Chapter 14: The Spring Festival

At the castle grounds Winston and Lillian spend the day with nobles who are visiting the castle. Winston notices Lillian keeps her distance; only staying around him for a short time. He suspects it has something to do with whatever her and Selena are fighting about. He has tried to find out what is going on between them, but she refuses to tell him. As he watches her with her ladies his mother comes up to him.

"I'm shocked you two haven't made your way into town to spend time with Vincent and Selena.", she says approaching him. Winston snaps out of his thoughts and shifts his focus to his mother. "Will they be attending the festivities here?", she goes on.

Winston's eyes shift away as he answers. "I have no idea.", he answers simply before taking a drink from his cup.

"Are you still not talking? Honestly, what is going on with the four of you?", Winston's mother replies annoyed. Winston doesn't know what's going on with Lillian, but as for him and Vincent he can't get over the fact that his friend won't help him when he needs him.

"It's nothing.", Winston settles on.

"That's obviously not true. You two never stopped speaking to each other of your own accords.", she responds. "What about you and Lillian then? You two are distant I see?"

"That I know even less; which is nothing. It has been done by her.", Winston says.

"I see... Have you talked to her?", the queen mother offers. Winston admits to himself it hasn't occurred to him to ask. What with everything that's happening.

"I haven't gotten around to it.", he admits.

"Hm... You all are about to venture into dark waters. Uncharted and deep they are. If you all intend to survive. You need each other.", his mother responds before walking away. "For the sake of the kingdom and yourselves, I do hope you intend to do so and fix whatever is broken tonight.", she goes on as she does.

Winston says nothing as he ponders over his mother's words. He gulps down the last of his drink as a horn sounds alerting everyone to the coming announcement.

"All visitors please make your way to the jousting field! The show is about to begin!", the servant says. Another servant approaches Winston as he finishes and with a friendly nod and smile he places his cup on the plate. He then goes over to Lillian to escort her to the field.

"Come Lillian. We should get going.", he tells her. Lillian had just been smiling with her friends, but at the sight of Winston it vanishes. Instead it is replaced by a more neutral expression.

"Of course.", she says. A pang of hurt hits Winston in his heart. Nonetheless he offers his queen his arm and as she takes it he notices her hesitation.

Neither of them speak as they traverse to the field. When they arrive they first run into Alexander and his wife.

"Good day, dear cousin. Queen Lillian.", he greets them.

"Alexander. Jessica.", Winston returns. "Are you two ready for the show?"

"We are...it's a shame Vincent didn't show though. I'm actually quite surprised. He is the reason this is happening after all.", Alexander speaks.

Winston's face betrays his sudden remembrance. He had forgotten Vincent is a major investor of the sport. Especially in this part of the kingdom and so is Alexander.

"You two must be proud. ", Winston says.

"He's right. The two participants even come from one of your training camps, yes?", Lillian speaks.

"One from my camp and the other from Vincent's.", Alexander clarifies with a nod.

"That's what makes Vincent not being here even more odd. Do either of you know where he could be?", Jessica says. Winston's body tenses a little.

"Afraid not. He must have got caught up with something in town.", Winston replies.

"Hmm... Well I see his head trainer. Whether he attends or not he will know what happens.", Alexander tells them after a quick look around.

"Well, we better get started then.", Winston says. Once everyone is seated Winston begins his opening speech welcoming everyone to the Spring Festival Jousting. He also acknowledges the major contributors to the revival of the sport including Alexander and Vincent before introducing the competitors and beginning the match.

The competitor from Vincent's training camp is a young man of twenty-five years of age with black hair and grayish eyes. Evidence that his family originates from the central part of the kingdom west of the Andreious river. Alexander's competitor is of the same age, yet appears to be descended from the original inhabitants of the river region having dark chestnut brown hair and amber colored eyes.

"Interesting, just these two show how different the sport will be from just two decades ago.", Winston hears a nearby noble speaks.

"You're right. You would have never seen competitors from the river lands or central lands back then, but they do have eastern descended mentors.", another noble replies. As the competitor from Alexander's camp takes the first point Winston admits the older men are right and hopes this is a good sign of things to come.

The joust lasted three rounds with Alexander's competitor pulling out a one point victory. Though the event was merely to restart nobles' interest in the sport the cheers are no less exciting.

