Just as they were about to enter the castle, a voice came from behind, "Am I late."
Turning around, they saw Kai standing behind them. Kai was wearing his iconic black mask and casual clothes.
Hiroshi exclaimed, "You made it!"
Eiera added, "What took you so long?"
Kai replied, "Something urgent came up."
Rin asked, "What happened, brother."
Luna interjected, "It doesn't matter anymore. Let's go."
Together, they all went through the castle gates and joined a long line of people waiting for people to enter the castle.
As the line moved forward, Eiera turned to Kai and said, "Are you not going to remove your mask?"
Kai responded, "Why would I?"
Eiera said, "You'll stand out the most in there."
Kai smirked beneath his mask and said, "We'll see about that."
Just as their turn had come to enter the castle, castle guards intercepted them, blocking their path.
Hiroshi's mother inquired, "Is something wrong."
One of the guards responded, "The prince has set a theme for this event. Everyone has to wear a mask. That's what the prince wishes." The guards then stepped aside, revealing that indeed, everyone in the castle was wearing a mask.
The guards handed a mask to Hiroshi's mother, Rin, and to Hiroshi and Eiera. However, when Kai approached, the guard glanced at him and noticed Kai was already wearing his mask.
"You already have one. Were you already informed?" The guard remarked, impressed. With a nod of approval, the guard allowed Kai to enter with everyone else.
Kai entered the castle hall and observed the sea of masked faces, making it impossible to recognize anyone. Musicians filled the air with enchanting melodies as guests mingled and danced. The hall was adorned with elaborate decorations. In the centre of the hall stood a magnificent cake, towering over ten feet tall, a stunning centrepiece for the occasion.
Kai sought out a quiet corner, away from the bustling crowd. From his vantage point, he watched as guests enjoyed the event, mingling and indulging in the celebrations.
One hour later, Eiera approached Kai in his quiet corner. "I have been looking for you everywhere. What are you doing here?" She said.
Kai looked up at her and replied, "Do you really enjoy this?"
Eiera pulled up a chair and sat beside Kai, her eyes gleaming with concern as she asked him. "Everyone's having fun. Are you not?"
Kai shrugged slightly. "I don't like events such as this."
Eiera removed her mask and gazed at Kai intently. "Then why did you even come?" She questioned softly.
Kai met Eiera's gaze and replied. "You and that boy Hiroshi made me." Kai then sighed and added, "I'm having a headache just by watching everyone."
Eiera raised an eyebrow as she listened to Kai's response. "So, you're here just for us, huh?" She said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Eiera stood up and glanced toward the center of the hall. "The cake-cutting ceremony is about to begin. Come on, let's go." Se urged Kai.
However, Kai shook his head. "You go, I'll stay and watch."
"You're coming with me." Without hesitation, Eiera grasped Kai's hand and pulled him to his feet. Leading him toward the cake-cutting ceremony with unwavering resolve. Kai also allowed himself to be pulled by Eiera.
As Kai and Eiera arrived at the ceremony, Rin and Luna were also present. They all eagerly waited for Aiden and his father, Celestria King, to arrive.
Aiden and his father arrived, both wearing masks according to their outfits. Kai glanced at Aiden but couldn't recognize him due to his mask. As Aiden began to cut the cake, the air filled with a cacophony of music, applause, and crackling of fireworks. The festive atmosphere enveloped the entire kingdom, marking the joyous with an explosion of sound and color.
Kai, Eiera, Rin, and Luna gathered together, engaging in conversation after the ceremony. Hiroshi joined them and grabbed Kai's hand, pulling him to get his attention.
Kai looked at Hiroshi with curiosity as he asked. "Is something wrong?"
Hiroshi hesitated for a moment, then mustered the courage to speak. "I want to tell you something."
Kai kneeled down to match his height with Hiroshi as he spoke. "What is it? tell me."
Before Hiroshi could utter a word, the announcer's voice boomed across the hall. "Ladies and Gentlemen, let the dance begin!" As the announcement echoed, the musicians launched into a lively tune, filling the space with upbeat melodies. The couples flooded the dance floor, swaying and twirling to the rhythm of the music.
Kai said, "Go on, tell me."
Hiroshi said, "I..." Before Hiroshi could say another word. Rin took Kai's hand and led him to the dance floor. With a playful smile, she declared, "Brother, I want to dance. Let's dance."
Kai couldn't say no to his sister and disappoint her, so he reluctantly agreed to dance with her. Luna and Eiera watched Kai and Rin dancing with amusement, enjoying the wholesome sight of brother and sister dancing.
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Hours later, the event ended, and everyone went back to their homes.