Chapter 19: Everything In Place

Weeks passed in a flash. The snow managed to stop long enough for the streets to be cleared for travel. Everything outside was covered in a thick layer of white. The snow almost seemed calming, but the palace beyond it was anything but.

It was early in the morning and Jaziel had awoken earlier still. He had to personally make sure Jamila was awake. She was very unhappy and quite groggy, but she woke up. Thankfully his niece was more mature than his sister. Shani was already awake with her bracelet in place when he entered their room. Although… she still appeared rather agitated as she was escorted to the bathing chamber with Jamila. 

After that mountain had been tackled, he turned his attention to the staff and knights. He had the maids and servants assigned and working in an organized stream. They hung foliage and wreaths, lit fireplaces and candles, and adjusted and readjusted to make sure everything was just right before the guests arrived. 

The palace foyer, once white, was now covered in hues of dark sage, mauve, and hints of purple. Rugs were rolled out and placed with careful precision. The space felt warmer, cozier than it had a month before. Jaziel nodded with approval before following a flight of stairs down and into a bustling kitchen.

The staff worked tirelessly preparing the feast. Spiced rum warmed in large batches, the scent of it drifting faintly into the halls and up the stairs. Fatty roasted meats, hand-held breads, and delicate pastries were arranged in careful abundance. Even ciders were set aside for the children who would be in attendance.

At the center of it all was a cake.

A spiced honey cake was layered with sweet cream and candied orange slices that peeked from between the tiers, draping gently against the golden sponge. The top was coated in a milky glaze and decorated with sliced almonds and bright red berries. The berries were rehydrated and glistening beneath the kitchen lights.

Jaziel examined the spread of food carefully. A pleased smile crossed his features. It all looked stunning. He snapped his fingers and the head chef offered him a sample of the cake. Jaziel hesitated for a moment before biting into the cake. He groaned and the chef looked anxious.

It was sweet… but it tasted wonderful. He was sure Shani would approve. He forced himself to swallow the cake, ignoring the chill that ran up his spine. Then he met the chef's gaze with a warm smile.

“Perfect. Keep up the excellent work,” Jaziel said as he placed a hand on the older man's shoulder. The man beamed before turning his attention back to the rest of the staff and barking orders once more. 

Amid the chaos, Jaziel poured himself some spiced rum and quickly drank it, trying to wash away the sweetness. 

Thankfully it worked. 

Jaziel ascended the stairs and continued his examination of the palace. Room by room, he continued until, before he knew it, hours had passed. Thankfully he was already dressed for the occasion. 

Jaziel wore ivory, tailored close through the chest before falling into long, flowing layers around his pants. A dark purple brocade panel crossed his torso and wrapped his waist, embroidered with delicate gold detailing. A high collar and subtle gold accents completed the look, elegant and unmistakably imperial. 

Even a simple golden circlet crossed his forehead, with a six-pointed star resting between his brows. 

Jaziel hummed as he moved a stray hair back into place and entered the great hall, which was finally ready for inspection. Tall marble pillars rose like silent sentinels, their pale surfaces washed in the glow of hundreds of candles. Light flickered along their length.

Between them, a single long table stretched the length of the hall, dressed in flowing linens that pooled slightly at the edges. Every plate and silver goblet had been placed with careful precision, the silver polished to the point he could see his own reflection. 

Though the abundance upon the table threatened to undo that order. 

Platters overflowed with food. Fatty roasted meats glistened beneath the candlelight, their juices catching in shallow dishes. Hand-held breads were stacked high in woven baskets, still warm, their crusts crackling faintly when touched. Pastries dusted in sugar and spice sat in delicate arrangements, almost too intricate to disturb.

The air was thick with scent. Cinnamon and clove rose gently from steaming cups of cider, while richer notes of roasted herbs, honey, and slow-cooked meats settled deeper, heavier, filling his lungs with every breath. 

At the center of it all sat the focal piece… the honey cake. It still looked wonderful, but the cooks were touching it up, fixing even the smallest imperfections. 

Servants moved quietly along the edges of the hall, their steps softened against the polished stone. They adjusted what did not need adjusting, straightened what was already straight. Everyone was truly going above and beyond, and the reason was clear. 

Perfection was required.

Jaziel nodded in approval, taking note of those who had put extra care into their work. 

Beyond the feast, tall windows stretched toward the vaulted ceiling, their glass edged with frost. Through them, the snow beyond had transformed the palace grounds into a seamless expanse of white. Even from a distance, the view appeared almost painted. Jaziel crossed his arms and smiled as he allowed himself a moment to rest and admire the view.

“How are the preparations going?” a smooth voice asked as a hand gently rested on his shoulder. Jaziel recognized the tone instantly. He turned and froze as he took in his sister, dressed in a bathing robe. He glanced around the room and noticed a few men staring at her. He sighed, making notes of each and every face. More work.

“Good. Everything is ahead of schedule, in fact,” he replied matter-of-factly. A warm smile tugged at his lips as he placed Jamila’s arm in the crook of his elbow and escorted her out of the great hall. 

“Well… almost everything is on schedule…” he mumbled as he glanced at her robe once more with a look of disappointment on his face. 

“Apologies… I would be dressed by now, but… they went a little overboard,” Jamila replied with a sheepish smile. Jaziel raised a brow and paused in front of a staircase. 

“Oh?”

“Yes, I swear they must have scrubbed off dirt and skin from my childhood,” Jamila groaned as she pulled her arm away from Jaziel and placed it on the banister. Jaziel could tell. Her skin still had a pink hue to it and the smell of lavender and citrus emanated from her.

“And the princess?” Jaziel asked with a slight tilt of the head. Jamila deflated as she let out a long sigh.

“She’s in the room already. She’s getting ready without complaint, but she is still quite upset...” Her lavender eyes darkened. Jaziel's mouth formed a thin line. He took Jamila’s hand gingerly.

“It is for her own good… she will understand that someday.” 

“I hope you are right…” Jamila didn’t seem comforted by his words. She simply smiled sadly and gave his hand a slight squeeze. 

“I am… just wait,” he said softly as he returned the squeeze. Jaziel glanced over the foyer and saw servants beginning to light the entrance torches as dusk settled over the horizon. He turned his attention back to his sister with anxiety beginning to build.

“Now please…”

“I know, I know. I will go get ready.” She gave him a warm smile before ascending the stairs towards her chamber. Jaziel sighed as soon as she was out of sight. 

Now… things were finally back to schedule.