........

When night falls the center of Lumorra comes to life as the Spring Festival Ball gets ready to begin. Located not too far from the castle the square glows with candles seated on stands of various heights and the sound of the musicians fill the night air. Both nobles and commoners, dressed in their best, gather.

"Are you sure he will be fine?", Selena asks Vincent as they approach the square.

"Yes, I'm sure. He was asleep when we left.", he tells her referring to their guest. Selena's face still shows her concern and in truth Vincent couldn't blame her. "Let's just enjoy the ball for now and we'll leave early.", he tells her comfortingly. Selena looks to him and nods in agreement.

The sound of horns announces the arrival of King Winston and Queen Lillian. Everyone stops where they are and turns in the direction of the coming monarchs.

"They're here.", Selena says simply. Vincent only nods as a reply as his eyes scan over the crowd. Surprised, his eyes stop at the sight of a young woman with chestnut brown hair and a swollen belly. Vincent's eyes narrow in suspension. He gathers his energy in his eyes resulting in them glowing faintly and recognizes her aura.

'That's Vanessa. She is pregnant.' , he thinks.

"What is it?", Selena asks as everyone returns their attention to the ball. Vincent watches Vanessa for a moment before answering.

"Do you see that woman there? She is pregnant, but she is also alone.", Vincent says. Selena turns in the direction her husband referred to and spots her.

"What about her?", Selena replies confused. Vincent leans into Selena's ear.

"That is Vanessa.", he whispers before leading his wife away. Selena's eyes widen. She attempts to turn to get another view of Winston's lover. Vincent sighs.

"See... This is why I moved you away.", Vincent tells her annoyed.

"But I just... I mean...I didn't get a good look.", Selena retorts.

"Yes you did. Come on the first dance is about to start.", Vincent counters.

.........

As they approach Winston searches the crowd for Vincent and Selena, but doesn't see them from where they are. With disappointment he raises his hand with a smile allowing everyone to return to the ball.

"Who were you looking for?", Lillian asks.

"Our friends.", Winston answers simply. Lillian turns to him.

"Really? You haven't spoken to Vincent in a while.", she comments as they start walking.

"You're one to talk. I suppose you and Selena have been talking the whole time and I just haven't noticed.", Winston replies jokingly with a smile. An uneasiness appears in Lillian's eyes. A moment passes before she says anything.

"Whatever happened between you two; what made you want to fix it now?", she asks somberly. They stop just outside the dance floor.

"My mother said something to me... and realized she was right. Now is not the time for us to be bickering among ourselves. We need to be able to depend on one another and focus on the real problem.", Winston explains seriously. Lillian turns her eyes to him as she listens. Her eyes close half way at her husband's words.

"That's true.", she says simply turning away.

"I don't know what's going on between you and Selena, but you two need to talk it out. Tonight preferably. I will do the same with Vincent.", Winston goes on.

"Okay.", Lillian nods. Winston gives her a half smile.

"Before that though...", he starts off taking hold of Lillian's hands. "We need to fix this distance between us.", Winston goes on as he leads her to the dance floor.

"What are you doing?", Lillian asks surprised.

"Have you forgotten? Its costumery for the king and queen to perform the first dance.", Winston counters teasingly.

.........

Vincent and Selena join the crowd around the dance floor. As it clears for King Winston and Queen Lillian the music begins to play. Vincent and Selena watch along with the other attendants of the ball though Selena doesn't enjoy the scene. Actually the beautiful moment causes her to feel hurt for her friend.

"I can't believe he is doing this to her. Doesn't King Winston love her?", Selena speaks quietly. Vincent exhales heavily through his nose.

"He does, but it's not the same love that a husband should have for his wife. That type of love belongs to Vanessa.", Vincent tells her as they watch Winston and Lillian gaze into each other's eyes. Though Vincent can tell it's not the same. The loving closeness that Winston forced to be there is gone.

'He's not trying anymore though.', Vincent realizes sadly. Dogwood flower petals are released as others begin to join in, but Vincent's eyes don't leave his friends and the tragically beautiful scene they created. Others join in gradually until nearly everyone is on the dance floor swirling around in a circular motion with King Winston and Queen Lillian at the center. Everyone moved on light feet and under the stars and flames that burned bright.

