"I propose we hold a celebration and feast in your honour," Vivianne says which Nalani raises an eyebrow to. She is surprised at the suggestion and not overly keen.

They have barely gotten back from Beltane and the botched Quickening. Nalani can't say she's feeling in a particularly festive mood. Especially when she remembers the warnings she got at her own performance, she is reminded constantly from that eye mark on her damn hand the Blue Queen left.

It's nonsense. Dead queens should stay dead and not plague the living with tales of the island's destruction. Why on earth did the burden fall on her? Why not Arwen or Carina? She has bigger things to think about then their silly prophecies. She has sisters to kill and her throne to ascend to. So for now Nalani ignores it. She will ponder it more later, she simply doesn't have time to right now.

And Mirabella warning her that the Goddess will try and get into her head? What was that dead ghost raving about?

And of course to make matters more complicated supposedly there's a fourth born whose somehow survived in her own cycle. With a foreign gift? Poisoner? Naturalist? War gifted? Elemental?

Goddess. The Blue Queen could even be a damned oracle or even a shadow. Anything is possible. What are the chances of two phenomenons happening in the same cycle? Shadow and a fourth born. With her luck, this fourth born could even be legion cursed for all she knows.

Yet another threat to her legitimacy and to her reign. She isn't sure how the island would react but since the renewed faith in the queens cycle she isn't sure that the people who have such faith in her would continue to do so if they find out the truth. The truth? Fact or fiction? The dead queens could be lying. Could have some ulterior motive.

But if they're not and the Blue Queen rises then the people may call for her and her sisters heads. There hasn't been a Blue Queen in centuries, they would take it as a symbol from the Goddess. And that nasty High Priestess bitch, Corra, will likely volunteer to kill Nalani herself. If it's all true that is.

A fourth both though. A Blue Queen. Sacred. Something must have happened. Nalani, Carina and Arwen shouldn't even be alive if it's true. Why were they spared? It makes no sense. So for now she shall simply not think on it. It's easier to avoid problems than facing them.

"Why on earth would we hold a celebration now, I have not killed my sisters and the Quickening was hardly a success," Nalani says after zoning back into her conversation with Vivianne with a grumpy expression. Within the wake of recent events she's been in a bad temper, especially since Vivianne has not allowed her to see the others, except Hestia. There's so much to discuss.

"It's perfect, let the people divert their attentions from the events of Beltane back to you again, solely you," Vivianne says with a cool smile as she gestures towards her ward, "at your generously and grace, you could even do a small display of your gifts, just to remind them of your strength at the Quickening and that they are backing the winning queen."

"The people know my strength, why do I need to hold a silly celebration to get their attentions," Nalani sulks, "I don't wish to display my gifts."

She didn't sleep well. She dreamed of dead queens, withered hands coming to suffocate her whispering desolate tales of their defeats and sufferings in their own Ascensions. Pain, death, victory.

"your sisters have rarely proven their gifts and queenly characteristics other than necessary formal occasions, show the people you will go above and beyond for their support, that you rise above the other queens, become the Queen Crowned they want, don't just be a survivor of the Ascension, be a victor," Vivianne declares and Nalani looks at her strangely.

Vivianne has always been more ambitious and cunning than any other Westwood Nalani has met. It is refreshing that she so clearly has a vision for the future, Nalani can almost envision it. Such glory. Such ambition, Nalani has ambition as well. They both share the same goals.

"Be gracious and above reproach, if not a display of gifts then extend a hand of courtesy to your subjects by giving them a seat at your table, letting them feast and celebrate with you and they will adore you in return," Vivianne says taking a sip of her favourite Chardonnay that she always kept on hand.

Nalani tilted her head. The idea had its merits. And she trusted Vivianne, she had always been focused on Nalani's success, the survival of her queen, her family line and legacy, Even though Nalani doesn't particularly feel like a celebration after recent events, it is something she is prepared to do to firmly place the island's favour on her side permanently.

Nalani eventually nods leaning further back into her chair, "alright,"she agrees, "make the preparations."

—

And that Vivianne did. Nalani has to hand it to her, the Westwood matriarch has a strong aptitude for arranging things on short notice.

Within an hour the whole city had heard of the planned feast and celebrations. And just as they had both intended, the people started getting excited, about their queen. Yet again.

The prospect of being able to see her and even interact with her makes them all joyous since Arwen and Carina never did such things apart from on special occasions. And even then, Arwen practically never allowed outsiders in her city. Umbra still remains an allusive place of the upmost secrecy and strangeness.

