Reality overload

I don’t know why I felt the need to stuff me with the mixtures so much on this chapter. But they are still not completely right I have huge problems with resizing… I hope they are ok. Either way enjoy the chapter. 

Next chapter drops on Saturday night. It will be a little late in the evening. I have lots of things to do tomorrow, and will be a rather busy little bee. Hehe 

Toots magoots!!╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

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The maids stood in a perfect line when they finally finished, hands folded, eyes bright with purpose. My dress was already finished, green silk, silver embroidery, fitted bodice, sleeves that draped like flowing water. My hair was braided and pinned with silver clasps. Everything was in place apparently.

Reia and Charlie stood beside me, still in their normal clothes.

Reia raised an eyebrow. "You look like you're about to declare a new empire."

Charlie, ears twitching with glee, crossed her arms. "You look like you're about to boss us around."

"Thank you for the idea my dear sister. " I turned to the maids. "Are there any more dresses?"

They nodded, and I smiled wickedly. My vengeance at hand.

"Get them."

The maids moved instantly.

Reia squeaked as two maids grabbed her by the arms and dragged her toward the dressing alcove. "WAIT—ZORA—HOLD ON—"

Charlie spun to run.

Three maids caught her at once.

She kicked her feet uselessly. "NO. NO. I REFUSE. I'M A PERSON, NOT A DOLL."

"You will be," I said. Smiling in satisfaction.

The maids swarmed them. Fabric flew. Someone called for pins. Someone else shouted for ribbons. Reia's dramatic wailing echoed off the ceiling. Charlie's sounded like a furious cat.

The maids ignored both of them.

The door slammed open.

Riley stumbled in. "What the heck is going on in here...!"

She froze.

The maids turned toward her in perfect unison.

Riley pointed at herself. "No."

One maid stepped forward.

Riley backed up. "No no no...ZORA...HELP..."

I pointed at her.

"That one too."

The maids descended.

Riley screamed as they lifted her off the ground. "I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG..."

I looked on way too calmly. "This is justice."

Riley's voice cracked. "TRAITOR! WHY PICK NOW TO GROW A BACKBONE!!!ZORAA....PLEASE!!"

The maids ignored her, I answered.

 "Well I'm tired of being stressed out all the time." I said " I can't change anything so I give up. I'll just roll with it." I said nonchalantly. "I'll just bring you three along for the ride!"

When they were finished, Reia stepped out first.

She wore a soft lavender gown that shimmered with every movement. The fabric hugged her waist and flowed around her legs like mist. Her half‑pink hair had been braided into a loose crown, small silver beads woven through the strands. And for one she didn't have that uncanny valley look.

She twirled once. "Okay, I kinda love this."

"Wow Reia you look so pretty!" I said exitedly.

Then Charlie emerged.

My sister stood in the doorway wearing a noblewoman's outfit, a deep navy dress with structured shoulders, a cinched waist, and a layered skirt that brushed her boots. Her blonde elf hair had been brushed smooth and pinned back with silver clips, giving her a sharp, elegant profile she clearly did not appreciate.

She glared at me. "I hope you're proud of yourself."

I nodded without sympathy. "Very....You look fabulous... so get over it char."

Charlie tugged at the bodice. "I look like I'm about to host a royal tea party."

"Yea my tea party now." I laughed.

Reia patted her shoulder. "You look like you're about to conquer one."

Then Riley stumbled out.

She wore a rose‑colored dress with puffed sleeves and a ribboned waist. Her hair had been tied with matching bows. She looked like a startled princess who had been kidnappedt by the renaissance fashion.

She pointed at me accusingly. "You're... are...evil."

I held up a finger. "Correction I'm queen, what do always say... oh right. Accept your fate Riley."

Riley was speechless.

The maids bowed in unison. "You may proceed, my lady."

We stepped out into the main hall together.

Reia walked first, lavender gown flowing behind her like she'd been born in it. Charlie followed beside her, adjusting the layered navy skirt of her noblewoman's dress. Riley trailed behind them, muttering about injustice and puffed sleeves. Looking like a pouting child.

Don't worry Riley I'll get plenty of evidence of your beautiful debut."

"Don't you dare, I swear Zora...you know pink isn't my color. Now it if was black. It wouldn't be so bad..."

"Could have fooled me you're  like a pink Christmas present I didn't know I needed..." I laughed.

"Keep it up...elf girl. We'll see who gets the last laugh." She croaked.

"Says the puppy girl." I giggled.

She was once again speechless.

Lucas and Nate were waiting near the doorway.

Lucas stood in full leather armor, dark, fitted, reinforced at the shoulders and chest. His shield was strapped to his arm, polished to a mirror shine, and the greatsword on his back looked newly sharpened. He looked like he was ready to defend a kingdom.

