CHAPTER 4:- “Few hours before the Moon-bloom festival begins”

Axel returns home by sundown as Mr. Edith predicted of his son returns and Twinkle was up in her room cleaning it up and kept staring at the gown that Princess gifted her for the festival wear. Axel called Twinkle to come downstairs and discuss to her of the events of meeting his father discussion, they had in for morning tea. Twinkle hears the sound of a male voice as axel calls her name out, she goes downstairs, '' Oh you are back early. ''

Axel said, '' I got back to fetch my suit, maybe go get dressed in my suit and leave. ''

Twinkle asks, '' Ah! is it for prepartion? '

Axel answered, while reading the newspaper and speaking to her, '' It's all done except I'm not wearing my outfit. I'm go upstairs and change real quick. '' *about to run upstairs.

Twinkle said, '' Don't you want to hear first how it went with your father? ''

Axel said, Oh right? How did it go? "

Twinkle said, '' It went really well. ''

Axel said, '' Anything else you guys discuss about? ''

Twinkle said, '' I had tea and biscuits with your father and then we had a talk about hobbies and the talk went on. ''

Axel heard it wrong, since when did his dad was interested in sharing his hobbies of his own, '' Hobbies hah? ''

Twinkle said, '' Yup. ''

'' And then the Princess showed up. ''

Axel froze, '' Her majesty came by my home? "

Axel said, " She wasn't kidding. "

" Hah! ''

'' She never visited me in a long time. I'm always away from home. Maybe visited a few times when my mother was around. ''

'' How did she get out of her room? I'm quite curious. ''

'' You never told her what I told you about her? ''

'' Did she say anything about me? ''

Twinkle said, '' No! Just how you guys became friends. ''

Axel said, '' Princess isn't someone I do talk regularly she is a princess, comes from royal family, I had never had to talk with anyone because If I don't like going around telling people, You! friends with the Princess. ''

'' It's a bad image and could lend her to be in danger. ''

Twinkle ask, '' Just tell me, you guys are only friends? ''

Axel said, '' Why you ask? Yes! I respect my friendship with her because I have known her for a very long, long time. ''

Twinkle said, '' Fine, I believe you! ''

'' I just got little curious there. ''

" I think! "

Axel said, '' You think? ''

'' Anyway, did my father say anything related to my mom? ''

Twinkle said, '' No! ''

Axel said with relief face/tone ,'' That's good. ''

Twinkle didn't want to bring about the invitation and Axel didn't want to talk about it. they both got quiet for a moment.

The atmosphere was bearing for Axel.

Axel remembered, " I just remembered what I came here for. The dress-up can wait. ''

Axel said, ''Oh right! Come on and get dressed. we are going somewhere. ''

Twinkle said, '' Where you taking me? ''

Axel said, '' You will know. Once we get there. ''

'' I don't take anyone there except you're the only one. ''

Axel and Twinkle got changed and head out of the house and go out for a 'hike' into another forest safer since it's a guarded place that is located inside the city. Twinkle got tired of walking, she asks again, '' Where are you going? ''

Axel said, '' We haven't reached there yet. ''

'' Just almost there. ''

'' Just a few more hours passed. ''

Twinkle said, " It's will get really dark, past midnight. ''

'' You also have to attend the festival. ''

Axel said, '' Once you see it, we will leave after greetings. ''

Twinkle said, " We got to do greetings? "

'' First, tell me about this 'place'? ''

Axel said, '' This is a place where is the best view of the whole city. "

" Also! the special place of mine I like to call. ''

'' We are here! ''

Twinkle saw the view, '' Oh, my legs need rest. ''

'' It's under that big branch vine that covers it. ''

Axel said, "That's the place. ''

Twinkle said, '' I see it. ''

Axel said, '' We just have to cross it. ''

'' Give me your hand. ''

Axel asks for her hand, '' Why? ''

'' We have to watch our step because none of us brought a torchlight. ''

Twinkle said, '' I can see properly in the dark. '' *he held out a hand for her to grab.

She hesitated of speaking further and lend out an hand, he grab it immediately, '' Alright! ''

Twinkle felt an touch of warm different feeling, '' His hands are so warm. '' *she whispered.

Axel said, '' You say anything? ''

Twinkle said, '' No! ''

'' It's the bats making the noise. ''

Axel said, '' Bats become noisy at night. ''

Twinkle said, '' Pft I'm saved again. '' *she whispered.

