[Aylwen Dreamsong]

"That one looks especially nice, milady," a timid voice pierced the near-silence of Gjeelea's bedchamber. The princess sighed as she smoothed the wrinkles out of a sapphire blue robe, doubting the truth in the words of Fahlil, her servant. She says that because she thinks she has to, Gjeelea told herself. However, the princess knew she had no time to change again - the blue would have to do for the banquet. All of her tiny braids had been pulled back into one large braid with golden ribbon intertwined with the smaller braids. Gjeelea cringed at the blue of her dress next to the tan brown of her skin and dark hazel of her eyes, but reluctantly shrugged off the distaste as the Fahlil reminded her of the press for time.

"All right, then, I think I am ready," Gjeelea murmured, mostly to herself rather than the young servant-girl. The princess dismissed Fahlil and left her room at a brisk pace through the halls of the palace.

The princess had been asked to meet her family in her father's private gardens, where they would make a grand entrance together into the banquet hall. What this served to do for appearances, Gjeelea did not know. She rarely saw her brother Siamak, and when she did the major differences between them kept the siblings from getting along much. Gjeelea had always thought he was too quiet and too sound in his opinions. He would not make a good ruler, Gjeelea thought bitterly as she walked down the corridor. The princess knew that her betrothed might not be too much better, but she also knew Lord Korak's mind well enough to know that if she became queen, her influence on Pashtia would be great. Her influence would be much greater with Lord Korak on the throne than with her brother on the throne - she knew that well enough.

Gjeelea turned the last corner and entered the private gardens of her father. She recognized the figure by the lilies immediately, and walked towards the King as he examined the flowers and other plants. King Faroz heard her steps, and turned around. "Father," Gjeelea said in greeting, a false smile illuminating her dark features.