DISCLAIMER: The author's imagination and passion are the only sources of inspiration for this novel, which is a work of dedication. Parallels between these pages and the past or present may be apparent to some readers, but they are completely coincidental. You are free to interpret this art anyway you see fit, and it is meant for your enjoyment.
It was the height of the event. Right now, Reinn was positioned between a Duke who was clumsily holding a sticky candied apple like it was a high-grade explosive and a Prince who had won three plush bears (by frightening the archery attendant with his "unnervingly perfect" shot).
"I've decided," Giywon said, triumphantly draping a plush bear over Reinn's shoulder. "That I am naturally gifted at commoner sports. Perhaps I should abdicate and join a traveling circus."
"The circus wouldn't take you," Dyierrean whispered as he carefully removed a stray piece of paper from the apple and gave it to Reinn."You're far too loud. You'd scare the lions."
The sweet sugar crunched under Reinn's teeth when she bit into the apple. "Both of you would be fired within an hour. Dyierrean would be too scary for the children, and Giywon would try to tax the popcorn."
The golden light of the setting sun caught the pure, bright sound of her laughter. Her cheeks were flushed from the excitement, and she looked quite soft in her cornflower-blue outfit. The two guys paused their argument to observe her for a little while. The "Silent Lioness" had vanished, to be replaced by a girl who exuded a warmth they had not experienced in the palace for many years.
Suddenly, the warmth was extinguished by a familiar, icy voice.
"I thought I recognized that ridiculous golden hair from the carriage window."
The trio froze.
Crown Princess Syiena Edryyion was standing next to the cider stand. She was plainly en route to an official event when she noticed her brother's white steed hitched close to a commoner's bar. She was clothed in full imperial attire. A line of Imperial Knights, their glittering armor contrasting with the rustic festival decorations, stood behind her.
Syiena looked around the gathering. She turned to face Giywon, her brother, who was clothed in soft bear fur. She turned to face Dyierrean, who was clutching a partially consumed candied apple. At last, she looked at Reinn.
The Princess's jaw dropped.
She had anticipated seeing the typical Reinn, probably hanging onto Dyierrean's leg, screaming, and overdressed. Rather, she noticed a girl who appeared to be... adorable. Charming. Reinn's beauty appeared natural, almost divine, rather than created by a dozen maids, thanks to the simple outfit and the wildflowers in her hair.
"Reinn Hylde?" Syiena said as she moved in closer, her royal mask sliding into actual disbelief. "Is that really you? You look... you look like a painting. Where are your rubies? Where is your dignity?"
Reinn responded, "I traded them for a candied apple, Your Highness," with a curtsy that was elegant but a little sticky. "It was a very good trade."
Syiena circled Reinn slowly, examining her as if she were a unique specimen. "I heard the rumors, but I didn't believe them. You've shed your skin, haven't you? You look... soft. Approachable. Even the village children aren't running away from you."
Giywon continued, "She's been helping elderly women carry baskets," with an odd satisfaction in his voice. "And she won a wooden flower from a blacksmith. I'm thinking of having the blacksmith executed, but other than that, it's been a lovely day."
Syiena yelled, "Hush, Giywon," but her gaze stayed on Reinn. "Reinn, you look... lovely. Truly. There is a light in your eyes that I haven't seen since we were children playing in the gardens. It's almost enough to make me forget that my brother has skipped a High Council meeting to win you a stuffed animal."
For a brief moment, Syiena's expression softened. The new Reinn, who was gentle, straightforward, and exuded a peaceful joy, was someone she truly felt a kinship with, whereas the old Reinn had always exhausted her.
Syiena went on, "However," her voice recovering its imperial hardness. "The Emperor is not as easily charmed by 'commoner aesthetics' as I am. Giywon, you are to return to the palace immediately. Dyierrean, your father is looking for you regarding the northern supply lines."
Dyierrean's grip on his staff tightened. "The supply lines can wait."
"They cannot," Syiena retorted. A tiny, knowing smile tugged at her lips as she glanced back at Reinn. "And Lady Reinn... You're turning into quite the legend, Little Lioness. I advise you to return to the Hylde manor before your father realizes you've been charming the entire commoner population."
Reinn felt a twinge of melancholy. Her "normal" day had ended. She glanced at the apple she was holding and the bears Giywon was carrying.
"I'll see you at the Summer Gala, then?" Giywon asked, his eyes lingering on her face. "I expect a dance. A real one. No more napping in the gardens."
"I'll be there," Reinn said, her heart skipping a beat.
Dyierrean took a step toward her, casting a final shadow over her. He stretched out and carefully placed a wayward wildflower back into her braid without saying anything. His blue eyes searched hers with an unspoken, desperate question as his fingers lingered for an excessively long while.
Reinn realized that the "cute dress" had drawn more than just the local boys when the royals and knights left, leaving her standing by herself in the last of the fair's light. The Dragon and the Wolf's perception of her had been indelibly changed by it.
The mask was removed. It was an actual game. Reinn realized that the Summer Gala would be a battleground rather than merely a celebration as she made her way back to her "modest" carriage.