Axel got to the huge tree branch and check at times, if Twinkle didn't trip or fall from any rock, or got bit by any insect, slide it away from him to see the view clear in front and he lured Twinkle inside too. Axel stopped and look straight up to something over there. Twinkle open her eyes and look at Axel and what he was staring at, she was amazed at what she was seeing, Twinkle saw the view, '' Wow! ''

'' It's such a beautiful, capturing tree to look at. ''

'' I have never seen a tree like this. ''

Axel said, '' Isn't she worth seeing so magical? ''

Twinkle's description of the tree and scenario:- It looks like a painting came to real life of "Crape Myrtle" because of its length and leaves.

Small deep purple petals form delicate flowers that grow in clusters.

Crape myrtles come in various sizes, from tall trees to small to medium-sized trees, and dwarf trees. There are even crape myrtle shrubs.

Its leaves have a died out, faded and distinct color to the touch and it usually shows 'purple flowers'. It was quite like a tree with no leaves left just its root left, some like it lost its beauty.

Axel describe this tree had white petals in winter and purple in summer. this tree was no ordinary one. It was one of the rarest of its kind. the only one left of its origin. Axel said that this tree has been here for centuries times when the books have told.

The grass was quite glowing and you are able to spot any insect in the grass which meant there is life left in the grass. ''

Twinkle asks, '' Why does the tree seems so lonely? ''

Axel answers, '' This is the only tree that still grows here. ''

Twinkle said, '' The one of its kind? ''

Axel nodded down, '' Yes! ''

Twinkle said, '' How did you find it? ''

Axel said, '' I read in old books that my mother used to read and told me during my bedtime routine that this tree was a 'Myth', written by an explorer. who came across this tree and made a tale about it. " The person who found out about this tree was my mother! ''

Twinkle said, '' Your mother? ''

Axel said, '' My mother is buried here. ''

Twinkle said, '' What? '''

Axel said with a unsurprising face, '' Pretty shocking. Right? ''

Twinkle said with shock face, '' Why here? ''

Axel explains, '' My mother had a last wish to be buried here after her last breath in this world. ''

'' She saw the tree as her only hope to survive and that she loved the beauty of it. ''

Twinkle said, '' She was quite drawn to it. ''

Axel said, '' Exactly. ''

'' I remember, she would bring me here to play and watch her read books, sat near the tree. ''

Twinkle said, '' She was in her happy place. ''

Axel said, '' My father was at work. ''

'' She didn't want me to leave her side. ''

'' I promised her I would remember her! I would come back and visit her. when I am back from my trip outside. ''

Twinkle said, '' You would come here often. ''

Axel point to the flowers, placed down on her gravestone, '' I brought flowers for her always and still they look fresh over there by her side. ''

Twinkle said, '' You were the one who care of her. ''

Axel said, '' I am only the one to enter here and no one else. ''

Twinkle asks, '' That's why, you brought you! ''

Axel answered, '' I thought for a different purpose. This is quite a surprise. ''

Twinkle said, '' It's a really lovely place. ''

Axel said, '' It is a cool place and things to do here is all I shared are right here to remember her by. ''

Twinkle said, " I know how that feels ''

Axel said, '' You were here sooner in spring time to see the trees all bloom in full moon. You can see the stars way nearer here and the place would be tons of fireflies with a glowing yellow light that is spread around here. "

" You would be mind blown. ''

Twinkle said, '' How it lost after all that blooming. ''

Axel said, his theory, '' My mother died after and all the energy of the tree left with her completely. ''

Axel said, '' My mother had vision that this was the last piece of her. ''

Axel remembers, '' I love to pray to her. If you don't mind? ''

Twinkle step away out for a while, '' Sure. ''

She comes back and he hands her a few flowers for mourning. Axel said, '' I carry these flowers with me. ''

He hands her a flower to put near the tree. Twinkle takes it from his hand, '' Thank you. ''

Twinkle heard that his people called this tree the 'Tree of Hope' before its leaves were growing in the land to protect it from the darkness that lives in the forest goes to the 'Tree of Hope' and lays down puts the flower and offers a prayer.

Twinkle returns back to Axel waiting outside for her to return to him.

Axel said, " Don't mind at all. "

" If you ever feel down or sad. "

" You can come visit my mother if you like. "

'' No body here can't trespass it's a private property of my fathers and no one's allowed here. ''

'' Just relax! '' It was Axel to do the offering and he went and sat for a good 10 minutes and did his prayers and came back to Twinkle hold to her hands as he return back to her side. Twinkle ask, '' Your father visited? ''

Axel said, '' Never! ''

Axel said, '' Shall we get going? ''

'' It's getting late. ''

'' It's almost time to leave! ''

Twinkle said, '' Okay! ''

'' I found a happy feeling not too leave this place. ''

Axel said, '' Don't worry. ''

'' I will bring you here in the morning again! ''

'' If you like, You can't see barely in the night. ''

Twinkle smiled, '' Okay, let's go then. ''

'' She was finally convinced. *he whispered.

