When everyone was already sleeping, or should be, Zohreh and Cassie were discussing a few last details about their deal.
"You are one hundred percent sure you'll get back in a year, right?" Cassie asked, worried.
"Why would I lie to you?" Zohreh put her hand on her chest, as if very much offended. "Don't you trust me?"
"I barely know you…" Cassie said and sighed, lying on the bed, her arms behind her head. Zohreh did the same, but supporting her body on one arm.
"I promise you I'll be back. I love my parents and I won't just vanish into the world."
"Ok… If not, I swear I'll hunt you down!" Cassie said and they both looked very serious at one another. Then, they burst into laughter.
Zohreh slept there and, by morning, she had everything ready. When the maids entered, she was already gone and Cassie was, officially, an usurper!
During breakfast, Cassie was trembling, but not for fear, but for excitement! Whenever there was any kind of tournament, she would try to sneak under the bleachers, in a temptation of seeing the great knights, archers and swordsmen in action. Now, for the first time in ever, she was going to see everything from another perspective: as a guest.
"You seem very excited about it!" Celestia said while drinking her tea. "You always it to be so boresome."
"Ah… I woke up feeling different. Maybe it is the air of this land." Cassie said and Celestia noticed how her daughter's voice was not as sweet as it always was, but then, the girl was probably right.
"Who knows? Maybe when you go to Thalassa, you'll enjoy it even more. I've never been there, but I've heard that even women can hold a sword."
Cassie's eyes twinkled.
"Tha-thalassa?" She asked, wanting to know more about this heavenly place.
"Yes." Celestia answered, smiling. "Your future home. Prince Oberon is a fine swordsman and great knight, warrior. Thalassa is a kingdom for warriors, as you well know."
Cassie wanted to slap herself for that. Of course she knew about Thalassa, she just didn't think that Prince Oberon was from there. So, he was Oberon Hendrix. Zohreh's future husband.
"Of course, mother. It just slipped my mind." She coughed slightly.
"Don't worry. As long as your father doesn't listen to you forgetting about this kind of thing, there is no problem at all."
Cassie only nodded and kept eating. She was not used to having those fresh fruits, all already cut for her, fresh bread, butter, honey!
When they were finished, the King was already waiting at the door of the house they were staying during their visit.
"At last! I thought you girls had forgotten about our event!" He complained and entered the litter.
"We could never!" Celestia answered with a giggle and followed her husband's step. Each one had their own litter. A guard offered his hand for Cassie to help her get in. Once inside, she was folding the hem of her dress, nervously.
She could see by the fabric around the litter that many people were going to attend the tournament. By looking at some small and poor kids, trying to see something between the wooden slats on the wall of the back of the field, Cassie was reminded of herself when she was little. the boys would never help her and, sometimes, they would even kick her out or steal her spot when they saw she found a good gap.
It didn't take long for them to arrive and she was amazed. The entrance of the place was absolutely magnificent. The arch where she passed below was so colorful, everywhere she looked was so bright and vibrant. Flags here and there, smiling people wearing unique costumes full of emblems and clearly showing who they were cheering for. Others, in the corner, were betting on their favorites.
She was not an intruder there, but a participant, a guest. In fact, the life of a noble could be quite boring at times, but it was also capable of providing pleasures that someone like her, besides being poor, rejected, could never enjoy.
The litter stopped, Cassie got out and followed behind the King and Queen. The veil covering her face was still a nuisance, but she wouldn't complain. Better the veil, thin and soft, than having her face pressed to some rough piece of wood.
They sat in the highest bleachers, where the royals were always allocated, in order to have the best view. However, the young ladies were in the row closest to the arena, hoping to win a flower or any gesture of appreciation from one of the heroes.
"If you want, you can join them." Celestia said, pointing with her chin to where the other young women were sitting. "Your father doesn't see any problem."
"No... I'd rather stay around here. Thank you.." Cassie responded and sat down, craning her neck, eager to see the action that, in her humble opinion, was taking too long to start. .
Celestia watched her for a few moments, stunned. Zohreh was very strange that morning. She loved getting the attention of gentlemen and being pampered. Although no one saw the girl's face, rumors of her beauty spread throughout the kingdoms and, of course, the veil only added a totally positive mysterious air. But she said nothing and thought that, maybe, the girl was just trying to keep herself more reserved because she was about to get engaged.
The king rose and, like magic, everyone fell silent. Those who remained standing sat down instantly. Everyone paid attention to the Quasar's ruler.
"Welcome, everyone!" He saluted the guests. "Today we start our tournament and we will see who will be the champion of each category!" He paused briefly, allowing the audience to express themselves.
And this one did not disappoint. Screams and applause were heard. But just as it began, the riot ended, giving the king the word again.
"And let the Olena's FEstival Tournament begin!"