The city is loud and crowded, all eyes are drawn to the entourage carrying the Royal Family. Today, everyone celebrates Aurelius Day, a National Holiday to commemorate the late King Aurelius' day of birth.
This occasion requires everyone in Moniyan to take a day off, businesses closed, spend time with their family, and if they can, watch the parade happening in the capital.
Someone reads the late king's long list of achievements as the parade goes, the sound of it getting lost with the cheering from the people. Confettis fly from all directions and Silvanna associated it with the word 'chaotic'.
Every citizen is encouraged to take part in it. Strange how people seem too happy about this special day, when she wasn't. Though she isn't exactly sad, just indifferent.
When she was small and eager to learn about royalty's duties and responsibilities, she found every little thing about the family compelling. The Royal Family is the greatest, they've done a lot of good things for the Moniyan, people loved them. But now as she grows older, she perfectly understands that it's hard to keep layers of oneself glued together where power is the prize.
In order to keep a good image, what must one do to hide his or her flaws? The late King Aurelius' war records were written accurately in history, but, the one thing not many people didn't know was, the late Queen used to stitch his wounds after the battles because of his fear of needles. Only in his wife did he found comfort, and he trusted her enough to do it.
It was Silvanna's favorite part of the story though it was cropped, and only the family knows, it made her lips —painted with marvelous red— curve up to a little smile.
*
"Your dress is beautiful." Said Tigreal when the parade was over and they went back to the Imperial castle. "You should pair it with a beautiful smile, Princess."
"I couldn't." Said a voice that sounded uncharacteristically low. "They looked at me blithely, happy that I was there. None of them showed disappointment as to why it was me, when it should be my brother." And the voice, Silvanna realized, was hers.
"Not this again." His tone stern, like how a big brother would scold a stubborn sister. "Get yourself together. It's an important day. If you keep wearing that gloomy face around people, they'll think you are cold and unapproachable."
This is one thing that she likes and also dislikes about Tigreal, he tells her what's in his mind. No holding back, and they hurt, sometimes. But then, no one else tells her how to act, aside from him.
That's right, she thought, it's not always about her and her brother, Prince Aurelius III. Though this occasion only made her feel worse. She feels spent but at the same time, confused. She's too young to feel this tired.
"I'll get changed." And she marched up the stairs, to her room, where a couple of young ladies as her attendants awaited.
Her banquet dress was ready, but she wasn't. She'd slip on a pair of glass shoes, one that is designed to crack a dance partner's toe once the wearer steps on their foot.
**
A bunch of beautifully dressed aristocrats gathered inside the ballroom. The thick walls were covered by expensive curtains that were exclusively designed for the Royal Family and were made of finest fabrics from Agelta Drylands.
As Silvanna marched, she caught a glimpse of Duke Paxley, and she wasn't wrong as she felt his unfaltering stare. He sent a friendly smile her way, like an invitation to join him, and she'd be happy to do so as it's the better choice than being by herself in this large room.
Aamon met her halfway, his feet moving fast and with a good distance, he offered his hand and she accepted it. "A pleasant evening, Princess."
After returning the greeting, Silvanna's cheeks grew hot as Aamon kissed the back of her hand. She heard gasps from the surrounding nobles who were looking their way. Whose heart wouldn't skip a beat when such a fine young man offers company?
She's met him quite a few times before, on similar and other important occasions and they'd talk about families, and business, of course. He was good with words and Silvanna admires the way he handles his duke duties even at a young age.
Aamon's accent is good, and his words were clear when he said, "I've always wanted to talk to you alone, but there weren't too many chances. The princess is always busy."
"So are you, Duke Paxley." She returned. "Makes me curious. What is it that you want to talk about?"
"Prince Aurelius III." He paused, and gave her one of his melting looks. "I would like to know your thoughts about having a sibling."
She expected him to talk about the King, her father, or her mother's health. These are things that she gets to talk to people a lot, but she wasn't prepared to hear something about her brother.
The irony of it is that she longed for the people of Moniyan to recognize him, remember him as the King's rightful heir, even though he's been missing for too long.
The music began and Silvanna didn't have time to speak. Their attention shifts to the speaker of the banquet, there's a little greeting acknowledgment to the King and the rest of the Royal Family, followed by a deafening round of applause.
Everyone's tossing their glasses.
"Happy Aurelius Day! Long live, Moniyan's Liberty."
It is said that the late King Aurelius liked to party, and he'd drink and dance his heart out, all night. And that's the highlight of the occasion. Be happy, dance like there's no tomorrow.
She glanced at Aamon, thinking it wasn't a good time to discuss another 'Aurelius' matter along with the few secrets that come with it.
"I'll pay you a visit." She says and it seems that he didn't hear it as he looked confused. "I said..Happy Aurelius Day, Duke Paxley."