Axel and Twinkle left the mother's place and went home. Both of them got home and Axel marched right upstairs to take a bath and change an outfit. His father prescribed. Twinkle waited in her room as he was to leave. She took a quick bath too. Axel was done showering and got changed he came out of his room and walk to his room. Twinkle was quite stunned to speak about what she saw.

She saw a grown 23-year-old man walking in a black tuxedo old western times to be exact, a black vase coat and tie to match, black polished shoes, his hair was slicked back, eyes were grey in color, nice smell of a men's cologne, walked in the room.

Axel asked, '' How do I look? '' *asked twinkle while fixing one of his button sleeves.

Twinkle saw her eyes sparkled, '' You look dashing. ''

'' I can say. ''

Axel said, '' Oh come on, try a better word. ''

Twinkle said, '' You look Handsome? ''

Axel said,'' Just the word. I was looking for. ''

'' I am off to the party. ''

'' I hope that I won't stay out too late at the party. ''

'' Wish me luck, ''

He came to her with a nervous face, '' I'm really nervous now. ''

Twinkle said, '' You will be fine. ''

'' I wish you a lot of support, Knight in tuexdo! ''

Axel said, '' Thanks for support. ''

'' I guess. ''

'' I'm getting late. '' *he asked 12 times.

Twinkle said, '' Just leave. ''

Axel said, '' Bye! '' He goes down the stairs and out of the gate, his carriage was right in front of the home, he walk in his carriage and greeted the driver and left at the same time. ''

Twinkle sat by his bed and kept thinking of ' if she should go or not. ''

'' I mean it won't hurt to feel alive to go. ''

'' Grandma told me not to make a fuss because I don't exist. ''

'' I mean literally girls my age just have a little fun. ''

'' I mean grandma would understand. ''

'' Grandma hasn't been heard from her or seen yet? ''

'' So strange. ''

'' I need to go or I'm losing my chance to dance with in ball! ''

'' I have to change. '' *she gets changed in her gown, and wore shoes and the princess brought her makeup along.

She makes her way out of the house and runs away in her 'big gown' to the festival. She was given a map of the place by Mr.Edith. Twinkle found her way to the festival and was entering the entrance of the ball. She was stopped by the royal guard, '' Name, please! ''

Twinkle spoke with royal guard, '' I am one of the princess guests! ''

Royal Guard 1 said, '' You know the princess? ''

Twinkle said, '' Yes! ''

Royal Guard 1 said, '' Prove it? ''

Twinkle said, '' There she is! call her here, she will notice me. ''

Royal Guard said, '' She is really busy now with the guests. ''

Twinkle said, '' I am running late here, Sir! ''

'' I don't have enough time to be here. ''

Royal Guard 1, '' I can't let you in without a pass! ''

Twinkle said, '' An invitation? Oh right, I left it at home. ''

'' Oh no! ''

'' I am so stupid. ''

Another Royal guard came in and the ball music was heard from afar as it was starting to begin the festival. Royal Guard Head said, '' Yes, Madam. ''

'' What seems to be the problem? ''

Twinkle said, '' I am friends with Princess! ''

'' I am telling the truth. ''

Royal Guard Head said, '' I believe you. ''

'' Let her in! ''

Royal Guard 1, '' But sir! ''

Royal Guard Head said, '' I give the orders here. ''

Royal Guard Head whisper to her, '' I am a good friend of Axel! I have nothing to worry about. '' *You are the same one I saw at the gate when we came to the city.

'' She is Mr. Axel's guest. Allow her in. ''

'' I hope you remmeber me. ''

Twinkle said, '' Enjoy your time. ''

'' Thank you again, noble sir. ''

Twinkle ran in her gown and looked at the decoration the place was filled with beautiful colors, there was delicious food being served, and the ball ground was in the middle of the city. Everything looked so magical and joyful. She feels like a princess in a fairytale. Twinkle looks around for Axel.

He was nowhere to be seen.

She got worried because of feeling lonely. There were lots of eyes on her. Twinkle felt nervous and scared to wait long for the princess to come and fetch her. She left out of place.

