Nicoleta stood in front of her mirror, staring at her glamorous self, her long silk green gown that hugged her body, defining every curve and newly full areas, her hair was made into a tight bun with two strands of curls hanging by her temple.
Her deep forest green heels were so tight her feet were already aching when she wore them, her lips were coloured with red lipstick, and her cheeks dabbed with some light pink blush.
Her neck was adorned with jewellery that sparkled on its own light, ears weighted by the heavy earrings.
Her fingers were covered with rings big and small, waist wrapped with a thin hard as diamond belt that was surprisingly comfortable.
There was nothing wrong, Nicoleta looked gorgeous, she looked like a princess, and the finishing touch of her blood red Tiara made her look perfect.
Her heart however wasn't in agreement with her new title, with her new life, she hurt inside despite holding a smile on her face, her hands trembling, knowing that tonight would be her last night on planet earth.
heart aching at the thought of never seeing Leonard's face again, and he was right beside her, holding her hand between his arms, wearing a black suit.
She stung at the thought of never seeing Laura's face anymore, never seeing Xavier rushing food down like it was his last-
Never get the chance to hold Levi's hand again.
The halls became smaller and smaller with each step she took, Nicoleta blinked repeatedly, her heart jumped when the doors leading into the ballroom opened.
Leonardo and the captain left her immediately, and she faced the full room alone, her hands trembling as she was officially announced.
"Introducing Her highness, the princess, Nicoleta Woven heir of the Western Throne" the room clapped softly, all welcoming her with utmost praise, part of Nicoleta dreaded it, and part of her purred in pleasure at the sight of dignitaries, and nobility bowing down to her.
She shut herself down, and moved toward the table where the Queen was seated with two other people.
She sat down, facing away from her mother, looking on the stage as the announcer stepped off of the small black platform.
"You look lovely" said her mother, her voice soft, Nicoleta didn't so much as nod as a response, staying indifferent.
A strong pressure turned her head to face her mother, "you will respect your Queen" she said, voice filled with malice, her face however harbouring a smile.
Nicoleta's stomach bubbled with scarlet hot flame. "Respect is earned" she said, controlling the tremble in her voice. "All you have earned from me is hatred" she spat before looking away from her mother.
The queen extended a hand to Nicoleta about to hold her face, but instead brushed fake dirt off of her shoulder when James Westinsenson's voice boomed through the speakers.
"Peace and unity. This is what this party is truly for though it also stands as a farewell to our dear Nicoleta Woven the princess, who once was just as any of us" he smiled down at their table.
"Until just recently Crimsonians and humans were at enmity with one another, but now we have all come to together as friends, as brothers and sisters, as neighbours- " Nicoleta's eyes wandered the room, she found a table harbouring her friends, all of them looked dashing, especially Levi.
Laura waved mildly at her; She wore a chic black strapless gown, that swept the floors, blue hair tied into a cute pony tail with some curled chunks falling right above her shoulders.
Next to her were the De-Luca brothers, all wearing suits, then there was Xavier in a simple white shirt, his messy curls surprisingly styled.
Nicoleta imagined May and Charlotte there with them, in their own chic long, beautiful gowns, May would probably have a bow in her hair, and Charlotte would be in boots, or some worser choice of fashion.
Nicoleta smiled, waving back and immediately putting her hand down as her heart panged.
James Westinsenson continued his speech about peace and unity.
"But I won't bore you all with too much talk- can we get some music in here?" The crowd laughed heartily, as if they had rehearsed it.
A slow tone began to play, and James Westinsenson approached their table fixing his neon blue suit.
"Your majesty- " he bowed, offering a hand. "May I have this dance?" the Queen glanced at Nicoleta before accepting James Westinsenson's hand to her own displeasure.
Nicoleta watched them dance. Her insides bursting with anger.
James Westinsenson spun the Queen, gliding with her on the dance floor as if they had been dancing together their whole lives.
The rest of the crowd joined in after some time, syncing together with the two of them in perfect harmony as the soft melody played in the background.
