Journey of a Girl

Ajo: Chapter Five

That special time had arrived, marking another celebration of the Queen's festival.

As usual, there would be dancing and feasting, and now that the prince and princess were older, not fully mature but beyond the spring of childhood, they were expected to be more active participants in the festivities.

They would sit beside their mother at the feast and engage with their guests.

They would graciously accept a dance from anyone who asked.

They would dress appropriately for the occasion and behave like grown ups.

The most important duty given to them was the honor of listening to the citizens and, if the opportunity arose, voicing their opinions and advice. It was the first time their words would not only be heard, but thought of as significant.

As excited as Ajo was to have a taste of leadership, there was one singularly important goal he had in mind:

To dance with Galeia.

Ajo spent most of the afternoon preparing to look his absolute best. He'd commissioned a tailor to create an outfit cut in the popular style of the time, in colors that were promised to enhance his regal beauty. In truth, Ajo felt a little ridiculous in the ostentatious garment, but his mother was quick to assure him that he cut a striking figure in it—and many of the courtiers agreed.

Ajo danced with several guests, mostly visiting nobility who had taken a swift interest in the Prince of the Wood. Many were boldly flirtatious, but even under their flattering attention Ajo's mind was a thousand miles away.

Anticipating another's arrival.

True to herself, Galeia was late.

As the night wore on she remained unseen, until Ajo became frantic. She had to be here—they'd be given strict instruction to attend.

His mother had little to say on the matter, though she revealed that Galeia had been displeased by her reflection and was most likely fussing in front of a mirror.

"I don't care what she looks like," Ajo complained to the Queen. "Only that she gets here."

At last, Galeia emerged.

Ajo had been pulled into a corner by a less-than-subtle fairy, listening to her giggling for the better part of an hour—but when Galeia appeared on the steps of the throne room his attention was immediately torn away. His companion followed his gaze, and when her eyes found the princess the fairy pouted and excused herself.

Ajo went still, feeling like a miracle had appeared before him.

Although she was royalty, Galeia had managed to never wear a proper gown before, and even after a bath there was always a spot of dirt on her nose or cheek, but for this occasion she had been scrubbed and polished to meticulous cleanliness.

Her hair, which the Queen had transformed to a lavender color, was washed and curled, held up by silver clasps shaped in the phases of the moon. Her dress was a mixture of vibrant hues, colored like dusk, with a cinched waist and a whisper of sleeves. She'd even adorned herself with jewelry, the first time Ajo had ever seen her do so. He blushed at the dip of the neckline, which exposed the smallest hint of cleavage.

A feeling, neither good nor bad, overwhelmed him, and he took a sharp breath in. He wasn't sure if on the exhale he would begin to laugh or cry.

She walked on her toes as she descended the stairs, clearly nervous, and her face held a small vexation.

She was looking for something.

Not something, someone.

He watched his mother glide to Galeia and commence with obvious praise for her attire. No doubt the Queen had chosen every last piece of Galeia's ensemble, down to the faint color on her lips. Ajo would have to thank his mother in private.