Twinkle gown was standing out the most in the crowd of folks. It was the rarest one. It cant be brought in stores too. Twinkle heard a similar grown male, deep voice calling her from behind, '' Miss. Twinkle! ''

'' It was Mr. Edith to her rescue. ''

Mr. Edith, '' I am so glad to see you. ''

'' I was searching for you everywhere. ''

Twinkle said, '' I am glad that you found me. ''

Mr. Edith said, '' Didn't the guards let you in? How did you know I was here? ''

Twinkle said, '' I had help on the way. Axel's friend told me. ''

Mr. Edith said, '' Oh! ''

'' This isn't particular used to place for you to be walking freely. ''

'' I am glad you made up your mind to come. ''

'' You poor thing was all alone and lost. ''

'' I am glad I came at the right time. ''

'' You missing all the fun. ''

She asks of Her Highness, '' Where Princess? ''

'' She is done with greetings the guests. ''

'' She was looking for you too. ''

Mr. Edith said, '' I told her that I will come and fetch her. Once you arrive safely. ''

'' If I see you! ''

'' I just got done with my guests. I am bringing you inside the palace so you can attend the ball. ''

Twinkle asks, '' Where is? ''

Mr. Edith said, " Right his way!

'' Are you waiting for someone? ''

Twinkle said, looks around, '' Oh, no! ''

She coughs in grace, '' Lead the way. ''

Mr. Edith said, '' Come! ''

Mr.Edith escorted Twinkle inside the palace and walked the long staircase. '' Watch your step! '' and enter the huge ballroom.

He opened the doors and let the young lady walk in. Twinkle saw the ballroom was packed with royals and un-royals. '' Having a good time. ''

Mr. Edith hands her a drink. '' Would you like some? ''

Twinkle said, '' This? ''

Mr. Edith said, '' This is grape juice. don't worry. ''

'' It's not wine. ''

'' I told the waiters to serve light drinks for all guests. Twinkle took the glass and kept it held, '' Thank you, then, ''

Twinkle was searching for Axel and spotted Princess with the guest. She was busy as she seems with guests. The dance was about to begin really soon.

Every guest cleared the dancefloor. The music was quiet, one lady and one man or a couple walked in and were in position and begin dancing.

Twinkle was watched by many eyes as her gown was glowing and shine and shimmer can be seen in the corners of her folly gown.

Twinkle wanted to dance along with the crowd that was filling the dance floor.

The tradition had commenced and begin to flow in rhythm. You can hear the rambling as each dancer tab their feet on the ground to make a noise. Twinkle said, '' This looks so fun. ''

Mr. Edith lend out a hand, '' Would you like to have this dance with me? ''

'' I heard a saying that if a girl is seen in a long gown, all by herself. A man shouldn't refuse to ask the beauty to dance in centre. ''

Twinkle did search for her guy to show up. if Axel was around but no sign of him was seen. '' Your words leave me speechless. ''

'' I decide, I love to! ''

Mr. Edith hold her hand and they went to the dance floor, '' I will let you decide if I still got it. ''

'' It's been many years for me. ''

Twinkle said, '' I won't judge. ''

Twinkle and Mr.Edith walked to the dancefloor and begin dancing. Mr. Edith said, '' You seem quite puzzle? ''

'' My dear. ''

Twinkle said with calm face, '' I am fine. ''

Twinkle said, '' I'm actually enjoying. ''

Mr. Edith said, '' Everyone is dancing. ''

'' It seems like everyone got a tough time they go through, little dance doesn't hurt a little. ''

'' Look around you. there is joy and love. ''

'' I think you shouldn't worry. ''

Twinkle said, '' I know. ''

Mr. Edith said, '' You should be happy. ''

Twinkle said, '' I will try to fit in. ''

'' You are a good dancer, Sir! ''

Mr. Edith said, '' I have heard a thing or two in the past what you said from my wife. ''

'' Thank you for giving me the chance to dance with you. ''

Mr. Edith brings up Axel, '' My son be thrilled to see you now. ''

'' His eyes will be blown away. ''

Twinkle said, '' Haha! ''

Mr. Edith said, '' I see a smile on your face now. ''

Twinkle said '' I never had so much fun in ages. ''

Mr. Edith said, '' My son hasn't been much happy since the time of mother died broke him. ''

'' It was a tough time for all of us. ''

'' I hope you understand. ''

Twinkle said, '' I do! ''

Twinkle was enjoying a nice converrsation with his father, on the dancefloor. Twinkle heard a lot of commotion going on on the dancefloor. They were talking about these two dancers were taking all the main spotlight. saw young two dancers one man was dressed similar to Axel and the woman beside him, dancing like Princess's face.

