The morning leading up to the public announcement of Empress Zephyra's death was filled with hustle and bustle. A carefully selected crowd was allowed into the palace courtyard to witness the event. In addition, town criers were set in strategic places around Valiant to spread the news. Other messengers were dispatched to carry the announcement along with the two royal edicts to all the parts of the globe. The first edict pronounced a week of mourning in honor of Zephyra's passing. The second edict declared a week long holiday in honor of the new Empress, her marriage, and her children, the new heirs.

"Is this really necessary? Why would people want to mourn someone most of them didn't like?" Aurora asked. She had no delusions about people's opinion of her mother. She had been sneaking around for years, hearing snippets of conversations never meant for her ears.

Cafer could understand her concern. "It is not about affection. It is about respect. They will show respect to the Empress who brought the world to peace, and by extension they will respect you, their new ruler. Please sign here." Cafer placed the edicts in front of her on the table.

"The second edict-the one for the celebration. Is it for respect also?"

"A little, I suppose. But this celebration is the mark of a new rule. We need them to respect you, but we want them to like you. People who are feasting and celebrating are usually not planning a revolt."

Aurora did not understand exactly, but she signed the two edicts. "Did you write these edicts?"

"No."

"Who wrote them?"

"One of your scribes, Your Majesty."

"Then what do you do all day?" Aurora asked innocently. As her tutors had pointed out, she hadn't quite mastered the art of tact.

"I take care of everything that the Empress chooses not to."

"And how much is that?"

"A lot, Your Majesty."

"Sounds exhausting."

"It is. Even more so lately." Cafer was growing tired of her questions. Zephyra's questions were always for a specific purpose. He thought this child might be speaking just to hear own voice.

"Chief Cafer, perhaps you need a break. You have been doing this longer than anyone can remember. Exactly how old are you?" Aurora was spinning the writing pen in her hand, and could not see that she had struck a nerve.

"I am old enough! I served your mother and her father before her. I am old enough that even the future Empress should give me a modicum of respect and not ask such questions!" Cafer was nearly shouting. He breathed deeply to regain his calm. "Now, will there be anything else?"

Aurora looked up from her pen twirling, her brow furrowed. "What does 'modicum' mean?"

Cafer rubbed his forehead with his fingers, unable to speak. He left the room without being dismissed, a large breach in protocol. Aurora watched him go, concerned but not angry. She had seen that look on her Nanny's face before. Cafer would need some time to regain his composure.

Anna, who had been standing along the wall of the Royal office, said, "It means a small amount."

"What?" The girl turned to her lady-in-waiting.

"Modicum: it means a small amount." Anna repeated.

"Thank you, Anna." The princess glanced towards the door and shook her head sadly. "Some people just have no patience for the inquisitive."

———————————

By early afternoon, Aurora was finally prepared for the ceremony. With Anna and Bella each holding one arm and Candela holding up the train on her dress, the future Empress made her way up to the balcony. The large opening and out-jutting platform were very high. Normally this area was used for rulers to surveil the city and beyond, but it could also be used for official announcements or ceremonies. Stopping short of the door, the ladies-in-waiting released their mistress. It would not do to have the world see that the girl needed help to walk in her tall shoes. The ladies checked Aurora's hair and make-up to make sure everything was in place

Happy to finally be still for a moment, Aurora peeked out the large entry into the crowd. The courtyard of the palace was filled with people and even beyond the walls, many were gathered hoping to see the excitement about to take place. A hundred butterflies suddenly appeared in Aurora's stomach. She was so distracted that she didn't hear the footsteps behind her.

"Wow, Your Majesty! I hardly recognize you." A familiar voice said.

"Devrim!" Aurora exclaimed, genuinely delighted to see him. The boy looked taller, and the luxurious dark purple robe draped across his shoulders made them look quite broad. He bowed and walked toward her with a grin. Her eyes opened wide. "How can you possibly walk in these tall shoes?!"

Devrim chuckled, "I had to figure it out on my way up here. Not everyone has ladies-in-waiting." The boy nodded to acknowledge the three sisters.

"You don't have an entourage? I will fix that first thing!" Aurora was angry on her friend's behalf. It was an insult for the future emperor consort not to have personal attendants.

Devrim waved his hands across his body, "Don't trouble yourself. I am far better off on my own."

Aurora would make it right, but for now she changed the subject. "You look much older."

"As do you. Think this will work? I make a pretty dashing figure, I must admit." Devrim winked conspiratorially.

The girl rolled her eyes skyward, but she couldn't help smiling. Her friend knew how to lighten the mood. "It better work," she responded. "I didn't out on all this make-up for nothing."

Just then Cafer arrived with the rest of the Council. His face was placid; Aurora could see no sign of his former anger. She was relieved. The Chief bowed deeply. "It is time, Your Majesty. Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'm going to be. Let us begin."

--------------------------------

The announcement went off without a hitch. Cafer had the crowd eating out of his hand. They hung on his every word, and he played his role flawlessly. The only problem came when it was time to exit. Aurora had carefully shuffled forward on the platform when she was introduced, using Devrim to steady herself as needed. She had not, however, realized that she would need to turn to leave. When the time came, she picked up her large shoe and twisted it awkwardly. Her left ankle gave way and she could feel herself begin her unceremonious tumble to the ground.

When she had given up hope of righting herself, Devrim caught her around the waist and Cafer appeared suddenly at her left elbow to steady her. "Perhaps you should practice more in those shoes," he whispered through his smile as he waved at the crowd. He wrapped the future empress's arm around his own and motioned for Devrim to do the same. Together the men escorted their ruler elegantly from the platform.

Once they were free from the eyes of the masses, Aurora was released to her ladies-in-waiting. "Thanks you, gentleman." The future Empress said in her most dignified tone. "I will practice and be better prepared next time."

"Glory to the Empress," Cafer responded stoically. He bowed and headed down the winding staircase. The rest of the Council paid their respects and likewise descended. Finally only Aurora, Devrim and the three sisters remained.

"Well, Your Majesty. This was fun. I will see you later," Devrim said cryptically.

The ladies-in-waiting assumed he meant dinner, but Aurora knew better. Forgetting her embarrassment, her heart began to soar. Tonight, they would explore.