Chereads / The Queen of Fyre / Chapter 32 - Arrival of Guests (1)

Chapter 32 - Arrival of Guests (1)

The Sun was setting and the shadows were growing longer. Since lunch, Ignis and Jen were sitting in the garden practicing making wreaths. With the help of Jen, Ignis was at last able to make a decent flower wreath. Jen made sure that Ignis was following each step and practicing her hand movements so that the next wreath is much better than the previous one. This kept her mind away from the nightgown that was selected for her first night. By now, there was a huge pile of wreaths sitting behind Ignis. Domi helped Ignis to finalize a few tasks related to the wedding which was supposed to happen in two days. She later helped the gardener to clear the mess that the two Princesses created.

"Domi" Ignis suddenly remembered something and called her friend.

"Yes My Lady?" Domi came besides her in an instant, while Jen ran to catch a butterfly.

"The letter that I threw out. Can you fetch that before it gets dark?" When she read Adrian's letter in the morning, she thought he was teasing her by comparing her skills to a child. But, after watching Jen, she thought maybe Adrian genuinely wanted to help her out. Jen was actually quite skilled and a good teacher too.

"Oh do not worry My Lady, I have already dried it in the morning and kept it on your desk" Domi said and moved back to clean the garden.

Ignis looked at the completed wreath in her hand. "Do you think he will like it?"

"Is this made for my uncle?" Jen asked her, hugging her neck from behind. Ignis nodded.

"This won't survive till the wedding" Jen giggled. Ignis smiled and gently pulled the little one in front.

"Thank you Princess. I will practice more and make sure to earn a compliment from your uncle".

*****

Day before the wedding

"Any news from His Highness?" Ignis was looking through some reports when she heard Roana ask Aldo. The aide reluctantly shook his head "No My Lady. The last I was informed that they are trying to clear the issue as soon as possible" he then turned to Ignis and bowed slightly "But do not worry. If His Highness has said that he will come before the wedding, then he will make sure to reach on time" Ignis smiled at him. She knew that he was just attempting to comfort her, but he didn't know that no matter what, Ignis just couldn't relax until Adrian was back. 

'There is something really serious going on for him to be out for so long.'

"Okay, let me know if you hear anything" Roana said when Albert knocked and entered the room.

"My Lady, we have received news from the port of Azure. A delegation from Aer Land has reached the port and we have also received a message from the Terra Land delegation. They will be late due to some unforeseen circumstances".

Delegation from Terra Land will need to cross the Land of Fyre to reach the Land of Aqua. Surely, the Royal family of the Land of Fyre will not allow an easy pass for them. 

"Will they be able to attend the wedding? Did they say anything else in their message?" Ignis stood up from her working desk and walked towards Albert. Albert felt a little urgency in her tone.

"I am sure they will be able to reach before the wedding starts, My Lady" Albert assured her. "In fact, if I am to estimate, they will arrive before the dawn tomorrow" Albert smiled.

Ignis relaxed visibly after Albert's assurance. She nodded "prepare to welcome the guests. I should welcome them myself, no matter the time". Albert stiffened at her words but didn't say anything.

*****

A royal carriage of white and gold slowly came to a halt in front of the Great Hall. Ignis along with Roana, Aldo and Albert stood in front of the Great hall to welcome the party from the Land of Aer. The door opened and the Crown Prince, Haris Aella, got down the carriage. He looked exactly as per the hearsay. A tall and slender figure exuding a sense of grace and agility, wild dark burgundy hair, giving him a unique and slightly disheveled look, pale complexion and the most important - the eyes. His grey eyes are sharp and piercing that gives him an intense, almost otherworldly gaze. Ignis reminded herself to smile when their eyes met.

He turned and helped a young lady to get down the carriage, his sister, Princess Vena Aella. Unlike her brother, the Princess has shoulder-length light brown hair. But other than that she looked exactly like her brother. Her grey eyes were drooping when she got down. The Prince slightly nudged her to bring her out of the daze. In response, she straightened her back and tightly held her brother's arm. To Ignis, she looked quite endearing.

"Forgive my sister, Your Highness. She is tired due to the long journey" the Crown Prince slightly bowed and greeted both the Princesses. His sister too, curtsied to show her respect. Ignis curtsied "I am still a Princess, Your Highness. Please do not be so formal". Roana curtsied too and welcomed the siblings "Me and the people of the Land of Aqua warmly welcome you. We hope you will have a pleasant stay here".

Haris looked at the people standing in front of him, a frown forming on his forehead. He turned to Roana "Princess Roana, if it's not too late, I would like to greet His Highness and congratulate him".

Roana smiled warmly "Prince Haris, I am sure His Highness would have been delighted to welcome you too. Unfortunately, he is out on an expedition. You can meet him once he is back." Roana signaled to Albert to take the guests inside. "Please follow the staff inside. You all must be tired and hungry".

The Crown Prince glanced at Ignis, then, gave a polite nod to Roana and followed Albert inside. In that brief moment, Ignis could see a deep vexation in his eyes. She sighed and followed everyone inside.