A knot settles in Vincent's stomach at the sight of Winston and Lillian while uneasiness manifests within Selena's eyes. Looking up he spots Vanessa on the other side watching Winston and Lillian.

After sharing a dance Vincent and Selena head to the refreshments' table; planning to head home afterwards.

"I'm happy to see you two here.", the voice causes Vincent and Selena to turn to see Winston and Lillian.

"King Winston, Queen Lillian. How are you?", Vincent greets them surprised. Winston hesitates before answering.

"Could be better. We missed you at the castle today.", he says. Vincent grins awkwardly.

"We couldn't find the time.", Vincent replies. His guard up. Hurt flashes in Winston's eyes. Selena and Lillian look to each other.

"Queen Lillian.", Selena greets her simply.

"Lady Selena.", Lillian replies.

"Uh, may I borrow him for a moment, Selena?", Winston asks.

"Of course. As long as Lillian stays.", she replies.

"Sure, I wanted to talk to you anyway.", Lillian speaks. Winston nods his head in thanks and looks to Vincent.

"Will you come?", he asks.

"Sure.", Vincent replies before turning to Selena. "I'll be back.", he tells her. Selena nods her head before Vincent follows Winston away.

The two head away toward the edge of the ball.

'What could he want to say?', Vincent thinks as he walks behind his friend. His eyes close half way as he remembers Selena's words to him at home.

"Did you hear about the joust?", the question brings Vincent's attention back.

"I did. Jonathan informed me not too long ago.", Vincent replies.

"I see...", Winston replies. He turns around to face his friend. He looks down before bringing his eyes back up. Neither says anything for a moment until finally the silence is broken by Winston. "M-my mother spoke to me today. She's noticed that we haven't spoken for while.", Winston says awkwardly.

"Let me guess. An apology is next?", Vincent says.

"It's not just for that reason. She helped me see that we can't afford to be mad or distant from each other. Not right now. We need each other and... ", Winston trails off and sighs before going on. "How have you felt these past days?", Vincent is surprised by the question. He shifts his weight on his feet.

"I have to admit it's been weird. Can't say it's been enjoyable.", he replies not meeting Winston's eyes. "At the same time I'm not taking back what I said.", he goes on looking at his friend. Winston smiles half heartedly.

"I know and I wouldn't want you to, but there are some things that I must take back. For those I am sorry, but I will not apologize for asking for your help.", Winston says. "You must understand you are my best friend. My first friend. You could not expect me to ask for your help.", Winston explains.

"I know. It's okay.", Vincent assures him. A look of relief comes upon Winston's face and Vincent smiles. King Winston turns and looks up to the night sky for a moment.

"I'm not going to see you tomorrow. Please be safe on your journey and come back as soon as possible.", Winston says turning his head to Vincent.

"I know... Don't worry I will.", Vincent replies. Winston fully faces his friend silently. An unsure look appears on his face.

"You know... There was a time...I-I thought I loved you.", Winston confesses awkwardly scratching the side of his face lightly. A shocked look comes on Vincent's face. He never expected to hear such words from Winston. He barely recollects his thoughts to notice that Winston is looking to him expectedly.

"What do you mean used to?", Vincent brings himself to say. Winston doesn't reply though a confused look appears on his face. "Ah, you meant the same way you love Vanessa, didn't you?", Vincent says chuckling. "Do you know what love is King Winston?"

"Hmm... It's what a married couple feel for each other, but I'm guessing I'm wrong?", Winston answers.

"Love is something we all are commanded to do by God. Jesus Christ even teaches it more than anything else. It's more than just a romantic feel. To love is to truly care for someone. To be there for them even if they are your greatest enemy and want the best for them.", Vincent explains.

"I see... So...what is love Vincent?", Winston asks.

"Hmm... Love...is many things. It's an energy, so it varies, but the one thing it can not be is unsure. That's what I learned...from you."

"Me?!", Winston questions, shocked. Vincent smiles.

"I love you too. Ever since we were kids. However, I had to learn that the love I have for you is not the same as I have for Selena or the same as your mother and father have for you. Moreover, it's only when you do conventional things in unconventional relationships is when it becomes a problem and that can be anyone who's not truly married. Since true marriage is a covenant or agreement.", Vincent explains.

"Ohhh... I see what you're saying.", Winston replies, understanding. He then thinks for a moment.

