified the very most prominent people, to the most humble, from all across the realm. When Ezren didn't need Cetlali, she assisted Athua with all the details of the coming nuptials. Which meant

a surprising and agonizing amount of socializing with courtly elite and financiers.

Eraughn wanted a severe show of

resplendence. He wanted to remind everyone just who their Emperor was with a clan lineage going back several hundred cycles in the history of Pagegonia. Athua, as level-headed as always, did her best to convince Eraughn away from most things that were unnecessary or frivolous.

One idea was a hundred peacocks preceding Athua during the ceremony to be slaughtered for the following feast. It was ultimately struck down. Athua appealed to his honor and gallantry. She reminded him that as Emperor, he would be the ultimate authority on what was resplendent or not. There was value to reminding him he had nothing to prove.

The time with Athua was all well and fun enough, despite the intensity of the current demands. As Athua adored all things exquisite, she threw herself into the arrangements with relish. Fortunate for her to be the type of person who had meticulous plans for such a thing for years in the making. She did not stray from

what made her so genuine. She sought consultants to aid with choosing glorious combinations of their Clans's colors and important aspects of the cultures. An intricate web of history and beauty tied together elements of Ynuchalak and Epoubodaz in order to demonstrate a genuine show of strength and trust in their homelands and each other.

Pagegonia's finest would flood in to witness what was sure to be a historical union. The city surrounding Anidozja Palace bustled with life and efforts to prepare for the onslaught of their brethren. Every single adornment showed the Sovereigns' deep respect and adoration for the continued support of their people. It was a silent covenant to sustain the unity of their Empire. An additional incentive was time spent in the Empire's lavish hospitality within in the walls of their sprawling, resplendent palace.

Despite the stresses of organizing something with such severe impetus as an Imperial wedding and coronation, Athua supported her future husband and her grieving father. Either way, Cetlali did her best to

support and care for anything Athua could need. She should not have to shoulder the weight of the Empire and all the rest alone.

"Do you have enough help with your regalia?" Cetlali asked as Athua sipped a light wine. They sat on over-fluffed pillows while they snacked and took a break from guest and flower arrangements for the impending feasts.

"Yes, thank you," Athua nodded. "I wished to do most of it, but with everything happening, I find myself too weary at the end of the day. It's the only time I have to do it." She let out an impatient huff, but then schooled her features with a light smile. "Many dedicated needleworkers all across the Citadel offered their assistance, my mother as well, so don't fret, I am well taken care of." She leaned forward and squeezed Cetlali's hand. "How are you faring?"