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SPRING EQUINOX

“I used to wear my hair just like this.”

Oestera sprinkled golden dust over the white moonblossoms she’d pinned in Astra’s curls.

“Did you?”

“She did,” Nayson confirmed, leaning against the door frame, watching as Oestera rearranged the pins. Astra wondered if she looked like an adult woman to him in this moment, or if he was staring at a five-year-old version of her.

“I used to love flicking the petals and watching the dust swirl into the air.”

Astra’s heart swelled, she’d never been able to appreciate their love for one another up close.

“I think you’re just about ready, my darling,” Oestera brushed the excess shimmer off her hands, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

“Thank you.” She watched her reflection in the mirror, her face transformed in the last few weeks. Stronger. Bolder.

“He’s waiting on you outside the temple,” Nayson said, a thrilled smile spreading across his face. “Looks good, too.”

“You two need to get over your weird love affair,” Astra laughed.

“We’ll see you in there, darling. We’re going to go get your sister ready,” Oestera hummed, guiding her father out of the room.

Ameera’s presence waited outside the door. Even her neatly organized spirit was on fire with anticipation today.

“You can come in.”

“I didn’t know if you wanted a moment alone. I know today is intense for you.”

“You’re basically an extension of me at this point. You’re always allowed in.”

She smiled as she took in her best friend’s glowing face. “You look beautiful, As.”

“Mother did a fine job, but don’t tell her I prefer your braiding skills.”

“I knew it,” she grinned.

“Why didn’t you tell me you could see Tethers?” Astra spun on her vanity stool, securing the backs to her moonblossom earrings as she watched Ameera’s face drain.

“Who—”

“Arcas is half Venusian.”

“Damn him!” She wrapped her arms around herself. “I knew you’d tell me when you were ready. There was so much out of your control. I wanted you to have one thing to yourself.”

“You’re a much better friend than I am,” she snorted. “I would have been up your ass immediately.”

“Trust me,” she giggled. “I know. Are you ready?”

“No,” she frowned.

“It’s a lot of change, Astra. But this is a beautiful one.”

She rose from her stool, pulling the skirt of the golden gown she borrowed from her mother to straighten it. She stole one more glance in the mirror, admiring the way it showed off her soft curves and held onto the full Moon’s shine.

Ameera threaded her arm through Astra’s, humming quietly to herself as they walked through the palace gardens.

The early evening breeze tinted with the slightest hint of sweet Spring.

They passed the faces of women she’d missed so dearly from Celene going about their daily roles.

The transition from palace to community was well underway thanks to Cam and Ameera’s leadership.

“Today’s the day, huh?” Sephone called out as Astra passed her, a group of girls at her feet watching with wide eyes.

“Come watch!” She waved the girls toward them, their giggles tickling her ears in shimmering waves. They followed Astra to the temple where Sephone shushed them as they found their seats.

Ameera placed a brief kiss on Astra’s cheek as she reached for Cam’s hand outside of the temple, their matching orange gowns like bright rays of sunlight as they slipped in through the intricately carved archway.

“Unreal.”

A low thunder rolled through her chest, Lux’s warmth pouring over her. She spun in his arms, weaving her hands into his hair, neatly braided away from his face for such a celebratory occasion.

“Not so bad yourself.” She ran her fingers across his matching gold tunic, gleaming under the moonlight.

“Save it for later,” Mirquios chuckled behind them. He glowed in pale green, his deep skin alive with the magic of the same moondust she’d loaned to Lunelle that morning.

Lux glanced around, curving his dark brow. “Where is Lunelle?”

“I’ll handle her. You two get going.”

“I’ll see you in there, Sol’ah ,” Lux whispered just for her, kissing the patch of golden freckles that hadn’t faded after their first appearance.

Astra beamed to her sister. Where are you?

I’m coming, I’m coming, I’m so sorry I’m late !

No sooner did she beam it back did Astra hear her footsteps jogging down the path.

“Sorry!”

Lunelle was an absolute vision in silver, radiating under the full Moon, her cheeks glowing from her short run from her chambers. She reached for Astra’s hand and squeezed it, her heart pounding with nerves.

“What are you apologizing for? The bride can’t be late to her own wedding.”

“Was he nervous?” Her eyes slid toward the temple, trying to peer inside.

Astra shook her head. “Not even a little bit.”

“Are you ready?”

Astra laughed. “I’m ready! Are you ready, Your Highness?”

She adjusted Lunelle’s neckline one more time, admiring the face of the future Queen of Mercury, flushed with love and excitement for what was to come.

“Of course. I was born to be a queen, you know,” Lunelle giggled.

Astra cupped her sister’s face, tapping her glowing skin one final time before she gave her up to another court.

“Let’s put another Rebel on the Mercurian throne, then.”