Under the Purple Rain

Chapter 4 : The Founding Celebration : Lolanthe Festival

The day the Kairo dreaded the most has come. He needs to make a speech at the main square to mark the last day of the celebration. Everything went smoothly. His mother the empress with the help of her sister Alessandra insisted to lend a hand and helped a great deal with most of the preparations for the said festival. His mother knew that he is just hiding his true feelings about the cancelled engagement and stepped up to give him some time to rest. His schedule was clear today and all he has to do is to give that speech this morning and he is free.

A knock on the door signals that he needs to go to the square where the people are waiting for him.

"Let's get this over and done with." he said to himself and walk out the door.

Kairo was greeted with a wild cheer from the people. Even from the parade going to the main square. The square is filled with people and the atmosphere is rather pleasant. The Lolanthe trees are giving the sweet scent carried by the gentle spring breeze. It is a beautiful morning and he cannot ruin this because of matters of the heart.

He walked into the center of the makeshift stage and establised eye contact with his audience. He cleared his throat and greeted them.

''A beautiful spring morning to everyone! I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to come here today to listen to this humble man. Our empire has been and will always be prosperous because of your help and trust to the imperial family. And because of the trust that you have shown to us all these years, I, Kairo Maximilian Lolanthe, will dedicate my life to serve and ensure that our future generation will lead a peaceful and even more prosperous life that we have right now. So with this, let the founding festival begin!''

Loud cheers were heard. The crown prince sighed in relief and smiled. His mother and sister all came to him and hugged him. His father just a few feet away gave him a nod and tapped his back.

The festivities began and the people were given a festival memorabilia by the imperial family. A limited edition Lolanthe flower scented luxury soap, one gold coin, bread and meat. This has been their tradition every year.

The imperial family is already wealthy with multiple castles and villas. They also own a lot of gold and diamond mines. On top of that, the empress has a knack for business so she herself have establised a chain of luxury hotels in her own right. Her genius didn't end their. She also invested in a lot of other industries like textile and other craft that gave a lot of jobs to the common people. The imperial family is so loved because they have always looked out for the people.

Tatiana woke up very early in order to make sure that she will be able to witness the opening of the founding festival. The square is already full of people when they arrived and not long after the crown prince and the imperial family came as well. The crown prince looked like an angel descended from heaven. Silver hair paired with a piercing purple eyes. He is tall and well built. The white ceremonial suit with a dark purple and gold details fit him very well. The rest of the family are as gorgeous as well. The emperor is like the older version of the crown prince. The empress has a light blond hair with blue eyes. She looked so regal with her light purple gown with gold accents. She also noticed that there's a subtle embroidery shaped like Lolanthe flowers cascading her gown. The princess looked just like the empress but with silver hair and purple eyes like her father and brother. She's also wearing almost an identical gown with the empress but the color is different. The emperor, the empress, and the crown prince are all wearing white with purple and gold accents however the princess chose to wear a light lavender gown witht he same accents. She looked refreshing yet regal at the same time.

After the crown prince's speech, she saw the empress and the princess hug him. The emperor also gave his son that look of approval before he nodded and tapped his back. This family is indeed full of love as well. They may be the most powerful family in the empire but she cannot help but think that they too are just a normal family who support and love each other. It is nice to see this ordinary side of them. She can just tell by their eyes and their facial expressions. It reminds him of how her parents looked at each other and how they looked at her. That certain look of love and warmth.

Not long after, the festivities officially started. Tatiana told Elna that they should check for some items that she can buy as gifts for her parents and Mariana. Her parents gave her enough allowance so she can spare some to buy something for them.

She managed to find a cufflink for her father and a brooch for her mother both adorned with emeralds. She thought it will remind them of her since it has the same color of her eyes. After she secured her gifts, she had stopped by in almost every food stalls she can find to try the food much to Elna's horror.

''My lady, please do not eat too much or you might get an upset stomach.'' the young girl have been trying to tell her that multiple times already.

''No worries Elna, I will drink tea once we're back at the inn later and I should be fine.'' She winked and wolfed down the candied strawberries she just bought.

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The festival will last for three days though the capital is already bustling with a lot of entertainment before that. It was the last day of the festival when Lady Evangelina and the Frederick the Duke of Calsis came out and strolled at the square.

''Frederick, do you think it's okay that we came out here?''

''It's okay my lady, the engagement has been officially broken. You are free now. We are free to love each. You know I will fight for you.''

''I know that but don't you think it's too early that we come out in public? We might hurt the prince's reputation.''

The Duke sighed and held the lady's hand firmly.

''One way or another we have already ruined his reputation. We can't back down now.''

Lady Evangelina sighed. She doesn't want to cause a huge scandal that will cause harm to both of their families.

''I'm just worried.'' she said.

''I know my love, I know.'' The Duke tried to re-assure his lover some more. He had been waiting for this day. To show the world how much he loves Evangelina. No one can ever snatch his happiness away from him. Even the crown prince.

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hi! a short update for you. thanks for reading!

- violet