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Eating in the sun room was awkward. The room itself was beautiful, the morning sun shone warmly on their faces, drying the siblings damp skin and hair. Though Clover was eager to eat, having starved herself for days, she too found the meal less pleasant. The girl stood watching them eat with a huge smile on her face, which made every chew seem like a performance of some kind. Despite everything Aster and Basil were glad that Clover had forgotten about Cyrus, even if it was temporary. 

The clothes they wore were as beautiful as the ones the king of spendia had given them. Just as regal and elegant. Clovers and Asters gowns were white, light with long flowing sleeves, and trailing skirts, the bodice beginning just below where their breasts hung, with ribbons tied around with brooches. They did not wear stays (corsets) under, nor any layers other than a thin chemise. It was like wearing nightgowns, though Aster worried about not having anything to support her breasts. 

Basil wore a simple shirt with a few ruffles and black breeches. Though their clothes were obviously finely made, they felt too casual and that made Aster worry a bit more. 

After the girl discerned that they were finished eating she beckoned them to follow her. She led them out the sun room, through Aster's room, into the sitting room and finally out into the corridor. They had no idea where they were going, and everytime Aster or Clover tried to ask, the girl simply gave them a knowing smile that promised something. What Aster could not begin to guess, perhaps she was right and they were to become some rich old perverts playthings. 

Finally after a few minutes of walking they came to a stop in front of two large doors. Two guards stood there, eyeing the siblings curiously. The girl nodded to them to open the door, and the two men did. They were welcomed into a great hall, and at the end stood two thrones, one was made of glass and shimmered with a myriad of colours. The other and larger of the two was curved out from a living tree, which shot out from the floor, and reached up above to the ceiling, it’s leaves creating shadows along the stone floor. 

Sitting on the thrones were probably the most stunning pair the three had ever seen. They were well into their  middle life, yet there seemed to be something timeless about them.  

The man who sat the tree throne had striking golden eyes, glistening sharply as they entered into the hall, his white blonde hair, stood out among his coffee coloured skin, he had slight stubling along his jaw, and wore a silver chiton, and golden clasps on his arms, he was utterly handsome. He was straight in his chair looking on emotionlessly, in a way that reminded Aster of Basil. 

The woman sat on the glass throne, had eyes of  ruby red, her hair nearly identical in shade to Aster, Basil and Clovers. It was long, and trailed down her back in waves. She was beautiful, with creamy white skin and full lips,  she wore threads of pearls around her neck, and a ring caught Aster's eye, it was a mix of silver and gold twisted together. The woman played with it, twirling it around her finger, she looked anxious, watching the three. Her dress was much the same style as Clovers and Asters, except hers was a vibrant green. 

They steadily made their way across the room, nerves pounding into each of the siblings. The blue haired girl bowed deeply to the man and woman, “your imperial majesties,” 

“Thank you, Kurcy.” The man dismissed her with a flick of his hand. She shuffled away quickly back out the room. Clover gulped beside Aster. 

The man inspected the three with his eyes, looking them up and down. Aster did not know if he was impressed or disappointed at what he saw, but she didn’t like that they were sitting lambs being judged. 

“Why are we-” 

The man cut Aster off, with a raise of his hand, “you will speak, when spoken to,” he told her in a stone cold voice. 

That frightened Aster enough that she kept her mouth shut. 

“Now then,” the man began, “present yourselves properly to me.” 

Clover arched her brow up, “why-” 

“Now,” he commanded. 

The three shared a look, they fell into deep bows and curtsies, 

“Um, we thank you the?-” 

“Emperor,” the man supplied Clovers shaking and puzzled voice, 

“For this opportunity?” she finished with uncertainty. 

The emperor seemed happy enough with the effort and signalled for them to rise up. 

“My empress and i had brought you here because one our ambassadors, lord Elron had told me of you, and your-” he paused saying with disdain, “story,” 

“The story had become of great interest to us,” Empress added, her voice more more welcoming and kind, 

“Yes, I had sent some of my informants to investigate it.” 

Basil, Clover and Aster stared at the empress and emperor confused. 

“When we verified your story, I had sent spies onward to Spendia to watch over you, and keep us informed of your every movement.” the emperor continued, for a moment his eyes landed on Clover and gave a sneer. “Elron had provided you with the means for us to capture you.” 

Immediately the three snapped down to the rings on their middle fingers. “It activated a sleeping spell of my own creation,” the empress said proudly, “as well as pinpointing your locations.” 

The empress seemed to become immensely giddy, she switched her face over to the emperor who passed her an encouraging nod. 

“We did this all because what we thought was just a rumour was true.” she smiled brightly, “we are your parents. You are our children. The lost prince and princesses of Erthenia,” 

Asters eyes wided she looked at the empress as if she had lost her mind, “well shit,”