With the next few hours many towns across the island had heard of it thanks to Vivianne's riders. And they even reached as far as Wolf Spring and Sunpool, taking care to avoid both Umbra and Prynn.

Nalani didn't want to extend the invitations to her sisters. Not when she has yet to plan a strategy of killing them. Them both coming to this feast would be too risky. No. She needs to plan a strategy for killing them both, on her terms.

Now Nalani is getting ready silently, only wearing a a black robe as Kali braids her hair into this sophisticated updo piece with black gems weaved in. But appearances matter. She needs to project strength, grace and beauty - to show that she is unassailable. Above the rest. She is glad Kali doesn't pressure her to speak, sometimes she desperately craves silence. To be alone with her thoughts. As she considers the guests for tonight.

The newly appointed Martinsons accepted her invitation graciously as Wolf Spring's new leaders after the Milones' fall and Nalani hopes the naturalists will divert their attention to her rather than focus on punishing the Milones.

She hears Gwyneth Milone is currently in Indrid Down along with Kaiden and Greer, the oldest children now Kaya is gone. Being interrogated to weed out any possibilities of their whole family's involvements.

Nalani doesn't have much of an opinion of that truth be told, she feels sympathy to a degree because she knows Kaiden personally but also contempt at their family. For they are still usurpers without a doubt. A threat to the entire queensline just like their ancestor Jules. And Nalani will destroy any threat, no matter where it may appear from. Because she will protect herself and her queensblood at any cost.

She is not overly empathetic, she will not bother herself with the dramas of problematic families when this is a crucial time for her. Nalani's Ascension Year. Her journey to finally become queen crowned. Nalani feels it in her blood. She is meant to wear that crown. It is time for the elementals to rise again, they had hope with Mirabella Mistbane but she shall make that hope a reality. The last elemental queen who ruled was Queen Felecite, whose own Ascension ended in a tower. A long time ago, right before the poisoner era of queens.

Nalani does care about the people but she is also ambitious. She wants their love and she wants her crown. She will have both.

She watches herself in the mirror as Kali carefully brushed powder ever her defined cheekbones. Barely any cosmetics are applied but she had requested that. She doesn't want anything heavy. Not today.

And as Kali assists her with her dress her mind wonders to another topic. Rowan. Her lover. She does care for him, despite only getting reacquainted recently. And she wonders how he will react when Nalani starts getting invitations from the suitors, one of whom will be her future king consort. Will Rowan desert her or will he be able to stomach a life of secrecy, having to sit on the sidelines as she loved and shared her body with another. Nalani thinks that will poison the soul, well if he loves her that is.

That is precisely why Nalani insists it be casual, she is not one for grand declarations of love and the like. No. She had made it very clear to Rowan that she is focusing solely on the Ascension and her reign.

For Nalani was not born to grow and find love, or have a simple life. She is a queen, she was born one and she will die one. A greater path lies ahead for her, she is confident in that - the Goddess has plans for her.

Vivianne is right in a way, with her lectures a while ago, worrying that Rowan may distract Nalani but the Fire Queen doesn't take well to people telling her what she can or can't do.

"You look lovely Nalani," Kali exclaims, clasping her hands together shyly as she admires the queen and Nalani thanks her with a nod of her head.

Nalani turns, looking at herself in her large obsidian mirror. She did look rather lovely. Some may call her arrogant or vain but Nalani always looks lovely and she knows that. But her beauty is another weapon that she can use in her favour, to win people to her side. Men will throw themselves into the very fires of hell for her, a beautiful young queen.

The only issue is that her sisters are unusually pretty as well, Arwen is gorgeous and mysterious. Carina is striking and cunning. Nalani is fierce and beautiful. So her looks give her a weapon in a way but not one that inherently gives her advantage over her sisters. Especially since her sisters are strong as well, perhaps the Goddess wanted to completely level the playing fields.

Both her and Kali's heads turn sharply as her door is flung open and in waltzes, Hestia, armed with a bottle of alcohol stashed comfortably under her arm.

She's wears an intricate pale blue dress that goes well with her glowing brown skin and her beautiful dark brown curly hair is tied firmly up today in a pretty bun and she bas long dangly earrings with moonstones at the end with the matching necklace. A beautiful set.

Sometimes Nalani forgets how wealthy the Westwoods have become not only after ruling Rolanth for centuries but also due to Vivianne's promotion to the Black Council as one of Pele's trusted advisors.

