With the coronation complete, the guests made their way towards the palace ballroom, a large room decorated to match the occasion. Music filled the room and tables of food were set along the walls to offer the guests a large feast. Places were decorated and set for people to sit if they pleased, while the center was left wide open for the dancing and mingling of any who wished to socialize.
Eya took a moment to straighten herself before she strode to the room, throwing the doors open with a loud bang. All eyes turned to her grand entrance as she walked across the room with her escort of guards. The five representatives of the other planets all bowed deeply to her, offering their congratulations. It brought her pride to see those from the planets Potara, Irisia, Erosia, Helion, and Sekemia bowing to her as queen and ruler of the mother planet. It was as though she felt a moment of control over them all.
Eya sank into her seat and smiled at all who clapped and cheered her on before she relaxed and took to watching everything around her, her mind brooding and planning now that she had the power. Her first order of business was to rid the palace of everything that once belonged to George. His items were no longer needed and she was ready to usher in her reign the way she pleased.
"Eya!" Essa called, hurrying to Eya's seat and smiling widely. "Come, join the dance and celebrate today." She was beaming from head to toe, a sparkle in her eyes as she'd grown accustomed to the palace by the day. "Let's enjoy this the way we did when we were young."
"I am in no mood," Eya responded and shook her head, shifting to prop her elbow on the arm of the chair.
"Put aside your burdens and your anger tonight. One night."
"As much as I would like to, I cannot," Eya insisted. "I need to think and plan. I do not have time to be frivolous. I have always planned, spent time trying to do what was best, even when I had no power. Now that I do, do you think I dare take a break or stop to celebrate? This is the beginning, and I will not start it on the dance floor. Mother always told us men often fall victim to their ego and think once they have power, it can never be taken away. I know better and will do everything I can with every moment I have."
"Well, I will celebrate for you, then," Essa insisted. "Maybe you'll change your mind. This is wonderful for the whole family."
Essa turned and started back into the crowd, maneuvering around people as she went. Out of nowhere, a pair of hands covered her eyes, someone leaning in from behind. Essa's body jumped and she bit back a yelp of surprise.
"I will ask you to unhand me. I am sister of the Queen-"
"That's no way to talk to a friend, now is it Essa?" a rich male voice chuckled. The hands were pulled away and Essa spun around, her face lighting up.
"James!" Joy flashed across her face, and she seized his hands, pulling him closer. "I didn't know you were here! How did you make it??"
"How could you miss me?" he laughed, pulling her into a quick hug. "My king sent me as the representative for Potara. I've been right here." He released her and extended his hand out with a playful bow. "Would you care to dance, my lady?"
Essa took his hand. "I would be honored!" Essa looked towards Eya, waving to catch her sister's attention before pointing to James. She beamed with pride as her sister's gaze acknowledged them both. Essa had spent years pining over the young man, ever since he'd visited the palace as a young soldier with King Julius during a meeting of the planets. She'd written him, but communication dwindled from them both over the years.
James swept Essa to the dance floor, Eya watching them from a distance. She found the reunion interesting and cataloged it in her mind, watching for signs to see how close the two were. Essa was her everything, and James could either be the best or worst thing to happen to her. But for now, Eya allowed it for the joy of her sister, and returned to her planning.
Song after song, Essa twirled to the music and back into James's arms. They were in sync for every step and Essa melted into his touch with each moment. Bells began to toll, however, and marked the close of the feasting and partying. Hardly any words were spoken but as the music came to a stop, James held Essa's hand all the tighter.
"When will I see you again?" he asked, reaching to cup her cheek in his hand. "When will I see my queen again?"
"James! I've told you not to call me that. I'm no queen!"
"You are to me and you always will be."
"You are a smooth talker and always know the way to my heart, don't you?" Essa laughed, pushing his shoulder. "How about this? Why don't you take me out on a date?"
"A date, huh? And which planet would that be on?" James drawled, taking her hand and gently pulling her to walk with him.
"Why yours, of course."
James stopped, stumbling away from her with a hand to his heart. "My planet?? The mighty Essa finally willing to travel to another planet? I am flabbergasted! Amazed? Shocked!"
"James!" Essa laughed and grabbed him, yanking him back into the walk. "Very funny! I just think it's time I spread my wings a little. Now that Eya is ruling and I've spent some time in the palace, it's opened my eyes. I've been scared too long. I need to live my life, not just follow in Eya's shadow. So yes, your planet."