Yellow hue

The blue hydrangea and the peach dahlias were the ideal combination of beauty and appreciation. The flowers that once enhanced the grandeur of the enormous castle had withered and dropped their petals upon the hard concrete. The lengthy roadway that connected the castle to the front entryway was already dark. The only sounds in the pitch-black night are the chirping of crickets and the light breeze, which makes the air a touch cool. The corridors behind those huge maroon and gray walls were well lit, with the exception of the block that was usually closed. The large hall and its surrounding corridors were deserted, a sign that all of the visitors had left and the party had come to an end. The entire surroundings appeared to be unusually quiet, and the courthouse doors were locked; there were no sounds emanating from inside, despite the fact that it was crowded with numerous pairs of eyes and dunked heads. Each person in the courtroom was glaring at the two people standing in the middle out of their peripheral vision. The prince was looking angry and his grip on the scepter, which rendered his knuckles white, made it clear as he glared at them while they were both remaining silent. Princess Savannah was seated in the distance, cradling her kid, and shielding her eyes from the guilty. The royal advisor was not seated in his regular position but rather stood next to the prince, his eyes showing disappointment. No one spoke a single word, and it appeared as though everyone had lost their voice. As soon as they were returned to the castle, Aura and Coco were ordered to stand in the courtroom. The adviser revealed that he saw Aura and Coco wandering in the town's market, and that Prince Ezekiel hasn't said anything since.

"Why?" Ezekiel questioned while turning away from the two of them. There was a momentary pause. Everyone's gaze was now riveted on the prince. One word, one simple word, and yet the answer seemed to be more difficult to find. Aura and Coco were deafeningly quiet. "Princess? Why?"

And, as if the universe had collapsed before her eyes, Aura glanced at her father, who was heartbroken, and it was all because of her. Ezekiel's voice was firm but rife with a variety of feelings, including fear, caring, carelessness, wrath, despair, and care. Aura could feel every emotion through those simple words. She wanted to rush and hug her father and apologize, but something stopped her, and she stared at an empty space, unwilling to look at her father as remorse crept inside her thoughts. The lack of response incited Ezekiel's anger, and his visage shifted from remorse to anger and frustration. Everyone was taken aback by the prince's irrational behavior because Ezekiel had never before lost control to this extent. Savannah and the advisor were both afraid for a split second as a result of her little stunt. That's what she assumed it to be, a little stunt because she didn't understand how politics worked and wasn't aware of the opponents waiting for opportunities like this. She wanted to go out like other youngsters; she wanted to experience the world outside the castle walls.

"Keep a watch on Princess Aura, Miss Gloria, it is your responsibility." Everyone jumped in response to Ezekiel's yell. The head maid by the side nodded quickly and responded with a yes. "Make sure she either stays in her room or is with her mother all the time." He barked.

Aura was astounded to see him respond in this manner. Did she make a huge mistake? After giving it some thinking, she decided to accept the punishment. " The day after tomorrow is the anniversary of her birth. Soon, everything will proceed according to plan." Aura wondered, "Had they truly planned something?" as she turned to face her father. " Princess Aura is thereafter prohibited from leaving the castle in any way." She was previously permitted to leave the house with security, but now she is no longer granted this right. "And for Coco."

"I was completely responsible, Father..." Aura attempted to defend him, but her words were cut off.

"He took an equal part." Ezekiel grunted. Coco was somewhat afraid of the punishment the prince would hand out. He was aware that what he had done was wrong, but he had promised the advisor that he would stand by Aura. "Mr. Levin, the days of Coco living at the castle are ended; I want you to send him to train for elite knight." The advisor felt a mixture of surprise and sadness. The audience gave Coco a pitying glance as he was chastised under the influence of the princess. Coco expressed no reaction; he was completely unaware of the punishment. The Elite Knights are what? What does the King mean by that, exactly? He turned to face the advisor, who was hunched over next to the throne. His gaze shifted to Aura, who was staring at him, her eyes welling up with tears as she fought the need to wipe them away. "The court has been dismissed." Ezekiel ignored Aura's beseeching glance as he stood up from his seat and strode out of the court.

