Free [05] Elite: Reclamation by Drew Wagar

palace itself was dressed with kilometres of luxurious ribbons and lavish fabrics, accompanied by acres of vivid flowers in complex and colourful arrangements, all lit by strategically placed globes of soft light. These displays seemed to be aimed at challenging the display of fireworks that had been organised to light up the sky as the evening drew on. Musicians, artists and entertainers were stationed around the palace for the happy diversion of the guests, all individually hoping that some of the patrons, clients and citizens might notice and look favourably on them.
    Tala was naturally chosen as the bridesmaid, and accorded all the honour and pomp that her position required. Dressmakers, hairstylists and body conditioning experts monopolised the time of both sisters ensuring their hair, faces, decoupage and any other visible flesh was seen to be as healthy and glowing as possible. Make-up specialists from distant worlds were drafted in for mere minutes of attention. No expense was spared for Algreb’s beautiful blonde daughters.
    Kahina, by comparison, had very little to do. She’d been accorded no special duty given the animosity between her and Corine, coupled with T’Clow’s disapproval. Had it been possible, Corine would have prevented her from coming at all, but that would have caused too many awkward questions to be asked and would have been considered bad form. Kahina was relegated to organising the maids and servants. This consisted of little more than keeping them moving as quickly as possible with a snap or a sharp word. Kahina rather enjoyed it.
    She’d been assigned to sit at the top table with the rest of the family, but far off to one side, so that her dark hair did not detract from the regal blonde splendour of the rest of the family both on the Loren and the Rebian side. T’Clow had, so gossip suggested, had his own hair lightened in order to exactly match Corine’s. Tala had tried to convince Kahina she should ‘go blonde’ as well, Kahina’s refusal had banished her to the edge of the celebrations. To her sisters’ disappointment, she seemed unfazed by the snub.
    Kahina had done her best to avoid any interactions with the rest of her family, but it was impossible to maintain such distance entirely. She had hoped to spend some time talking to Dalk, but he’d been occupied with arrangements for the incoming transports and security concerns.
    Kahina received a summons from Corine’s maid Marie late in the afternoon, the day before the wedding. Dutifully she traipsed up to her sister’s bedroom and awaited her pleasure.
    Corine was surrounded by her legions of health and beauty professionals. The room was entirely full of expensive equipment all with the singular purpose of transforming an attractive young woman into a stunning glorious vision of beauty. Kahina had to admit it was impressive. Corine already looked dazzling and she wasn’t even close to being ‘finished’.
    Marie led her in and told her to wait at the threshold. Corine ensured Kahina waited whilst she had a series of pointless and insignificant adjustments made to her hair before finally acknowledging her presence after a few minutes.
    ‘Sister,’ Corine smiled. ‘How good of you to come.’
    Kahina curtseyed. ‘You wanted to see me, sister?’
    ‘Yes indeed,’ Corine enthused. ‘A matter I’m sure has been on your mind for a while, doubtless your most important consideration in fact.’
    Kahina fixed her with a quizzical look.
    ‘And what might that be, sister?’
    Corine looked surprised, as if amazed that Kahina wasn’t aware of her thoughts. ‘Why your dress, of course. You must look the part for the wedding, no? Something appropriate for you as my revered younger sister.’
    Kahina braced herself, but answered correctly. ‘I’m sure you’ve chosen with your customary taste, style and elegance, sister.’
    ‘Oh indeed,’ Corine said. ‘I have given the matter much thought. I have selected something that