She looked away from the dreadful sight, looking where she knew her friends were.
Her gaze locked in with Levi's ocean blue eyes, he smiled and Nicoleta didn't believe she had ever seen him so handsome.
She waved mildly at him, and Levi bowed slightly his hand on his chest, she giggled a little, trying terribly hard to not let the flutters in her stomach take too much control over her limbs that had suddenly grown weak.
She blinked repeatedly, looking away for a moment to regain herself.
The music slowly died, and the Queen was sitting beside her before she knew it.
Another soft tune began to play, footsteps echoed lightly in the ballroom. The Queen stared almost unpleasantly at someone coming towards their table, making Nicoleta turn her attention away from her to.. Levi.
He unbuttoned his coat when he got closer, and bowed before the two of them, his hand on his chest, and the other behind him.
"Your majesty- your highness" he stood up straight, and inclined his head at the Queen, "if her Majesty permits it- May I share a dance with her highness?" He then turned to Nicoleta.
Had he rehearsed this? He seemed so sure, absolutely gentlemanly but most of all it was as if he had been raised knowing the ways to treat royalty.
Nicoleta glanced at their table again, in search of an older face, his father or mother, or even someone in the elite forces as informed as James Westinsenson.
The Queen nodded. Levi offered a hand, and Nicoleta eagerly took it, standing up to her feet, as a new song began to play and the small crowd of dancers started to disperse.
"Do you know how to dance?" Levi asked, slipping a hand around her waist, she smiled a little, "it's a bit too late to ask that isn't it?" He agreed, nodding his head as she interlocked their hands together.
"I've gotten some lessons but they're all a little confusing," she said, taking her first step with him. "You seem to know what you're doing" she couldn't disagree anymore as they nearly stumbled because of her bad footing.
Levi made it look as if he was flipping her backward, hand firm on her back.
Nicoleta shivered when he brought her up, glancing quickly around the entire room that was looking at them- at her.
"They're all looking at us" Levi turned her gaze to his. "Just look at me" she inhaled a deep breath, nodding lightly.
The moon light into the room casting a romantic glow between the two of them as Levi guided her on the dance floor, the room slowly disappeared behind him.
The only image being Levi in front of her nobody else was in the room, it was just them, dancing in the ballroom, staring into each others eyes.
"I know nothing about you" Levi said suddenly, his face a mix of shame and sadness, "I'm an artist" Nicoleta said, he chuckled.
"That i know- still haven't gotten that drawing" Nicoleta blushed, she had forgotten about that day in the courtyard, what was she even thinking then?
Artistic flare. She said, but maybe she was just in an era of shamelessness.
"Okay well what do you like to do?" she asked, Levi smiled lightly, a gleam lighting up his pretty eyes.
"I enjoy the activity of baking- only because my mother woke me up in the middle of twilight just to help her set up some things for the bakery" he laughed heartily. "Your mother's a baker?" He nodded.
"She makes the best biscotti" he sighed, seemingly reminiscing about it, "it's magical really- "
"Who taught you how to slow dance?"
"My father- he's a professor so every now and then we all attended some fancy party all of which required one member of the family -always me- to dance with my dad's friend's daughter" that memory didn't rest well on his face.
That was something they both had in common then. Hating parties.
"My step mother often hosted parties in our home- " she cringed when she remembered one night her step mother begged her to model a dress that was just -according to her words- perfect for Nicoleta.
"She made me her model once" she chuckled, "I hated it- but my dad was so proud." Levi smiled.
"When did you pick up art?" She shrugged lightly, "my dad told me I started doodling on the paper when I was two months old- I didn't believe him but I do remember drawing him when I was two" Levi's face lit up with surprise.
"Two?" He asked.
"Yeah. I grew my teeth late- I was teething then and I was looking for some way to distract myself from the pain."
"And you drew?" She nodded, "it had been a week i think since my mother left- " Nicoleta resisted the urge to break out of the bubble by glancing at her mother.
