Catherine couldn't help but sigh wistfully as she gazed over the subjects of Celestia enjoying the blood moon festivities. Beautiful gowns flowing together on the dance floor like some kind of work of art bouncing and just enjoying the prosperity of a healthy powerful kingdom. How Catherine wished she could join the people, watching her sister laugh with the captain mages, a bright easy smile lighting up a face Catherine knew as well as her own.

However, she couldn't rise from her throne because Darius wished to remain seated and all she wanted to do was enjoy her time by her husband's side and bring him joy. Right? Yes of course silly thought.

However Catherine at times felt herself pulled towards the dance floor and she hadn't the faintest clue why. Her heart felt warm and fluttery and sang for something in a language she couldn't understand. It yearned and sang and told her all of its desires but she could do nothing but wonder.

It was not as if her family was there. Little Elizabeth was sneaking sweets from under tables ( oh yes she saw, and was going to give her daughter quite the talking to after all the fun ) her oldest Luna was off blending into the corner the best she could to avoid suitors, oh how that resonated with Catherine she hated to see her daughter subjected to the same dog and pony show but it is what Darius wanted for their daughter and he always knew best.

Her sister had since snuck off with Atrea giggling like two school children up to no good, she was sure this would spell trouble come later in the night. So why? Why then did her heart sing to run to the dance floor and leave her beloved husband behind her.

As if giving an answer that would never be heard to a question never to be spoken a yall figure made his way from the dance floor to the throne. Sei.

Sei was a creature of pure beauty, even a married woman like Catherine could appreciate true stunning women when she saw them. Which was funny, Catherine supposed because Sei was not what one would traditionally see as "beautiful".

Traditional beauty was often seen in Catherine. Long, thick tresses that fell over her shoulders, soft delicate curves draped in the finest of silks and jewels, wide doll like almond eyes, a small red heart shaped mouth, breasts pushed up and at attention for the world to see, waist tiny and stature small.

No Catherine was not a vain woman, she hated these things. On her twin they looked right, she looked happy but on herself she felt they were always off and ugly. However it made her husband look upon her like a prized jewel in his collection and is that not the dream of every woman?

Sei on the other hand was absolute beauty, and very handsome. He stood a startling six foo four since last measured, never once daunted by his own height holding his head high and broad shoulders back. He moved with power and grace all at once, control evident in every flex of his thick muscles well honed over years of combat. While his hands were thin they were in no way delicate like Catherine's marred with scars and callouses that spoke of so much without him having to say a word - they spoke of power, control, safety. His hair shaved at the back and sides with just a small thick curly bundle atop his head a midnight black color. He never wore an ounce of make up and still his dark brown skin glowed whenever Catherine saw him.

If not obvious from the description another large detail stood out about Sei. He proffered to be referred to masculinely. In his romantic life he fell under as a child of venus, a lover of women from the heart of a woman. Not uncommon at all in celestia, Catherine's own sister Milena taking male female and non binary lovers often. However Sei had admitted to a "complicated" relationship with womanhood. While Catherine did not fully understand his motivations she did not need to - it was his business and she only need respect it.

Once, in a soft moment stolen in the middle of the night Sei had confided he sometimes enjoyed terms such as "boy" and "boyfriend" from lovers or those close to his heart in moments of private but would rather just be called a woman in the public's eye to avoid confusion. He did not see himself a boy, he admitted seeing his gender as more defined by his love of women.

Catherine would never forget the intake of breath Sei took, and dilation of his pupils when she asked if they were close enough friends she may call him "her boy" and the way his voice dropped to a gravely husk when he stared into her eyes with intensity and said "Yes. My queen."

She couldnt understand why.

Sei came towards the throne and took a knee, something in Catherine's mind making her reach for and clutch Darius' hand.

"My queen. Lady Lunera has stated she wishes to go to bed early as her "curse" has come upon her suddenly and she feels fatigued." Sei could not hide the smirk on his face or in his voice as he spoke.

Catherine rolled her eyes in amusement "Well I'll be, the fourth time this week alone her menstruation has hit '" something sour in her stomach churned at the disgusted face her husband made at the word, so uncouth in their kingdom. "Very well. Please see to her and make sure she is laid well to rest"

Sei gave a nod and a grin, getting ready to stand and speak when Darius interrupted.

"No future queen or daughter of mine will shirk her responsibilities. Men came from the seven seas to see her and she will entertain the entirety of them. You, sei will tell her right now that for her behavior she will remain at the party until the very last guest has said their goodbyes."

Sei narrowed his eyes, looking to Catherine. Stomach churning harder, Catherine spoke weakly clutching her husband's hand harder. "I am sorry dear, Darius is right it is for the best she learn the responsibilities of being a queen."

Sei growled under his breath as he spoke "yes my lords" though his dark eyes held nothing but concern for Catherine when he looked upon her, bowing and turning to return to Luna.

"That Sei, she spoils that girl I swear."

Catherine twitched, frowning. "Beloved, I have told you Sei wishes to be called he."

Darius scoffed and rolled his eyes, releasing Catherine's hand rising from his throne to go to speak directly to his daughter.