I

"Valerie," a tall girl with short brown hair and green eyes turned around. Large white feathered wings could be seen growing from her back, and a glowing golden halo hovered above her head. She wore a white leather jacket with a golden crest on the breast of it, depicting a sword and crown. The symbol of Celestia; their kingdom. Her white pants and white leather combat boots stood out against the golden roof of the tower that she was sitting on.

"Yes, Charles?" Valerie arched a brow.

The boy in front of Valerie also had a large pair of wings folded against his back, as well as a halo above his dirty-blonde hair. "The Queen wants us to get the rest of the Queensguard and meet her in the throne room." His white leather jacket, the same one as Valerie's, gleamed in the midday sunlight.

Valerie nodded, standing up and spreading her wings. "Thank you. Let's gather them up."

They found Penelope and Camilla first; wandering the gardens together. "I love Angel's Breath," Camilla was saying when Valerie and Charles arrived, pointing to a white flower in front of them.

Penelope nodded, smiling widely. "It looks so pretty and delicate, no wonder you like it!"

Camilla laughed brightly, long golden-brown hair breezing behind her in the soft wind. "I can show you delicate, Pip," she gave Penelope a pointed look and the pair burst out laughing.

Charles cleared his throat and the girls turned around. "Ladies," he started, "the Queen wishes to meet the Queensguard in the throne room."

Camilla pouted. "But we haven't even gotten to the bluebellies yet!"

Valerie shot her a pointed look. "Cami, we have to go." Camilla's pout didn't fade, but she spread her white wings and the group flew off once again.

Leo was found in the training course, slashing at a dummy with his Celestial sword. "Leo," Valerie's face was solemn. "The Queen requested us in her throne room at once."

Leo grinned lazily. "Maybe if you call me handsome."

Valerie didn't smile and simply arched a brow. "Now."

Leo frowned, stuffing his sword into the sheath hanging at his side. "You're no fun," he grumbled.

Camilla leaned over, smiling. "I think you're very handsome," she whispered.

Leo arched a brow at her. "No, you don't."

Camilla shrugged with a knowing grin. "Oh well, I guess you caught me." The pair burst out laughing.

Terrance was nowhere to be found until the five angels reached the throne room and found him standing at the doors, waiting for them. "Hey," they waved lazily. "What took you guys so long?"

Neither Valerie nor Charles answered him and instead opened the gold and white doors that led to the Queen's throne room. It was empty, save for a handful of servants carrying dishes to the kitchen to be cleaned. The Queen sat on her golden throne, wearing her usual attire. A long white dress hung loosely around her frame and ended well below her feet so that the golden heels she wore could barely be seen. A golden halo blazed brightly above her gleaming black hair, which was pinned up in an elegant bun. "My Queensguard," she smiled. "It is good to see you."

The six angels knelt on one knee, bowing their heads. Valerie and Charles rose first. "The honor is ours, Your Majesty," Valerie spoke evenly, chin held high. "You summoned us?"

The Queen nodded. "That I did. You are all aware of the upcoming Winter Ball?" The Queensguard nodded.

The Winter Ball was an annual occasion that was held to celebrate the winter solstice; and the only occasions that angels and demons were not separated for.

The Queen smiled. "Good. You will be permitted to attend as citizens of Celestia, not the Queensguard. I have appointed a temporary security group to supervise the ball this year." Camilla and Penelope both squealed at the same time. However, Charles shot them a look and the pair immediately wiped the smiles from their faces. The Queen, however, looked only amused.

Valerie bowed her head in gratitude. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. It is greatly appreciated."

The Queen waved her hand dismissively. "You deserve the break, Valerie. You and your Guard work very hard for me, and this year was especially trying. It is the least I can do." She smiled. "I suggest preparing quickly; the Ball is tomorrow night. However," her smile faded, "you are under my direct orders to avoid the demons. Do not interact with them. Understood?" The Queen explained, "you will be out of your usual attire, but that does not make you any less noticeable. I do not want to risk a slaughtering; it would stain the beautiful floor," she chuckled. Collective nodding was deemed an answer enough and the Queen nodded, satisfied with the response. "You are dismissed."

Charles signaled for the Queensguard to exit and Valerie gave one final bow before following them out of the throne room. The moment the large doors closed, Penelope began jumping up and down rapidly with excitement, gripping Camilla's hands. "We get to go to the Ball!" they exclaimed. "For real, this time!"

Camilla nodded, smiling brightly. "I know, I can't wait! We've never been able to actually dance and talk to anyone there before!"

Charles's expression was solemn. "You won't be talking to anyone that isn't an angel. We are not going to get caught up in their antics, do you understand me?" He scanned the entire group. Bobbing heads indicated the correct answer and Charles nodded, turning his gaze away from the warriors.

Leo turned to Camilla. "So, my dear little sister, are we going for a yin and yang kind of thing? Like matching but not identical?"

Camilla shook her head. "You idiot, we're twins," she huffed.

Leo shrugged. "I'm older." Camilla huffed, giving up, knowing that she would lose. Leo leaned toward her, brow arched. "So?"

Camilla frowned. "People will think that we're a couple."

Leo shrugged. "That'll keep any creeps away from you."

Camilla pursed her lips. "I can take care of myself, you know."

Leo narrowed his eyes. "Can you, though?" he asked mockingly.

In the blink of an eye, Camilla moved from her place next to Penelope to right behind her brother, her sword pressed against his neck. "I think I can," she whispered in his ear before stepping away, grinning widely.

Terrance applauded, along with Penelope, to which Camilla bowed dramatically. Penelope turned to her friend, grinning. "So, you wanna go dress shopping?"

Camilla's face brightened. "Of course!" she squealed, looping her arm through her friend's. "Alright, we're going now. Bye!" she called behind them as the pair launched themselves off of the balcony and flew down to the marketplace.

Leo just shook his head, chuckling at the pair, while Terrance watched them go almost wistfully. Valerie and Charles, of course, paid no attention to any of them. Their minds were all on the Winter Ball, and what kind of hell might break loose this time.