The king... He was.....smiling!!
The two men glanced at each other, their eyes silently questioning if something had gone wrong.
King Othniel almost chuckled at the sight of their expressions. "Worry not, men." He said calmly. "You have done well."
Their jaws nearly dropped to the floor, but they quickly collected themselves, their heads still bowed low.
"I knew I could trust the both of you to get this done," The King continued. "You must be wondering why you're not being punished right now...." He asked and they nodded. "Well it's nothing you should worry about. You have done exactly what I wanted so you may be at ease now."
They straightened, though they still had confusion written on their faces. Neither of them dare to question the king.
"You have had a long journey, have you not?" The king asked and they nodded again.
"Good, go have some rest, and I will greatly reward you both tomorrow"
"Thank you, my lord." The said in unison. They humbly bowed and left the king's chambers.
King Othniel smiled softly and returned his gaze to the window. He looked at the stars and a look of contentment flashed across his eyes.
They had found Aziliah. And finding that little girl was definitely not an easy task. He knew that, which was why he had entrusted it to them. He knew he could trust her to not follow them blindly just because they were his royal guards.
"As expected of you Little girl. Seems you already know what I want." He smiled to himself. Then he recalled that Aldric and Marcus said she'll come after the tournament. "Good it gives me time to prepare." His smile widened.
Early the next morning. The servants were busy as usual preparing a feast for the royal house hold. It was the first day of the festival and the King had ordered them to prepare a feast.
His daughter was back home after so long and he was in a good mood.
The servants were also excited for the feast, since today was also the first day of the festival they were elated.
The first day of the Loriennian festival is a day for families and lovers to reunite with each other. It was called the Festival Of Lights.
Legend says that the festival also acts like a beacon for people to find their destined mates. And if you lost your mate then, by the end of the festival you'll meet again.
Excitement filled not just in the royal household but In the entire realm. In all seven kingdoms of the Loriennia..
During the day families feast and spend time with each other. But everyone mainly looks forward to the night, especially the vampires and wolves.
Maidens of all races would prepare themselves and go to the town square in every province or the general festival grounds. There will be singing, dancing and then the lighting of the lanterns. Everyone was truly looking forward to that, especially the young maidens and maids in the palace.
It was a good day for the maids because after dinner they are free to leave the palace to attend the festivities in the capital. The King also prepared gifts he sends to the people too, the servants are not exempted from this.It was a joyous occasion.
But there was one person who was the least excited about it. In fact, he detested this day to his very core for some unknown reason and that person was Prince Xavian.
Every year, he would lock himself in his room after having breakfast. He would instruct the servants to prepare his meals and keep them in his room by the time he was done with breakfast. And once he's inside not even the king can get him out.
So as usual when it was time for breakfast, he left his chambers and want to the dining hall.
The king and his dear sister Iris were already seated. They were chatting with each other smiling from cheek to cheek.
He approached them quietly ,Iris beamed upon seeing him.
"Greetings father. Good morning Iris." He said quietly and sat across his sister on the right side of his father.
The King acknowledged him and Iris wished him a wonderful morning, while the servants served him and he began eating quietly.
Iris couldn't help but tsked. She had hoped his mood today would be better. King Othniel made no comments. He had plans for him anyways.
"Xavian...." Iris called and he hummed eating his meals quietly. "How are you doing?"
"I've never been better Sister." He replied dryly obviously not in the mood to chat. He ate silently.
"Are you still mad about yesterday?" Iris asked.
He froze mid bite and looked at her. "Obviously not Sis..." He said with a flat tone. "Why would I be angry about something as trivial as that?" The sarcasm in his voice was as clear as day. She sighed.
The king merely observed them. Iris had already told him everything so there was no need for him to say anything or try to explain anything to him. Xavian he can simmer in his anger all he want. he won't bother him.
"You're obviously still upset about it. But cheer up okay. It's a happy occasion and I'm here at least pretend to be happy..... for my sake okay?" She said pouting. Xavian just sighed and returned to eating.
"Father," Iris begin turning to him. "Since today is the first day of the festival, I was hoping to do a little exploring in the capital. What do you say?" She requested of him.
The king looked at his lovely daughter fondly and smiled. "You're an adult now, You don't need to take permission from me. You can do as you please. Just be careful."
Her face lit up.
"I'll assign a few guards to escort you." He continued.
"Thank you father." She hugged him and he chuckled. anything for you.
Xavian looked at them and sighed. Of course he lets her do what she wants, after all she's is beloved daughter. He is so partial' Xavian thought to himself. 'Never let's me leave the palace unless I'm accompanying him somewhere but he lets Iris leave at will.' He didn't even realize when he rolled his eyes .
Iris then turned to face her brother, noticing his nearly empty plate. She knew that was his usual routine during the festival. He does that for all five days till the festival and tournament are over.
But too bad she has plans for him today. She grinned inwardly. She cleared her throat and said. "Hmm... father can Xavian come with me?"
Xavian paused, fork halfway to his mouth . He looked at his sister and then his father. His eyes telling them that he had no plans whatsoever to go out.
The king grinned. "Of course Iris. You can take him along since he has nothing better to do anyways." He said taking a sip from his cup.
Xavian gaped at him while pointing at himself.
"It's settled then." Iris said cheerfully. "Xavian you're escorting me today."
Xavian let out a dry laugh . He stared blankly at them and said, "Absolute not. I'm not going anywhere." He bit into the steak aggressively.
King Othniel sat there with an amused smile on his lips, quietly enjoying the exchange between the two. It was really entertaining.
"Come on, Xavian, Just do this one thing for your sister I'm not asking for much." She pouted giving him puppy dog eyes. Who could resist them?.
"Those eyes of yours may work on father but it won't work on me today, Iris. I'm not going, I already have plans..... with my room today so I can't." He said flatly. He could do anything for his dear sister but not this. Not today. In fact, not the entire bloody week!
Iris continued flattering her long thick lashes, her ruby red eyes gleaming. "Xavian please....." She clasped her hands together. "You know that this is my first festival with you since I got married. I haven't been home for the festival in years and this is the only chance I have to spend with you... come on please" She pleaded.
He still refused and she kept pressing, pleading and pressuring him until finally...
"Fine", He snapped. "just stop already"
She beamed , clapping her hands happily. her little brother finally agreed. She'll make sure he doesn't regret it.
While the palace prepared to celebrate, The people in Bronts Village was also having a wonderful time.
Though some people had left for the capital others remained and celebrated in the town. The village was lively as young men and maidens played instructions, children ran around laughing and playing and decorations filled the streets.
Aziliah and Ryan had ventured into the village for supplies but were unexpected dragged into Good Rogers, a two-story inn with a lively bar below . And old Rogers had asked them to come have some fun.
"You two should come inside for awhile." Mr. Rogers had said. "Don't worry all the drinks are on me." He smiled.