The Binding Fates SEASON 1: The Past

Chapter 51: A festival date

The night air hummed with the energy of the festival. Arbor, brimming with anticipation, waited in the garden of Rahania, a place steeped in history and romance. He had carefully chosen a spot under the moonlit sky, a place where Emperor Amir had once shared precious moments with his beloved daughter, Arina.

An hour had passed, and Elyse was nowhere in sight. Arbor fidgeted, his heart pounding a nervous rhythm against his ribs. He flipped through the pages of a brochure, his eyes scanning the descriptions of luxurious restaurants and elegant cafes. He had meticulously planned their date, wanting to impress Elyse with his knowledge of the city and his thoughtful gestures.

Arrow, her twin sister, emerged from their room, her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice sharp and accusatory.

Arbor, engrossed in his planning, didn't respond. He continued to flip through the pages, his mind focused on creating the perfect evening for Elyse.

Arrow, her patience wearing thin, grabbed a piece of paper and smacked him on the head. Arbor yelped in pain, his gaze shooting towards his sister, his annoyance evident.

"What's wrong with you suddenly?!" he almost screamed, his voice laced with a mixture of pain and irritation.

"I'm asking what are you doing? It's late for goodness' sake of Artemis!" she retorted, her voice matching his in volume and intensity.

"I'm choosing food and places for the festival," he answered, sighing.

Arrow chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "It's a date then?"

Arbor's cheeks flushed crimson, and Arrow burst into laughter. She peeked over his shoulder, her eyes widening in surprise. She saw the list of luxurious restaurants and extravagant cafes that he had selected.

"Hey, you're going to the festival... Right?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of skepticism.

Arbor nodded, his face set in a determined expression. "Of course, as you can see, idiot."

Arrow, her temper flaring, smacked him on the head again. "Call me an idiot again and you will see hell," she threatened, her voice dripping with mock menace.

Arbor sighed, feeling defeated. "Anyways, you can't bring Elyse here," Arrow continued, her voice serious.

Arbor looked at her, puzzled. "Why? I looked into it and the food looks good and tasty. Elyse might love it since she likes to eat," he said, his eyes filled with a hopeful glint.

Arrow shook her head, her expression a mixture of concern and amusement. "That's not what I meant. Elyse might find it uncomfortable for something so luxurious. Food in the cafeteria in our school is mediocre for us aristocrats but heaven for Elyse. So, I think you should go to something she'll feel more comfortable about."

"In addition, Elyse is Tina's Descendant so my guts might be right. She'll be uncomfortable for something so luxurious right in front of her," Arrow added, her voice filled with a knowing conviction.

Arbor couldn't help but imagine Elyse's reaction. He sighed, realizing that Arrow might be right. Tina, a woman of humble origins, raised in an orphanage, had always been a woman of simple tastes. Her life, before she became "Lucia," had been one of quiet simplicity.

"Will you help me then?" Arbor asked, his voice filled with a mixture of desperation and hope.

Arrow gazed at him, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Oh, come on! I know you're better than me when it comes to these things. Just make her feel comfortable, that's all," she said, her voice laced with a playful tone.