Chapter 5

The next few days Evanthia and I spoke more frequently and she started coming to father's study with me. He was surprised but he was glad too. One evening when we in were his study discussing about court politics, aunt Val and uncle Vasilikios came in ,debating about something that we couldn't really make out but Aunt Val was almost yelling at him.

"What is this about?" father asked in a stern voice.

Aunt Val and Uncle looked at each other and said simultaneously "Nothing". There was clearly a heated debate there but father ignored them.

Uncle Vasilikios finally broke free from aunt's glares and said "why did you call us here?"

"The Sairiose festival is coming up. I need you to increase the guards on the tavern and the Union road. And I want Valerie to look after the needs and wants of the traders. See to it that they don't have any problem and neither do the customers. Talk to the ministers, they'll help you out."

This was going to be exciting. Every year Nydalidia and Astmath, in a joint tradition would set up annual traders market and celebrate this festival. It was the day when Ámosees moved out of Lothuvia and declared themselves independent. It was actually for 2 days but the festivities lasted for a week. The air would be filled with sound of music and the aroma of food and spices and once every year we would forget about our differences and celebrate. However, with the increasing hostilities of the 2 kingdoms the festivities turned bloodier every year. Father's spies also spoke about the illegal fights organized in the festival.

This meant that we couldn't go. Father was concerned about our safety and he had his valid points. But every year for the past 3 years I would sneak out with Masiol and enjoy the festivities for almost every day of the week. The few days of the year when I was reckless and free. Obviously it had to be kept a secret so nobody knew about it, except Masiol. Father would declare the bazaar open for Nydalidians and so would Astmath. This year however was different. I had to skip a day. The prince of Glikaraach was coming on the day after father would declare the festival. Which meant I had to be present.

I went straight to the library afterwards where I knew I would find Masiol. As I entered the massive library I saw him immersed in a book. I went and said in a hushed tone " The bazaar starts tomorrow and we're going the day after the welcome feast for prince of Glikaraach. I don't know how but you have to make the arrangements. I have a packed schedule you see." I turned to leave and heard his protests but did not turn around.

I woke up the next day and started getting ready for the event of Declaration. Carrissi, Shayla and Mounara helped me get ready for the event.

"How does the city look Carrissi?" I asked out of curiosity.

"It's beautiful out there princess. I wish you could see it too." I smiled . Father would rarely let us out since mother died for our safety. So, we never got to meet many citizens. Vasilios didn't really bother and broke this rule time and again.

After getting dressed I headed out towards the entrance of the Palace. Every year father would announce the festival open for the common people in a ceremony. He would visit the grave of Erinia and ask for her blessings. Then he would visit the temples of the 9 divines and come out at the entrance carrying the flame of freedom to ignite two huge pits at the entrance which were put out after a month. He would then ask for the blessings of the nine priests and declare the beginning of the festival and the people would cheer and go ahead with their festivities and a Parade was held on the second day.

This year was no different. As I, Evanthia ,Vasilios, uncle Vasilikios and aunt Valerie stood in the order of succession to the throne ,father performed his ceremony. After this as I headed towards my chambers I saw Masiol in the hallway. He handed me a set of clothes. "Be ready in an hour. We leave now."

"Are you insane? Not today Masiol. It's the beginning of the festival and we have a feast tonight ,remember?"

"It'll hardly take us 4 hours there and they wouldn't mind if you called in sick would they? People are too busy with the preparations to even notice. It's perfect. Plus this is way more exciting!"

"Fine. Where do we meet?"

"Meet me at the stables in an hour and avoid any luxury garments or jewels." With that he left and I walked to my chambers. To my surprise, Vass was standing outside my door. In a desperate attempt to hide the clothes in my hand, I moved my hand swiftly behind my back.

"Why wouldn't she reply to my letter?" Vass looked irritated.

"Who?" I was lost for a moment before it hit me. Shayla!

"You mean Shayla? How should I know?" I said.

"Because you always know everything Verina". Yes I kind of did.

"Look. Maybe she heard someone talk about you. I promise I spoke about the good side. But I think she doesn't like men who look like trouble and you my brother, you smell like trouble from a mile away. It's not her fault. As far as I think, she likes responsible men. Plus maybe she could also be a little intimidated by your position. "

He heard my points carefully and with a nod he left.

I entered the room and called in Mounara. I asked her for her help to distract the guards and even through her thousand protests, I changed and left. I avoided the hallway. There was a passage for all the royals and high ranking nobles that led straight to stables. It was meant for emergency scenarios but I used it every year.

As I reached the stables I expected nobody to be there. To my surprise there was a guy working at the stable.

Who works today? He was tall and had platinum blonde hair. I sneaked past him and reached the spot where Masiol had asked me to wait. He arrived a few seconds later and we left the castle.

The ride outside the castle felt like freedom. The forest was about an hour away from the capital. The smell and the sounds of the festival hit me before I could see the bazaar. Sure the city had festivities too. But I couldn't go there freely without being noticed.

Here, away from Erarenia, I felt free. As we entered the bazaar we saw stalls of traders all lined up. From spices, to handicrafts to the furriest coats. It had everything.

"It's amazing. It's even bigger than last year" I said as I admired the lanterns overhead. There was music and people dancing in the middle of the bazaar.

I and Masiol roamed around a few stalls a bit and danced with the folk.

"I need a drink. I'm exhausted. Let's head to the tavern." He gestured towards the large creeky tavern just opposite to the bazaar. I nodded and we went in.

He asked me to go in while he went and got something for Nayella.

I reached for the door but it opened before I could reach the handle. I looked up to see a tall, masculine figure with the most beautiful , intense icy blue eyes I had ever seen. Those eyes that stared back at me were outrageously beautiful.

"Lycargos, wait" a man inside the tavern shouted out his name which pulled me out of the trance, as he hurried towards him. And with a charming smile he gestured me to come in.

Damn it! What was happening? Why was I blushing?