Celebrations

*************

CHAPTER 6

Lifting the two pillows on her bed, Aurelia’s gaze darted about in search of something.

“I could have sworn I had it on my neck even after I fell,” she muttered. “Where could it have been? The forest? Did I lose it while I was being chased, or...?”

The sound of the door closing jolted her into a proper standing position as she turned sharply to face the entrance.

Labina stopped in her tracks, her hands holding a tray tightly. “Huh… Your Highness?”

Aurelia swallowed hard. She knew it looked like she was searching for something, or perhaps stealing, but she did not want Labina to get the wrong idea.

Before she could explain, Labina was quick to ask, “Are you looking for something, Your Highness?” Her smile was gentle as she gave Aurelia time to respond.

“Umm…” Aurelia’s gaze darted everywhere. And when they settled back on her, she finally spoke up. “Did you see it?”

“What is it that Her Highness seeks?” she asked, keeping her posture straight and never failing in her duty. 

“I…”

Labina gave her a quizzical look, waiting. Aurelia lowered her gaze, but recalling her position, she lifted her head. “My necklace. Did you see it when you rescued me?”

Aurelia sighed, not expecting anything, but when she nodded, she stunned the princess.

“Yes. Did you see it?” Aurelia asked once more., her voice filled with hope.

“Yes,” she stated with a smile, and she gently placed the tray on the table near her bed. “I kept it safe in your drawer for you.” Her gaze hinted at checking the dressing table behind her, and Aurelia did. As soon as she opened it, her eyes landed on the necklace.

A gasp so sweet fell off her lips as she instantly picked it up, shut her eyes briefly, like one connecting with the necklace and stopped when she felt a presence behind her. 

Aurelia turned, her eyes meeting with Labina. “May I?” she offered. 

Although Aurelia hesitated, she finally gave the necklace to Labina to help her wear it. Once they were done, she turned to face the mirror to admire herself. 

“It’s the only thing I had from my earliest memory,” Aurelia mumbled. 

“I’m glad because it was given to you by your mother,” Labina informed her. She noticed the look of shock on Aurelia’s face, and as much as she wished to speak more about the past to her, she couldn’t. 

“Your Highness, we need to get you ready. The celebrations are about to start.” 

Labina walked over to her closet, bringing out a beautiful pearl-designed blue dress, when her eyes caught sight of the uneasy look on Aurelia’s face. “To celebrate your return, princess, it is important.”

*******

Aurelia heaved a deep breath, inhaling gently as the softness of the breeze whistled through her hair. Her eyes sparkled as soon as she opened them, taking in the scene before her.

Earlier on, when Labina finished attending to her and left to get her crown, Aurelia took a quick stroll out to the balcony. Ever since her arrival, she has remained cooked up in the room, but tonight, when she heard the giggling of some young maidens, she felt the urge to step out.

The scenery displayed in front of her was nothing short of breathtaking, and the sheer thought that this was her original home left her smiling from ear to ear at finally having a place to call home.

‘It may take some getting used to, but at least it is better than where I grew up.’ Her mood changed the second she recalled the memory of Ryland and Eretria in bed.

‘No, get those scumbags out of your mind, Relia. You have a chance to start again.’ Encouraging herself, she blinked back the tears that stung her eyes and focused on the brightly lit streets in front of her when her eyes caught sight of something from afar.

Her heart skipped a beat as her ears blocked out all the noise around her. Aurelia’s jaw went agape as her stomach twisted, staring at those familiar red stripes.

“It can’t be,” she muttered, and before anything else, she dashed out of her room as quickly as her feet could take her.

A couple of minutes later, she found herself on the lane where she caught sight of him—pitch black hair that mirrored the night sky with golden highlights, adding sparks to the allure it gave, and a mask filled with mystery.

“Where is he?” she asked no one in particular, whipping her head from side to side in search of him. “He was..." she swallowed. “I could have sworn he was standing here.”

Her brows furrowed, her chest rising and falling with every deep breath she took while her mind wandered about. 

Suddenly she saw a silhuotte take a turn to the left, and without further thought, Aurelia dashed in the direction, ready to catch up with him, when suddenly she bumped into someone.

“Oh my goodness, watch where you are." Labina’s words hung on her lips when she took a step back, lifting the glass box containing Aurelia’s crown and preventing an apparent crash as her eyes landed on the culprit.

A soft gasp escaped her lips upon realization. “Your Highness.” 

She took a quick bow, brought down her hands, and was about to speak when she caught sight of Aurelia’s frown and haphazard state. 

Her wavy hair was tossing about, covering a part of her face as she hunched over, catching her breath.

“You do not look good,” she finalised, watching Aurelia straighten her posture and seal her lips. “Wait,” Labina continued, not giving her a chance to speak, “don’t tell me you were bored and took a walk then got lost."

The last thing Aurelia wanted was to divulge her secrets to her. Taking a quick decision, she nodded. 

Labina sighed deeply. She was glad she had been the one to see her and not her brothers. 

“Please, the event will begin soon. We need to get you back, and..." she stopped speaking when her eyes took a quick glance at the princess. “let’s just go. I’ve got your crown.”

*******

About an hour later, Labina was done fixing up her hair and reapplying a touch to her make-up. Unfortunately, the celebrations had begun, and Aurelia had to hurry.

As soon as she arrived, the big doors were pushed open, welcoming her presence. The grand hall was lavishly decorated, as were the guests, lords, and other important dignitaries present.

Amidst everyone, Aurelia’s eyes quickly caught distinguished seats rising above others and another with similar golden and silver designs, slightly lower than the first three.

On the three throne-like seats, her brothers sat looking majestic when Kieran beckoned on her, rising to his feet to welcome her appearance.

Aurelia’s cheeks were tainted red, feeling so many eyes on her. And then she did something she soon regretted as her eyes swept through the room, only to stop when she saw a man wearing a crown.

As if on cue, he lifted his eyes, locking his gaze with her. At the same time, his lips parted, gasping briefly, and the next word that came out of his mouth left Aurelia speechless.

“My betrothed.”