Nate stood beside him.

In butler clothes. 

A crisp black vest.

White gloves.

Perfectly pressed slacks.

A bow tie.

He looked like he wanted to commit a crime.

"Very proper Nate." You could almost pass for someone civilized." I said sniggering.

"Don't you..."

"Careful Nate..." I said. "I'm queen now. Butlers shouldn't talk back to their masters. I can send you to the dungeons."

His jaw fell open. I was on a roll. And I was collecting interest.

"Where did you guys get the clothes..." I said not even trying to hold my laugh in. 

Lucas turned and the moment he saw me, he froze.

His eyes widened.

His face turned red instantly.

His hand tightened on his shield until the leather creaked.

He stared at me like I'd just stepped out of a dream.

Nate glanced at him, then at me, then back at him. "Oh, dude....Dude."

Lucas didn't respond.

Reia slowed her steps. "Oh, this is delicious."

Charlie elbowed her. "Don't say anything."

Riley whispered, "He's dying."

Lucas still hadn't moved.

His mouth opened slightly, then closed again. He blinked once, very slowly, like his brain was trying to reboot.

I leaned toward Charlie and whispered, "Why is he acting weird?"

Charlie stiffened. "No reason."

Reia coughed into her hand. "None at all."

Riley nodded rapidly. "Totally normal behavior."

Nate snorted. "Yeah, sure."

Lucas made a strangled noise.

I looked at him again. "Earth to Lucas...you ok big guy."

He straightened so fast his armor clinked. "Fine. Completely fine. Perfectly fine. Absolutely...fine."

His voice cracked on the last word.

Reia bit her lip to keep from laughing. " called it." She said.

Nate whispered, "He's so gone."

I frowned. "He doesn't look fine."

Reia stepped in quickly. "He's fine."

Charlie nodded. "He's great."

Riley whispered, "He's melting."

Reia stomped on her foot.

Riley yelped.

Nate crossed his arms. "He's in lo-."

Everyone froze.

Reia slapped a hand over his mouth. "NO."

Charlie grabbed his vest. "DON'T."

Riley hissed, "SHE DOESN'T KNOW."

Nate blinked. "She doesn't..."

Reia shook her head violently. "No."

Charlie shook hers even harder. "Absolutely not, but that's what make it hilarious."

Riley whispered, "She thinks he's just being wierd. That's when she was saying that in college when I asked."

"Well that actually makes sense." He mused

Lucas made another strangled sound.

I looked between them. "Why is everyone acting weird?"

Reia clapped her hands once. "We should go."

Charlie grabbed my arm. "Yes....Immediately."

Riley pushed me from behind. "Before he combusts."

Lucas choked on air.

Nate muttered, "This is the funniest thing I've ever seen."

Katherine and the Elder watched from the side, both wearing the exact same expression.

"She has no idea." They said in unison.

Reia led the way, lavender gown shimmering with every step. Charlie walked beside her, Riley followed, pink dress puffed at the sleeves, muttering about injustices under her breath.

I walked in the center, green silk flowing around me like a moving banner.

Together, we looked like a parade of colors.

Lucas stood waiting at the end of the corridor.

This time, he didn't freeze.

His expression sharpened.

His stance shifted.

His hand rested on the strap of his shield.

The boy from moments ago vanished.

In his place stood a knight.

'Good...' I thought. 'he's back to normal...' I wonder what that was all about.'

His new leather armor fit him perfectly. Dark, reinforced, polished. The greatsword on his back gleamed in the light. The shield on his arm looked heavy, but he held it like it weighed nothing.

He looked at me once.

Just once.

And then he focused forward, scanning the hall, the windows, the corners, every possible threat.

Reia whispered, "Oh, he's in full knight mode."

Charlie nodded. "He's locked in."

Riley muttered, "Unfair. I'm dressed like a pastry and he gets to look cool."

Nate trudged behind them in his butler outfit, scowling at everything. "I hate this. I hate all of this. I hate the bow tie most of all."

Reia patted his shoulder giggling. "You look like a good servant."

"I look like I'm about to serve tea to royalty," Nate snapped.

Charlie smirked. "You are."

Nate groaned.

Lucas stepped forward, voice steady. "Stay close."

I nodded. "You look different."

He glanced at his armor. "New gear. Better for protection...."

Reia whispered to Charlie, "He means for her."

Charlie whispered back, "Obviously."

Riley muttered, "I wanna look cool to."

Lucas didn't react. He was too focused.

We walked down the road toward the gate. Sunlight catching on our dresses. Green, lavender, navy, pink, turning the floor into a moving mosaic of color.

Guards stepped aside as we passed. The townsfolk all staring

My cheeks frosting.

