Celebration

Princess Beatrice was happy to be out of the castle and in the sunshine. Since Prince William's return, the castle tower construction was completed ahead of schedule. Princess Beatrice thought it would be a nice treat to indulge herself and the people with a few days of rest, relaxation, and fun and games. A lute playing a folk tune filled the air, along with happy chatter among the people. Princess Beatrice had a puppet show set up in the center of the courtyard.

There were different food vendors. She smiled at the wide variety. One vendor was selling Wheat cakes and ale. Another candied apples. The somber air was clearing and she felt less guilty for feeling a glimmer of happiness for the progress after all the destruction they had endured.

The smiles on the children's faces tugged at her heartstrings. She wished she could give them this every day but this would suffice for now, she reassured herself. Her courtyard and the streets were beautifully decorated with wild flowers and ribbons of reds and gold. It reminded her of a simpler time when her mother and father were alive and happily receiving guests.

Had the castle been filled with warmth? She pondered. No, she admitted to herself. More like a familiar comfort. Looking on, she felt happy each person she passed looked and bowed to her. She smiled genuinely. Her people had been there for her at a time of civil unrest. They could have you desserted her and ran, or worse, overthrown her.

Unlike some Royals before her who did not listen to the cries of their people, she had witnessed it firsthand. The unadulterated pain her people felt when they had lost so much in such a short amount of time, herself included. They were all good people who deserved to live their lives peacefully, without wondering if they would have a home. As disgusting as she felt about the whole unholy arrangement, she knew a beneficial Alliance when she saw one. She had been happily, wandering and soaking in all the lovely sights when Clancy walked up to her with a small basket that smelled delicious. Her eyes followed the smell.

Clancy threw back the white kerchief that covered the small wicker basket. Inside, she saw four perfectly cooked meat pies. Clancy laughed at the Princesses Greedy expression as she took one. It was still warm to the touch. She took a bite. It was delicious.

"Mmm..." Was all she could say.

Clancy was still smiling. "I knew Your Majesty would enjoy. I had Cook make some just for you."

Princess Beatrice almost licked her fingers when Clancy made a 'Tsking' noise. Then lightly swatted her hand away from her mouth, handing gave her a handkerchief to wipe the grease from the meat from her fingers on to it. Today, she wore a pink satin bodice with paned sleeves, lined in pink, and matching petticoat. Her tight ringlet curls were straightened. Her hair was half swept up in a bun on the top of her head, while the rest hung freely past her shoulders in a wave of slight curls.

She wore sapphire eardrops with a matching brooch. A thin golden tiara rested gently atop her head. While wiping her hands the royal trumpets rang out, filling the air. Along with her kingdom her interest had been piqued. She then realized the parade was starting. She couldn't wait. She had never gotten to watch a parade with the people of her kingdom.

She always saw it in the castle out of one of the windows. The small children followed her. She stood with them in front of the crowd, anxiously waiting. The Royal trumpet sounded again. The large doors of the castle courtyard yawned open. Flower petals and confetti began to fill the air. The parade had begun. She couldn't help but smile...