Beyond Expectations

"Have you heard of the new carnival coming to town?" A tiny lively voice asked the fellow girl beside her. Her brown hair was tied to a messy ponytail. They strolled lazily on the pathway enjoying their recess. On their left was a field, it was compact with kids playing and chatting with one another, their screams could be heard miles away.

"Yes! My sister told me all about it, I just can't wait to go there!" Her friend replied in delight.

"I heard the games are fantastic!" She exclaimed.

"Really? I do love games. I am so glad that My Mom agreed for me to go!"

"You have asked yours, already?" Her friend inquired.

"Oh yes! She was cool with it. You haven't asked yours?"

She thought for a bit, turned to her with a bright smile "I am sure she would not say no!"

"Great!"

"Hey! Do you want to. . ." The question hung in her throat.

Calling her attention was a little girl of their age, standing quietly at a corner, she seemed interested in their tiny conversation.

They exchanged looks, both agreeing on the same thing, they sauntered towards her.

"Hey, Emilia do you wanna come with us to the carnival?" The brunette asked.

Shock filled her pale green eyes as she stared at the girls who looked at her, expectantly.

"Really?" Her voice was low, almost a whisper.

They nodded affirmatively.

"I would. . ." She paused, the joy in her eyes faded slowly, she hung her head avoiding their gaze.

"I would love to but I have to babysit my baby brother!" She replied sadly.

"Oh!"

"Well, I guess maybe next time then!" They turned around and continued their walk not sparing her a glance.

Fun! A word so easy to say but so very difficult to have. It seemed to fade, drifting further away from her grasp as the years drew by.

"Hey Emilia!" A voice called out.

She looked up from her screen, resting on the edge of the cubicle, a friendly colleague of hers smiled warmly at her.

"I have got an extra ticket to this awesome circus in town, wanna come with?" He inquired.

Prior to giving a response, her phone vibrated on her table. A notification popped up.

'Urgent Family Dinner. You must attend!.

From Mom'.

She let out a sad breath, "Sorry, I can't. Something came up!" She replied with a forced smile.

"Next time then!" He said, turned around swiftly and left.

* * * * *

She drew in a long breath. She wished not to remember those moments but strangely they occured in her mind which made her question the possibility of ever having a tiny opportunity of being close to having fun! For as long as she could remember, there was never a time she was allowed to be happy.

Her life evolved around her family and always been there for them but. . . Was there ever a time that they were there for her?

Did they even miss her now that she is in this strange world?

Will they be sorrowful that their money maker was gone?.

These questions tugged her heartstrings, it ached her inner being knowing that they will never be answered.

"It seems that we have arrived!".

Cedric's voice drew her attention, she stared ahead.

The capital was garnished with decorations, candle lights illuminated the houses boring a good resemblance to the stars that lit the night sky. Different ornaments adorned the tiny stands situated at every corner, they each bore a different item_ Clothes, tiny trinkets that Edward spoke of and snacks she never knew of their existence. The streets were dense, children ran about playing and screaming in delight with soft warm smiles of untold euphoria.

Voices, laughter and beautiful Alderian music resonated the air. The happiness that spread across the streets was tactile.

She walked further into the streets, entranced by what was before her. A broad smile spread across her lips, her eyes widened with immeasurable gladness as she looked around her. It was beyond her expectations, her imagination did not do justice to the sight.

She closed her eyes, taking deep breaths, perceiving different fragrance and aromas. A peculiar aroma tugged her nostrils. Its redolence reminded her of sweet baked cupcakes.

She followed the sweet scent, it led her to a nearby stand. Her brows furrowed at its simplicity. It stood out from the rest of its companions but that was not her main objective, she stared at the exceptional snacks on display.

"May I ask what brings you here my lady?" A small, soft voice inquired.

She looked up to discover a little girl at the other end smiling warmly at her.

"Uh! I actually have no idea. I just followed the fragrance of one of the snacks in your stand!" She replied coyly.

"Aaah! You must be referring to our festival specialty. The Alderian puff balls!" She referred to the fuzzy looking colourful balls on sticks.

Rosalind was taken aback by the name "The Alderian puff balls?".

The surprise in her eyes wasn't missed by the little girl "This must be your first time seeing it, My Lady! They are as soft as air and sweeter than honey. They are tiny heavens to the tongue, an absolute delight!" She said with much enthusiasm.

Hearing the little girl's words about it, intrigued her more.