The Elder and Katherine followed behind us, both wearing the same satisfied expression.

"Where is Eldrin.." I asked Kathrine.

"Who knows where that lout is skulking. We don't need him."

Reia leaned toward Charlie. "Lucas is really doing the knight thing."

Charlie nodded. "He's trying not to stare."

Riley whispered, "He's failing."

Nate snorted. "He's in love."

Reia slapped his arm. "Shh."

Charlie hissed, "Don't tell her."

Riley nodded. "She doesn't know."

I looked at them. "Know what?"

They all froze.

Riley shook her head. "Nothing."

Charlie nodded. "Absolutely nothing."

Reia muttered, "She really doesn't know."

Nate sighed. "This is painful."

Lucas stopped at the final door before the gate.

He pressed his eye to the narrow viewing slot in the gate, I heard his breath hitch.

"Yeah... it's packed out there," he muttered. "News crews. Cameras everywhere. And a whole government entourage."

He didn't move away from the slot.

Charlie stepped up beside him, arms crossed. "How many?"

"A lot," Lucas said. "Like... a lot a lot."

Riley groaned behind me. "Great. Exactly what we needed. An audience."

Reia peeked over her shoulder. "Do they look hostile or just nosy?"

Lucas hesitated.

That alone made my stomach tighten.

"They look... official," he said. "And impatient."

Eldrin popped up  behind me, robes whispering like restless leaves. "Impatient with whom?" he asked, voice already sharpening.

"Eeeeek....!!!" I screamed...

"Eldrin! Don't do that you scared me!" I said voice wobbling.

He bowed immediately. So low his head almost touched the ground. His face a mask of apology.

"I am truly horrified by my actions my queen... my bearer of the fire. Please punish by your hand as you see fit. You could chain me in the square... and have me flogged. Or you could have me stri..."

I cut him off immediately. My face taking on a disgusted look.

"Hold it right there Eldrin, no one is being punished..."

His face fell like he was disappointed.

I was about to say something when Lucas finally stepped back from the slot and looked at me.

"They are waiting," he said. "Definitely for us."

My pulse thudded once, hard.

Of course.

Charlie nudged my arm lightly. "Well, Your Majesty," she said with a crooked grin, "ready to go meet your adoring fans?"

My stomach dropped.

Of course this was happening.

Charlie moved closer to me, shoulder brushing mine. "We'll handle it," she murmured. "Just breathe."

But breathing wasn't the problem.

The problem was the world waiting on the other side.

The problem was me.

I leaned toward Charlie, keeping my voice low, barely a whisper.

"Charlie... I don't know what I'm doing."

She blinked, surprised by the rawness in my voice.

"They're going to know," I hissed. "They're going to look at me and know I'm from here. I don't know how to be a queen. I don't know how to talk like one or stand like one or—"

My throat tightened.

I leaned even closer, making sure no one else could hear.

"I was a boy not that long ago," I whispered, the words sharp. "How am I supposed to pull this off?"

I was still whisper‑panicking to Charlie, breath tight in my chest, hands shaking even though I was trying to hide it.

"Charlie how am I supposed to—" I paused.

Armor clinked behind me.

Kathrine.

She strode up fast, eyes sharp, braid swinging, expression already reading me like an open book. She didn't ask what was wrong. She didn't need to.

She grabbed my shoulders gently but firmly.

"Zora. Look at me."

I did, because she tilted my chin up with two fingers and left me no choice.

"You're spiraling," she said. "Stop."

"I can't," I whispered. "They're going to see right through me."

Kathrine exhaled once m...not annoyed, but grounding...and then she went straight into instructor mode.

"First," she said, tapping between my shoulder blades, "stand up. Queens don't fold. Shoulders back. Chin up. Weight centered. You hold yourself like the world owes you space."

Her hands adjusted my posture until I felt taller, steadier...almost like I had royal posture.

"Second," she continued, circling me, "your eyes. Don't dart. Don't flinch. Pick a point and look through it, not at it. Like you're seeing farther than anyone else."

I tried. It felt unnatural. But it also felt... powerful.

"Third," she said, stepping close again, "your breathing. Slow. Controlled. Queens don't gasp. They don't pant. They inhale like they're tasting the air and exhale like they're done with it."

I forced a slow breath.

It helped.

A little.

But the question slipped out before I could stop it.

"How do you know all this?"

Kathrine paused.

Then she winked.

"It takes one to know one. If you know the truth, speak it plainly. Queens don't hide from it." She whispered only for me to hear.

I looked at her eyes going as wide as saucers. "Wait. You were a...a."

"Shh," She put a finger on my lips to stop me. "I like to keep that information quiet my dear."