"I really missed her- so did my dad- it was dull in the house, he always looked sad i was teething and constantly crying. My only comfort was.. Art" there was a kind of serenity that came with art for Nicoleta.
A shift from reality into whatever was being made on the canvas, a change of focus from one thing to another, removing your mind from useless thoughts and absorbing her entire being in creating.
She felt at peace when she created art, she felt like she was exactly where she needed to be whenever she made art, like she was created to create.
Nicoleta felt the most like herself when she was before the canvas, turning white into art, turning blank into a blanket of intricate detail, whether real or made up.
Nicoleta was born to create, she was born an artist, she was crafted to craft.
She saw colours differently, more clearer for what they could do, for what they were not just what met the eye, she saw things even the ones she didn't like as beautiful.
Because even if she didn't like the way it looked, everything had a specific uniqueness about it from people to objects, everything was crafted to perfection.
Each detail added with intention, she noticed all of it, she saw all of it, she loved every bit of it.
Art was an extention of her soul.
They spun around once more, and Levi lifted her up to the sound of the soft music rising up ever so softly, making her place both her hands on his shoulder to balance.
When he placed her down gently, Nicoleta wrapped her arms around his neck, and rested her head on his shoulder, Levi locked his hands behind her back pulling her closer as they swayed slowly on the dance floor.
"I miss you already," Nicoleta muttered into the crook of Levi's neck, her grip around him tightening ever so slightly.
The day of her farewell came at rapid speed, Nicoleta hardly slept the night prior, too busy thinking about Levi, thinking about never seeing his face again.
And now, that she was twenty minutes away from never seeing him again, Nicoleta wanted to cry, beg, and plead for her mother to let her stay, but she knew that just wouldn't be possible.
So she spent fourteen of her fifteen minutes with Levi on hugging him, keeping him close, feeling his embrace for the last time, locking it in her memory, glueing it into all four chambers of her heart.
When he pulled away she felt as if part of her had slipped away from her being.
Levi cupped her face, smiling, "take care of yourself okay?" she nodded, "I will" she reassured, taking his hand in hers.
She held back her tears, instead chose to smile, "you take care of yourself too" he laughed, "I will be just fine"
The Captain took a careful step toward them.
Nicoleta gestured for him to give her a minute. She looked down at her ring finger, and removed the glimmering emerald green ring from it, and gave it to Levi, locking his hands around it.
"Take it as my parting gift to you" he nodded, without a word bowed, and kissed the back of her hand, sending shivers through Nicoleta.
It was more painful seeing him walking than she anticipated.
After him came Evan. They both smiled at each as a greeting.
"What to see something?" Nicoleta asked him, Evan furrowed his brow, cocking his head, "what?"
She allowed her scarlet flame to wrap around every bit of her, then let it die out, Evan's jaw hung open.
Her clothes were untouched.
He smiled a look of defeat on his face, "can I be the prince?" She laughed, "it's amazing isn't it?!" she exclaimed. Evan agreed,
"You do not know how many times I've meditated with my door locked just to prevent anything embarrassing… and you have it so easy" she laughed.
Nicoleta turned around and took out crimson coloured pants from a bag, "I made Grayaeil adjust some of his pants for you" Evan practically lit up with joy at the sight.
"This is wonderful- thank you Nicoleta" he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and took the pants from her with the other.
"This is the best present anyone could ever give to me- thank you really" Nicoleta shook her head, "it's nothing- "
"No this is great- you're a great friend Nicoleta- I wish I had meant you sooner" she blinked away the tear darts in her eyes, keeping a smile on her face.
They hugged.
"I'm really going to miss you" Evan Said, he seemed to be holding back tears.
Laura came after him, she had a teasing look in her eyes with each step she took, and Nicoleta feared the worst.
"You left all your art work" Nicoleta flushed with embarrassment. She was ready to get on her knees and beg for Laura not to show anyone, especially Levi, that there was more than just that one drawing of him.
