Chapter 3: The Carmine Archon’s Magnificent Birthday Proclamation

The golden dawn stretched its fingers across the grand Aurelia estate, bathing the palace in a warm glow. Today was no ordinary day—it was a day of celestial significance, the grand tenth birthday of the twin princesses, Celestia and Seraphina von Aurelia.

A gentle knock at the ornate double doors of their shared chamber was soon followed by their mother's soft voice. "Girls, it's time to wake up."

Seraphina stirred first, her violet eyes fluttering open. She turned her head slightly to see Celestia curled up in a nest of blankets, her golden hair fanned out like a halo, her tiny frame barely visible beneath the mountain of fabric. Seraphina knew what was coming next.

Vivienne stepped into the room with the patience of a saint. "Celestia, sweetheart, wake up."

There was no response. The blankets shifted slightly, but nothing more.

Vivienne sighed and walked closer, kneeling by the bedside. "Celestia, I know you're awake."

A muffled voice finally emerged from the depths of the blankets. "The Carmine Archon slumbers in her celestial sanctum, gathering her power for the trials ahead. To rouse her now would be folly."

Seraphina covered her mouth to hide a small smile, while their mother simply closed her eyes, inhaling deeply before speaking again. "Celestia, if you don't wake up now, you won't have time to prepare for your party."

Silence.

Then, like a bolt of lightning striking the earth, Celestia shot upright. Her pink eyes blazed with otherworldly fervor. "Ah! The grand assembly of nobles! A gathering most auspicious! The very fabric of fate quivers in anticipation of the Carmine Archon's presence!"

Vivienne placed a hand on her forehead. "Yes, darling. But first, let's get you dressed."

Celestia flung the blankets aside, standing tall on the bed, pointing an accusatory finger at an imaginary foe. "Know this, mortal fabric! You shall not bind me without a struggle!"

Vivienne exchanged a glance with Seraphina, who only sighed and moved to help. It took another half-hour of patience, coaxing, and the occasional battle cry before Celestia was fully dressed in an elegant crimson gown embroidered with golden threads. With her hair braided in an elaborate style, she looked every bit the noble princess she was—until one looked into her eyes and saw the untamed madness gleaming within.

—

The grand ballroom was a vision of opulence. Chandeliers hung like constellations, casting glittering light upon polished marble floors. Nobles from across the kingdom were in attendance, dressed in their finest silks and velvets, their movements graceful and composed. Servants weaved between them, offering trays of delicate pastries and crystal goblets filled with nectar-like wine.

Seraphina stood beside Celestia as they were formally introduced, her posture regal. She expected her sister to at least attempt a dignified silence, given the sheer number of eyes upon them.

For a fleeting moment, Celestia was silent. Too silent. Seraphina glanced at her in suspicion. Then, as if some unseen force had ignited her very soul, Celestia took a bold step forward, arms spread wide as she declared in a voice that shattered the delicate hum of polite conversation:

"Rejoice, denizens of this realm! For you stand in the presence of the Carmine Archon, Empress of the Rosé Cosmos! The celestial tides have brought forth this day as a testament to my unrivaled power!"

The room went utterly still.

An elderly duke coughed into his glove, uncertain of how to respond. A noblewoman near the refreshment table nearly dropped her wineglass. The youngest of the nobles, children close in age to the princesses, gawked in wide-eyed fascination.

Celestia wasn't finished.

"This day, this sacred convergence of fate, marks the tenth cycle of my celestial reign! Behold, for the cosmos trembles beneath my will! None shall challenge me, lest they be struck down by the unyielding force of my dominion!"

A chorus of whispers spread through the crowd like wildfire.

Vivienne, moving with the speed of a seasoned mother, reached Celestia's side and gently took her hand. "Darling, let's step outside for a moment."

Celestia huffed, allowing herself to be led away, though she tossed a parting remark over her shoulder. "Fear not, subjects! The Carmine Archon shall return anon!"

The murmurs grew louder as soon as they exited the ballroom, leaving Seraphina standing amidst the nobles. She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"She truly never changes," a soft voice mused beside her.

Seraphina turned to see a young girl with deep auburn hair and sharp, intelligent green eyes. Rosalind.

Rosalind had been one of the first noble children Seraphina had met, though their interactions had always been brief. This, however, was the first time Seraphina had seen the younger girl's lips twitch in amusement.

"You're not afraid of her?" Seraphina asked, observing the other girl's reaction carefully.

Rosalind smirked. "Why should I be? If anything, I find her rather fascinating."

Seraphina tilted her head, intrigued. "Fascinating?"

Rosalind nodded, her gaze following the direction Celestia had been led away. "Most nobles spend their lives pretending, crafting false selves to please the court. But your sister? She's entirely herself. No matter how absurd."

Seraphina blinked in surprise. She had never quite thought of it that way. She followed Rosalind's gaze to where Celestia had disappeared, a small smile creeping onto her lips.

"Yes," she admitted softly. "She is."

And for all her absurdity, for all the scandalized whispers and disapproving glances, Celestia was still Celestia. And Seraphina wouldn't have it any other way.