News spread of the missing butler and maid. I also had the green room named Lover's Cove.
The news got to my sister, who kept asking questions about her missing maid and beloved butler.
"I've told you a million times already; they're living their own lives elsewhere," I said
"That is not true! Why would they leave?! You must have done something to them! You're always lying about everything! She's right! All you do is murder and lie!" She cried
"She?" I asked, "She who?"
"Everyone! Everyone is always telling me about what a cruel king you are. All you do is murder, and you won't change! No matter what I do!" She said
"I don't…" I trailed off *Do I?*
"If you need to question yourself, how can I not?" She asked me, then walked out of the castle.
It's not that I don't want to tell her everything. It would be simple to explain things to her, but she wouldn't understand my reasoning. I've tried before. It only made her hate me more.
Preparations for the festival went on for the next few days, never-ending. It was all people could talk about: what they would wear, what foods they would try this year, what new entertainment would be shown, and so on and so forth.
I also prepared as many soldiers for the festival as I could. Not so many to make the citizens uncomfortable but enough to make me comfortable. I, of course, also wanted to attend the festival in case water soldiers came forth, but I knew that would only cause worry to spread. So, I dressed in standard clothing and used face paint to conceal my face. People usually wear fall colors to celebrate the color change of trees and wear their best clothing.
After the maids finished my makeup, they looked shocked and proud. I looked into the mirror and saw a stranger. They emphasized my eye look and made them look even bigger than they usually do. They did a sunflower design on the side of my face and painted my lips an auburn color. I didn't even recognize myself. No wonder they looked so surprised.
The reds, oranges, and yellows on my face also complimented my hair.
The citizens started the trend of trying to mimic the colors of my hair on their own. This was a big deal when the first person came forth with this idea but since I hadn't made any comment on it, everyone started doing it. Now, people would lighten their hair close to my hair color. A variety of yellows, reds, and oranges, or a mix of all, would roam the festival to celebrate the colors of fall and the phoenix.
My eyes were now also a dark brown. The maids told me of colored contacts that would hide my dark red eyes. Although they had a red tint to them, they weren't noticeable unless someone were to look very closely.
I had my outfit ready, and I left the castle around the back and arrived like another common guest.
The festival would last for two days, before fall and the start of fall.
Exotic food stands scattered all around the kingdom and entertainers from miles away traveled here just to get the chance to appreciate the beauty of the changing colors.
I wore a cloak to keep my skin covered during the day to keep my pale skin from burning alive, but I kept it off during the night. My hat would attract too much attention.
I walked around the area for a while. I'd never attended the festival before. Well…maybe just once. With my mother. She wanted me to be close to the townspeople and understand them. I wouldn't say that was anything like now, though. The people were so nice before. They danced and sang songs. I remember reading so many books written by local authors so that I wouldn't make a fool out of myself and blend in better. I ended up hiding behind my mother's skirts for most of the time.
I shook away the memory and continued my walk around the festival.
Before I got too far, I heard screaming. A woman was yelling at another woman selling fruits with a candy glaze.
"I gave you my money, so give me my damn fruit!" The customer yelled.
"Ma'am, you skipped about a dozen people who were in line before you. I refuse to do business with you." The worker said
"I know people! People who can and will kick you to the streets. Along with your stupid diabetic fruits!" The woman yelled and kicked a supporting stand that rocked the neatly organized fruits.
The worker tried to balance the stand but had to let a few fruits fall to the floor.
"I know the king!" The customer yelled
I, the king, did not know who this woman was.
"And he will shut this place down and kick you from this kingdom!" She yelled
I will not do what this stranger says.
I stood to the side and watched the customer belittle the worker.
"You just lost a very valuable customer today, I hope you know!" The woman gave the stand one more kick, which resulted in one more fruit falling to the floor, and stormed off.
The people around the stall asked the worker if she was alright. She reassured us all that she was okay.
I kneeled and picked up the dirty fruit.
"How much for this?" I asked the worker
She looked surprised as if she didn't know I was there. Which I guessed was a good thing.
"That's not for sale, ma'am. I can give you some fresh ones cut up and glazed if you'd like," she offered sweetly.
Ma'am?
"Then, to compensate for the trouble the woman gave you before," I said
Everyone here was technically under my protection, and as king, I would take the fall for them.
"Do you know that woman? It's alright; she already paid for them." The worker chuckled
My face twisted in confusion as I tilted my head.
The worker picked up money from the corner of the table and held it up.
"She forgot to take the money she slammed on the table. It's mine now," she smirked.
I busted into a full belly laugh. Talk about karma.
I bought some sugar-glazed fruits from her.
"Two silvers, ma'am." She said
I reached for my coin pouch on my hip and asked, "Why are you calling me ma'am?"
"Huh?" She asked and tried getting a better look at me.
She gasped, "Oh my god! I am so sorry, sir! I didn't-"
I laughed and waved it off. I was already embarrassed enough.
"You're just so pretty with the makeup and so slender." She continues
*Really. Just stop. I beg of you*
She sent me off with my fruits, and I continued my journey through the festival.