CHAPTER 16- THINGS GO WRONG

As surprised as I was about the way people regarded this red lantern festival, I wasn't anticipating it. I just wanted to see Adriana. Even the servants were not excluded from participating in the celebrations. Each of us were given nice, shiny new outfits to wear thanks to the generous madame of the Manor(Adriana's mother).

I was wearing a navy blue suit with a matching bowtie. I had waxed all my hair back, and from the looks I got when I passed the maids, it looked pretty nice. I just hoped Adriana would think I looked good in it too. Not that it was going to be my signature hairdo anyways. From the little Janice had told me about the festival, Adriana was the one I wanted to light my lantern with. Today, I would also tell her...you know, the other part. That I was in love with her. I hoped I could get some time alone with her, because I heard that some special guests were arriving Doria for the red lantern festival this time around.

I was looking at my reflection in the mirror for the last time, when Gaius walked in. He really did look fine indeed. The suit which he wore complemented his nice shoulder line and sharply cut jaw. Even the maids equally looked lovely today. The ones who served the master and his wife, as well as the young misses and masters stood behind their carriages patiently waiting for them.

I scanned around looking for Adriana, when...I saw an angel. Drifting towards us was Adriana looking undescribable. No man could resist her looking like that. Even the men servants couldn't help but ogle openly at her.

She was wearing a lovely white gown with red roses that complemented her gorgeous crop of red hair which, for once was completely let down. No braids, or pins at all. Her intense green eyes which seemed to burn with flames were highlighted by an emerald she wore on her neck.

Today, her usual innocent looking beauty was replaced by sophistication and elegance. i wanted to complement her, to tell her how the sight of her took my breath away, but I simply couldn't. My limbs felt as heavy as lead and I seemed to have lost my voice. I would have thought that I'd suddenly been struck by a strange illness if I didn't know better because that was how I felt at the moment

Gaius however, made a move. As he helped Adriana up the carriage, he leaned down and brushed his lips gently over her knuckles. From the corner of my eye, I saw her smile. And then, she expressed her surprise on how incredibly nice everyone looked without their boring old uniforms.

God when did I become a coward! I glanced up at her, and our gazes met and locked. She was looking at me with a puzzled expression on her face. She must be wondering what the hell was wrong with me, I thought. I managed a shaky smile, before I tore my face away from hers , to focus my eyes anywhere but at her.

Thankfully, she let down the carriage curtains, and I wheezed out a sigh of relief. I had actually been holding my breath ever since I saw her. The chief of all the guards who took his position at the front of the governor's entourage gave the signal, and we began our journey to the town hall. Glancing sideways at the carriage, I admired the lovely silhouette of black Adriana's beautiful face cast on the curtain. Back then, why did I feel so nervous all of a sudden?! Well, eventually I was going to have man up because I would tell Adriana how I felt about her tonight, even if it killed me. And nobody, not even Gaius was going to stop me.

The town hall was very worthy of its praise indeed. It was the finest grandest structure in the whole of Doria asides the governor's Manor. I admired the high marble pillars of the hall, which shone like gold. Roses hung almost everywhere around its walls. It was definitely capable of housing the entire population of Doria and more. There were already a whole lot of people outside the hall, waiting for the governor's arrival. On seeing him they gave a loud cheer.

Some people clapped their hands, while others threw rings of buttercups and honeysuckle on the passage to the entrance of the hall. I guessed it was customary, because we had a similar practice back in Valeria when I was a prince. There were other exquisite carriages at the entrance as well. I guessed some of the important guests for the event had arrived. The governor and his family came out of their carriage and walked into the hall as they waved and smiled at the cheering townsfolk. They took their places at the head table located at the far end of the hall. Then, the important guests began to troop in group by group, as they were announced by the chief of the guards.

There was...the troop from Schelee, the Mesopotamian merchants, the Siberian wolf warriors, the English envoys and so many more. They were all merrily received my the governor and his wife. But, one particular company struck my interest. The merchants from Persia. Their head was a young boy about my age who looked quite familiar to me. He had a dark, frightening aura around him which I didn't like. His hair was pale yellow and shone like butter, and his deep blue eyes were as cold as marbles. He was quite good looking.

He strode to the head of the table where the governor and his wife stood, and the governor embraced him. "Philippe. Dear Philippe." said the governor with a smile. "Please accept my condolences over the death of your father." he continued. The young man smiled and spoke. Even his voice was as frightening as sudden thunder in a rainstorm. "He had his time, and he lived with honor."

He glanced around the table slowly, then his gaze caught on to Adriana. Walking with sure graceful steps towards her, he took her hand in his and gently brushed his lips against her knuckles, all the while never tearing his eyes away from hers. "My Lady."

"My Lord." Adriana responded with a puzzled expression on her face. "You are far more beautiful than the rumours say." To this, Adriana smiled and gave a small courtesy. The merchants from Persia then went to the table that had been designated for them.

