"Where are you headed, Your Majesties?" the rider asked humbly, his voice cheerful.
Vera slipped a folded sheet from her sleeve, covered with addresses of faraway places on Earth. The door shut, and within moments the chariot lifted. My breath caught as the palace fell away beneath us.
Vera noticed the astonishment on my face and smiled knowingly.
"The steeds in front are unicorns," she explained gently. "They'll carry us through the skies."
I had always known unicorns could fly, but never with passengers—let alone with a gilded chariot in tow. Yet the creatures soared with grace, their wings slicing through the clouds.
Before long, we descended before a magnificent estate. Every painting on its outer walls glowed with richness, and the very air seemed perfumed with wealth. The chariot touched down before a grand staircase. A steward opened the door, and Vera stepped out with effortless majesty. I followed, imitating her grace as best I could.
At the summit of the steps stood a door of pure sterling glass, so polished it was nearly invisible. A guard drew it open, and we entered.
"Vera!" a cheerful voice called out.
We turned. A young woman hurried toward us, her smile warm.
"Aliana!" Vera answered with equal joy, embracing her. After a moment, she turned to me. "Iris, meet Aliana, my dear friend. Aliana, this is Iris von Lynx—our once-lost princess, my sister."
"Hello, Aliana," I said with a smile.
"I thought Vera was your only sister," Aliana said in surprise.
"No," Vera replied with calm assurance. "I have two more. One day, we'll all meet again."
Aliana led us into a vast, resplendent hall. Its ceilings seemed to touch the heavens, and on one wall hung a grand portrait of Aliana with her family.
"Iris," Vera said, drawing my attention upward, "Aliana's father is the Minister of Development for our continent. Her mother, the Minister of Finance for Epiglottics, a nation across from Humcreast."
Aliana laughed lightly, her humor brightening the hall. Her cheer was infectious, and to Vera's surprise, I matched her wit easily. Hours passed as we visited friends and wandered through the most prominent quarters of Ephesus.
By the time we returned to the palace, fatigue weighed heavily on us. My once-white gown was now dulled to brown by the day's travels. Too weary for ceremony, we each retired to our chambers.
Inside mine, the maids were bustling, sorting gowns into large, ornate cases. The moment they saw me, they bowed low.
"My princess, you've returned," they greeted eagerly.
"Yes," I replied with tired cheer. "Are you finished packing my gowns?"
"Forgive us for not noticing sooner, Princess," Martha answered humbly. "Lord Christian has commanded it—tomorrow is the reopening of Royal Prep."
"What?" I gasped. "So soon?" My thoughts tangled with a mix of dread and anticipation.
At last, after three hours of sorting, the packing was complete. I bathed, lingered in the water until my skin flushed, then emerged and called, "Martha, prepare the pool."
Half an hour later, I collapsed onto my bed, exhaustion overtaking me. Sleep claimed me at once.