"Don't worry, the only person I will show is Levi" Nicoleta gripped her shoulders, "that is the last person I want to see," Laura laughed out loud.
"What kind of girlfriend does that Nicoleta? They are all safe with me- here" Laura gave Nicoleta the notebook filled with her art from the first few months.
Nicoleta took it running her hand over the covering, "thank you" Laura hugged her tightly.
"Don't let anyone convince you that you're weak- if you managed to beat me" Laura pulled away cupping Nicoleta's face gently in her hands, "then you're not weak"
Nicoleta couldn't help but chuckle, "so you are the standard?" she asked. Laura scoffed. "Of course I'am"
She kissed Nicoleta's cheek before leaving, allowing Xavier to the balcony.
"Hey Nico" Nicoleta waved mildly at him.
"Hi" Xavier walked slowly towards her, stood across from her, placed his hand down on the railing slowly, and even blinked slowly.
"Are you okay Xavier?" he nodded, "May told me one time that I should take life slowly or else I will miss all the best moments- this is sad but I only get one chance to say farewell so I will do it slowly- if you don't mind"
Nicoleta nearly burst into tears at the reminder of May, they would be standing beside her by then, holding her hand, telling her everything would be okay.
May, and Charlotte.
"We met a year ago in sector 2 on the track, where May introduced you to me, and ever since then we ran together whenever you came to the gym- " Nicoleta couldn't believe it despite Xavier saying himself that he would do it.
He was speaking slowly, like a normal human being, she could catch all of his words and not just some.
"I really liked your company because you gave me food whenever I asked- " she laughed, she often gave the extra sandwiches in the coolers to him on the track every five seconds that she heard his stomach grumbling.
"You also kept May company more times than I did, and I think that was very nice- " he cleared his throat. "Anyway- all I want to say is that I will really really miss you and that no matter how fast things might seem to go you will always find those days of calm" Nicoleta gave him a tight hug, Xavier didn't let go of her until after four minutes later, and when he did he looked like he was holding back tears.
"You're great friend- even from billions of miles away"
Nicoleta wiped away her tears when Xavier left, looking over the balcony so the Captain wouldn't see her cry, though she was sure he already knew that she was crying.
The last person to farewell her was surprisingly Zylith- Zelen.
"Firstly- I don't blame you for Zylith's death- if anything it is my fault but the blame game will result in nothing so in honour of your friendship with my sister, I'm here to bid you farewell."
Nicoleta nodded, holding back everything in her that was pushing her to drown in tears then.
Zelen bowed, "it was lovely to know you- I wish you all the best on Flamea- i hope you live long, reign and do so wonderfully, and never come back to destroy the planet" she smiled a little, then frowned, her stomach twisting with guilt.
"Take care Zelen" he nodded once then left.
Nicoleta watched him go, overcome with guilt despite his words.
The Captain took her hand and placed it neatly between his arms, and led her outside.
A small crowd had gathered by their ship to fare them well. Among the many faces, including the people that came to her on the balcony, was Leonardo Alexander.
He opened his arms out for Nicoleta and she hugged him. She was going to miss him most of all, his calmness, his pretty smile, his understanding of her.
She already missed him.
Nicoleta pulled away, Leonardo looked down at her and they exchanged no words, having done so early in the morning.
Instead Leonardo very obviously read her mind again, then rolled his eyes, she rolled her eyes as well knowing it was most definitely about Levi.
Then he smiled wide, his teeth showing, something he had never done before.
"Goodbye" he said, Nicoleta nodded, hugging him one last time, before she followed the Captain into the ship.
The Queen waved at the crowd, they all waved back, James Westinsenson's up front making his presence as obvious as possible.
Grayaeil led Nicoleta inside the ship where she settled by a window where she could clearly see Leonardo and all her friends.
Leonardo and her locked eyes, and he smiled again, that subtle pretty smile, that smile she would forever miss.
"Goodbye" she whispered as the ship took off, everyone in the crowd becoming smaller and smaller until all she saw was clouds, then earth, then space.
The end