The beginning of spring was an important event in Rugetta. I was told that there will be a great festival held in the city center. Early in the morning people were gathering to put up stalls with food and spring flowers. Some paper lanterns were placed above the streets. They were supposed to be lit in the evening. The city was bustling with people coming from surrounding villages and other cities to participate in the fun.
I was getting ready for the festival too. It's going to be actually the first time in my life that I will see such a festival like a simple commoner and I will be able to freely move around.
It was noon and the weather was warm and sunny. After a long winter I was more than happy to welcome a change of season.
For this occasion I bought a brand new suit in gray color, a pale blue shirt and a matching coat. I looked elegant. After all, I became a well recognized member of the society. I was walking down the high street looking at the stalls and trying some food. I loved the taste of freshly baked rolls filled with meat, cabbage and mushrooms. I was enjoying its taste while greeting people every now and then. Some were my neighbors, others clients and a few young women who were looking at me with a smile. I felt flattered.
In the corner a young girl was selling small bunches of snowdrops. The flowers looked so cute that I bought one for a generous sum.
On the market square a group of musicians were playing a vivid music and some children were dancing, adults were clapping hands or singing along if they knew the lyrics. I really enjoyed this cheerful atmosphere. Soon I noticed a familiar face among the crowd. It was Sir Caname with his family.
"Miro, it's nice to see you." He waved at me coming in my direction.
"Mr and Mrs di Tareno, it's a pleasure." I bowed slightly and smiled at their little daughter.
"Flowers for the little beauty." I handed the little girl the snowdrops.
"Oh, thank you sir Miro. That's very kind of you." Mrs di Tareno smiled brightly as the child grabbed the flowers eagerly.
I watched her with pleasure. She was really adorable. I enjoyed the company of di Tareno family and we were just standing there listening to the music and feeling the spring weather when suddenly there seemed to be a sort of commotion. A group of people was forcing their way through the gathered crowd. I was wondering what happened and was trying to see what was going on. The men were clad in dark colors and they spread among the people.
"I guess they must be looking for someone." Sir Caname remarked.
For a moment my heart froze, after all I had two deaths on my account. Is it possible that someone saw me that day in the garden and now they are coming for me? That would be weird, the case was like almost two months ago. No, maybe there are some pickpockets and they are trying to catch them. Still I felt uneasy. People were looking around unsure what was going on and then I saw him. Towering among all those people with a sharp look that was scanning the crowd. I couldn't breathe, I think I grabbed someone's arm because I almost fainted.
"Miro all you all right, you look so pale." Sir Caname was holding me and I was struggling to pull myself together. I need to run away. Now.
"Get your hands off my property!" A strong familiar voice broke the silence.
I raised my head, Lorcan was standing right infront of me.
"Your property? This is Sir Miro Sanyo, he is a translator working for the guild and me." Sir Caname was standing his ground as I couldn't force a sound out of me.
"He is my runaway slave. His real name is Kian." Lorcan reached for me and I flinched.
"Have you got any proof for it?" Despite the shocking information sir Caname remained professional.
"Who are you to doubt the rights of Lord Wermonth from the Bridge?" Lorcan hissed. People around us stepped back looking at the show with round eyes. I managed to straighten myself and wasn't in need of Caname's assistance anymore.
"However I can prove it easily, he has my seal branded on his back. Do you want me to strip you Kian?" He asked me directly. I felt humiliated, again. Stripped of my dignity and efforts.
"No need my Lord. I'm indeed Kian. Kian Murreyson, the former prince of Daremoth. Sir Caname, thank you for your assistance and please take care of my office." I bowed a bit, corrected my clothes and looked at Lorcan. Shit, his look was scary. I need to maintain my dignity, at least the rest of what is left out of it. I have faced death many times in my life already but somehow I felt it's going to be painful. On shaky legs I made two steps forward.
"Well your highness, do you mind joining us?" Lorcan smirked.
"With pleasure." I responded fakely.
His men were in an instant around us. I was standing in the middle of the circle along with Lorcan looming behind me. I closed my eyes for a moment and took another deep breath. I managed to imagine that I'm strolling with my courtage. I walked at a steady pace with a lifted face and a faint smile on my lips, just as I was told when I still was a prince. People were moving aside making place for the unusual procession. Soon we left the crowd and walked toward the city outskirts. On the way both Lorcan and I remained quiet. I was actually happy about it, my thoughts were such a mess that I probably wouldn't be able to say anything logical. I only felt the quick beating of my heart and the sounds of many steps.