"So the sin I thought I would have committed with you. I ended up committing with Vanessa anyway?", Winston says.

"In addition to adultery, but yes.", Winston tells him matter of factly. Winston nods understanding.

"Huh, so I messed up either way?", Winston asks Vincent. Vincent crosses his arms with a smug grin.

"Pretty much.", he replies. A light chuckle escapes Winston.

"So when we were younger and that night we fought Benjamin...if I would have...kissed you. Would have I been wrong?", Winston's words become more hesitant as he realizes what he is saying. A moment passes before Vincent answers as the scenario plays in his head.

"Kissing is what we make it. Children kiss their parents and the same is true in reverse. I suppose it would depend on one's intentions.", he speaks finally.

"I didn't know better then so I can't say.", Winston admits. Vincent looks to his friend and thinks about where else his journey is going to lead him before deciding something.

"I plan on coming back, but... I can't say this isn't one thing I've wanted to do.", Vincent confesses before kissing Winston on the cheek. The act causes Winston's eyes to widen in surprise. He faces his friend and Vincent sees the restraint in his eyes.

"I can't. Because I can't promise my thoughts are or will remain pure.", Winston confesses. Vincent nods understandably.

"And I don't want to be the cause of your sin. I love you too much to endanger your soul.", he says. Resulting in a smile to be shared by both of them.

.........

Lillian and Selena watch as their husbands walk off. Lillian tries to gather her thoughts, for she isn't sure how to start her conversation with Selena or what to say.

"Does... Vincent knows what happened?", she asks Selena.

"No. Does King Winston?", Selena replies equally plain. Lillian looks to Selena out of the corner of her eye.

"No. He doesn't.", Lillian responds. A moment passes before she goes on. "I...really do want to fix things between us. You have been a very good friend to me and I always hoped that our friendship was a true one.", Lillian shares earnestly.

"It is Queen Lillian!", Selena responds instantly. "That is why you should know I would never lie to you about such a thing! I told you what I told you because you are my friend!", as Selena goes on Lillian turns to her. "I love you! I care about you and I couldn't tolerate you not knowing what was happening!", Selena takes a breath and releases it. "At the same time... I didn't expect anything else for your reaction.", Lillian says nothing for a moment after Selena's words. Her eyes lower to the ground.

"You expected my reaction, yet you still told me.", Lillian says partly to herself. She raises her eyes to her friend.

"A true friend would tell you the truth no matter what.", Selena tells her.

"Honestly, a part of me believed you, but I really didn't want to. Selena...! Do you realize how stupid I would feel if I accept this?! First the dream and now to find out it's warning was that my husband has not been faithful!", Lillian vents to Selena.

"Your highness, you must be quiet! This is not the place to let these things be voiced!", Selena warns her friend urgently. Lillian falls silent, but her face betrays her need to say more. Selena looks around to see if anyone has heard. Thankfully it seems they are safe. "So you believe me?"

"I-I don't want to... I really don't want to, Selena.", Lillian replies deeply troubled, but quieter.

"I'm afraid you don't have a choice...and I'm really sorry to say this but there is more.", Selena tells her. Lillian follows Selena's eyes and spots a woman around their age pregnant.

"Why are you looking at her?", Lillian asks. A hesitant look comes into Selena's eyes.

"Oh! Umm..."

"Selena. Is that... Is that the woman Winston is with?", Lillian asks.

"My lady, I just found out who she was today. If I tell you who she is...will you promise me not to do anything drastic?", Selena counters. A confused look covers Lillian's face.

"Why would you ask that of me?", she says.

"Because I know you, Queen Lillian.", Selena replies simply. "I need your word.", at Selena's request Lillian has to admit that Selena's concern was well placed. Her friend knows of her past and even she couldn't be too sure of her reaction.

"Very well. I give you my word she will receive no harm from me. You have my word.", Lillian yields. Selena nods satisfied.

"Her name is Vanessa and she is also pregnant. That is all I know.", Selena confirms. Lillian draws in a sharp breath and her eyebrows rise up. "I'm so sorry.", her friend breaths. Lillian is unable to find the words to reply right away.

"I-I... I have to go.", Lillian breathes before turning away.

"Lillian wait!", Selena says, reaching out for her friend, but Lillian doesn't hear her and continues on in disbelief.