The Great Festival

The day began like any other with sunlight peering over the horizon and leaves glistening with morning dew. The clouds, as always, were scarce while the citizen stretched and crawled out from their homes and filled the streets with laughter.

But today was a bit different.

Buildings were decorated with both lights and streamers and there were flags with all colors of the rainbow. Eager children were up early as well and searched the streets for treats and games. There were not many stalls yet open but still, they were able to find someone to sell them a small bag of popcorn or cotton candy.

The music only began after the ring of the first bell, echoing from church towers.

Musicians came out of their dens. Songstresses bellowed out backed with the strumming of a lute or the humming of a flute. And soon the entire city was drowned in joy and festivities.

The giant square in Upper Zion was cleared out and January was already there collecting books that people were dropping off. In the morning there were already three big piles about as tall as she. But January wasn't too bummed by the long strenuous work. Not today. Even she was swearing a subtle smile because the Festival of Remembrance was always quite special.

After all, without the changing of seasons, this was the only real stark reminder that a year had come and gone.

So many had. And so many more will. January had long stopped keeping track.

Aside from the burning that would happen come nightfall, one of the biggest events that colored the Festival of Remembrance was the Grand Parade that was due to begin from the city center and march around in expanding spirals.

This year, like the last, and the next, April was due to stand front and center on the float and perform a heart-wrenching performance. A giant wooden horse painted gold was there in the courtyard. It was a grand an extravagant thing, with glittering fliers stuck to its sides, its back was a long oval platform big enough for three to five people to climb atop but on its head was a smaller but more grandiose platform. The railings were dressed with sparkling gems that glistened pinks and violets when touched by the sun.

The star that stood upon such a stage would surely become a shining diamond that glowed above the entire city.

In the castle's frontcourt, the horse was standing static, two other floats were being prepared at its side, a smaller pink pony, and the other a baby blue dog. There were people milling about, performers dressed in extravagant costumes and painted faces. They shuffled about in a hurry, going over last-minute plans for the wonderful parade.

April was there in her stage outfit, a gown of sky blues and shining crystals and sheen silken sleeves. A silver circlet was worn upon her brow with tiny pearls dangling off strings of rose-gold chains that wove into her long wavy locks. She was a beautiful woman already but today she was like a magnificent goddess that enchanted the mortal realm.

Or she would have been if she wasn't hunched over, leaning against December for balance with cold sweat tumbling down her brow. There were supposed to do a final safety check and opening rehearsal before finally stepping out but April's entire world was swaying. Her nausea was bone-deep and even breathing was agonizing.

Everyone was casting worried glances and silent questions at her husband for news. He shook his head and furrowed his brows, a wordless warning that told people to keep their distance. He tried to rub comforting circles into her back but it was all futile. April's condition did not look like it was going to get better any time soon.

All the commotion and fuss summoned the Princess from her abode. She strolled down to the courtyard and past the looming floats to find April collapsed in December's arms. This wasn't looking good.

"For how long…?" She asked quietly, bending down to get a closer look. They would have called the Royal Doctor instead but he seemed to be asleep in his room and would not waken no matter how loud the summons were. It was a convenient set-up for the Princess to arrive instead.

"An hour now," December's voice was grave. "She wasn't feeling that well in the morning but insisted on coming anyway. But it's only gotten worse since…and now…"

April's body trembled in her husband's hold and her head was hot to the touch and her sweat cold. Ceci tried to summon a soothing spell but the magic went straight to April's belly and was devoured by whatever void that was there.

Princess Ceci blinked, trying to remember the last time she saw a woman pregnant. Her belly swelled with child and a distant voice laughed in the back of Ceci's head, telling her that there was no child there, only a monster. Ceci ignored it and turned her gaze away from April. "We have to take her to the infirmary."

December nodded but he was stopped when April refused to move from the spoke. Her eyes peeled open, pain expressed clearly on her face. "Wait…" she panted shallowly, "What about…the festival…I can't just leave!"

"Your health is far more important than the festival, Dearest," December chided her soft but firmly before sweeping her up in a bridal hold.

Jealously stung in Ceci's chest but it was bittersweet. She smiled at them and led them up through the winding castle halls in search of August's quarters.

The infirmary, as reported by many others, was in fact locked and not an odd occurrence for the Royal Doctor who despised morning above all else. Luckily, Ceci's magic had ultimate authority and she was able to make the lock click from the other side. The three of them burst through the door.

August was jostled awake by the three intruders. He sputtered and blinked with lost confusion, watching December lower April down on one of the infirmary beds.

''Oh my…what happened here?" There was a sigh hidden somewhere in his question.

"April's unwell," Princess Ceci stated the obvious. "Perhaps it's morning sickness?"

December was still very concerned, his nerves not so easily quelled, "It's never been this bad before."

She let out a terrible painful groan, her arms curling around her abdomen. August sighed before he got up to go inspect her condition.

"How is it? Will she be okay?" December pressed the doctor, he wore an expression full of worry.

Ceci was concerned as well but she stayed quiet and only kept vigil. She had a feeling something like this had happened before and everything, as always, was only following a pre-written script.

But today was the Festival of Remembrance and even Ceci had no control of her own magic on this special day.

Instead, it was a day where her magic ruled her.

"It's nothing to worry about," August hummed and Ceci's shoulders instantly sagged from releasing tension she didn't even realize she was holding. "It's just a really bad case of morning sickness. Let me brew her something for her pain."

December didn't look so convinced and still had worry in his eyes, his lips pulled into a frown, "Are you sure? It seems a little extreme. I've never seen morning sickness like this before."

"It's fine, it's fine," August shrugged dismissively as he languidly walked to his counter. Unlike December, Ceci was a lot more trusting of the doctor and was less concerned about the woman groaning in pain.

"How long will it take for the medicine to kick in?" She asked.

The doctor was taking out jars with preserved herbs. "Give it half an hour and it should begin kicking in. But she needs to stay put for the rest of the day, lest she wants it to get any worse."

April gasped and tried to sit up from the bed. But her actions only brought on another onslaught of biting nausea, "I can't! What about the performance!"

December rushed to herself and willed her to remain calm, taking her hand into his and holding her to his chest, "Please, you need to take care of yourself first my dear."

"Don't worry," Ceci finally cut in. She gave the couple a glowing smile, "I'll definitely go and have something sorted. I won't let the festival fall apart!"

Through the agony, there was hope brightening April's countenance, "Oh, will you, Highness? That would truly…ease my heart!" She croaked and trembled but finally, the young woman was able to relax in her husband's hold.

Ceci excused herself and made her way back down to the courtyard. A mischievous smile was upon her lips. She already knew exactly how to continue the parade, the answer was one clear and simple.

She, the Princess, will simply have to take April's place!

One of the maids paid close attention to the Princess's departure from the castle to the courtyard. She was lucky because her brand was above her hipbone, and easy to hide from onlookers. When the coast was clear and no one was around to monitor her actions, she slipped out a small Insomnium ore from her pocket and placed it between her tongue and teeth. The Nightmare that she summoned was only a little black mouse, but that was enough. She set it free into cracks within the walls.