The head maid led Princess Savannah to her room as soon as Ezekiel left. Aura was unable to do anything but watch her mother leave. She knew what her punishment meant, whether the prince stated it nicely or not—it was something she had never expected: home confinement. As others began to talk among themselves, the tears she had been holding back began to fall down her cheeks. " She wrought havoc once more."

"I might have predicted that, but poor Coco also had to deal with it."

"Poor little guy, he couldn't even speak, and now this."

"I hope she knows what she has done."

After the night was through, the castle fell silent; the incessant chatter of individuals as they went back to their respective quarters stopped. Aura had been brought into her room by Gloria. The young princess slumped on her bed after losing control of her tears. Gloria felt awful for the young girl, but she couldn't do anything about it; all she could do was console her. Aura hugged her pillow as she closed her eyes, her face red with tears. In an effort to put her to sleep, Gloria caressed her head tenderly.

Coco, on the other hand, was sitting on his bed with his head bowed and his gaze fixed on his lap, while Mr. Levin stood near the door with his arms crossed. "I'm not going to question why you did that." Mr. Levin finally broke the stillness. " However, whatever occurred should not have occurred." With his head still bowed, Coco nodded. Are you familiar with what elite knights are?" Coco shook his head. "A person who has been taught to pour a river of blood without mercy is one of the most feared fighters to have ever existed. They were educated to be emotionless, so they won't think twice about using a sword on anyone." Coco listened without blinking as Mr. Levin recounted the elite knights. "The fact that they must be separated from their family is the most terrible aspect, though. We don't make anyone join this organization; it's their decision, but in your instance, you weren't given an option, and I'm worried about you," Coco felt Mr. Levin's touch on his shoulder. " I'm not trying to scare you, kid; I'm simply saying that it might be challenging for you there at first, but I know how resilient you are." Coco gave a sad smile. " Once Princess's birth anniversary has passed, you'll be departing." Coco got up and gave Mr. Levin a warm hug. Mr. Levin was taken aback by that, but he also wrapped his arms. As he withdrew, Mr. Levin willed himself to hold back his emotions. Following a pat on the back, he turned to depart. "Good night, Coco."

The castle was redecorated the next day with orange and yellow Gerbera daisies and Cosmos flowers, the colors of fire. The hue is so vivid that it can be noticed even from a long distance. But unlike two days prior, there was no music playing; instead, only a few mutterings and the sound of shoe heels striking the ground could be heard. Aura and Coco never left their rooms. Claus and Gloria took on the responsibility of providing them food. Princess Savannah was nowhere to be found when Princess Aura needed her mother to pat her head as she slept; even she refused to see the princess. Today was Aura's sixth birthday, and as Gloria dressed her for the day, she was sitting before the mirror in her room.

Aura looked lovely with a purple gown, a pair of golden shoes, and a few hair accessories that complemented her wavy raven hair beautifully. Gloria almost shed a tear when she glanced at her. She reminded her of the late queen Diona. She was the exact image of her mother, with the same lovely eyes and fire in them. She didn't like to tie her hair up, just like her mother, therefore Gloria left Aura's hair loose.

Knock.

The knock on the door broke Gloria's stream of thinking; she stepped back to answer it, but it opened from the other side. With the young prince in her arms, Savannah walked into the room. "Greetings, princess." Gloria gave the Princess a salutation. Aura continued to look down at her lap while still being unconscious of Savannah's presence.

"Princess." As soon as Aura heard Savannah's words, her head jerked up. While Aura was sitting confused with watery eyes, Savannah handed the infant to Gloria and went over to her. Savannah took up the comb and began gently brushing Aura's hair. "Do you know what purple represents?" Aura remained silent and continued to gaze at her image in the mirror. "It is a hue that only the nobles are permitted to wear; it is a sign of majesty, power, and ambition." She pulled out a hairpin and pinned her hair in a half-up, half-down manner, letting the loose strand fall to her shoulders.