"May I have a taste then?" Rosalind requested, her taste buds seemed eager to feel the puff balls exactly as they were described.

She reached out for the nearest balls, on the stick and handed it to her. Rosalind accepted it gladly, taking a bite of the first puff balls. She moaned softly, the flavors were undescribable as they melted in her mouth.

He watched her quietly, she seemed lost in her little world. Her expression when they got to the capital will forever be imprinted in his heart, she bore the look of a naive innocent girl when bestowed presents. It was a look he never expected, it was pristine and alluring. He drew closer to her whilst she gulped down the strange looking snack in her hands.

"You have to try one of these!" She mumbled to him as she gulped down another.

He stared at her, awe transformed his features, her cheeks were puffy whilst she chewed on them, a soft smile tugged the corner of his lips.

"I don't think I need to!" He replied whilst watching her with gladness in his eyes.

"If you say so!" She replied with a shrug.

Rosalind turned to the little girl "Can I have more of the puff balls?".

"Of course My Lady!" She replied gleefully "Which one would you like to try next?" She referred to the arrays of puff balls arranged neatly on the tray.

Her eyes darted from one stick of balls to another as she struggled on a decision to make.

Cedric stared at the last puff ball on the stick she held in her hand stretched out a little before him. It bore a resemblance to a tiny ball of cloud and it suddenly seemed fascinating. Curiosity got the best of him. He inched closer to her whilst she paid attention to the dilemma she was in. He inclined forward, taking a bite of it.

She felt a shadow tower over, without much warning she turned swiftly. Their eyes met!.

Her breath hitched in her throat as she stared at him, this was the first time she has ever stared directly at him, gazing into his eyes which mirrored two crystal blue oceans that twinkled under the sunlight.

She blinked slowly, spellbound by the beauty she could not portray. Her heart skipped a beat, something she never thought could occur being with him.

He seemed a bit disconcerted—he had being caught. He took another bite, the tip of his tongue slowly grazed his lips wiping off the excess sugar. Her lips parted slightly as she watched him.

"It does taste great!" He said, standing tall.

"What?" She asked, still in a daze.

"The strange snack!" He replied awkwardly.

"Huh!"

"My Lady, you haven't made a decision yet!" The little girl's voice echoed in her head, drawing her back.

"Oh! Of course!" She turned to her while trying to be collected.

Her mind was in a haze, she pointed at two random sticks. The girl picked them up and handed it to her.

Rosalind took out a tiny leather pouch and placed it on the stand.

Being curious, the little girl slowly opened it, her eyes grew as wide as saucer whilst staring at the amount within.

"My Lady, this is. . ."

"You deserve it!" Rosalind said cutting her off.

"Thank you so much, My Lady!" She said gratefully, the joy within her was apparent.

They took a couple of steps forwards through the claver, clamorous compact crowd. A voice louder than the rest, yelled a few feet from them.

"Come forth! Come forth! Watch in wonder an excellent play about our great empire!" It called out, attracting a few people from the crowd.

Rosalind inched closer, curious by his words. Cedric walked closely behind her, not wanting to loose sight of her.

A tiny group of people surrounded the yelling man, each intrigued as she was.

The yelling man took a step back and paved way for them—his hands stretched out pointing to a makeshift theatre. He led them to it, they each sat down on the makeshift chairs available.

Once everything was settled, the play began.

"Ohh! A play! I have never seen one of those for a long time!" She stated, beaming happily as the curtains drew open and the lights dimmed.

Cedric's eyes rested on her whilst hers were glued to the stage. A smile formed on his lips as he watched her, being more interested in her than any play that was about to unfold.

"Long ago, over hundreds of years ago! Our empire was created!" A female voice spoke in the background, echoing in the silence.

A painting of the empire was displayed as the backdrop.

"It was ruled to greatness by the One and only Royal Alderian Family, The Montelio Family. . .!"

Minutes flew by as she watched, enthralled by the play, its characters and the plot—it all felt new to her; she learned things about the empire that she knew no idea about.

"Brother! It seems the rumors were true!" The actor playing the part of a past King spoke, bearing a stunned but composed emotion "You were planning a revolution behind my back!".

"I had no choice! You pushed me to my limits!" His brother yelled in rage "The people suffer daily because of your tyranny! This is the only way to ease their pain!".

The King took a deep long breath, "Very well! If this is how things between us will end! So be it!". He pulled out a sword and charged at him.