Vivianne has always had to balance her time between journeying to Indrid Down on business and staying in Rolanth, raising both her own child and a queen. Nalani admires her for that, her dedication and work ethic.

Nalani instantly smirks, "Hestia Westwood, have you been raiding your mother's liquor stash again?"

Hestia only smirks at both of them in return, sitting down on one of Nalani's small sofas, pulling Kali gently down with her.

"You know me to well Lani," she says taking a swig of the bottle, "so much better to steal some than buy some myself, we have been old enough for some time but sneaking it up was always the fun."

"True," Nalani agrees then inclines her head at Kali, "do help yourself if you wish Kali."

The maid instantly blushes, "that is kind Lani but I am still technically on duty."

"Nonsense," Nalani says, waving her hand loftily, "you are a friend of a queen, you may do as you wish though your dedication to your work is inspiring."

Hestia just shrugs, drinking some more, "well if you don't want any I will, I'm feeling out of sorts of late since the whole Beltane matter, it's put everyone on edge."

"It has," Nalani agrees, standing up and brushing her dress down, "but no more talk of that, not yet, we have other matters to attend to."

"Ah yes," Hestia says, setting down the bottle on a nearby table, "a feast, well you are dressed rather grandly, everyone will be betwitched as usual."

"Of course they will, I am rather dazzling," Nalani sad with a smile, striding over and taking a swig of the bottle herself trying her best not to grimace at the foul taste.

"With an ego the size of a pea," Hestia retorts sweetly which makes Kali snort a little.

"You two are dreadful," she remarks with a small smile, "though you do save my work life from being unbearably dull."

"Glad to know we're of some use," Hestia says, standing up herself, "I suppose it's time for us to go to mother's celebrations."

Nalani rolls her eyes but starts walking towards the door with the other girls, "yes, let's get this silly event over with then shall we."

——

As soon as Nalani arrives she receives gifts and tributes galore from a small queue of people waiting by her carriage that Vivianne handles as she has both guards and servants take care of the gifts. Mostly small bits of jewellery, reds, oranges and yellow to represent her gifts. She thanks them with a gracious nod of her head and they bow in return.

It makes her smile but it is strange. The admiration people now place in her, people she had helped the past few months and people she had won over with her gifts and powers.

And most people are dancing when she arrives, below the light afternoon/evening skies, torches already at every edge of the park for when it gets too dark and below the ribbons adorned above them. And there is cheery music that musicians play on their violins, flutes and lyres just to name a few.

The festivies are in the centre of Moorgate Park and a dozen guards patrol the area, even warriors such as the twins Juliette and Jonah Vatros. And that insufferable prick Achilles. Nalani scowls as she locks eyes with him as she walks. She will make him pay one day for his Beltane stunt. No one crosses her and gets away with it.

When they see her however they cheer and some scurry over to talk to her, after they had been checked briefly by a guard.

One villager bows clumsily, with dark hair, rough hands and such broad shoulders. Nalani can't tell if he had a gift or not but with arms like his he looks like he does outdoor work. He certainly doesn't look like he's from Rolanth.

"It is an honour to properly meet you Queen Nalani,"'he says, almost beaming and Nalani thanks him, "I'm from Trignor you see, the town you helped a few months back, you delivered food to us when our crops were falling and had some naturalists help us replenish the damaged crops."

Nalani nods smiling, "I remember and Trignor is an important town to both myself and the island, it is the least I could do."

How cunning the Fire Queen is. Trignor is so close to Prynn, Carina's city. A strategic move. To help them. Have them adore and put their faith in her, have them spread the word easily to their southern neighbour filled with poisoners. So that Nalani could see if any of them could perhaps be swayed to her side. That will possibly be quite the achievement.

The upper class ones will never, they are loyal to poisoner queens only she isn't a fool, but the lower class ones in Prynn, both poisoners and giftless people may be reasoned with. Nobody sees Queen Carina putting in the extra effort for her less fortunate people so Nalani is more than happy to step in. She is a queen of the people now and there is power in that, her sisters have just been too naive or slow to realise it.

"I just wanted to thank you, you have been so kind and generous, the island would be blessed to have you as our queen crowned," the man says, smiling with such admiration in his eyes it almost makes Nalani cry. She feels as though she is already queen crowned, like she has already won as her people already love her. It's almost moving that people care so much. She loves the way it feels, their attentions and faith.

"You are most welcome," Nalani replies politely and Vivianne appears at her side then.

