Justice for the Forest-Beasts

Chapter Sixteen - In Which There are Fireworks

While the audience was still applauding the twins, they exited the stage. Excitedly, the two hurried through the crowd, weaving between people in order to reach the foyer. People congratulated the twins and wished them a happy birthday, but they only gave a quick "thank you" and continued to barge their way through the crowd.

The twins soon made their way to the foyer, followed by the rest of the group. The foyer was far more peaceful and serene than the Grand Hall or the dining hall, and it was populated only by a few Royal Guards and late guests.

"Oh my gods. Mom's gonna kill you," Aravis said as soon as he reached the twins. He was smiling, totally excited about Estelle's speech.

"I know," Estelle said, "I almost gave the speech that I actually submitted to Mom, I was so nervous to give my secret one. I think I'm glad that I did what I did, though."

"I did not know all your words, but songs were pretty," Rain said happily to the twins.

"Thank you," Estelle said and Lucian signed.

"They're going to be setting off the fireworks next, right?" Petra asked, changing the subject.

"Soon, yeah," Estelle said.

"Fireworks?" Rain tilted xyr head.

"Do you not know what a firework is?" Aravis asked with an exaggerated, unamused expression.

"Xe's foreign," Lucian signed.

"They're beautiful. I'm sure you'll love them," Estelle told Rain.

"Loud," Lucian signed.

"That too, I suppose," Estelle admitted, "Anyway, come on. I'll take you all to the best seat in the house to watch the fireworks."

The group followed Estelle closely as she hurried up two flights of stairs and down numerous hallways. The castle's top floor was very quiet and free of people, except for the occasional maid and chef. The group could be heard very clearly by everyone, as their shoes echoed against the floor and they seemed to lack any volume control as they chattered. Estelle didn't stop walking until she reached a heavy-duty wooden door on one of the castle's outer walls.

"It's going to be a tad cramped, with all five of us, but it'll be worth it," Estelle said before opening the door. It led to one of the castle's north-facing bartizans, typically used by the castle's Royal Guards. One by one, everyone in the group stepped into the bartizan. It was a small, semi-circular room with stone walls and an outer wall that was almost completely made of windows. Everyone in the bartizan could look out the windows, seeing the castle's bailey and the nearby city. From there, Estelle could even see Petra's house.

"Are there more of these rooms that face north?" Petra asked.

Estelle nodded, "Yes, there's one in the northeast corner."

"Alright, this is too cramped for me. Aravis, let's go to the northeast corner," Petra said, "You can show me the way, right?"

"Wait, what?" Aravis asked, "Why?"

"Just come on. I want to be comfortable when I watch the fireworks." Petra linked her arm with Aravis's, waved the twins and Rain goodbye, then quickly left the bartizan with Aravis, shutting the door behind them.

"Should we be concerned?" Lucian signed jokingly.

Estelle shrugged, "I'm sure it's fine. Maybe they're planning something for us, since it's our birthday."

The conversation was interrupted by a sudden, loud bang from outside. The first firework of the night, the twins both knew immediately.

"Did you see that?!" Rain cried out. Xe got so close to the nearest window that xyr breath fogged the glass, but xe paid no mind as xe watched excitedly for another firework. Xyr eyes were open wide, and xyr grinning mouth hung agape.