Their swords clashed against each other, they fought across the stage whilst she watched in awe, amazed by their acting on stage.

Unbeknownst to the King, his brother pulled out what seemed to be a sword of ice and stabbed him with it. He collapsed to the ground, sadness framed his features, Shock! Confusion! Pain—filled his eyes as he stared at his killer with trembling hands.

"I am sorry!" His brother spoke solemnly, watching with pain in his eyes as his beloved brother die in his hands.

He let out a scream, clutching his cold dead body against him.

Rosalind felt her eyes get teary as she watched the play. Cedric's eyes widened as he noticed the tears roll down her cheeks, he was too stunned to speak. He had no clue of what to do in this situation, not being a comforter to crying ladies.

He did the least thing he could do, patting her hands gently_ something, the Royal nannies did whenever he cried when he was little.

"Thank you!" She said softly whilst dabbing her eyes with the handkerchief she brought with her.

A tiny smile tugged his lips at her words.

>>>> "So let me get this straight!" Rosalind said once the play was over, they had left the theatre and wandered the streets, "Your great, great grandfather killed his brother because he was a tyrant and became King?"

"Indeed he did!" Cedric replied simply.

"Wow!" She still couldn't wrap her head round it "Do you ever ponder if your brothers would do the same to you?".

Cedric halted in his tracks, the question struck a chord in him. "There is no day that passes by that I don't think about it!" The tone in his voice was low but she couldn't miss the hurt and fear in it.

She grew quiet, comprehending the fear he felt. His demeanor grew sober, the tiny bit of fun in his eyes faded and was transposed to pain.

An idea struck in her, something that would bring it back.

"Can I show you something Your Majesty?" She inquired.

He stared at her, intrigued. She had a warm smile on her face as she looked at him expectantly. He gave a light nod, gesturing for her to go on.

"It is a trick my older brother Edward taught me a few months back. I have been practicing it but I haven't showed it to anyone else yet, so you are the first person I am showing this to!" She said whilst preparing herself for it. A feeling of pride welled up within him, the thought of being the first to see it made him feel somewhat special to her.

She closed her eyes for a moment and opened them, the memory flooded back in as she followed the same steps he did.

"He calls this trick 'The Firework'" She said whilst enclosed the small balls of flame with a bigger one.

Cedric watched keenly as she shot it up in the air. His eyes widened with wonder, the bigger ball of flames burst aiding the smaller balls of flames to explode into tiny sparks, radiating the night sky above them.

A smile played on his lips—fascinated by it. She stared at him, smiling proudly that she turned his saddened face to a joyous one, a feeling of gladness enveloped her while she watched him.

"Rosalind?" A familiar voice called out in the crowd.

She felt her soul leave her body on hearing it.

"Rosalind, it is you!" It said drawing closer to them.

Cedric stared at the frozen pale figure before him, he looked over her shoulder, a few feet from where they stood, Edward made his way towards them, his brows furrowed as he drew nearer.

She squeezed her eyes shut whilst hanging her head preparing to get caught.

Prior to taking a step closer to them, Cedric grabbed her hand, stunning her. They raced through the crowd moving farther away from him.

Edward halted, staring at the running couple. His intuition was right, it was her. He ran his hand through his hair, not saying a word. He would be lying to himself if he said that he didn't expect her to sneak out from the estate again but what piqued his interest was the gentleman or would he say stranger that she was with.

"She is definitely acting strange!" He said softly.

* * * * *

They stood atop a hill, further away from the capital. He let go of her as she tried to catch her breath. He had no clue why or when or what made him do it but he was certain that a part of him didn't want their rendezvous to end just yet.

"Thank you!' Rosalind said breathlessly, he stared at her not saying a word. "I don't know why you did it but thank you!".

He smiled warmly at her acknowledging her gratitude.

She looked up at the night sky, the twinkling stars created a serene ethereal atmosphere.

Suddenly, a streak of light shot across the sky startling her, soon enough its companions streaked across the night sky, casting a radiant glow on the land.

A gasp escaped her lips as she stared at the celestial bodies passing through the earth.

"It's beautiful!" She spoke softly, amazed at the splendor of it.

Cedric looked up watching the night sky, he was enthralled but there was a certain someone that fascinated him beyond measure. His eyes landed on her, her face lit up as she watched the meteor shower spellbounded by its ethereal beauty. A smile transformed his features as he stared at her, a feeling of felicity engulfed his entire being whilst he admired the amazed look in her eyes.