In the blink of an eye, the day of the Youth Festival had finally arrived.
I sat before my mirror, carefully arranging my hair, when my brother entered my chambers.
As always, he looked remarkably handsome, though I would never admit that to his face.
“Do not forget,” he said, leaning against the doorframe, “we are attending the council meeting this evening. There is a chance the elders may announce something that will not please everyone.”
He gave me a knowing look.
“And I know how quick your temper can be.”
“I am not hot-tempered,” I protested, turning from the mirror to glare at him.
A smile tugged at his lips.
“Yes, you are. Surely you know that.”
“I am not,” I replied firmly, folding my arms across my chest.
“Very well,” he said with a chuckle.
“But try not to lose your temper. The last thing we need is for you to freeze half the hall with your magic.”
I rolled my eyes.
“I would never do such a thing.”
“Of course not,” he said, clearly unconvinced.
He stepped closer and gently tapped my forehead.
“Just keep your anger under control, all right?”
I swatted his hand away, though a small smile crept onto my face despite myself.
Before he could say another word, he pressed a quick kiss to my cheek and left my chambers.
Not long after, a servant announced our carriage had arrived.
“Lady Jasmina, the carriage awaits,” she said with a respectful bow.
“I am coming,” I replied.
Gathering the skirts of my gown, I descended the grand staircase with as much grace as I could manage.
At the foot of the stairs stood my brother, already waiting beside the royal carriage.
The moment he saw me, a mischievous smile appeared on his face.
“My lady,” he said dramatically, offering his hand.
“May I have the honor of escorting the most beautiful lady in the kingdom to her carriage?”
I laughed softly.
“You say that only because you are my brother.”
“And yet it remains true,” he replied.
“You flatter me too much.”
“Nonsense,” he said.
“I merely speak the truth.”
Rolling my eyes, I accepted his hand and allowed him to help me into the carriage.
“Come now,” he said as he climbed in after me.
“We must not be late. Mother wishes to see us before the council meeting begins.”
“Very well,” I replied.
The carriage rolled through the bustling streets of the capital.
Everywhere we looked, preparations for the Youth Festival were underway.
Colorful banners fluttered from buildings, merchants displayed their finest goods, and music drifted through the air.
By the time we arrived at the palace grounds, the festival was already in full swing.
Nobles, merchants, and visitors from distant kingdoms filled the grand square, their laughter and conversations blending into a lively hum.
As I stepped from the carriage, I paused to admire the sight before me.
The palace gardens had been transformed into a wonderland of flowers, lanterns, and silk banners bearing the colors of the kingdom.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” my brother asked.
“It is,” I admitted.
A servant approached and bowed.
“Her Majesty the prince is waiting for you both in the eastern pavilion.”
My brother sighed dramatically.
“There goes our chance to enjoy the festival before being dragged into royal duties.”
I laughed.
“You say that as though you are a prince.”
“Being a prince is exhausting.”
“Poor you.”
Together, we followed the servant toward the pavilion, unaware that before the night was over, the council meeting would reveal secrets capable of changing the fate of the entire Kingdom