The morning light was soft and golden when Theo stirred. Warm rays filtered through the paper shutters and cast faint patterns across the floor. Beside him, Seraphine lay in a tangle of blankets, her silver hair spilling over the pillow in loose waves. She shifted faintly and drew the covers closer to her bare shoulder.
"Just five more minutes…" Sera murmured, her voice heavy with sleep.
"Then rest some more."
"Mmm. Okay…"
Theo smiled faintly and eased himself from the bedding. The boards were cool beneath his feet as he dressed in quiet motions. By the time he slid the door shut behind him, her breathing had already deepened again into a steady rhythm.
The courtyard was still and peaceful when he began his morning rounds. Festival preparations had been underway for days, yet the early air still carried the hush of dawn. Today's task was the lanterns. Rows of them waited on the veranda, pale paper stretched tight over bamboo frames. He carried each one to the low workbench and set out brushes along with shallow dishes of ink that gave off a faint earthy scent.
Yue was the first to join him. Her sleeves were tied back neatly and her movements were as graceful as always as she unfolded a blank lantern sheet.
"Good morning."
"Good morning."
"Theo."
"Yes?"
"You haven't been spending a lot of time with me lately."
"I apologize. Sera has been taking a lot of my time." His tone carried a hint of guilt. Looking closer at her face, he wondered, Is she pouting?
"Don't apologize. I don't like it."
"Then I will make it up to you later."
"Okay."
Seraphine arrived soon after, her silver hair loosely braided and sunlight catching in the strands. A brush twirled idly between her fingers as she stepped into the courtyard.
The three of them leaned over their lanterns. Bristles whispered softly against paper as dark ink bled into graceful strokes. The scent of ink mingled with the warm air and the quiet was broken only by the steady sound of brushwork.
"These lanterns are for decoration. These three are for us. Write a wish," Yue instructed Seraphine.
"It's my first time doing something like this. This is difficult," Seraphine admitted, tapping the brush lightly against her chin.
"I have an idea. How about we write each other's wish?" Theo suggested.
"Sure. Sounds fun," Yue said with a small smile.
After a quick game of rock paper scissors the decision was made. Theo would write Yue's wish, Yue would write Seraphine's, and Seraphine would write Theo's.
When the wishes were finished, the lanterns were left in neat rows to dry. Sunlight slipped across their pale surfaces.
Yue's lantern, written by Theo: Eternal Happiness.
Seraphine's lantern, written by Yue: Don't lose sight.
Theo's lantern, written by Seraphine: Spread your wings.
"Don't lose sight? What does this mean?" Sera tilted her head curiously.
"Time will reveal all answers." Yue smiled and flicked open her folding fan, hiding her expression. Written on the fan today was a single word: Youth. "Eternal happiness, huh?"
"I hope Lady Yue can live a calm and peaceful life, blessed by health and longevity," Theo said sincerely.
"Thank you."
Inside the shrine, ceremonial gowns awaited. The silk gleamed in soft luminous shades. Yue's was pale white and gold, Seraphine's was deep blue adorned with delicate blossoms.
"I have prepared these gowns for tomorrow," Yue said.
"They're gorgeous."
"I thought deep blue would suit you well. It compliments your silver hair."
"I'm grateful."
"Theo. Help us put these on."
He began with Yue, fastening the ties at her back with steady hands and smoothing the fabric so it fell in perfect folds. She adjusted her sleeves, the embroidered hem brushing the floor as she moved.
"How do I look?" Yue asked with her usual gentle smile.
"The most beautiful in the world."
Seraphine stepped forward next, lifting her arms so the gown could slide over her shoulders. The silk clung for a heartbeat before settling, the weight of the embroidery drawing it into graceful folds. Theo tied the sash at her waist, the fabric warm beneath his fingers.
"How do I look?" she asked.
"Beautiful."
"Not the most beautiful?"
"The honor goes to Lady Yue, but you can be the second most."
"Sweet talker."
Later, Yue invited Seraphine for tea while Theo went to finish his duties.
"Has the shrine been treating you well?"
"I will treasure the memories I have made here."
"That is great to hear. It seems like Theo has gained some fire back because of you. For that, thank you."
"I do not dare accept the gratitude of the Heavenly Maiden," Seraphine said quickly. Even with the privilege of sitting across from her she did not let the moment swell her pride. The Heavenly Maiden's status was second only to the emperor, and for someone like her, a noble from another land, the honor felt almost too heavy.
"Accept it for this once. Theo is precious to me."
A quiet pause followed.
"If I may speak out of line… When I first saw Theo, he was so pure and unblemished, almost divine. Now he feels more like a human. Perhaps I have tainted that pureness for my own satisfaction. What if it hurts him later on? Is this not unforgivable to you?"
"It is alright." Yue's smile was gentle. "I see Theo as my own child. There is nothing I want to see more than the shell I have built around him being broken."
"I… see."
"You did not think I was capable of harboring such feelings?"
"No," Seraphine admitted. Then she bit her lip and spoke again. "But at the same time, I am glad. From my conversations with Theo, he holds you in the highest regard. I am sure he sees you as his mother as well. I am glad that his feelings are not for nothing."
"I may be the Heavenly Maiden but I am capable of emotions too. Grief, joy, loneliness, love, happiness, sadness. I experience them all. I am happy he met someone who cares about him."
"I…" Seraphine began but faltered.
"It takes a great amount of courage to talk to me. It seems that caring about him has given you the courage to sit and drink tea with me."
When their tea was finished, Yue remained seated, gazing quietly out over the veranda as the sunlight shifted across the courtyard.