The Festival Begins

The grand day had arrived, and the palace was alive with energy. The air was thick with anticipation, the scent of fresh flowers and cooked food blending into a vibrant atmosphere. The once-quiet courtyards now overflowed with nobles, performers, and entertainers—all gathered to celebrate the kingdom's most anticipated event of the year: The Liberation Festival.

Elara stood at the edge of the courtyard, her eyes wide as she watched the colorful tents go up, stalls lining the walkways, and musicians tuning their instruments. The bustling energy was overwhelming, but there was a part of her that found it exhilarating. She had never seen the palace so full of life.

The servants, dressed in their finest uniforms, scurried about, making last-minute preparations. Even the guards looked more alert than usual, their postures straight as they kept watch over the festival-goers.

Despite the chaotic scene, there was a certain order to it all, and Elara found herself drawn into it. The grand dining hall was already set up with long tables adorned with the finest linens and silverware, and the sound of laughter and chatter filled the air as guests arrived. The scent of appetisers drifted from the serving area, mingling with the sweet aroma of pastries and fruit from the dessert tables.

Elara, dressed in a flowing gown of deep blue, walked through the courtyard, her gaze flickering to each new scene of activity.

"Princess Elara!" a voice called out, snapping her from her thoughts.

She turned, finding a group of young noblewomen rushing toward her. They were all smiles and eager expressions, each one clearly excited about the day ahead. One of them, a close friend from Elara's past life, waved her over.

"You must come see the art display," she insisted, pulling Elara along. "It's magnificent, you won't believe it!"

Elara smiled politely, though her thoughts were still on the whirl of activity around her. As they walked, she caught sight of Sir Kaelen standing near one of the grand banners, his posture as stoic as ever. His sharp gaze met hers for a brief moment, and Elara's heart fluttered unexpectedly. She sent a shy smile his way, which he returned with a polite bow and an ever so small yet soft smile.

The art display was impressive, with pieces from renowned local artists showcasing portraits of the royal family, scenes from the kingdom's history, and depictions of nature that left Elara in awe. She paused in front of one painting, the group she had been walking with, now leaving her behind without them knowing.

"Do you like it?" a voice asked from behind her.

Elara, startled since it had been quiet around her for a while, turned to see Sir Kaelen standing beside her, a soft smile tugging at the corner of his lips. His usual seriousness seemed to have melted away, replaced with a rare moment of warmth.

"I do," Elara replied, her voice slightly flustered. "It's beautiful. The way the light reflects off the trees... It feels almost... alive."

Kaelen nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. "Your Highness," he said, his voice low but steady, "it doesn't compare to the beauty you hold."

Elara's cheeks warmed at his words. She hadn't expected him to be so sincere, and for a moment, she found herself at a loss for words. 

Thankfully, the noise of the festival around them gave her a moment to collect herself.

"Thank you," she said softly.

Just then, the sounds of music began to rise, and the first group of dancers appeared on the central stage, twirling and spinning in intricate steps. The crowd cheered, and Elara felt a surge of energy as she watched them perform, their movements graceful and coordinated. 

The festival had truly begun.

As the day wore on, Elara found herself slowly pulled into the whirlwind of activities. 

The once overwhelming energy of the festival had become a vibrant background to her own experience, her senses sharp as she absorbed everything around her. 

The warm sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden hue over the palace grounds and bringing a gentle breeze that stirred the vibrant banners and colorful tents. Everywhere she looked, there was something new to see, something to captivate her.

Her first stop was one of the food stalls set up near the grand fountain. 

She inhaled deeply, feeling her stomach growl despite having had breakfast two hours ago. There was something about the festival food that seemed to awaken every craving she had.

A stall near her caught her eye—a baker selling pastries that sparkled with sugar dust. Their golden-brown crusts were impossibly flaky, with rich layers that seemed to glisten in the sunlight. Elara couldn't resist. She stepped forward, her fingers gently brushing against the cool surface of the display table as she looked at the variety before her. 

"I recommend the berry tarts, Your Highness," a young servant said from behind the counter, his eyes bright and eager. "Freshly baked this morning."