"This isn't the hairpin I normally use." said Aura.

"It's a present I'm giving to you. Many many joyous returns of the day, my princess." Savannah smiled. "You look lovely. Let's go see your grandparents and your father. They are waiting for you in the hall." Aura nodded and stood up, her small fingers gripping Savannah's hand as she led her downstairs, and Gloria followed them with little Prince, who was sleeping blissfully.

"I regret that I was unable to attend my grandson's first public appearance." King Larson told Ezekiel.

"Don't worry, Father; you can now see him." Savannah stated as she approached them with Aura.

"Greetings for the day, Princess Aura, and many joyful returns."

"Thank you very much." Aura stood next to her father after bowing respectfully before King Larson. Aura gratefully embraced the gifts of exquisite jewels and clothing that King Larson had brought for her.

"Princess doesn't appear to be herself as usual. She isn't laughing or saying anything entertaining." King Larson smiled as he observed princess Aura was unusually silent and wasn't constantly talking or asking a ton of unexpected questions.

"She is now a young lady." Savannah responded while holding Prince Timothy II in her arms. "Here, your grandson." King Larson noticed that the atmosphere seemed a little strange; Ezekiel appeared different; Aura was not as upbeat as she usually was; and Savannah abruptly changed the subject when he asked about it. In addition, despite the colorful decorations, the castle didn't appear lively. It appeared to be a veil, concealing what was going on inside the castle.

The ceremony was kept brief, with just family members present, and the feast was devoted to the state. There was nothing extra to the ceremony other than sharing a meal in the hall and accepting gifts. Both Ezekiel and Aura shied away from any form of contact. Throughout lunch and even after everyone had left, Aura kept seeking for Coco, who was nowhere to be seen. She pondered. Had he left already? She was currently sitting by herself in her room, while Gloria was working in the kitchen, and two guards waited outside to keep an eye on her. Aura glanced at the blue pendant on her dressing table, exactly as she had left it; it was meant for Coco; she had purchased it for Coco but couldn't give it to him. She had no idea how things would turn out or that she would be imprisoned within her own room with no one to talk to.

Knock.

It was so strange that even though the door was shut from the outside, someone was still knocking. Was it to ridicule the situation she was in? After completing her work in the kitchen, Aura assumed Gloria had arrived, so she didn't turn to face the entrance. But the sound of the infant drew her attention to the door—Savannah had arrived with the young prince.

"How are you doing?" She asked after carefully laying the infant on the bed.

"Thank you, Mamma, I'm fine."

After a little pause, Savannah took hold of Aura's hands and knelt down to her level while addressing her. "Do you agree that whatever happened shouldn't have happened?" Aura gave a nod." However, I want you to understand that what you did wasn't nice, princess." Aura remained silent. "We, your father and I, are not bad people; we care for you and want what's best for you. And as for the punishment, give your father some time. He is only upset and angry."

"I apologize."

Aura was instantly hugged by Savannah. "It's okay, princess; everything will be OK." At her statement, the infant cooed. "Look, your brother is saying the same thing,"

Everything becomes hushed as the day wears on, as if it wasn't already quiet enough. Mr. Levin slowly walked in the direction of Coco's chamber. He made a subtle creaking sound when he opened the door. Coco was packing his folded things into the tiny trunk while seated on the bed. As soon as he recognized Mr. Levin, he grinned and got to his feet. "Have you packed everything?" Coco indicated that everything had been packed by glancing at the trunk. "The time has come." Levin said in a hushed tone.

