Chapter 3: Festival

I stare after the prince. ‘Was he really looking at me? Or was I making that up?’

His flared pants rustle in the night’s wind sending his earthy scent back in the air. His silky button-up shimmers in the moonlight.

My father pops into view and waves his hand.

“What are you looking at Islet?” He asks. Then turns to look into the crowd. I clear my throat and return my eyes to the jewelry display.

“Nothing,”

“Was it your Twin Ray?” He asks quietly moving closer. To anyone else, his height and size paired with his hard gaze would be intimidating. But to me, I can tell he’s trying to hide how worried he is with a strong face.

“Yes,” I say. He gapes and looks again into the crowd like he can pick them out in the serge of people.

“Who is it?” You haven’t said so yet.”

I shrug my shoulders and let my gaze stay on the way the gems are sparkling from the flashing of lights.

A loud boom goes off following the flashes.

“The fireworks have started! Islet look, your favorite color.” He says cheerily. I glance over my shoulder into the blue sparks, my face grows hot. I can’t pull my eyes from the sky.

Until I feel it, among the several pairs of eyes looking upwards, and the few wandering the festival, only one set of azure eyes keep my attention.

A slow smile spreads over full lips, and Prince Cerulean bows his head. I bow my head though I don’t know if he’s really looking at me.

A woman comes forth next to him. Her long, brunette hair trailing around her like a veil. My stomach sinks.

‘Princess Marilla’

The prince’s smile vanishes and the two of them speak lowly. I can’t see much more when the festival attendees surge forward towards the makeshift stage.

The streamers lining the streets to the platform are decorated with petal decorations and lanterns that shake from the wind and sand kicked up into the air.

“Is it him?” My father asks in my ear. The sudden noise makes me jump and wave my arms.

He gives a big belly laugh, swatting my arms away. “At least I know you can defend yourself, little one.”

“Sorry, father, I was lost in thought.”

My father thrusts his thumb in the direction of the stage. “It’s the prince, right? I could tell by the way you were looking at him.”

I stutter, trying to find the right words. I guess my father’s always been able to see right through me.

“Come on, let’s get a good look at ‘em,” My father says. He grabs my hands and starts pulling me towards the stage.

“W-wait, what about the stand?” I ask. My father shrugs.

“Your sisters are back there, they’ll manage. Plus everyone’s up here anyway.” He says.

How naive could he be thinking that no one would use this time to steal. But if we couldn’t sell much tonight then I doubt a thief without any practice could sell our goods like we can.

People part for my father as if he was the Great Priest. His shadow casting over them is enough for them to scurry to the side, moving themselves and their children so he may get through.

I hide my face under my dyed strands. But everyone can tell it’s me, as no one around here dyes their hair pink. No one but me.

When we arrive at the front, the King has already taken his spot in front of the audience and started speaking.

“We are honored to send our beautiful Princess Marilla off to our neighbor country of Loreilei, in union with Prince Cerulean. Tonight, we will feast, and celebrate as this is a very good day for all.” King Heron calls. He smiles so wide it looks like his teeth will slide out.

I roll my eyes and keep my gaze low.

Princess Marilla is beautiful, this much is true but her outer beauty does not speak for her inner beauty. Which is lacking in ways that ruffles my whole heart. My father bumps me and nods his head at the stage. Then he wiggles his eyebrows. I frown to keep from laughing.

I look up at Prince Cerulean, who swirls whatever strange, rich, drink is in his cup. He looks over the top and holds my gaze.

‘He’s definitely looking at me.’

I wonder how often he looks at people like that like they're the purest water around, water he wants to keep to himself. I shiver and return my attention to the King. As beautiful as the Prince’s eyes are, I’m sure it’s wrong to stare like that. Right? He was spoken for now. My chest squeezes and I try not to think about how unfair it is. Because he’s royalty, and I am a commoner.

I will never have a chance to ask him. ‘What do you see when you look at me?’ I can’t even tell him what I see in those beautiful azure eyes.

My very favorite color.

The King ends his short speech and all the people cheer and clap. I’ve missed what he said being so lost in thought.

We amble back around to enjoy the food and games provided. As the royal family says their last goodbyes, I keep my eyes in front of me and don’t look back. Until cool hands find mine in the darkness. It’s his earthly scent that makes me swoon.

“You’re quite elusive.”

“Should you be hanging around me so much, Your Highness?” I ask boldly. His presence makes the unfairness that much harder to bear. I hope he cannot feel my pulse within my palm. As if hearing my thoughts, he lets me go.

“I wanted to tell you something, is that so wrong?” He asks with a raised brow. A little crease decorates the skin around his eyebrow. I bet he teases people often with his handsome face.

“Of course not, it is an honor to have your company,” I say. I turn to him giving him my undivided attention. But secretly, I did it so that I could memorize all the angles of his face. He was already haunting me in all his regal glory and I was falling for the bait.

“I’d like to buy your serpent piece. I want…a reminder from here.”

There is something about the tone of his voice that makes me hope that he means a reminder of me and not this windswept city.

My heart jumps into my throat. I force myself to stand tall and push back my shoulders.

“Right this way, Prince Cerulean.”