Academy Royalty

One of the prestige mage academies is having a Formal tonight, and some of their top students are in attendance. Center stage, from left to right, are Esepheron NicBurr, heir to the Fae Dark Court, Olivia Wesentra, a princess of Wayford, Diesre Violet, Crown Princess of the Fae Golden Court, Seph's half-brother Jinnian Carnel, King of Jumii, and Diesre's cousin Aria Violet.
Diesre and Seph are betrothed, a formal arrangement that will unite two courts that have been enemies for many hundreds of years. An unspoken agreement leaves them free to see other people until they're wed, and Seph has been dating Olivia. Diesre, however, was displeased that Seph chose to take Olivia to the ball over her. So how is a girl to get revenge?
Take his charming, much-envied older brother, who already has everything Seph wants--a kingdom, a sweet wife, and a substantial population of loyal admirers and friends.
So Dee asks Jinn to escort her, as his brother has left her dateless. Ever the gentleman (but no fool either), Jinn agrees to go (thinking that a bit of jealousy over Dee will do Seph good, as he tends to take her for granted).
This captures the moment when Seph realizes that Jinn is Diesre's date. In the next moment, she'll lift her head and their eyes will meet. Who knows what passes in that gaze? Expressionless, she will then turn away, tucking her arm through Jinn's. Seph will feel like he's lost something valuable...but he won't truly understand why.
His date, Olivia, is obviously none too pleased to see Diesre, as she hopes to steal Seph away for good, breaking the political betrothal. In fact, the crown brooch on Seph's vest was a gift from her (picture batting eyelashes and her cooing, "You'll always be the king of my heart, Sephy.")
Meanwhile Jinn has been distracted by Aria, who is dressed as the stereotypical witch because she can't resist a joke. The button on her hat reads "I RULE THE SCHOOL," an accurate notation, since she's been voted Head of Class for three years running.


My thanks to all the lovely stock providers:

Esepheron ~Narcostock
Olivia *faestock
Diesre *PirateQueen-Stock
Jinnian *auroradreams
Aria *Lisajen-stock
Background Bystanders ~dazzle-stock ~rangercookiestock ~biancolorimaging
Foreground (Floor) !Superior-Stock
Mid-ground (Ballroom) `FantasyStock
Background (Hall) ~audpod
Seph's Brooch [link]
Olivia's Flower ~Proseuche
Diesre's Braids ~Enchantedgal-Stock
Diesre's Necklace ~Imaginationstock
Bystander's Shoes ~GRANNYSATTICSTOCK
Texture ~struckdumb
Brushes *redheadstock =WCS-Wildcat =Falln-Stock ~trisste-brushes


As always, my words and my muses belong to me.