Much of the ride after that was quiet, occasionally interrupted by the passing “ooh” or “ahh” as the sun fell below the horizon. The vibrant hues of orange became a pale navy blue, and stars appeared between fluffy clouds. The moon itself, just like the sun, seemed close enough to touch. It wasn’t like my hometown, where I could only see a star or two, even on the clearest night. Here, in the Etherium, the Milky Way and all its opalescent glory glimmered through.

I began to wonder, “If even the boat ride is this pretty, then I can’t imagine what the summit will be like.”

Ophiel scoffed. “Angeline was bragging again, wasn’t she?”

“Sure did. ‘The best the Etherium has to offer.’”

“Well, she’s right, but, still, I’m not sure if it’ll match your tastes.”

“Oh?”

“I haven’t known you for long, but it seems you prefer quiet spaces, right? Angeline tells me you tend to stay in the chrysanthemum garden or any other place out of the way.”

“Spying on me, huh?”

“Well, I should know what my fiancé is up to while I’m gone, shouldn’t I?”

“By that logic, I should know what you’re up to all the time too, right?”

“Naturally. I would tell you if you asked.”

“Haha, alright. What exactly does the great Lord Ophiel Rannon the Third do every day?”

“Ah, let’s see…Most of the time, I’m in Diaphanthos, the capital of the Etherium. Coincidentally, that’s where we’re heading now. I work there.”

“Wow, didn’t know lords had to work.”

“Pfft. It’s hard to say there’s ever a time when I’m not working.”

“Y’know, it’s weird. I never thought to ask you what you do for living.”

“Well, that’s understandable, considering the circumstances. I work as a mediator on the Council of Wings. I keep the peace, within and without the realm.”

“Do you like it? Being a mediator?”

“It’s tiresome at times, downright loathsome at other times, but I enjoy it just as well.”

“Then, if you don’t mind me asking, why are you trying to become the Demon King?”

 “I think I could do more as a king than I can as a lord, and,” His gaze drifted, a slight smile graced his lips, “I promised someone a long time ago that I would follow wherever my heart leads me. What about you? What are your dreams?”

I paused, sinking into the plush cushions of the carriage. Dreams? How long has it been since I stopped having those? “I don’t know. Haven’t had much time to think about it, to be honest.”

“Well,” he leaned forward. “You have the time now. Think about what you want and tell me. You’re helping me achieve my dreams, so helping you achieve yours is the least I can do.”

“Wow, you really know how to make a girl swoon, huh?” Damn, 3-1.

“So, it’s working then?”

“Huh?”

“Making you fall for me? It’s working, right?”

“Tch, slow your roll, hot stuff.” Just then, as the heat rolled up my neck, I saw sparkling lights appear on the horizon—a smattering of bright oranges and blues and purples glowing in the distance. “What is that?” I nearly stood from my seat, but I quickly sat back down when the carriage began to rock.

“Seems like we’re finally here.”

For the first time since hearing about the Lunarian Summit, I was actually excited.

…

We landed in a quiet corner of the island, and a small, winged woman came to greet us. She wore a simple vest and trousers with matching black loafers. “Lord Ophiel Rannon?”

“That would be me,” Ophiel said, lending me a hand as I stepped down from the carriage.

“Alright, alright! Right on time. I’ll bring your horses to the Aurus stables. Please return to this spot on the night of the overmorrow!”

“Yes, thank you, Jasy.”

“Of course, of course!” The woman turned to me, eyeing me curiously, “Can’t believe I got to meet you first, miss!”

“Ah, uh, nice to meet you too.” I did a quick bow, not really sure of what to do with myself. Must be another person shocked to see the “new Lady Rannon,” I guessed.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that!” She laughed. “Anyways, anyways! Have fun tonight!”

The path leading into town was lit up by small, glowing lanterns and tall, curved lampposts. Even from a ways away, past the flowering trees and floating wisps of cloud, the food and song was carried on the wind. Sweet and savoury notes beckoned us closer. Reaching into the skies above it all, I could see filigree towers connected by flying buttresses and topped by pinnacles.

“So, tell me, how exactly is this night gonna go?” I leaned closer to our looped arms. I pretended to ask for the sake of knowing what was ahead of me, but, really, I wanted to know when we were going to eat.

“That depends. We’ve got an hour or so before the Lunarian Dance begins and maybe 2 hours before the ArchOracle’s Ritual of the Seven Wings. Whatever we do until then is up to us.”

“Then, let’s hurry up!” I said, almost breaking away from him. “You’re gonna show me around, right? I smell food calling my name!”

“Well, if you’re in a rush, there’s a faster way to get to the summit.”

“And what’s that?”

“Flying.”

You can’t be serious.