"You will find that Queen Nalani is a queen who will do anything for her people and go to great lengths to secure their safety and happiness," Vivianne says and the man nods again in thanks.

"Vivianne flatters me too much but I hope you enjoy the festivities and the feast," Nalani says and the man bows clumsily once more, blushing slightly as Nalani smiles at him one last time before he disappears once more into the crowds of people.

She walks forward again, people even stopping their dances to bow to her briefly and she smiles at them in return.

Then she reaches one man who blocks her path and stares up at him. He is tall, with dark skin, curly black hair that is trimmed short and eyes nearly as dark as hers. Dressed in a deep royal purple that goes well with his skin though she suspects his skin tone will go well with any colour just like Hestia's.

He isn't bad on the eyes but Nalani hates anyone getting in her way so she only looks at him shaking a glimmer of annoyance and resisting the urge to burn him to a crisp. That almost makes her laugh. Perhaps that is a little dramatic but it will get the message across.

He bows and unlike the man before, his is not clumsy, it is rather well practised and refined. Judging from his finery he is likely from a noble family. He has this look about him though, this look of an outsider.

She smiles, though it comes across as more of a grimace.

"Can I help you? Or are you just going to continue to stand in my way," Nalani says bluntly, raising an eyebrow which makes him instantly smirk and she watches as her nearby guard searches him briefly before nodding at her that he is unarmed.

"Your guards are shrewd," he remarks.

"Well yes that is the point of their job," Nalani states drily, unimpressed as she repeats herself, "and I ask again, can I help you?"

"My sincerest apologies Queen Nalani, I only wanted to tell you how positively bewitching you look this evening and to ask if you may permit me one dance," he says, kissing her hand, well her evening glove in truth as Vivianne decided it would be best to have her hands and lower arms covered just in case of poison and as he retracts Nalani watches him with those shrewd eyes of hers, sizing him up.

Nalani nods, only because she is curious about him. Who is he? A spy? She isn't sure and she will find out.

So she nods and he takes her hand, people making way as they go to the centre of the square. She glances at Vivianne who doesn't look happy but nonetheless commands the musicians to play a favourite tune of Nalani's, one that is common around the island for the sake of her visitors outside of Rolanth and everyone starts the traditional dance, all smiles and laughs.

His hand snakes around her waist, hers around his neck and their other hands clasp each other's, his dark hand and her cloaked hand. Her obsidian evening silk gloves stretch all the way to her elbows.

So the music begins and they begin their dance, a more formal dance than the upbeat jigs that people had been dancing before.

"Now that you have me here may I ask who you are?" Nalani asks, her tone a little distrustful as he spins her around.

"Forgive me your grace," he says, still charming as ever, determined to flatter her she sees, "I am Demetri Valeska, a humble suitor from Bevellet."

Bevellet? The mainland.That surprises her as she raises an eyebrow,

"A suitor?" She exclaims before shaking her head, "you have some audacity barging into my city unannounced when I'm sure you're aware that the courting period for suitors has not yet begin and all requests go through the Black Council first."

"Yes I'm aware of that," he says, rather too cheerily for Nalani's liking.

"I have a good mind to throw you out myself and have you sent home in disgrace to whatever hole you came from in Bevellet," Nalani says sweetly and he has the good sense then to look a little bit wary, "but you're lucky I'm in a benevolent mood."

"What can I say?" He remarks as they dance in sync, "I'm a rebel, I thought you may admire my spirit, perhaps we are kindred souls."

"You are a bold one aren't you," Nalani says with an impassive face, "and how pray tell did you hear about this evening's festivities?"

"I'm currently residing in Wolf Spring and the town was abuzz with excitement for those who journeyed here for tonight, I snuck out and decided to come along,"'he says, "as soon as I saw you at Beltane I was intrigued and enthralled by both you and your flames, I simply had to get to know you a bit."

"You snuck out and came all the way to Rolanth just for once dance with me," Nalani laughs at that, "you truly are mad."

"And you truly are beautiful," he says, lifting her up with ease as the tune's chorus came up again.

"I know," she replies with one of her arrogant smiles as she chuckles at his expression. One of such awe and excitement as if he had never seen a girl such as her before. Well she doubts he has. She is a queen with elemental gifts after all. A little bit unique.

"I fancy you," he blurts out and she raises an eyebrow.

"That boldness of yours never shies away does it," she remarks with a smirk.

"No," he admits, "may I ask what you think of me?"

