The street was flooded with crowd, locals and visitors alike. Colorful banners were hang on every corners of the city, lively and fun ensemble music plays as several people twirled and swayed their bodies to its beat. The silent alley was now filled with stalls from food to fabrics to jewelries. It was the first day of the festival after all.
Ariya admired this view from her window. She is now dressed in her fine emerald satin gown and adorned herself with the jewelries. Her long lustrous raven black hair flowed down to her waist. She decided to not braid her hair for today but still, Mirya was able to convince her to have the upper half braided to the least. Regal and refined, a lady such as her should atleast be dressed worthy of her standing, as they say. A deep green veil covers her whole head, and on top, a golden tiara sits with delicate chains and dangling embellishments that covers her nose down to her chin. It is customary in her kingdom during the ancient times, for a princess to cover her face when she is not yet married. Although this tradition was already dissolved by previous Sultans, she wanted to honor the practices of her ancestors for the 1st day of the festival. Besides, it would also mean that she wouldn't have to fake a smile whenever situation arise.
"Princess, it is time" Kiriam said. She took his arm and went to the reception hall where the very first ball of the festivity is held. Through the years, her father was always the one who is to escort her, but this year's festivity was the very first time she had to enter the room alone. After the knight announced her name, she walked slowly, feeling every gaze from the audience. She sat on the left of the Sultan, while Disani and the young prince Makir on the right.
The Sultan cleared his throat, and all the attention is now diverted into him.
"I thank you all for coming to celebrate with us a joyous festivity, on behalf of the people of Valentius, I gladly welcome you all to this year's Setareh. I am overwhelmed with great joy to see my people unite in a celebration to honor the Stars and Gods." After that, the room was filled with cheers and claps as he ends his speech with "May the Gods and the Stars, guide us!"
Ariya clapped her hands but remained silent the whole time. Lively music started to play, and some found their way to the dance with each other. Ariya noticed that her father was speaking rather seriously with his men on the corner of the room. When he came back to sit on his chair, Ariya hesitated for a bit before she spoke, "Father,"
"Yes?" He titled his head slighted side wards while his eyes glued to the ground. The princess was quick to notice of his pale complexion, the bags under his eyes and the anxiousness that was painted all over his face.
"I heard that you haven't been feeling well"
The Sultan let out a little laugh, "I am at that age, even this great man suffers the inevitability of turning old and sickly" and leaned back to his chair, while taking a sip from the wine glass that he took a while ago.
"Still, it wouldn't hurt to pay a little bit attention of your health, people around might die earlier than you because of worry"
"I've been through worse" the Sultan answered reassuringly to his daughter before making a pause. "Anyway, I may not make it for tonight's dinner party" he turned his head to face his daughter,
"Why? Did something happen?"
"No, I just need to take care of something"
"I can go if you want" the princess suggested.
"No. I need you to stay here and continue to look after our guests, I won't be out for long, i just need to fetch the beast from the east" he stared deeply into his daughter's face, though covered in veil, he can sense the fright of his daughter.
The princess immediately understood what he meant. That means that tonight, she will finally meet the man whom she will tie the knots with. The man she will share eternity with. The thought of it made her heart swell and beat a little faster.
He's coming.
The Sultan rose from his chair and marched to leave. Armed men followed him discreetly. Ariya stared at the retreating figure. It was finally going to happen. He was here and she will be soon his. Her mind was in total chaos, like a raging storm. For some reason, the men her life seemed to cause her nothing but headache. Her father, who seemed so secretive and strict, and now her husband to be, whom she never had met. She placed her hands on her temples and sighed deeply.
"I greet the princess of Valentus" a woman snapped Ariya from her thoughts."I am Trishna Kastar, It is an honor to meet you, your highness"
"As I to you" Ariya was quick to notice the tattoos that covered both of her arms. She had olive skin and her eyes painted the colors of the setting sun. She straightened up and observed quietly the woman in front of her.
"Thank you for inviting us to your wonderful festival, I offer this as a token of gratitude from my people" she handed a small box which was held by, which Ariya guessed, her maid.
"Your gesture is much appreciated. You are from Timua? If I am not mistaken." She raised her right hand and looked to her right, signaling some servants to receive the gift.
"You are correct your highness" the woman smiled.
Timua is a small tribe whose lands do not belong to any of the Kingdoms in Vashnara. They are known for their tattoos in which they cover their bodies with, writing and symbols only their tribe can decipher. But they are also well-known for their exotic herbs, spices, and their vast knowledge for medicinal plants.
"We are glad to have you here, I hope the celebration is to your liking"
"It is splendid your highness."
After a while of meeting and greeting people, Ariya felt like she needed some fresh air. So she decided to leave the hall. Kiriam followed her silently keeping quite a distance, as she went to venture the gardens. Feeling tired, she sat in the rails of the gazebo, located in the middle of the garden.
"Kiriam,"
Her knight slowly approached her side. "My lady?"
"Im curious, did you got married without me knowing?" Ariya teasingly asked.
"No, your highness," Kiriam was quite baffled by the princess's question.
"But are you planning to?"
"I...everyone will, my lady. Eventually" The princess though not satisfied with his response, nodded quietly.
"So, what did you found out? About the thing I asked you to look." Her voice was quick to change into a serious tone. Because of what Disani had told her, Ariya too, became curious of the Sultan's movements.
"The Sultan seemed to visit frequently the castle prison. It seems like they are keeping someone down there. Someone important."
"Did you get any other information regarding the prisoner?"
"No, the guards were tight-lipped. No other person is allowed to enter" Kiriam looked down, disappointed.
The princess clenched the soft fabric of her dress. It seems that whoever they are keeping in that cell, is the reason why the Sultan was so anxious and worried. She couldn't help but sighed. Deeply.
"Kiriam," The princess looked at the wilting flowers. A growing solicitude, planted in her mind. "I fear something is upon us."
------
The Sultan, rode his horse swiftly to reach the eastern borders of his kingdom. He, along with his chancellor, and 20 men waited for the arrival of the King of the East. The sky bled crimson, almost as if it was stained with blood. It was screaming something–something he feared would come. Scavengers birds was circling up in the air, while the caws of crows surrounded them. Anbaya stared afar, in his full body armor, he was burning with glory as the sun was reflected from the shiny metal. He held his reins tightly, while his eyes remained glued to the distant line of his lands.
Not long after, the signal horn blew, and from the distant line, men, galloping their horses, was seen. Carrying their flags, the lion was finally here.