ONEIRAL: The Witch, The Book and The Mirror

Chapter 17: Two lies

The road leading to the castle was lined with bright colored tents, of all shapes and sizes. Merchants were offering their wares, while jugglers and jesters paraded along the crowd. A firebreather walked over the people on stilts, face adorned like a dragon, and the children gasped as they saw the figures the fire made.

Then, the castle came into view. The golden gates shone brightly with the sun over them, and the red banners on each side waved with the wind. People dressed in all assortments of formal clothing poured through the doors and into the main courtyard, which was adorned with strings if lights, tables offering all sorts of food arranged around the dance floor. At the end of the corridor, a high table was set, the finest cups set for the most distinguished guests.

Meyra walked around the place, surveying the scene. She wore a sky-blue dress that flowed behind her as she walked. The people around her laughed and joked with each other, creating a general bustling and chatter that died immediately when the trumpets sounded.

"Her Roya Highness, Princess Ilio!" the herald announced, and the crowd bowed as Ilio came into view, followed by several people from her court. She smiled gracefully, and started to move around the people, who resumed their respective conversations. She was about to move out of the way when she heard her name being called, and she turned to find the princess staring directly at her. She sighted and walked the remaining distance until she stood in front of the princess, bowing respectfully.

"Your Highness," she greeted, and the princess smiled warmly at her.

"Meyra, I'm glad to see you here," Ilio said happily, and Meyra forced a smile.

"I wouldn't miss it, Your Highness. I was actually hoping I could see- Korem!" she exclaimed surprised when she saw the boy move from where he was standing behind Ilio.

"Ah, yes, he's here as one of our guests of honor," Ilio explained, eyeing between them carefully, "He'll be staying at the castle for a time,"

"Of course," Meyra said absentimentally, still staring at the brunet, who was staring at her with a confused expression.

"I must see to the guests. I trust you'll be alright Korem?" the princess asked, and he nodded dumbly, still looking at Meyra. The princess looked over them with a calculating gaze, but simply walked away. After a few moments, it was Korem who broke the silence.

"I'm so sorry, have we met?" he asked, breaking out of his daze.

"No, we haven't," Meyra replied, shaking her head.

"I apologize then, there's just something, your eyes..." he said, stopping himself and taking her hand instead. "My name is Korem, My Lady," he said, placing a gentle kiss at the back of her hand, smiling softly when he saw her wide eyes and the blush spreading on her cheeks.

"Meyra, My Lord," she replied, bowing her head slightly, and he snorted.

"I'm not a Lord," he scoffed, smiling, and she smiled back.

"Nor I, a Lady," she retorted, grinning, and Korem felt something warm settle on his chest.

"Would you be so gracious as to join me for a dance, My Lady?" he asked, voice serious, though the mirth in his eyes betrayed him, if Meyra's overexaggerated, responding bow was anything to go by.

"I'd be honored, My Lord," she replied, as he guided her to the dance floor. Their hands found their places instinctively, and they started to sway with the music.

"So, how are you liking the castle? Far more comfortable?" Meyra said nonchalantly, and winced a second later.

"I haven't had a chance to properly look, actually," he replied "I arrived just yesterday,"