Harin's perspective:
The atmosphere in Valloria was electric, the entire kingdom was alive with the preparations for the grand festival of Varuna. The air felt different, charged with a kind of hope that made everything seem brighter, even the dark corners of the kingdom.
It was a festival unlike any other, one that bound the people together in a shared tradition of renewal and purification. The festival marked the days just before the monsoon, and every corner of Valloria buzzed with activity. People swept the streets with brooms made of long grasses, clearing the remnants of the old to make way for the new.
I couldn't help but be swept up in it all as I worked alongside the other servants, collecting old and unimportant things and taking them to the designated place. There was a sense of unity in the air, a collective hope that this festival would bring about change—a kind of fresh start for the kingdom.
The farmers, too, were busy. They carefully sowed the special flower seeds -flowers that could be only found in that land- in the fields, their ritual was precise and was full of meaning. As I worked, I couldn't help but watch the whole thing with a certain level of awe. This festival, Varuna, was more than just a tradition. It was a way of cleansing the past, making space for what was to come, and preparing the kingdom for the challenges of the monsoon.
By the afternoon, the royal family made their appearance. The king and prince—Taehyung, standing tall and regal—travelled through the main streets of the town, their procession was a reminder of their power and importance. I caught glimpses of Taehyung as he passed by, his eyes were scanning the crowds with that same cold, distant look. He didn't seem to care much about the festival, it was just another duty to fulfill, another event to go through for him.
But the people of Valloria cheered as they watched their rulers, they were throwing flowers into the air in celebration of their kingdom's history, of everything that had been achieved. Despite his indifference, Taehyung acknowledged the crowd with a nod, a gesture that seemed more like an obligation than a display of genuine affection for his people.
After their public walk, they reached the ceremonial grounds where they broke old wooden objects and threw them into a fire, watching the flames consume everything that once was. There was something eerie about it—the way the fire burned away the old and the way the water and some more secret things were mixed with the remnants of the wood, creating an almost haunting mist that hovered over the ground. It was a ritual of cleansing, of destroying what had passed in order to embrace what was to come. The product was thick and greenish black in color, preserved in stone and iron containers.
The ritual was controlled by the castle, a reminder of the royal family's authority. I couldn't help but feel a strange tension in the air, as though everything was being watched, controlled, like no part of this kingdom was truly free. The ceremony, the breaking and burning, it all seemed like a performance to maintain order.
As the sun began to set, the streets were cleaned once more, the final touches of the festival's purification were complete. It was a laborious task, but the kingdom's streets looked immaculate—ready for what the future would bring. The cleaning was followed by the night's feast in the castle, the highlight of Varuna.
The feast was grand, the long tables were adorned with rich foods, glistening under the candlelight. The air was thick with the smell of roasted meats and freshly baked bread. Priests who were standing before the assembly, praised the past kings and queens, and prayed for the long life of the kingdom. Their words were echoing through the hall, like a reminder of the weight of history that lay over Valloria, and over each person within the castle walls.
Despite the grandeur, I couldn't shake the unease that lingered in my chest. Taehyung, who was sitting at the head of the table, barely glanced at anyone. He seemed detached, as if the events of the day had not left any mark on him.
As I watched him from my place at the table, I couldn't help but wonder about the prince who would one day be the king. Would he change? Or was this cold indifference his true nature? The festival of Varuna was meant to bring hope, but for me, it only deepened the mystery of Taehyung, of what lay ahead for both the kingdom and for me, and my own future... Going back to my home now seemed so impossible. Should I search for a way back? Is this because I am not trying to go back??
The night went on, filled with laughter and music.
The next morning
The castle grounds, which had been alive with festivities, now felt eerily silent as if holding its breath after the long night of celebration.
I woke up to the distant sound of murmurs, hurried footsteps were echoing through the stone corridors. Something felt... off. Usually, mornings after a festival are quiet, right? People usually rest after such long nights. But that day, tension was clinging to the air like an unseen force.
I quickly got up, and after getting ready I stepped out of my chamber. The sight that greeted me made my stomach drop—several guards were rushing toward the royal quarters, their faces were grim. Servants were whispering amongst themselves, and were exchanging nervous glances before hurrying off to their duties.
Curious and slightly apprehensive, I approached one of the maids I had grown familiar with. "What's going on?" I asked, keeping my voice low.
The maid hesitated before leaning in. "Someone was found unconscious near the castle walls this morning... and the physicians say they were poisoned."
My breath hitched. "Poisoned?"
The maid nodded, lowering her voice further. "Not just any poison. They say it's something deadly... something made from the Varuna mixture."
I felt my blood turn cold. That thick, shimmering liquid from yesterday—it was stored under royal control. No one else was supposed to have access to it.
Who could have taken it? And more importantly... who could have been the victim? What has been happening in this castle!?
Just as I was about to ask, I heard,
"Harin."
━━━━━ ♛ ━━━━━
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~Seo
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