Kawaii princess's Arc

Chapter 7 of 54

By morning, workers raised a glass pavilion in the yard, its mirrored panels catching the pale sun. A frosted stage stood inside, ice-blue beams strung with snow. This was the broadcast spot. Every city in Jadeice would watch through the shimmering walls. Kawaii Princess stared at her reflection in the glass and felt her hands go cold. A crowd packed in behind the snow-dusted railings. Strangers, scouts, and a few token-carriers from her own small following pressed close. She had practiced for the mirror, never for this. Her throat locked. The music box chime began, and she missed her first cue. She slipped a hand into her sleeve and closed her fingers around a small wooden locket. A pressed pink flower from warmer lands sat behind its glass. She had carried it since the first audition. She breathed once, slow, and saw the mirror room in her mind — empty, safe, hers. Then she opened her eyes and started again. Her voice held. Her seven poses landed on the chimes. The reflective panels threw her image to every face in the crowd, and the broadcast carried her song outward. When she bowed, the pavilion shook with stomping boots. Kawaii Princess had performed live, and Jadeice had seen her.