The Youth Festival unfolded much as it did every year, with laughter filling the streets and excitement lingering in the air.
By fortune’s favor, our group succeeded in finding the ceremonial egg, earning ourselves a respectable place among the day’s victors.
As dusk painted the sky in shades of gold and crimson, the festivities gradually drew to a close.
The noble lords and ladies knew well what came next.
One by one, carriages rolled through the crowded streets—not toward their estates, but toward the grand Council Hall, where the evening’s gathering would be held.
The prince’s carriage arrived first.
Moments later, our own carriage came to a halt nearby.
As Onxy and I stepped down onto the cobblestone path, a familiar figure caught our attention.
Mother stood waiting for us at the foot of the grand staircase, her face brightening with a gentle smile the moment she saw us.
We made our way toward her.
“How are my children?” she asked warmly.
“I trust the festival was not too stressful.”
“It was not, Mama,” Onxy replied.
Mother’s gaze then settled on Jasmina.
“And what of you, my little girl? I hope your day was pleasant.”
Jasmina lifted her chin with a playful huff.
A fond smile appeared on Mother’s face.
“I am merely asking, dear. I only hope Amar did not play any pranks on you. She has been rather mischievous lately.”
“It was fine, Mama,” Onxy answered before Jasmina could launch into a lengthy account of the day’s events.
Before anyone could say more, a familiar voice interrupted them.
“Good evening, Lady Ella.”
Turning, we found Prince William standing nearby.
None of us had noticed his approach.
Mother greeted him with a graceful nod.
“Good evening, Your Highness.”
“I trust the festival treated your family well,” the prince said.
“It did indeed,” Mother replied.
“And I hope your day was equally pleasant.”
“It was, thank you.”
For a brief moment, silence settled between them.
“If you would permit it, Lady Ella,” Prince William said, his gaze settling on Jasmina, “may I borrow your daughter for the evening? There is something I wish to discuss with her.”
A knowing smile touched Mother’s lips.
“You may.”
“You know, Your Highness, you could simply ask me yourself.”
A hint of amusement flickered across William’s face.
“And deny your mother the opportunity to approve first?”
“How thoughtful of you.”
Onxy snorted, earning a warning look from Mother.
Ignoring him, Jasmina stepped forward and fell into stride beside the prince as though it were the most natural thing in the world.
“So,” she said, glancing at him, “what is so important that it couldn’t wait until tomorrow?”
“Patience.”
“That bad?”
“That important.”
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
William’s smile widened slightly.
“Perhaps.”
Rolling her eyes, Jasmina followed him toward the grand entrance of the Council Hall while Mother watched them leave with obvious amusement.
“One of these days,” Onxy muttered, “those two will realize everyone can see what’s happening.”
“Except themselves,” Mother replied.
“Especially Jasmina,” Onxy corrected.