38 Chapter 24: The Festival

"What do you mean?" Father paused, "She didn't run away?"

"Yeah." I nodded obediently.

"Then what are you doing?!" Father dragged me as I struggled with all my might, "Go find her before she actually runs away for real!"

"Nice to see I'm loved…" I sighed bitterly, sitting pitifully outside of the palace.

***

IVORY:

"I like this one please~" I smiled, pointing towards the short lilac wig, "Thank you, here's the money."

The sound of coins clinking was heard as the transaction was completed and I now appeared to have short purple hair.

"Please come again!" The old woman smiled warmly, waving goodbye.

I skipped down the stony path towards the enormous fountain, which towered above everyone.

"Excuse me Ms." I smiled at a woman, around the age of my mother, "Do you know where the best inn around here would be? The price isn't an issue."

"There's a pretty famous inn around here, mostly rich nobles go there. It's called 'Princess Jessica' it sells a variety of things like cotton candy and watermelon ice cream." She tilted her head towards the sky, as though she was pondering what to suggest next, "But be careful, thieves may try to rob you if they see you go inside. But where are you parents?"

"Somewhere…" I averted my eyes unconsciously, "Thank you for the information. Bye!"

I darted around, seeking information of the location of where 'Princess Jessica' was.

Finally, I stood in front of a large black and white building, the blue stained windows glinting in the sunlight.

The silver bell jingled merrily as I entered the inn and laughter of the noblewoman flirting with their lovers and noblemen drinking their champagne heartily was displayed clearly.

I peered up at the counter, my height only allowed my eyes to slightly peer over the counter.

This height was such a bother…

I sighed, standing on my tippy toes.

"Excuse me Ms!" I exclaimed, waving my arm around, "I'd like a room please."

A pretty woman leaned over the counter to look at me, smalls strands of orange hair tumbling out of her messy bun,

"Where are you parents, honey?" She grinned, "It's not safe for you to be alone."

I inwardly wept; this age was getting me nowhere.

"Um… You see, this appearance isn't actually my age. I lied quickly, and leaned into whisper, "I'm using this as a disguise."

There were a few seconds and I anxiously hoped she would believe my flimsy lie.

"Oh… I see!" The woman's apple green eyes widened in surprise, "I understand! I will keep it a secret! Would you like a single room?"

"Yes." I smiled with satisfaction.

***

"An excellent day to spend money." I mumbled to myself happily the coins in my purse chinking joyfully.

I placed all my belonging for the three-day festival in my room and prepared to leave for the festival which started in only a few minutes.

I quickly rushed down the stars, jumping over a few steps just to arrive quicker.

In my past life, I never really went to many festivals, I was mostly at home studying.

I made it to the town square and along with many other people, watching the massive clock tick slowly as the awaited seconds of the beginning of the festival inched forward.

Finally, the hand hit the final number and the sound of cheering began as stalls opened and the large theatre projected fireworks out of the tip of its roof.

The crowd started to scatter towards their destination and the chatter of people joined the air.

Wasn't there a saying that money need to be spent?

***

KYLE:

I inspected the store's merchandise.

"The blue hairclip and green teacup please." I pointed to the items.

I would give these to Raven and Ivory later.

Now my next mission was to find Ivory and drag her back! I glanced at the massive crowd of people.

Impossible…

Where would Ivory probably go to first? I looked around and noticed a magician performing magic tricks. That looked like a place Ivory would like!

I darted among the crowds of people watching the magician, trying to find a glimpse of Ivory's golden hair.

"I'm sorry!" A female voice exclaimed as someone collided into me.

I turned around in surprise, and saw familiar blue eyes gazing back at me.

"Found you!" I laughed grabbing her hands together with mine.

"How did you know it was me?" Ivory smirked, tilting her head.

"Everyone's features are unique, it's obvious it was you. Although, I was thrown off by your hair for a second." I grinned, steering her out of the crowd, "Let's go somewhere less crowded, you might be crushed by the crowd."

When we finally stopped walking, Ivory turned around with a determined expression.

"Are you going to take me back to the palace?" Ivory asked, hands on her hips.

"Hm? Why would I? You have the right to go wherever you want." I smiled, before leaning in the whisper something in her ear, "But I really, really wanted to go to the festival too. So why don't we spend some time here before leaving?"

We laughed before running off to a candy store called 'Cousin Claire'.

Just as the golden bell jingled at our arrival, we heard heavy footsteps behind us. In unison, Ivory and I turned around to see who it was.

A knight from the palace dashed towards us, his forward covered in sweat after all that running in the heavy armour and hot weather.

"Yes?" I asked, stepping closer towards him.

The knight frantically announced in a weak voice, "Your brother, Prince Raven, has collapsed!"