Elara smiled, nodding in approval. "I'll have one."

The tart was placed in her hand, and she bit into it almost immediately. The pastry was delicate, light as air, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The berries, plump and ripe, burst with flavor, and the cream inside was rich, yet not overwhelming. She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the taste, letting the flavors dance on her tongue.

"Delicious," she murmured to herself, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She hadn't expected such simple pleasures to bring so much joy.

Moving on, Elara wandered through the festival grounds, drawn by the sounds of laughter and excitement. Nearby, a large wooden stage had been set up for various performers, and she paused to watch as jugglers tossed brightly colored balls high into the air, their movements synchronized with the rhythm of the lively music playing in the background. Each ball seemed to defy gravity, hanging in the air just long enough before being caught again, making it look effortless. The crowd cheered, their excitement infectious, and Elara couldn't help but smile at the spectacle.

Beside the jugglers, fire-breathers stood in a circle, their bodies twisting and turning as they expelled bursts of fire into the air. The flames danced high, their orange and red hues flickering against the backdrop of the setting sun. It was a daring display, and the crowd's awe was palpable. Elara watched in fascination, her eyes wide as a particularly skilled performer twirled a flaming staff, sending arcs of fire slicing through the air with each movement.

She felt the heat of the flames even from a distance, the warmth spreading across her skin as she took a step closer, entranced by the wild energy of the performance. For a moment, it felt like she was part of the fire itself, her own heart burning brighter with every leap and spin of the performers.

After a few moments, Elara turned her attention to a quieter part of the festival grounds, where an archery contest was taking place. It was a small setup compared to the grand displays, but the challenge seemed just as intense. A long line of targets stood at varying distances, and a group of contestants were taking turns, each one aiming their arrows with focused determination. 

Elara felt an unexpected spark of curiosity. She had never been much of an archer, but the skill required intrigued her. It wasn't a royal activity, certainly not one she had ever practiced, but she had seen the knights and guards perfect their aim, and she had always wondered what it felt like.

With a sudden impulse, she approached one of the attendants, a young man who had a bow slung over his shoulder. "Do you mind if I try?" she asked, her voice a little hesitant, though her gaze was steady.

The attendant blinked in surprise, but his smile quickly returned. "Of course not, Your Highness. It's a festival, after all. Everyone's welcome to join in the fun."

He handed her a bow, its smooth wood cool against her fingertips. Elara took it gingerly, feeling the weight of it in her hands. The target was set some distance away, the bullseye a small but distinct circle in the center. She stepped forward, her heart pounding in her chest, suddenly aware of the crowd beginning to gather behind her, curious to see how the princess would fare.

Elara drew the bowstring back, her fingers trembling slightly as she focused on the target. The wind picked up a little. She took a deep breath, aligning her aim, and released the string. The arrow flew, not straight, but it landed with a satisfying thud in the outer rings of the target.

The crowd's applause was polite, and Elara felt her cheeks warm, though she didn't mind. She was simply glad that she hadn't missed entirely.

"That was impressive for a first try!" the attendant called, giving her an encouraging grin.

She smiled back, determination creeping into her chest. She took another arrow, nocked it, and tried again. This time, her aim was truer. The arrow flew faster, hitting the center of the target with a soft thud that sent a ripple of cheers through the crowd.

Elara's heart leaped in her chest, a rush of pride filling her as she lowered the bow. She hadn't expected to hit the mark so perfectly, but somehow, it felt right.

For the rest of the afternoon, Elara lost herself in the festival. She sampled more treats, enjoyed the performances, and took part in games, each moment blending into the next in a whirlwind of colors, sounds, and laughter. The day passed quickly, and as the evening drew closer, she felt a deep sense of contentment settle within her. This day, this festival, had become something more than just an event—it was a reminder of the simple pleasures of life, the ones that were often overshadowed by duty and royal expectations.

And as the lights of the festival flickered on, casting a soft glow over the courtyard, Elara finally allowed herself to enjoy the moment. The kingdom, her people, and the world outside her palace had come alive in ways she had never seen before. And for the first time, she felt a sense of belonging to it all.