A serving girl filled up the glass in the governor's out stretched hand with wine, then he stood up. "A toast, my brethren. To good health, and friendship. Let the feasting begin!" There was a loud cheer from the people, then they equally drained their glasses. Music played from instruments, people ate and chatted like old friends and one couldn't simply be bored at this merry gathering.

Then, the anticipated evening came. People from all parts of the town hall poured out holding red lanterns and laughing excitedly. The governor lovingly guided his wife up a podium. Then a servant brought a deep red lantern and handed it to them. They held it between themselves, lighted it, and set it afloat beautifully. Then the people whose lanterns were light red in color began to set theirs afloat as well while the others paired themselves up with whoever they were to light their lantern with.

Everywhere was bustling with excitement. How was I going to get Adriana alone so I could light my lantern with her? I wondered glancing at the deep red lantern in my hands.

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The red lights in the sky were beautiful. Adriana looked up at them, then sighed looking around her. There were couples here and there setting their lanterns afloat together. She had been looking forward to Bren asking her to light a lantern with him. Why hadn't he? She wondered. All the while when they were inside, she had been looking at him, but he seemed distanced. It felt like he wanted to look anywhere but at her.

Maybe, he lighted his lantern with someone else already she thought choking back a sob. "I think I need to clear my head." she said out loud. Rose, Nelly and Kate weren't with her. They'd already gone to light their lanterns with their special someone. She walked towards a lovely pond in the garden, where the full moon illuminated the most. It cast a lovely sheen on the gentle ripples the water made.

Bren caught sight of Adriana making for the garden. This could be his only chance at getting her alone! He thought. He quickly followed her into the garden. Adriana was thinking about dipping her foot into the pond, when someone called out her name. The sound of his voice brought butterflies to her stomach, and fire to her leaping, lurching loins. There was only one person who made her feel this way.

"Bren?" Adriana said turning around excitedly. Oh! He did look handsome. One could easily take him for a prince with his lovely suit and irresistibly good looks.

"What are you doing here? I thought you were already lighting your lantern." She said turning her back to him again sadly.

"That's why I'm here." Bren said taking a step forward.

Adriana chuckled. "You really don't need to take permission from me to light your lantern Bren.'' She said in a pained voice.

"Look at me Adriana."

She refused to budge. Bren reached out for her shoulder with one hand, and turned her to face him. Then, he saw a tear trickling down her face, silver from the moonlight.

"Adriana, Why would I want to light my lantern with someone else who isn't you?'' He said taking another step forward.

"But...I thought..." She began.

"Adriana, from the first time I saw you, I fell in love with you. I didn't believe that something like love at first sight would ever be possible for someone like me..." he chuckled. "...I guess I was wrong about that. I know I'm just a servant. And I have nothing to offer you. But I can't keep these feelings I have for you anymore."

Bren took her hand in his, and revealed the red lantern he'd been hiding behind his back all along. "Will you light my lantern with me Adriana?" He asked looking deeply into her eyes. Adriana looked dazzled for a moment, and Bren held his breath waiting for her answer. She nodded with a smile. "Oh Bren, I will." They lit the lantern, then as they set it afloat together, Bren gazed up into the sky. The sky looked more beautiful with an extra red light in it. It sparkled with the Stars, accompanied by the lovely red lanterns bobbing beautifully in the air.

The full moon cast a lovely silver light on everything, creating the perfect romantic mood. Bren looked down at Adriana. She was looking at him lovingly. "I love you Adriana Sydney." he said, a hand stroking her velvety hair tenderly. "And I love you Bren Foster." She replied nearly in tears. Just as they leaned in for a kiss, a large clock chimed loudly, startling them. No sooner did Nelly come running into the garden. Bren and Adriana cautiously put considerable distance between themselves.

"Miss, where have you been? I've been searching everywhere for you!"

"What's the matter?" Adriana asked.

"Yeah, is something wrong?" Bren asked, a little frustrated at the sudden interruption. Nelly did not respond. " Your father calls for you. Follow me." she said turning on her heels.

Bren and Adriana followed her, confused. Everyone had gathered back at the town hall. And Philippe was standing beside her father, at the head of the hall. Bren blended in with the rest of the crowd, while Adriana went on towards her father.

On seeing her, he beamed and began whilst she approached. "Dear brothers and sisters, friends, Ladies and Lords. It is with glee..." Oh no! Adriana thought as she quickened her pace. "...that I hereby announce the wedding of my beautiful daughter Adriana, to Philippe Impaler." he continued. Adriana's heart nearly stopped. She froze just in front of them. Her father took her hand and placed it in Philippe's outstretched one, then he left the stage leaving them standing side by side as the crowd went wild with cheering and applause. Adriana looked at Bren with a terror stricken expression on her face. He just stood there.Speechless.

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