Ailith settled on a midnight blue evening dress. It reached her ankles, an adequate length for an “ambassador”, and shimmered under the light as a result of the thousands of crystals embedded into it. Ailith had to admit. It was pretty and all but, it was hella heavy. She also felt guilty wearing the dress. There were thousands of people starving every day in the suburbs. This dress could probably feed half of them. Ailith felt out of place wearing it, as if she were an imposter.

‘I am an imposter.’ she was quick to remind herself. She was so absorbed in her role that she was starting to forget the real reasoning behind her visit to the royal family.

Sighing, AIlith looked herself over once more in the tall mirror, soothing out any wrinkles from the top. “This’ll do.”

She headed out of her bedroom and down the stairs. It was quiet at night. The ever busy palace in the morning was gone, replaced by a calm, almost eerie silence. It soothed her. The halls were all empty save for a few maids bustling from one place to another, too busy to pay her much attention. Some did bow on their way but most kept to themselves.

Ailith pushed open the doors to the dinner hall and almost gasped aloud. It was splendid! The ceilings had to be at least 5 storied high. Hanging from it was a sparkling, crystal chandelier. It glimmered with what had to be hundreds of thousands of diamonds. Ailith had read somewhere that Orbournth had a surplus of diamonds and expensive minerals but this...it was breathtaking. Adjacent to the center chandelier, there were 2 smaller ones. They were both just as dazzling. The hall’s floors were made of marble, gold swirled into it and right at the center of the room lay a long table dressed with delicacies she had never seen before.

So this was the high tier’s lives…

Ailith could see why Aharea would want to take over Orbournth. Where Aharea lacked in minerals and resources, Orbournth made up for times 100.

Upon seeing her, the queen grinned and ushered Ailith over to the table. “We were waiting for you, dear. What took you so long?”

“I had trouble picking out a dress.”

“Did your maids help you pick it out?”

“No, I picked it out myself.”

“Well, it’s just lovely!” the queen replied.”I suppose the news reports weren’t lying when they said you had superb fashion taste. Now, let’s get on to the meal, shall we?”

Ailith made sure to keep her outward appearance in check as she asked. “Sorry? The News Reports?”

“Yes. The one your country makes. I have got to say it is nothing but lie-” the king cut her off with a hand on her arm, most likely concerned she would offend the so called ambassador of Aharea.

“Nevermind that.” he said. “Shall we get started on dinner now? I heard the menu today was exquisite.”

She’d have to consult Alex on the news reports later. To her knowledge, there hadn’t been anything published on her. It was to be a secret mission…

“Yes, let’s have dinner.” Ailith replied, smiling politely. “I’ve heard many great things about Orbournth’s produces.”