"Young lady. You're awake."
Ria sat up, feeling the soreness of her body swelled up as soon as she gained consciousness. As she looked towards the window, she saw the orange sun rays.
"It's already afternoon. You've slept too much that I wasn't even able to attend the feast. Tsk!" Adil, who was on his usual blue attire was leaning on the door. The pout on his lips was an indication of his obvious dismay.
Nanny Elis helped Ria got up from the bed, and offered her a water.
"How are you feeling?" the old lady asked, making Ria turn to her.
A smile broke in her face. "I'm fine now that I rested, Nanny Elis. By the way, King Cavi was…"
Though she didn't utter it, the older knew exactly what she wanted to ask.
Helping her sat in front of the mirror, she replied. "He is already fine. By this time, maybe they're still in the banquet."
"Banquet? What are they celebrating?"
"You don't even know that?" Adil interrupted, annoyed that he wasn't paid attention to when he talked to her earlier.
Ria looked at him through the mirror since Nanny Elis already started brushing her hair. She saw him walking near them and sat on the floor at the table.
"It's the celebration of the end of Sea Hunt today. So people are holding feasts everywhere. Even in the streets, people are dancing and singing. For sure, there are a lot of shows today. Also, I heard our king won the Sea Hunt. Though I'm already expecting it. Just how amazing is he! If only my king didn't asked me to protect you, I would have been enjoying at the streets now."
As Adil talked about the feast and banquet, the more Ria found it interesting. After waking up, she never really enjoyed a feast. Not when Derian held a party just for her since an accident almost happened.
"He's right, young lady. During the celebration of Sea Hunt, many people all over the continent are coming here in Guzheng Port. It was so lively everywhere you go. As long as I can remember, it's the only celebration where everyone, including slaves could enjoy a feast. If I am only younger, I would love to join the feasts too." As Nanny Elis spoke, Ria's eyes sparked in curiosity. She wanted to see it. to witness the feast.
"Do you mean, Nanny Elis, slaves are forbidden to celebrate in normal times?" her question made the old lady pause.
"Sadly, you're right."
"But, we are all people and citizens of the kingdom, aren't we? Why are slaves forbidden to enjoy and be happy when they're just like us?"
"Nonsense!" Adil stood up, glaring at her. "How can a slave be the same as us?! tsk."
After saying those words, he walked out of the room with loud footsteps. Nanny Elis shook her head as she placed the last piece of jewelry in Ria's hair. It was a red peach blossom flower in gold adornments.
"Young lady. please don't take what he said into your mind. He's still childish so he's acting that way."
"I know. I just didn't expect him to say those words…" Ria sighed as she fiddled with her fingers.
"Young lady, I know you're kind hearted. But there is just some thing in our world that won't change just because it's what we believe in. the reality is often far from the reality we created in our minds."
She nodded. Though she understands what she said, she still ddin't want to accept it.
Nanny Elis sat beside her and carefully check her face. unlike last night, she was back to her bright adorable face. she couldn't stop smiling at the sight of her.
"Young lady. I wanted to ask you something. Though it's up to you if you will answer it or not."
"Just ask anything, Nanny Elis."
"I wanted to know… what is your name?"
She was halted for a moment. Should she tell her that her name is Ria? Like what Derian gave her? but that name belongs to his mother.
Then…
"Hariah…"
It was a voice inside her head. She closed her eyes, trying to recall where did she heard that or who was calling her that. Yet, all she was seeing was a silver haired man and him calling her that name.
Was Hariah her real name?
"Young Lady! young lady! are you alright? What's wrong?"
Ria was brought back to reality, finding Nanny Elis shaking her with a worried look on her face. she even saw Adil peeking at the door. Though when he realized she discovered him, he immediately run away again.
She turned back to Nanny Elis and held her hand.
"Hariah. It's my name," she answered, a beautiful smile curving from her lips up to her eyes. And like the red peach blossom flower on her hair, it was a beauty that didn't belong to the mortal realm.
Nanny Elis smiled back at her. "Lady Hariah…"
***
"Nanny Elis. I'm sure you'll like it, too! you said the streets are full of interesting things. You'll come with me, right? Right?!"
Glancing at the persistent lady who seemed like a child trying to convince her mom to take her to her playmate, the old lady chuckled as she fought the urge to her agree with her pleases. But with those pouting and pleading eyes, just how could anyone be able to resist them?
"Alright. Then, I'll take you to the streets but only for an hour, okay? After that, we'll come back at an instant."
"Yes! You've already agreed, Nanny Elis. I'll just get coats for us to wear in case we'll get cold." Almost sprinting, Nanny Elis laughed again when she saw almost tripping because of her clumsiness. She's just too excited.
Placing the coat over the old lady's shoulder, Ria held her arm to assist her. after all, Nanny Elis was indeed old that she won't be able to move as she could.
She pushed the door open, with a smile on her face. yet, it all faded the moment she saw the face of a silver-haired man, standing before them. His expression was clearly displeased and mad. Squinted blue eyes were glaring at her.
"Nonsense!" His roaring tone sent chills to her bone.