She took a step closer to the window to observe.A strange tradition of hers from when she was younger—she’d always look outside when they returned home, to see if the people were happy to see them.
Today, they looked happy and ready to welcome the Imperial Princess and the new Empress home.
Caoimhe had dressed in her return home attire--formal red robes, like she wore many times.Heavy beaded fabric that had tradition as old as her family line in the Imperial house.
Bianca made a few last minute adjustments to the formal robe.“We really need to have this touched up,” she said.“Some of the crystals are coming off.”She adjusted the sleeve."Are you going to cover that ring?"
Caoimhe shook her head.
"Why not?People will wonder and gossip and--"
She glanced at Bianca."You have been a wonderful mother to me over all these years.I will always need you, Bianca.It is time, though, for me to be seen as the Empress, and not as a child.I know you worry about the people.Don't.We will never make them all happy.It would be foolish to try."
She looked at Bahran."My husband to be gave me this engagement ring.I will wear it with pride.If my people support me, they will be happy for me."
"And what if they don't?"
"We shall cross that path when we reach it," Caoimhe said.
She turned to Eleanor who wore an identical red robe.
"Why are these so heavy?"Eleanor asked."Are your clothes always this heavy?"
Caoimhe nodded."Being the first born has its difficulties."
"Blech.I want my robe back.It had way lest beading on it, and I had pockets on the inside for snacks."
Caoimhe laughed.“You are a goof.”
Eleanor shrugged.“And?”
The ramp opened for them to exit the ship.
Caoimhe shook her head."We are going to do this together.I may be first born, but you are my sister, and we shall rule the Terran Empire together."
She took her sister's hand.
Together they walked down the ramp.
Their Rhimodian escorts at their sides.
And the people cheered.
