The Scholar and The Crown

22

Maude

"...the reestablishment of stability, either through the triumph of one side or a negotiated settlement." 

I looked up at the ladies, who were now listening attentively, regardless of whether Prince Sylas was present in the classroom or not. 

Maisei's incident seemed to have made them take the selection seriously, which was good for them.

"We'll pause here. We'll continue the class once the festival is over. Enjoy the festival, ladies," I announced.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of a three-day festival in the capital, declared a national holiday. Unfortunately, we were still not allowed to go home, so the festival was our only diversion.

After the ladies had left, I closed my book and headed back to the faculty room.

"Maude, let's go to the festival opening at midnight," Mai said, clinging to my arm.

"You should go too, Maude. Everyone's going, so you almost have no choice," Laura added.

"I'm really planning to go," I replied, causing them to freeze in surprise.

"Really?!" Mabel's eyes teared up. "We thought you weren't going," Thomas said from his table.

I sighed. "Father said my sister Mavis is coming to the opening."

It wasn't surprising. Mavis never missed the capital's festival. She always said it was livelier than the ones we had in the countryside.

I was eager to go because it had been a month since I last saw her. This would be the first time I'd see a family member, aside from Father, since being away.

After finishing our paperwork, we headed back to the manor to get ready for the event.

"Enjoy the festival, everyone!" Robert announced as we arrived at the capital's town plaza.

The grand buildings surrounding the plaza were illuminated with a soft, golden glow. The fluttering banners shimmered with luminescent threads, catching the light in mesmerizing patterns. The air was cooler, carrying the scent of night-blooming flowers and the lingering aromas of festival foods. Musicians played enchanting melodies on harps and flutes, their notes resonating through the night.

The stalls were bustling, illuminated by candles and magical lights. Food stalls offered warm, comforting dishes and spiced drinks that steamed in the cool night air.

"Are we going to part ways here?" Karen asked.

"I'm meeting my sister at a cafe nearby," I informed them.

"We'll be around here, Maude," Laura told me.

"Then I'll go now. See you later," I said, waving at them.

"See you around!" They waved back before I fully turned to go to the cafe where Mavis said she would meet me.

After a few minutes of walking, I found the cafe. The familiar jingle sounded as I opened the door, followed by the rich aroma of coffee and the cozy, rustic interior.

"Maude!" A familiar voice called my name. I saw my sister, Mavis, waving with a big smile. I smiled back and walked towards her table, noticing three more people sitting with her.

"Maude!" Mavis got up and embraced me. "Mavis," I hugged her back.

"Maude!" I was surprised to see my youngest brother, Mavien, sitting across from Mavis. "Mavien?" I let go of Mavis, and Mavien hugged me too. 

I missed them!

Then, the person in a black coat sitting at their table cleared his throat.

My eyes widened when I saw Prince Sylas, his sister Princess Amara, and Lady Sia, all awkwardly sitting there, trying to hide their faces.

I looked back at Mavis, who was scratching her head now.

A hot cup of tea and a pastry were served in front of me. I was now sitting across from the royalty.

"I'm sorry, Lady Maude, I ruined your reunion with your siblings," Princess Amara apologized. "I missed my friend, but I didn't know my brother would tag along," she said, side-eyeing the Prince.

Ah yes, I almost forgot. Somehow, Mavis had befriended the Princess. Of all people, she picked a royal.

Seriously?

"It's alright, Your Majesty," I said kindly to the Princess.

"Sylas, just go. Enjoy the opening ceremony with Lady Sia," Princess Amara told Prince Sylas.

Those two were together again. 

I bit my tongue to suppress a smile. 

Were they going on a date? I might be able to go home next month!

"Maude!" Mavis called, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Hm?" I looked at her.

"Your letters home are quite concerning..." she trailed off.

I laughed internally.

My letters were mostly about how much I disliked the ladies in the selection and the palace itself.

"Mother reminded me to check on you. She said you might be causing a ruckus," Mavis said. I shook my head. "I'm doing fine. How's everyone back at the manor?"

"The manor lost its life after you left," Mavien butted in. "I'll be back soon," I assured him.

"I'll be back soon when this prince here announces he's marrying the lady beside him," I stated, causing both of them to choke on their coffee.

Guilty as charged! Haha!

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