Mr. Levin escorted Coco out of the castle, where a carriage awaited him. Both of them were greeted by the driver, who then loaded Coco's trunk inside the vehicle. The moment had arrived. Coco was completely committed. His time in the castle had been wonderful for a few months. Here, he picked up a lot of knowledge and gained many of friends. He'd miss this place, and especially Clause and Mr. Levin. This place has been nothing but nice and loving to him. Clause has always been like a brother to him, and Mr. Levin treats him like a son. That everything would be abandoned so quickly and in this manner was not what he had anticipated.

Mr. Levin gave him a huge embrace, feeling sorry for Coco who was innocent and only trying to keep his word. "Your responsibilities have grown much greater; you must now defend not only the princess, but the entire nation." Coco bowed his head without being able to say anything. "And keep in mind to take care of yourself." Mr. Levin rubbed his shoulders as he withdrew. Coco rummaged about in his pocket for the yellow ring as he stared towards the palace and yearned to see someone. The fact that the window was shut and the lights were out suggested that the person inside was already asleep. "She is not allowed." Mr. Levin could tell by the look on Coco's face that he was looking for the princess. "It is home confinement." Coco averted his eyes, as if it were his fault. "Don't hold it against yourself."

Coco boarded the carriage and waved a final farewell to Mr. Levin as it began to move. He pulled the ring from his pocket and admired the yellow stone as he thought back to the day Aura was crafting the flower tiara. Aura was similar to the hue yellow, which is associated with joy and sunshine; she was a ray of warmth. When he thought of her, she always brought a smile to his face, and yellow came that to mind too. He put the ring on his pinky finger and vowed to protect her no matter what it took, even if it meant staying away. The carriage continued to advance, then vanished into the streets. With a sorrowful heart and the sense of having lost a piece of himself, Mr. Levin entered the castle. What he failed to notice was that Prince Ezekiel was watching out his window; as soon as the carriage left and Mr. Levin returned inside, he moved away. He let out the breath he had been holding. These were difficult choices to make, but he was left with no other options. He felt awful for breaking so many people's hearts, but he couldn't ignore the obligations that came with being in a position of power. He loathed himself for treating Aura like that and for sending her to house confinement as punishment. He was so preoccupied with his thoughts that he was unaware that he was in front of Aura's chamber.

"She's sound asleep." Savannah spoke and stepped aside to let him in. The lights had been turned out, and the moon was the only source of illumination in the room. Ezekiel entered the space and looked at the two people dozing on the bed. Aura appeared content in her slumber as she slept comfortably next to her brother, Timothy. Aura twisted in her sleep as Ezekiel perched on the edge of the bed and gently stroked her head. "Timothy couldn't sleep without her, so I—" To signal Savannah to stop talking, Ezekiel nodded and put his finger on his lip. She smiled and muttered, "I'm sorry."

"You've been a wonderful big sister; my princess is now a grown-up lady." Ezekiel smiled, tears welling up in his eyes. He felt horrible when he saw Aura's cheeks smeared with tears. He had made his princess cry. " Princess, I'm very sorry; I didn't intend to. I'm sorry, Diona; I'm sorry, Alaric; I've been a horrible father to Princess." He began to cry, his voice muffled as he made an effort not to make any noise that would disturb his children, and Savannah soon embraced him. "Savannah, I can't take it any longer. I can't." In an effort to soothe him, Savannah softly caressed his head. "When are you going to return, Alaric?"

"Everything will work out just fine. Have faith in the Almighty." As she tenderly stroked his back, Savannah muttered. "I'll make sure of it."

The castle was searching for happiness, which seemed to be a difficult thing to find with so many damaged souls. Despite his best efforts, Ezekiel was losing control of the situation while his brother was away. Mr. Levin was terrified that something would occur very soon, and Coco had already left. He never had his own family and had found it in Coco, but now he was also gone. Between her daughter and son, Savannah struggled. Coco sensed the warmth and brightness leaving his side. And Aura, she had lost her free will as well as her only and first friend. What their fates hold is yet uncertain; they are like puppets dancing to the rhythm of their own twisted destiny.