“Princess, you must not run like that!”
I heard Cecil call out to me as I ran to the twins’ chambers, to tell them good luck on the Vinculum Ceremony.
I sprinted as fast as I could after finishing my classes.
“How can grandfather hold classes when it’s the day of the ceremony?”
I looked up and looked at the blue sky, “Ah yes, peace.”
I stopped running, but am still looking up.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Then I look forward with a serious expression, “Whoever stands in the way of my peace, will surely pay,” I mumbled to myself.
I stopped running and calmly walked inside the now-restored Caelum Palace.
A lot had happened over the past six years. After my 2nd birthday banquet, the entire empire was so chaotic.
I then looked at the area where the magic tower once stood, “And it’s still chaotic now.”
Sooner or later a civil war is definitely possible to happen. I once heard grandfather talking with Alaric and the Captain of the imperial knights, Ser Ludwig Vein.
Over the past six years, the empire almost collapsed, especially when the fertility of the kingdom depends upon the embedded dragon stone under the magic tower.
Since it was blasted into pieces, the power it radiates became weaker.
Well, grandfather found a way to still distribute the dragon stone’s power throughout the empire.
The construction of multiple magic towers with pieces of the dragon stone embedded underneath was done throughout the empire, although this was a great solution at first, social class distinctions were created even more.
As I’ve learned during classes, since the capital is at the center of the empire, the dragon stone’s power when it was still whole, covered the radius around the entire empire.
Now that its power diminished, some areas are not reached by the power. As a result, some lands became infertile, and other lands even became desolate. Slum areas were created and their population is increasing up to this day.
Grandfather decided to cut our budget to lessen the citizen’s taxes. No banquet or balls were held after the incident six years ago. Well not until now, that is.
After six years, an event will be held, though it is neither a banquet nor ball. In the Vinculum Ceremony, everyone in the empire worship the dragons, in a way it may also seem that they worship us – the imperial family.
Grandfather decided to just hold the ceremony and not hold a banquet and a festival but the citizens refused not to hold any. Even the commoners want to see the ceremony and enjoy the festivities that come along with it.
For them, for us, the Vinculum Ceremony is a symbol of hope for the empire. Whether the new red dragon appears or not, the fact that additional dragons will be born gives hope that this, too, shall pass.
I recalled the events from that night as I turned right.
“After the knights took us, Lady Astrea was taken care of but unfortunately, until now she’s as mentally unstable as ever. Some say it’s getting worse day by day.” I sighed as I continued recalling the events of that night.
Until his face flashed through my mind.
“Finnian. I wonder how he is. He’s not yet allowed to set foot in the capital, so I am sure he will not be here later.”
I stopped in front of a double-door room as the knights greeted me. I greeted and smiled back at them as I fixed my dress after running, then the knights announced my arrival and opened the door for me.
“Thank you.”
“Fifi!!!!”
As I entered the room, ten-year-old Ashwin greeted me with a big hug as he lunged himself at me.
“Ashwin, be careful,” Ashnor stood in front of me as he shook his head at Ashwin’s behavior.
Nix on the side smiled at us, “Some things never change, huh.”
I looked at Nix, so he’s also here huh.
For the past six years, we played, studied, cried, laughed, and did everything together. Even Fae joined us but most of the time she spent her time learning etiquette, music, and art lessons. I, on the other hand, was allowed to have swordsmanship class together with the boys. But of course, I am also taking what Fae is taking. Society would faint if I don’t learn those basic things of becoming a “proper lady”.
Grandfather even did his best to spend more time with us – his grandchildren, even after everything he’s facing.
Even though we all struggled, our relationship with each other grew stronger and I guess this is the other side or result of the incident.
“This Vinculum ceremony would be different from the others,” Ashnor calmly walked toward us.
“Yeah! Unlike the other Vinculum ceremony, a banquet was held for the nobles. Then a three-day festival will be held after the night of the banquet.” Ashwin commented.
“But right now, because of the changes made around the empire, holding a banquet would be costly and Grandfather does not want to burden the people with more tax,” Nix added.
“So for now, no banquet will be held, instead a night festival for both the nobles and commoners will be held at the center of the capital.” Ashnor continued and smiled, “Let’s visit the festival later, Ria.”
“Hey! What about Nix and I?” Ashwin pouted, “We want to enjoy the festival with Fifi too, right Nix?”
Nix was taken aback by Ashwin’s question and blushed, “W-well, I want to go with all of you.”
I smiled at them, “Sure! Let’s take Fae with us too.”
The three of them nodded with big smiles on their faces until someone cleared their throat.
“Excuse me your highnesses, the guest has arrived,” Lord Earl informed us.
Although no banquet will be held, nobles of the highest standing in the society are invited to have front-row seats to the ceremony.
The ceremony will be held at the center of the capital where a platform is installed for everyone to see. The nobles would be lined up on both sides of the Emperor on the platform, having a direct view of the ceremony.
The boys nodded and then looked at me, “Would you like to join us in greeting the guests, Princess Flizeria?” Ashnor formally asked me as he smiled calmly at me and offered his hand to me.
His hair fell to his face as he slightly bowed down at me.
I took his hand without a doubt, “Don’t mind if I do, Prince Ashnor.”
Ashwin looked like he wants to hold my hands too but tried his best not to be a spoiled cousin. He notices that the atmosphere is formal so he’s doing his best to be formal.
But I don’t really care about what others would think so with my other hand, I took his hand and held it too. His eyes went wide but then he gave Nix and Ashnor a grin.
I felt Ashnor sigh beside me but said nothing.
“Okay, let’s go!”
We walked towards the guest room, holding hands, as Nix followed us from behind.
*****
“Ugh!” The sunlight hit his face as he slowly opened his eyes with an irritated look on his face.
“Luke.” Someone called out his name so he decided to close his eyes again.
“I know you are already awake. It’s already in the middle of the day.” A cold voice echoed through the room.
The room felt cold even though sunlight reached inside, is it because of the people inside?
“What is it?” Luke replied without opening his eyes.
“Father.”
“No need to call me father, old man.” With that, Luke laughed to himself.
“I am not in the mood, Luke.” You can tell the person is doing his best to have patience towards this seventeen-year-old boy.
“You are always not in the mood. Since when did you ever have a good time?” Luke got up and sat down while facing the man near the door.
“Well, I had a good time six years ago.”
“Hmmm, really? Last time I remember you were in a sour mood because that son of the duke did not go crazy.” Luke looked at him while smiling teasingly at the man.
“And whose fault was that?”
“It was mine!!!” Luke’s laugh echoed through the room.
“It was yours, and I do hope this time you will not go against my commands. Now pack up, we are going to the capital.”
With that, Lukes's playful smile disappeared. There was this weird feeling inside him while thinking about the capital – while thinking about someone who lives there.
“Do not fail me this time.” With that, the man left the room.
“Six years ago huh?” Then a creepy smile appeared on Luke’s face as he opened up the drawer on his bedside table.
“Time to see you again, huh.” Luke smiled as he looked at the empty candy wrapper in his hand.