Twinkle heard distant, body voices inside her head telling her, '' He doesn't love you. '' , '' He will betray you. '' The voices got worst as she couldn't stop hearing them. she might go insane.

Twinkle was left heartbroken when she caught their eyes and saw them closer. It was really them. Twinkle was supposed to dance with axel. someone else took her place.

Lady 1 said, '' She turns back to not show her face. ''

Axel could spot her face. There was a young group of ladies chit-chattting going on between Twinkle's presence,'' Oh wow. Those two make a cute couple. ''

Lady 2 chatting, '' Princess and that boy are dancing so well. ''

Lady 3 chatting, '' I heard that they were childhood friends. ''

Lady 4 chatting, '' Next minute they will become lovers after this dance. ''

Lady 1 chatting, '' I hear wedding bells! ''

Twinkle heard that she was more heartbroken and couldn't stay longer. If she has made a mistake for coming here. She was filled with a lot of emotion to describe. '' Are you alright? Twinkle. '' *she let go of Mr. Edith's hands and stop dancing.

Twinkle face is upset, '' Will you excuse me? '' *she said in a normal tone so that Mr. Edith doesn't notice.

Mr.Edith knew by the look of her face, '' You are excused. ''

Twinkle couldn't leave him like that so she had to say this before she leaves the palace and goes home. Twinkle walks out of the ballroom in hurry, holding her heavy gown with two hands, tears begin to spread across her eyes.

Twinkle left the palace and went straight home and went to her room. Crying in a way she can feel like all the pieces of her heart shattered. The voices stopped. when she left the palace.

Twinkle felt a cold breeze off her shoulder. She saw a bright light in the room come through the window, turn around, and saw a glowing butterfly, the same one, she saw in the tower that was telling her to follow.

Twinkle followed its glow and got lost in sight, of where she was going.

Back to the Ballroom scene, Mr.Edith saw the condition that left a frown on his face and worry look that Twinkle might be disturbed. the way she just left the ballroom. She was quite having fun, He felt like a father figure talking about this with Axel to solve the case.

He walked to the dancefloor. the music stop playing and the dance was over. Now, Mr. Edith chance to go with his son.

He grab his son and interrupted the two. '' Your highness! ''

Mr. Edith said, '' May you excuse my son, I like to discuss something with him. ''

Her Highness said, '' Sure, go ahead. ''

Mr.Edith and Axel walk to an corner where there is nobody, out of the ballroom room to have a discussion. Mr. Edith said, '' Axel! ''

Axel said, '' What you like to talk about? Father! ''

Mr. Edith said, '' I am very disappointed in you. ''

Axel said in confused and anger, '' Why? What did I do wrong? ''

Mr. Edith said in loud tone, '' You didn't greet Miss. Twinkle. ''

'' She was here for you. ''

Axel concern fave said, '' Twinkle was just here?! ''

Mr. Edith said, '' Not anymore. ''

'' I saw her ran out of the room. "

" She was quite pissed as she left the dance. ''

Axel said, '' Where she now? ''

" the host didn't inform me? "

Mr. Edith said. '' I got word from guards that she is nowhere in the palace. ''

Axel said, '' She is probably at the house. ''

Mr. Edith said, '' No, she is not. ''

'' She is missing? ''

'' I believe so. ''

'' She ran off like that. ''

Axel said '' Why didn't you stop her? ''

Mr. Edith said, '' Me? ''

Axel said, '' Did anyone hurt her? ''

Mr. Edith said, " Not my problem. "

" No! ''

'' You should figure it out and I ordered you to be beside her, as I told you. ''

Axel said, '' I was busy. ''

'' Alright, I let you go this time. ''

Mr. Edith said, '' She more important than duty now go and find her and bring her here back. ''

'' Poor girl will be lost, out of hope. ''

Axel said, '' Alright, I am going by myself to search for her! '' *He marched right back out of the palace to go search for her.

'' Shall I provide you of more guards for you to take? ''

Axel said, '' Not need. ''

Mr. Edith said, " Will you excuse my absent if the princess ask of me. "

" You will handle it? "

" Leave it to me. ''

" I stay here and entertain the guest. ''

Axel said, runs to the stairs of the exit, '' Wait for my return! ''

Mr. Edith said, '' Just be careful, son. ''

Axel said, '' I will return back! safely! ''

The chapter ends here because Axel leaves the palace on his way and goes to his best friend who is a head of royal guard and asks for a horse to go and rescue Miss. Twinkle and bring her back home.

Until the next chapter is more exciting than this ^^