The Northern Kingdom sparkled with the colors of spring. Flowers of every hue decorated the village square, and ribbons fluttered in the breeze, tied to trees and posts throughout the bustling town center. Musicians played upbeat tunes, and the air was alive with laughter as townsfolk, nobles, and visitors from distant lands gathered for the annual spring festival. It was a cherished tradition in the Northern Kingdom, a celebration of new beginnings and renewed bonds.
For Leorick, the day felt surreal. He'd never joined the festival in this way before, among the people, with laughter and lightness in his heart. He'd come to the Northern Kingdom not just to celebrate, but to try, for once, to understand Seraphine. He hoped that tonight, amid the colors and joy of the spring festival, he could find a way to close the distance between them.
Leorick's gaze lingered on Seraphine as she walked into the square. Her dress, a soft green like the first leaves of spring, flowed around her, delicate wildflowers woven into her hair. She glowed with a beauty that seemed effortless, and he found himself unable to look away.
As she approached, her eyes met his, and she raised an eyebrow with a hint of amusement. "Is there something strange about me today, Your Majesty?" she teased, a playful smile pulling at her lips.
Leorick cleared his throat, fumbling for a reply. "Not strange… simply that you seem to embody the spirit of spring itself." The words slipped out before he could stop them, and he nearly winced. Yet Seraphine's smile softened, and he caught a glimpse of something warm in her eyes before she laughed lightly.
"Well," she said, her voice laced with a gentle mischief, "I do hope you're prepared for what's ahead. The festival games are not for the faint of heart."
Leorick grinned, his gaze never leaving hers. "I accept the challenge, Lady Seraphine. Lead the way."
---
The first game they joined was a traditional Northern Kingdom relay, where each team had to carry a cup of water carefully balanced on a wooden spoon. The catch was that they had to hold the spoon in their mouths. They lined up beside other pairs, surrounded by the cheerful spectators who watched eagerly.
Leorick eyed the small spoon, trying to picture himself with it. "You expect me to carry that thing… in my mouth?"
Seraphine stifled a laugh as she handed him the spoon. "It's all about balance and patience, Your Majesty. Surely you can handle that?"
"Balance and patience, hm?" He raised an eyebrow. "Let's see who makes it across first, then."
Leorick tried to maintain his usual dignified composure, but once the spoon was in his mouth, he couldn't help but feel ridiculous. Glancing at Seraphine, he saw her struggling to hold back laughter, her own spoon delicately poised between her teeth.
When the game began, Leorick found himself wobbling, trying to keep the cup steady. He took small, careful steps, his focus intense. Seraphine moved gracefully beside him, her eyes twinkling as she effortlessly maintained her balance. He couldn't help but feel a bit competitive, even if he was, admittedly, terrible at it.
Halfway through, his concentration faltered, and his cup toppled over, splashing water everywhere. The crowd burst into laughter, and even Leorick joined in, his usual dignity forgotten as he gave Seraphine a sheepish grin.
She finished her turn and turned back, her own cup untouched. "It seems I'm the victor here," she said, her tone light and teasing.
Leorick shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. "Well played, Lady Seraphine. But the night is still young."
---
As the evening wore on, they moved through a series of games—archery, where Seraphine's skilled aim bested his; a ring toss that ended in a tie; and finally, a traditional Northern dance. The dance, a celebration of unity, involved weaving between other dancers, hands linked, moving in rhythm to the lively music. As they joined in, Leorick felt Seraphine's hand in his, warm and steady, guiding him through the steps.
"Are you enjoying yourself, Your Majesty?" she asked as they spun around in a wide arc, her eyes shining with amusement.
"More than I could have expected," he replied honestly, feeling a warmth in his chest that had nothing to do with the firelight. "Thank you, Seraphine, for inviting me."
For a moment, her smile softened, and she looked at him in a way that made his heart skip a beat. But the music picked up pace, and she turned back to the steps of the dance, twirling gracefully as they moved together. By the end, he found himself breathless, not just from the dancing but from the joy of the night and the simple, unguarded laughter they had shared.
---
As dusk settled over the festival, the crowd began to gather along the riverbank for the lantern ceremony. Small boats lined the shore, each holding a single lantern that would soon be set adrift, a wish and a blessing for the coming year.
Leorick and Seraphine approached one of the boats, where a council member handed each of them a lantern. Seraphine cradled hers carefully, glancing over at Leorick with a quiet smile. "In the Northern Kingdom, we believe that when a wish becomes light, it reaches the stars and brings a blessing in return."
Leorick watched her closely, taking in the serene look on her face. "And do you believe that?" he asked, his voice soft.
She looked down at her lantern, her fingers tracing its edges. "I think so. It's less about whether it comes true and more about holding onto hope. Sometimes, hope is all we have."
Her words struck something deep within him. He took a moment before lighting his own lantern, watching as the flame flickered to life. They lowered their lanterns onto the water together, watching as they drifted out, joining the glow of others bobbing gently along the river's surface.
The lanterns reflected in the water, golden lights against the darkening sky. For a long moment, they stood in silence, side by side, as the last light of day faded.
"Hope," he repeated, more to himself than to her. He found himself wishing, for perhaps the first time in his life, for something more than duty. He wished for this—this connection, this laughter, this feeling that stirred within him whenever Seraphine was near.
---
As night fully embraced the festival, the final act began—a grand display of fireworks. Bright bursts of red, blue, and gold lit up the sky, their colors casting a glow across the faces of everyone below. Leorick turned to watch Seraphine, catching her in a moment of pure wonder, her eyes reflecting the brilliance above.
"Seraphine," he said softly, and she turned to him, her gaze still filled with the light of the fireworks.
"Yes, Leorick?" she asked, her voice gentle.
He took a breath, finding it hard to form the words. But he knew he couldn't let this moment pass. "I came here tonight… not just for the festival. I came because… there's something I need to make right."
Her eyes widened slightly, curiosity sparking in their depths. "What is it?"
Leorick's gaze held hers, his voice quiet but firm. "I've made mistakes in my past. I failed you before, Seraphine. I failed to give you the respect, the kindness, and the love that you deserve. And… if you would allow me, I want to try again."
She looked at him, surprise and something else—something fragile—flickering across her face. "Leorick…"
He took her hands gently, his voice filled with a sincerity he hadn't shown anyone in years. "This time, Seraphine, I ask you not as a king with a duty to fulfill, but as a man who has come to respect and admire you, beyond anything I've ever known."
She swallowed, her voice trembling. "Are you saying… this isn't because of the council, or the curse?"
He shook his head, his eyes never leaving hers. "No. It's because… I want a future with you. A future that we choose together."
He took a step back, dropping to one knee, and she gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as he looked up at her, his voice filled with hope and resolve. "Seraphine Everhart, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
For a moment, the world seemed to fall silent. The last of the fireworks crackled above, casting them in a wash of silver and gold. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and she let out a breathless laugh, nodding as her hands trembled in his.
"Yes, Leorick," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I will."
He rose, his heart pounding as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close beneath the starlit sky.