After Dusk, it’s Arlan’s turn in Drayce’s life.
——–
One day before the start of the end-of-the-year festival, many of the foreign guests had already arrived in the capital city of the Kingdom of Megaris. Some of them were used to the lively and liberal atmosphere, while the first-time visitors were all in awe as they witnessed how random nobles, knights and commoners could be seen freely interacting along the way.
The streets of Blackhelm were decorated with flowers and lanterns, many of the houses and shops putting up decorations of their own on their doors, and a number of stages for performers and stalls for merchants were prepared on the main streets leading to the plaza.
Even though the actual celebration would begin tomorrow, the busiest day was actually the day before since many outsiders would come flocking in the city. The inns were mostly overflowing with tourists, while those from the countryside would also flood the capital in order to celebrate the festival with their families.
Thanksgiving for a year of prosperity and good harvest, a celebration of life, which was the purpose of this annual three-day festival. Ever since that disastrous famine and plague five years back, a year without lack of food became more meaningful for the surviving people of Megaris and was no longer taken for granted. They learned to cherish each coming year in their lives.
Aside from those living in the countryside, visitors from the other kingdoms had also arrived in the capital to join in the merrymaking. Among them was the delegation from the royal family of Cromwell from the neighbouring Kingdom of Griven.
The carriages belonging to the royal guests from Griven entered the Royal Palace of Megaris. Duke Cromwell, the younger brother of the current King of Griven, arrived there with his new wife, bringing along with them two children whose identities were not disclosed, but were rumoured to be actually from the royal family.
The two neighbouring kingdoms, Megaris and Griven, became allied nations during King Theron’s reign. Megaris shared a good trading relationship with the Cromwells after the plague was resolved and the King of Griven allowed the borders to be reopened, which tremendously helped Megaris resume its activities the year after suffering from the Devil’s Curse. In various ways, King Theron was grateful to them.
As a sign of friendship, the Queen of Megaris was personally present to welcome their arrival, which could be said to be the highest treatment that could be given to a royal guest. The two young princes, Prince Keiran and Prince Drayce were allowed to accompany their mother as well, which was of great significance. It could be considered the first time the boys would be doing their duties as part of the royal family.
A man and woman in their mid-twenties, the Duke and Duchess Cromwell stepped out of the largest carriage, while a young girl and boy stepped out of the other carriage. Little Drayce’s bored expression immediately brightened upon seeing the children, especially since the boy seemed to be about his age.
“Damien Cromwell greets the Phoenix of Megaris, Queen Esther Ivanov,” the man politely said in a manner that was neither servile nor rude, his etiquette impeccable. “It is our honour to be personally welcomed by Your Majesty the Queen yourself.”
His wife, the Duchess, also gave a curtsy as she introduced herself to Esther.
While the adults were exchanging greetings, the two brown-haired children approached the Duke and Duchess. Drayce was watching them and realized both the girl and the boy had eyes so blue they reminded him of the colour of the sea. His mother had taken him to the coastal territory she owned just last summer, and the image remained vivid in his young mind.
The blue-eyed boy caught him staring, and the two little boys looked at each other without glancing away.
Duke Cromwell introduced the blue-eyed children to the Queen. Standing together with them, the resemblance was uncanny as he too shared the same eye colour as them. “This is my niece and nephew, the First Princess and First Prince of Griven. When they heard I will be sightseeing in Megaris just in time for the festival, they begged my brother to let them join me.”
The smart-looking girl who seemed to be about seven or eight years old stepped forward to curtsy. “Alvira Cromwell, daughter of the King of Griven, greets Queen Esther Ivanov of Megaris.” She then pulled her younger brother, mouthing at him to follow what she had just done.
The boy was quick to obey. “Arlan Cromwell, the First Prince of Griven, greets the Queen of Megaris.”
Esther smiled at Alvira and Arlan and casually introduced them to the two young boys standing by her side. “Princess Alvira, Prince Arlan, you do not need to be so stiff and formal, after all, didn’t you come here to play and enjoy the festival? These are my sons, Keiren and Drayce. I hope you four will get along during your stay.”
“Why are his eyes red?” Arlan suddenly asked in front of everyone.
This sudden question from the little foreign prince startled the adults, while Drayce only sighed inwardly. It was nothing new for him to hear.
“Prince Arlan, you are being rude to my brother,” Keiren spoke even before anyone could answer.
The Second Prince of Megaris having red eyes and black hair that were different from his parents had been a point of controversy among the upper society. The gossip had spread everywhere, even in the other kingdoms, but after the High Priest declared that Draven had this appearance due to the blessings of the Black Dragon, the controversy somehow died down. Still, not many were aware of this fact, much less believe and accept this as a truth. That was why it was a sensitive topic people would normally not raise within the palace.
However, a little kid from a foreign kingdom would not be aware that there was such a sensitive issue.
Duke Cromwell immediately spoke to mediate the situation. “Apologies, Your Majesty. Arlan is still young and yet to learn how to behave.”
Esther didn’t mind it and looked at Keiran. “It’s alright, Keiran. I do not think he meant anything. Prince Arlan is just a curious child.”
Keiren listened to his mother and calmed down, while Esther looked at the little guy with her usual gentle gaze. “Everyone has different eye colours, doesn’t it? Just like Prince Arlan’s and Princess Alvira’s eyes are blue, my eyes are brown, while Keiren’s eyes are black. It just happens that Drayce’s eyes are red.”
Prince Arlan nodded and mumbled an apology. After that, he looked at Drayce who turned away as if he was not interested in him. Arlan narrowed his eyes at him and looked away as well.
The guests from Griven were led to the side palace that was arranged for their stay. Now that their duty was done, Drayce left with his brother. As they were leaving, his eyes caught something and it was Arlan talking to his older sister.
“That red-eyed boy is the Second Prince, right? Hmph, he is not friendly at all. He frowned at me when I looked at him.”
“Well, Arlan, I think it was you who acted not friendly.”
“I apologized!”
“Psh, and it came out from your nose,” Alvira replied. “Be sincere and act like a prince. Did you not see how calm the Second Prince was? You are of the same age but look at you…tsk.”
“Didn’t you find his eyes scary, sister?”
“I think they are beautiful,” she replied.
“Really?”
“Hmm,” she agreed. “I even think that little prince looks so adorable and wish to pinch his chubby cheeks just like this—”
“Ahh, it hurts, sister!”
“Haha, if only I can pinch the Second Prince’s cheeks as well. Oh, wait, if I can, I might take him with us back home so I can have two cute and adorable little brothers. One with blue eyes and the other with red eyes.”
“No! I don’t want my sister to love someone else.”
Drayce looked at Keiren who was walking next to him. Keiren looked back at him. “Hmm? What’s wrong, Dray? Ah, do you want sweets? Sorry, I didn’t get to sneak any in my pockets today—”
With a smile, Drayce only shook his head and continued walking toward their carriages that would take them back to their residences.
‘Just like my brother, he has a good sister,’ Drayce thought.