Days later, Athena was back on her feet. The wound still felt sore as she put on her clothes. She opted for some loose-fitting garments. They were nothing like the quality fabric she was used to in the palace, but they would have to do.
Tonight marked the start of the Summer Harvest Festival, it was one of the most celebrated festivals in all of the Serpentine Kingdom. Athena's father, King Orion Serpentine, loved this festival dearly.
As such, this was one of the rare occasions where he would be out on the streets, disguised as a commoner. His personal guards would be dressed in plain clothes too, scattered across the festival grounds to ensure his safety at all times.
Athena remembered the last time she attended the festival with him. It was the year before her supposed death when she was only thirteen.
"This is where we part ways, my Princess," Seth's parting words drew her out of her thoughts.
She turned to him and was about to give him a hug when she stopped herself. She was in a different place, a different time. Hugging was not customary. Instead, she gave a nod and a smile.
"Wait for my signal," she said.
She watched as Seth melted into the crowds. The street grew busier with each passing minute. Children were playing in the streets with sparklers in their hands. Athena looked to the side.
She paused as she saw the familiar face she had been looking for. She thought it would have taken a lot longer to casually into her father but there he was.
Even in commoner robes, she recognized her father instantly.
She thought she wouldn't get emotional, but she had tears in her eyes.
That was when their eyes met.
King Orion Serpentine was stunned speechless with his mouth agape. He dropped the chicken skewer he had in his hands as he took a step forward.
He thought he had seen a ghost.
He blinked twice, wondering if it was all a dream. But Athena was still there, with a smile on her face looking right at him.
His favorite and most precious daughter was standing right there. She was alive!
"Seymour… is that… is that…" he could barely string his words together as he asked his personal servant, Seymour.
He looked in the same direction as King Orion. Seymour gasped in shock, taking two steps back. Even he could not believe what he was seeing.
"Your Majesty… that young woman looks just like the late Princess Athena!"
King Orion rubbed his eyes again. Athen was walking up towards him. He felt like his heart was in his throat. He reached out his hands as Athena came up to him.
"Am… am I dreaming?" He asked her.
She was within reach. Athena placed her hands in her father's with a wide smile on her face.
"Father, it really is me," Athena said with a shaky voice.
No matter how hard she tried to keep her emotions under wraps, she failed miserably.
When her father pulled her into a warm embrace, she was caught off guard. Tears welled up in her eyes. She felt her defenses crumbling around her.
"Is it really you? But you… you were…" he could not bring himself to say the words.
King Orion released his daughter for a few moments to take a good look at her. He cupped her face in his hands, surprised by how much she had grown.
"Yes father, it really is me. I'm home, I'm finally home!"
~
"Did you hear? The King has an important announcement to make!"
"Really? I wonder what it's going to be about!"
"Even all prominent members of the Royal Family had been asked to assemble in the throne room!"
The entire palace had been bustling with activity since the wee hours of the morning, shrouded in mystery and gossip. Everyone wanted to know what announcement the King was going to make but no one knew what it was.
Queen Catalina was one of the first to enter the throne room, accompanied by her personal maid, Anna.
She then went on to take her rightful seat next to him. This was her favorite seat. She got to look down at everyone as if they were beneath her feet. Just how she liked it. She glanced over at her brother, General Atticus, and gave him a nod.
Atticus nodded back.
She recalled how he had come to her a few nights before, informing her that the thorn in her side was finally dead. When her spies informed her that the eldest Princess Athena was still alive, the Queen threw her favorite porcelain vase in anger.
To take care of things once and for all, she enlisted the help of her brother to take care of the matter.
Now, she could finally relax a little. Princess Athena was not her child, she did not care what happened to the eldest princess. She was just an obstacle in her eyes.
However, the announcement her royal husband was going to make worried her. None of her informants had any idea on what it might be. The rumor wheel and gossip spun out of control, hence it could not provide any trustworthy information.
So, she had one last resort. Ask the source.
And he'd just arrived.
"Announcing the entrance of King Orion Serpentine!"
All the ministers, servants, and lower-ranked members of the court got down on their knees. The royal family was the only exception. They bowed deeply in respect of the King.
King Orion Serpentine was dressed in the finest royal robes money could buy. Everyone was in awe of his brilliance and good looks. He might be in his forties, but he was still charming in looks.
"Long Live King Orion, Long live the King!"
He took his seat next to his Queen. She kept her head bow until he was seated.
"Rise, my subjects."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," They all said in unison.
"My husband, you've got the entire court riled up with this mysterious announcement of yours. Would you be so kind as to give me a hint? I'm dying to know what it's about," she mused with a smile which she hid behind her folding paper fan.
King Orion smiled back at her.
She had always been in love with his charismatic smile. While caught in the daze, it didn't register what he had said until a few moments later.
"You'll find out soon enough, my Queen. You're never going to see it coming," he replied.
King Orion turned back to address his court.
"I've gathered everyone here today as I have an utmost important announcement to make."
The tension in the throne room was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. The king signaled to the guards at the grand entrance. As soon as the creak of the oak wood doors rang through the hall, everyone turned their heads.
"Announcing the entrance of Princess Athena of House Serpentine!"