Unknown (NaNoWriMo)

Chapter 14:

The nobles were first, some in carriages, others on horseback. Every family was showing off their wealth or power in their own way. The Alderrdeen Family, were in an open carriage, slightly waving to the crowd. I was so glad to be in the audience and not in that carriage. The Tergaron Family was next. The Duke was riding horseback with his son in front of him. The Duke was stoic, but it seemed like Bron was excited to be there. Behind him was the Stanlow Family, who were in a carriage just like the Alderrdeen Family. The men seemed to be bored, while the Duchess and her daughter were waving to the people.

The last noble family caught my eye, Veritas. This family was from the south and rode in on horseback. The Duke and Duchess were in the front. Nothing too special, but my eye was drawn towards the daughters. Clothed in skirts with slits in them, these girls held their heads up high. Casting glances at each other, their smiles were full of mischief. Something about their manner, made me believe they had a secret.

Torn away from the Veritas family, I witnessed the size of the Adraria military. Soldiers, decked out in armor, marched in the streets. Equipped with swords, shields, bows, and spears, they looked ready for battle. I suppose it was part of the celebration to show the strength of the country. Towards the side of the army, I noticed people dressed in cloaks. Clothed in darkness, these people were fewer than the army.

Curiosity grabbed a hold of me and I meandered closer to the street. Hearing some children whisper, I was able to piece together who they were. "Magicians, they're used as weapons for the royal family." Magic was both feared and admired in this country. Many were worried if the weapon of the royal family would descend upon them. While others wished they had those powers. I was content with keeping my powers to myself. After all I did it for 17 years in my other world.

I could see the end of the military and soon it would be the royal family passing by. The crowd was starting to become restless and I was getting jostled around. Trying to keep steady, I was distracted until the horns called out once again. The royal family had arrived.

The First Prince led the group. Atop of a horse, he paraded around waving at the people. Girls swooned. Meanwhile I just wanted to vomit. Overconfidence oozed from him and I was not impressed. This was man the Alderrdeen Family was choosing to back. He looked power hungry and I could only imagine what he would do if he was on the throne. The Second Prince was on the other side of the street. He looked shy and rarely waved at the people. I don't remember if there was any family supporting him for the throne, but I wouldn't mind if he was the heir.

As the candidate to the throne was about to pass by, the crowd surged with energy. People pushing and pulling. Yelling erupting all around me. I was trying to avoid bumping into others, when a back collided against mine. Stumbling forward I was met with a chest. I could feel a laugh bubble up from this stranger. Mortified, I pried myself away from the person and started profusely apologizing.

"I am so sorry. I didn't mean to step out into the street. There were just a lot of people pushing. Please forgive me." A hand was placed on top of my head, rustling my hair. It felt familiar. "Now this is a new look for you. Normally you are so confident." My head jolted up and I recognized the face. Hazen.

He was back. He was here. And suddenly I was aware of what was going on. The crowd was quiet, awaiting what would happen. I stepped back from Hazen and lowered my head. Before he could speak, another voice cut through the air. "What is going on Hazen?"

Hazen turned around and bowed towards a different person on horseback. "Nothing your highness, this young woman was just pushed by the crowd and I was consoling her." The stranger let out a hum and looked at me. Quickly realizing I was in the presence of the Third Prince, I dropped into a deep curtsy. Not saying a word, I only stood up once he had passed me by.