And somehow... that made me feel steadier than anything else.

Kathrine turned to Geld and nodded, the guards pushed the heavy wooden gate open, the hinges groaning like they hadn't been used in a century. Light spilled in first, harsh, artificial, the kind that came from news cameras rather than the sun.

My breath caught.

Charlie stepped close enough that our shoulders brushed. "You've got this," she whispered.

Kathrine's last adjustments still lingered on my skin, the lifted chin, the straightened spine, the steady breathing. I clung to them like armor.

We stepped forward.

Out of the shadows of the gate.

Into the open.

Into the noise.

Reporters surged forward the moment they saw us, held back only by a line of police tape and a few exhausted‑looking officers. Cameras flashed. Microphones lifted. Voices rose in a chaotic wave.

"Who are they?"

"Is that their queen?"

"Where did they come from?"

"Are they dangerous?"

"Is this a first contact situation?"

———————-/////////////————

The dorm common room was dim except for the glow of the TV. Alexa sat forward on the couch, elbows on her knees, eyes glued to the screen. Halden stood behind her with her arms crossed, tail flicking anxiously.

The news anchor's voice cut through the room.

"—and here we are now seeing a group emerging from the gate. They look to be a royal entourage...Officials are preparing to speak with them—"

The camera zoomed in.

Alexa's breath caught.

Halden's ears shot straight up.

On the screen, stepping out into the flood of cameras and microphones.

Zora.

Riley.

Reia.

Charlie was there to Alexa noted.

All of them.

Together.

Front and center.

Alexa slapped a hand over her mouth. "Oh my god...is that. It is...that's really them."

Halden leaned closer, squinting. "Wait why are they there?"

The camera angle shifted, showing Zora sitting at the table, posture regal, Charlie, and a mountain of a man flanking her, what looked like a over zealous priest standing behind her like a holy knight sworn to a goddess.

Alexa whispered, "Zora looks like...like a queen."

Halden nodded slowly, stunned. "And Riley looks like she's ready to punch a reporter, that dress is so cute though!"

Reia appeared behind them, tense but composed, eyes scanning everything.

Alexa's heart hammered. "They're okay. They're actually okay. After the commotion yesterday, we couldn't find them. I was so worried!"

Halden exhaled shakily, tail finally settling. "Yeah. But this... this is going to be big."

The TV zoomed in again, catching Zora's face as she spoke her name.

Alexa grabbed the remote with trembling hands.

Halden was pacing the living room, tail flicking in agitation, ears pinned flat.

Alexa sat on the couch, clutching her phone. "They're on TV. They're actually on TV. Oh my god...we have to help them Halden"

Halden opened her mouth to respond...

And sneezed.

A sharp, violent, magic‑laced sneeze that cracked through the air like a spark hitting dry tinder.

"Ah—CHOO!"

A burst of fox‑magic exploded outward in a shimmering puff.

And with a soft pop.

The clone appeared.

Right in front of the coffee table.

Hands on hips.

Tail curled smugly.

Ears perked like she'd been waiting for this moment.

Clone Halden squinted at the TV, then at Halden, then back at the TV.

"SEE!!!" she announced triumphantly. "I knew that girl was hiding something."

Halden groaned. "Not now."

But the clone wasn't done.

She sniffed the air dramatically, nose twitching like a bloodhound.

"Ohhhh, I can feel it," she said, eyes widening. "Her magic is LOUD. Like...headache loud. Like....someone‑is‑screaming‑in‑the‑walls loud."

Alexa blinked. "Magic can be loud?"

The clone pointed at the TV like she was accusing it of murder.

"That girl is practically a magical foghorn. How do you NOT notice it?!"

Halden rubbed her temples. "Because I don't go around sniffing people like a deranged raccoon."

The clone gasped. "You should. It's VERY informative. The clone looked at Halden then. "You're planning to go after them..., aren't you?"

Halden snapped, "Focus!"

The clone straightened, tail flicking. "Fine. She's broadcasting. Hard. I can track her."

Alexa's eyes widened. "You can?"

The clone smirked. "Of course I can. I'm the competent one."

Halden threw her hands up. "You are NOT the competent one!"

The clone shrugged. "Well, I'm the one who can find her."

Halden froze.

Alexa froze.

The clone grinned wider.

Halden exhaled sharply. "Fine. FINE. For once in your existence, you can actually do something useful."

The clone beamed like she'd just been crowned queen.

"Come on," Halden said, grabbing her coat. "Show me where she is."

The clone pointed dramatically toward the door.

"That way. Her magic is screaming."

Alexa grabbed her keys. "Then let's go get her."

And the three of them bolted out the door. Halden cursing, Alexa panicking, and the clone practically vibrating with smug purpose.

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