Despite the series of fiascos that was Rynhara's etiquette training, Tiamora decided it was time for her daughter to make her debut at a royal banquet.
"Tonight, you will mingle with the most important figures in the realm," Tiamora announced over breakfast, her voice dripping with regal authority.
Rynhara paused mid-bite of her oversized lava-spiced muffin. "Define mingle."
"You will converse, charm, and prove that you're not the wild child the rumors claim you to be, despite their undeniable truth." Tiamora said with a pointed look.
Kaelira snickered from her spot nearby. "Oh this'll be good."
Tiamora turned her gaze to Kaelira, who immediately stopped laughing. "And as her personal maid, you will be by her side to ensure she doesn't embarrass the royal family."
Kaelira groaned. "Why do I always get dragged into this?"
---
Rynhara stood in front of a full-length mirror as three maids fussed over her outfit, wings, and hair. The other gothic festival kimono-style dress she'd picked during their shopping trip had been modified for the occasion, its dark fabric now shimmering with tiny scales that reflected rainbow hues under the light.
"I look like a walking disco ball," Rynhara muttered, wincing as a maid yanked on her hair.
"It's elegant, Your Highness," one of the maids said, trying to sound diplomatic.
Kaelira, who was sitting on a nearby chair, smirked. "You'll blind everyone in the banquet hall. Maybe that'll count as charm."
Rynhara stuck her tongue out at her.
Once her hair was styled into an intricate braided updo adorned with tiny crystal pins, the maids stepped back to admire their work.
"You look... surprisingly presentable," Kaelira admitted.
"Gee, thanks," Rynhara replied, inspecting her reflection. She had to admit, she looked... almost royal.
---
The grand dining hall was a spectacle of opulence. Chandeliers made of dragonfire crystals hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the long banquet table. Nobles and dignitaries from across the realm filled the room, their chatter creating a low hum of excitement.
Rynhara entered following behind Tiamora, her mismatched eyes scanning the crowd nervously while she walked gracefully. She felt every gaze land on her, and the whispers started almost immediately.
"Is that the princess?"
"She's much smaller than I expected."
"Look at those wings!"
Tiamora leaned down and whispered, "Smile, darling. Show them confidence."
Rynhara forced a grin, accidentally revealing her sharp teeth. The murmurs grew louder.
"Maybe don't show so many teeth," Tiamora muttered.
Kaelira trailed behind, wearing a forced smile of her own. "This is going great already, you're dazzling the crowd already with your royal deminure" she whispered sarcastically.
---
The first noble to approach them was Duke Valtheris, an older dragonkin with a reputation for being both charming and sly.
"Ah, Princess Rynhara," he said with a bow. "A pleasure to meet you at last. Your wings are quite... unique."
Rynhara raised an eyebrow. "Unique as in good or unique as in bad?"
The duke blinked, caught off guard. "Uh... unique good, of course."
Rynhara smirked. "Good answer."
Behind her, Kaelira pinched the bridge of her nose.
Next came Lady Mirelle, a human noblewoman whose gown sparkled almost as much as Rynhara's dress.
"You must tell me, Princess," Lady Mirelle said, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. "Wherever did you get your stunning dress?"
Rynhara tilted her head. "Oh, this old thing? Just a random shop in the city."
The lady's smile faltered. "I see. Well, it certainly suits your... bold personality."
"Thanks," Rynhara said, oblivious to the insult.
Kaelira whispered, "She's trying to shame you."
"Why? She's wearing half a chandelier," Rynhara whispered back, earning a snort from Kaelira.
---
From the edges of the room, the castle staff observed the chaos with varying degrees of amusement.
"She actually looks decent," the elf maid admitted, her sharp tongue momentarily silenced.
The dwarf butler chuckled. "Decent until she opens her mouth."
"She's doing her best," the older dragonkin said. "It's not easy being thrust into the spotlight."
"True," the stable hand agreed. "But I think she's winning them over. Look, some of them are smiling. Besides this is her official debut into noble society. We should be thankful that she hasn't destroyed the dining hall like her mother did."
---
As the banquet progressed, Rynhara started to relax—until dessert was served. A towering cake adorned with edible jewels was brought in, and all eyes turned to the princess for the ceremonial first slice.
Rynhara stood, knife in hand, as the room fell silent.
"Okay, no pressure," she muttered under her breath.
She cut into the cake, and for a brief moment, everything seemed fine. But as she pulled the knife out, her dragon strength accidentally sent the top tier of the cake tumbling onto the table—and directly into Duke Valtheris's lap.
The room erupted in gasps, followed by awkward silence.
Rynhara froze, her mismatched eyes wide. "Uh... whoops?"
Kaelira clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter.
Duke Valtheris, covered in frosting, stood slowly whith is dragon aura rapidly rising. His expression was unreadable until he suddenly burst out laughing.
"Well, this is certainly a banquet to remember!" he declared, breaking the tension as he'saura dispersedlike it was never there.
The room hesitated before following his lead, laughter and chatter resuming as the mess was quickly cleaned up.
---
Later that night, as Rynhara sat in her chambers with Kaelira peeling the frosting off her wings, Kaelira finally finished and looked at her handywork with a smug grin.
"All things considered," Kaelira said, "You didn't do half bad."
Rynhara glared at her. "I ruined the cake."
"Yeah, but you also made Duke Valtheris laugh. That's gotta count for something."
Rynhara sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I guess being a princess isn't all bad. At least it's never boring."
Kaelira chuckled. "That's one way to put it."
From somewhere in the castle, the faint sound of Tiamora's laughter echoed through the halls. Despite the chaos, it seemed her daughter had managed to make an impression after all.