Legends of Heretrua: Children of Light

Chapter Nine

Aldyth felt the doctor's hand slip around hers after Genne's mother had met her eyes knowingly and whisked the girls along farther down the path. They walked comfortably together hand-in-hand. A few months ago, this was the last place she would have seen herself, but it felt so right now.

"How are you feeling tonight?" Durwin asked her quietly.

"Magnificent." Aldyth smiled. "I'm getting to celebrate the freedom of my kingdom. I'm going to a party with my sister and her best friend in the castle. And I'm with you. What more could I ask for?"

The doctor was quiet for a moment. "How was your meeting with the king?"

"It went better than I had hoped. He was very kind, and I know my family will be provided for."

"What about you?"

"He offered to give me anything I needed."

"And?"

"What could I have asked for? I don't need anything. I don't even want anything. I'm perfectly content." Aldyth thought for a bit. "I suppose it hasn't become entirely real yet. I don't have enough discomfort to admit I'm really on the way out." She peered at him. "Is it going to get bad?"

He put his arm around her waist and drew her closer to him. "Not if I can help it."

They approached the gates of the castle and caught up to Rosalie, Genne, and her mom. The younger girls made excited noises as they passed through with the rest of the crowd. The inside of the castle was indeed magnificent, especially the ballroom. The dark of the night and the coolness of the air sifting its way inside contrasted with the lighting and the music inside in such a way as to make it all seem magical.

As the group found an empty spot on the edge of the room, Rosalie made an excited sound and pointed to where the princess was leading another girl through the room to where the king and prince were waiting. "Is that the girl who picked the flower?" Genne asked.

"I think it might be," Aldyth replied. "I'm sure the king will tell us in a minute."

Sure enough, the king soon stepped forward, instantly silencing the crowd and demanding the attention of everyone in the room.

"We're so glad to be celebrating this joyous occasion with all of you tonight," he said. "Before we really get started, I want to introduce you to the girl who made this celebration possible." He turned and pulled the girl the princess had brought in forward. Cheering swept over the room as she smiled bashfully. The king held up a hand and the room was still again. "Evelyn came all the way from another world to win this victory for us." He turned to her and smiled. "Thank you Evelyn." They held each other's gaze for a moment as the crowd erupted again, then the music started and they were lost from sight.

Rosalie and Genne watched the dancing with bright eyes. It was energetic and chaotic, but beautiful. The doctor was called away to talk, and Aldyth spotted the princess making her way to a group of girls for a chat herself. Aldyth knew some of them from the village and started working her way along the wall to join the group.

She was about halfway there when Ty jumped out of the crowd of dancers in front of her. "I know that face," he said, sweeping into a dramatic bow. "Good to see you here."

"It's a pleasure to see you again, your highness," Aldyth replied, smiling and dropping him a curtsy.

"Your younger sister wouldn't happen to be with you tonight, would she?"

Aldyth grinned. "Rosalie is right over there," she said, pointing. Her sister hadn't noticed yet.

"Does she like to dance?"

"She loves to."

Ty grinned and started towards the two young girls. Aldyth watched as Genne elbowed her friend in the side to draw her attention. Rosalie couldn't conceal her shock nor her pleasure as the prince approached her and asked her to dance. All she could do was nod and Ty made Genne promise him her first waltz before whisking Rosalie away into the crowd.

After Aldyth lost sight of her sister and the prince, she finished finding her way to the group the princess was talking to. She quietly joined the circle without causing any disturbance and just listened until the first dance ended.