Commoner's Festival (2)

After getting various snacks from the food stalls, Raquel led Ryker to the tiled rooftop of a small building. It was on the outskirts of the commoner’s district with a view of the great Linbourne river which flowed through its namesake city.

The wide river snakes through the large city, splitting it into different districts and being the key source of water in the area. It was also the biggest river in the empire.

When they were seated on the cold, red tiles, night had fallen with a few stars out. The moon was nowhere to be seen however. If not for the magic stone lamps in every corner of the city, everyone would have been in complete darkness.

“It’s a great night for a fire display.” Raquel murmured softly as she looked at the dark sky.

Ryker nodded in agreement. “It is…”

He spotted a few men on the banks of the river, placing crates along the edge of the bank. There were people on the marble bridge, all excitedly looking over the men. It took Ryker a few seconds to guess that those men were going to put on the fire display.

“I wonder how they do it?” Ryker murmured to himself.

“Do what?” Raquel asked before eating a few pieces of shredded meat.

“The fire display. There’s no magic to it yet the Serassi Kingdom could come up with such a magical thing.” Ryker explained, the wheels in his mind turning.

“Can you not use your brain for once and just enjoy something.” Raquel joked, handing him some food.

“Ah sorry…” Ryker apologized as he took the food. “I just like knowing how things operate. It’s interesting how people can create things without the help of magic.”

“I know… We can find out later.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I’ll kidnap one of those men and have them tell you everything your heart desires to know.” Raquel chuckled in a joking manner.

“I think a user’s manual or even a book will be fine.” Ryker muttered dryly.

Raquel shrugged as if either choice didn’t matter to her. “Suit yourself.”

A silence fell over the two as they tried the different snacks they had bought earlier from various vendors. Ryker loved the roasted nuts while Raquel seemed to enjoy the bits of dried meat.

Finally they moved onto the sweets. Raquel had gotten them a small plaited bread that had been fried and dipped in a sweet syrup.

Raquel took a small piece off of one before giving Ryker the rest. Ryker guessed she was just eating one with him to be nice. Over the past few weeks he noticed that Raquel wasn’t much of a sweets person.

She would eat any pastries prepared when they had tea together but would go for the more savory ones.

“Are you sure?” Ryker asked, wanting to be polite.

“Yeah it’s fine. I’ve had them before but it’s probably your first time trying it.” Raquel replied as she popped her piece into her mouth. “Besides, we can always get more.”

Ryker smiled. “Alright.”

He took a bite just as the first fire display went off. Both inside his mouth at the burst of flavors and outside, lighting the night sky a bright pink. He loved the sweetness of the syrup paired off with the cinnamon.

“This is amazing.” Ryker exclaimed in wonder as he stared at the night sky watching it change into different colors.

“The sweet bread or fire display.” Raquel chuckled, looking over at him.

“Both.”

“It is…” Raquel was quiet for a moment watching the fire display. When it came to an end she spoke again, “A simple life like this must be nice.”

“It can be but it doesn’t come without struggles too.” Ryker answered back, understanding what she was talking about.

“I know… But sometimes I do wish I was born as a commoner. It probably sounds stupid but I like the idea of living a simple life. Growing up, learning a trade, finding someone I love and marrying them…”

“It is nice but love is something nobles have to give up on. Our love belongs to commoners who give us the power to affect their lives.” Ryker said. “Besides, being Empress isn’t that bad. You seem to care for others greatly.”

“I suppose so…”

“You know just because you have to give up on love doesn’t mean you can’t find companionship.” Ryker said.

“I guess but there’s not much you can find in the palace.” Raquel muttered. “Sometimes I just want to abandon everything and live in the countryside.”

“You know what will happen if you do that.”

“I know. It’s why I haven’t done it. I guess seeing commoners enjoying something as simple as a festival is making me emotional… Please ignore me.”

“Being emotional isn’t always bad… It just means you’re human.” Ryker murmured, turning to stare into Raquel’s eyes.

“You’re right.” Raquel smiled softly. “I think you’ll make a great companion.”

“After knowing that I’m using you…”

“We’re using each other honestly. But I still respect you.” Raquel stated. “We may not love each other but I think we can come to trust one another.”

Ryker was silent for a moment. While he could see himself being okay with Raquel, he wasn’t sure about trusting her. Maybe it was because of his father’s death but the idea alone made him sick.

Trusting someone would only lead to betrayal.

“I suppose so… But if I was to give you proper advice, it would be to trust no one.” Ryker finally said.

“Because I’m going to be the future empress?” Raquel questioned.

“Yes… People are always bound to break that trust and betrayal is a bitter medicine to swallow.” Ryker muttered.

“Believe me, I understand exactly how betrayal feels.” Raquel muttered, her relaxed body stiffening. “I don’t need to be told that.”

“And yet you still wish to trust people?”

“You may think it’s dumb but sometimes I just want to see the good in everyone.” Raquel sighed, looking back at the darkening sky. “I know it’s stupid and unbecoming of a crown princess but I think it’s what keeps me human… having hope that is.”

Ryker stared at Raquel not sure what to say or even think. He did think she was being stupid, putting unnecessary faith in others but it also made him see the kindness deep inside her.

But perhaps he was wrong to see the evil in everyone.