He asks that just as the dance finishes and as he kisses her hand once more she replies,

"I suppose you'll never find out," she says as she backs away now the dance is over, bowing to him mockingly, "I'll leave you to consider the endless possibilities Mr Valeska."

With that she leaves him, heading towards her seat of honour at the banquet table and he watches her as she does. He cannot keep his eyes off of her. His father would kill him for sneaking off but it has been worth it. As soon as he saw her Quickening performance he knew that she is the one he desires above all the other queens.

Queens are loved by so many, to be near them is to be enchanted by them. Especially on this strange island with its bizarre gifts and magic. Unlike anything he's ever seen back home. But now he needs to do something else, when he is officially allowed to court her. He needs to win her heart, win her love. An ambitious task.

But now he's seen Queen Nalani. He cannot look away, with one last look he turns and goes back to his coach, ready to return to Wolf Spring with his dreams of queens and embers.

As Nalani takes her seat she considers that strange suitor. She wasn't sure whether she is impressed by his attitude, whether it be boldness or stupidity. She is slightly intrigued by him though, he has this peculiar charm and wildness that appeals to her. But no matter. He is not Rowan so he is nothing to her but a fleeting curiosity.

And besides from this one suitor or Rowan, she has bigger and more important things to occupy her mind than men. Men are a luxury not a necessity after all. The only thing that is necessary to her is her own victories and her crown. A queens priorities.

Now Nalani sits in the centre of long table, a banquet of fresh steaming food. Vivianne had it all commissioned by the finest chefs in Rolanth and it makes her mouth water.

A long buffet table with large piles of buttered potatoes with herbs, meats like lamb, chicken and beef with plenty of vegetables of course. Even many piles fruits, deserts such as pies, cakes and ice creams. Treats galore.

Hestia sits beside her in a place of honour, her plate empty as are so many others. No one eats until Nalani herself has been served.

The dancing starts to stop as many servants delve into the crowds, handing out champagne and the like which everyone accepts and Vivianne taps her glass loudly and inclines her head to Nalani who rises and everywhere falls silent as they listen.

"Good evening my subjects, I am very happy to see so many of you here to join in my celebrations and festivities and welcome to those of you who are not native to Rolanth, I appreciate you journeying so far for your queen," she says, using her words and vocabulary carefully, "this particular feast and celebration is to both show and assure you that none are more important to me than you," she says, inclining her hands towards them,

"the people of the island, our island, that I hope I will rule justly as you all put your trust and faith in me to watch over you, a vessel of our Goddess made into flesh and bone," she pauses slightly and they clap all with admiration and smiles on their faces, "this day is simply to give you all a chance to get to know the real me, not for me to just impress you with my gift as I have in the past, but to show you that I may be a queen but I am one of you, far more than my sisters, a patriot who loves this island deeply and will do anything to defend it and it's people, for that is my Godess given duty," she pauses taking a breath as she continues,

"and I show you now, that under my reign, I will go above and beyond for the happiness and contentment of you all as I care about you all, all those who stand with me, believe in me and support me," she says and they cheer more loudly at that, "I am not and will never be a distant queen like my sister, Arwen, who never allows you in her city or to even see her, such is her ideals of shadow superiority nor am I one who will put on stiff airs and graces out of necessity for formal festivals like my sister Carina, for I am Nalani, a queen of the people, queen of hearts and of fire," she says smirking as she talks of the name the people have given her. The Fire Queen,

"and tonight I simply invite you to come up, take food, dine with me, have a dance, simply have a bit of fun and enjoy yourselves because with all of us united - Fennbirn will prosper, not a place of corruption, shadows or poison, but instead a place of happiness, of strength, light and hope," she says, raising a glass and they do the same, "so to us and to the future of Fennbirn."

She says draining her glass.

"To the future," they echo, following suit and then clapping and cheering in the aftermath of her speech.

Smiling Nalani sits and begins serving herself food instead of having someone do it for her. And people follow suit. All at her table, including Vivianne, Hestia and other influential elemental families begin eating while the crowds of people come up and help themselves the the buffet, taking food, coming to thank Nalani personally and them sitting down at the tables scattered around Moorgate Park.

She catches Vivianne's eye who inclines her head towards Nalani with a smile and the Westwood's approval is nearly radiating off of her at this.

Another victory. All the island will hear of. Her sisters will hear of. And they will be threatened as Nalani wants them to be.

For with the people's support and her strong elemental gift, Arwen and Carina don't stand a chance.