The Scholar and The Crown

24

Sylas

"What are you, a kid?" I squinted my eyes, looking at Lady Maude standing beside me, holding a stick with blue-colored candy floss.

We ended up sticking with the Robinsons and their tutors at the town square because Amara insisted on going with her friend. I'm really here at the festival because she refused to bring her knights with her.

"The vendor sells it to anyone, so technically, candy floss isn't just for kids," Maude stated, taking a bite and smiling as the sugary treat melted in her mouth.

She really knows how to get on my nerves.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her reasoning. "I suppose you're right. Still, I never pegged you for someone with a sweet tooth."

"I'm surprised that His Majesty didn't notice that Maude always eats the sweet pastries every assessment day," Cedric whispered to Lady Laura while looking at us.

"You're eating too much sugar. That explains why you're so hyper most of the time," I commented, shaking my head.

"There's a lot you don't know about me," she replied playfully, her eyes twinkling with mischief. I smirked back at her. "Aside from the fact that you are obsessed with pumpkins."

"Well, I'm starting to see that," I said, shaking my head with a smile.

"She also likes farming activities and archery, Your Majesty," Lady Laura butted in to inform me. "Archery?" I raised an eyebrow, genuinely impressed. "I didn't expect that."

I guess she is different from the other ladies.

"See? There's more to Maude than just being a tutor," Laura said, a hint of pride in her voice.

"Why has the topic suddenly shifted to me?" Lady Maude asked, handing her candy floss to her brother.

"'Cause you're the oddest one here," her sister teased, clinging to her arm.

"It wasn't a compliment, right?" Lady Maude tried to remove her sister's hands.

As we continued to walk through the town square, the lively atmosphere of the festival surrounded us. Stalls lined the streets, offering a variety of goods and treats. The scent of freshly baked pastries mingled with the crisp evening air, making the entire scene feel magical.

We stopped at another stall where Mavis and Mavien were trying their hand at a ring toss game. Their laughter echoed as they each took turns, the rings clattering against the pegs.

"Care to try your luck?" Amara asked, nodding towards the game. She was challenging me.

"Why not?" I shrugged, stepping up to the stall.

The vendor handed me a ring, and I took aim, focusing on one of the pegs. With a flick of my wrist, I sent the ring flying. It landed perfectly, encircling the peg with a satisfying clink.

"Beginner's luck?" my sister asked, lightly clapping.

"Maybe," I said, feeling a bit smug. "Or maybe I'm just naturally talented."

I could totally hear Lady Maude sigh.

"Did His Majesty finally choose a lady?" I heard Lady Laura whisper to Cedrick and Maude.

I'm still here, are they really gossiping about me?

"Prince Sylas, I should go," Lady Sia informed, probably having heard what Lady Laura said.

"No, Lady Sia. This will not go outside to the other ladies in selection," Lady Laura assured us, while Cedrick and Maude nodded in agreement.

God, these people.

We continued to enjoy the festival, trying different games and sampling various treats. As the night went on, I found myself relaxing more and more in Maude's company. She was different from the other ladies I'd met—unpretentious, genuine, and full of surprises.

By the time we made our way back to the central square, the night sky was dotted with stars. A large stage had been set up, and a group of performers were preparing for the evening's main event.

"Looks like there's a performance starting soon," Maude observed.

"Shall we stay and watch?" Lady Karen suggested.

"Absolutely," Robert agreed.

We found a spot among the crowd, and as the performers took the stage, the night was filled with music and dance. The performance was mesmerizing, and I could see the joy and wonder in everyone's eyes as they watched.

For the first time in a long while, I felt completely at ease, enjoying the simple pleasures of the evening and the company of someone who made everything feel a little more special.

As the performance came to an end, the crowd erupted in applause. 

Then we were surprised when the sky lit up and a loud sound from the firecrackers filled the whole area. It's the cue that the festival is finally officially started.

I lifted my head to admire the fireworks, not minding the hood of my cape sliding down and exposing my face.

The sky was ablaze with vibrant colors, each explosion more magnificent than the last. Maude glanced at me, her eyes widening as she noticed my now-uncovered face.

"Your hood," she said, reaching for the hood of my cape from my back.

I felt her gentle touch as she pulled it back up, covering my face once more. Her hand lingered for a moment, and I turned to meet her gaze.

The noise of the festival seemed to fade into the background for a moment. 

I could clearly see the fireworks illuminated in her eyes.

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