Double Carnation Lei Novels & Stories

Everything was light pink, and there was a card with the shoe box where I read: "Pink is definitely our color. It was the color you wore our first time, when you made me yours forever." Everything had been arranged by Flavian, all so full of detail. That pink was the same shade as the lisianthus he sent me. The lingerie was a cropped bra with lace flower appliqués all over, including on the straps. The panties were so delicate they seemed like they might disintegrate if I wasn't very careful. The sandals were nothing more than sky-high heels with a thin strap across the toes and two thin straps behind that crossed and buttoned at the ankle.

They were all on some sort of system that would allow them to roll into the river a few yards behind the stage. The bodies had all been prepared and they wore white shirts and pants. There was an overwhelming aroma coming from the many flowers decorating each of the platforms as well as the oils and incense used to prepare the bodies. Nikolai’s platform was the closes to the stage and his was covered in purple carnations to represent leadership and royalty, blue irises to represent strength and power, and gladioli to show that he was a hero.

The day had come. Livia was going to make her move this afternoon, at her oh so dramatic press conference. I put on a link coco Chanel set, that was sent to my room this morning by Levi, a matching pear year drop earring and dainty necklace to accessorize it. The colors and everything picked out was so intentional, the pink symbolized so much innocence. I stared at myself in the mirror, putting finishing touches on the minimal make up, my hair curled in loose voluminous waves cascading down my back.

My gaze, sharp as a driven nail, bored into that scarlet shadow in the opposite box. Leila sat in the velvet-draped darkness, only half her profile visible. The light carved her taut jawline, sharp as a blade chiseled from moonstone. Her fingers curled around the bidding paddle, knuckles prominent, nails painted a deep red verging on black—like fingertips just pulled from a heart. Even twenty meters away, I caught her scent: cloying sweet like white roses, sharp with the cold of moon-crystal, seeping through the vents to burn a scalding itch in my lungs.

The entire room is packed with people from the first floor to the second; each person turning with excited faces as me and Lemuel enter. With slow, measured steps we walk down the vibrant carpet laid before us; a long strip of electric blue and purple gradients with flecks of gold to guide our way. Banners of vibrant purple and rich blue hang from every pillar adorned with the family crest, while yards of chiffon and silk in shades of purple, blue, and white cascade from the ceiling and wrap around every pillar and column. The air is filled not only with the comforting smell of the sea, but the intoxicating aroma of orchids, roses, and calla lilies. As I look around the room, I see the stunn

Eva makes more notes, nodding as she does, “The meanings there are good. Gladioli for integrity and victory, calla lilies for beauty, ferns for magic and fascination, sage for wisdom and immortality and rosemary for remembrance. It’s a beautiful combined meaning, and it would work well for both events.” Celine nods, and leans back in her chair, “Two dresses, some dancing lessons and I’m done…” she sighs, “I’ll need Fi for the dresses, so it’ll have to be tomorrow. But if you call in those tailors you were talking about, maybe we can get something at least drafted.” Eva nods,

They are mine and soon everyone will know it. Rina POV: I was sitting with Luna Nina going over plans for the ceremony. She had asked me if I wanted to wait but when I explained my reasoning, she understood. We were picking out the decorations, each table would have a centerpiece made with baby's breath, pink carnations, and white roses. I always loved carnations and roses. We had chosen the vases and the florist agreed to make a special bouquet for me to carry. I was excited despite my nerves. I had to go dress shopping, I was a bit nervous I wouldn't be able to find one that fit correctly with my growing bump.

Lessie was dressed in a bronzed-gold one-shoulder ball gown with floral drape details and a slit that extended from her thighs. A sweet smile plastered on Lessie’s face, and she elegantly cat-walked toward Amabella and Carter like the stars she was, a combination of carnation and rose flower bouquets and a box of necklaces in her hand. A maid walked behind her while holding another box. As soon as Amabella and Mr. Carter caught sight of Lessie, a proud and soft smile hung up on their faces, and they stopped the interaction with the guest they were currently conversing with.

"Oh, you teach?" "Yeah, a few." He walked closer to me with an 'o' expression on his face. "These are for you, beautiful," he lent me the bouquet as he bent down to sit on the chair. My lips formed into a smile as I recognized the Carnations flowers in mixed colors. One of my favorites. It has a lot of meaning aside from being beautiful itself, it means healing and strength. "These are beautiful, thank you, Levi." I said as I sniffed the flowers happily, starring at them like forever. He gave me a smile and nodded his head in agreement.

Cathleen began in her soft voice, "but I much prefer tansies and orange lilies." Everyone around was taken aback by her unexpected statement, their expressions shifting from confusion to disbelief. It wasn't just that she preferred different flowers, but the significance of the ones she mentioned struck a nerve. Tansies were often associated with hatred and disdain, while orange lilies represented pride and arrogance. Xavier couldn't help but wonder if Cathleen had a heart at all, or if it too had been tainted by these negative connotations.