The Princess' Harem
Chapter 147: The Festival

Chapter 147: The Festival

The announcement from King Clive about the upcoming Festival of Elysia’s Awakening, which would be held a week from now, spread very quickly. From the palace to the remote villages, everyone rejoiced.

The people, who had just witnessed the miracle of the offering chalice at the Temple, were now filled with enthusiasm. This festival was not merely a celebration, but a symbol that the dark times had passed, and Elysia had truly risen.

At the palace, the busy atmosphere reached its peak. If in the past few months, the halls were filled with all activities against the blight, and also war, now those rooms were adorned with fresh flower garlands, colorful banners, and glowing lanterns.

The aroma of sweet cakes, and roasted meat, filled the air, very different, from the tensions, that occurred before.

Viana became the center, of all these preparations, even though the King, and Queen, had promised to take over all preparations. According to her, this was the most appropriate way, to be closer to the people, and ensure their happiness, directly.

She oversaw every detail, from the selection of music, to the placement, of entertainment stages, throughout the city.

That morning, in Viana’s study, which was now filled, with fabric samples, and stage sketches, she discussed with Arden.

"Make sure there is enough food, for everyone, from the capital’s main square, to the outlying districts," she said, her finger tracing the city map.

Arden frowned, his eyebrows furrowed. "That will require massive logistics, Your Highness. We must ensure fair distribution, so there is no hoarding, or cheating, in the allocation."

"That is why I entrust this to you," Viana replied, smiling sweetly at him.

And Joel managed, the security, of the festival. He, and his men, made sure that every corner of the city was guarded, the procession route would be safe, and the entertainment stages, would later be protected.

Not only that, he was also enthusiastic, about preparing games, and competitions, for the people. As a former mercenary, of course, he knew very well, the games, that the people of Elysia, would enjoy.

"Princess, how about, we also hold, an archery competition, for the soldiers?" he suggested, when he came to report, the latest condition, of the diamond mine.

Viana chuckled. "Good idea. But make sure, the prizes, are attractive enough, so they will compete seriously."

On the other hand, Reyes, who was indeed quiet, watched the crowd, as the festival took place. He wanted to make sure, no one, would sabotage, the celebration.

He was also responsible, for coordinating the arrival, of envoys, from neighboring kingdoms, who were invited, to attend, the festival.

One night, Viana found Reyes, on top of the palace’s watchtower, gazing at the city, filled with preparation lanterns. He turned, and his gaze softened, when he saw her.

"Is something strange, Reyes?" Viana asked, standing beside her.

Reyes shook his head, then turned back, to look at the residents’ houses. "Only... this festival is a good thing for everyone, including the citizens."

Viana looked at him, she almost forgot that Reyes, and Joel, were her personal Royal Guards, who came from common folk. They could understand the suffering, and feelings, of the common people, who were struck by disaster, the other day.

Then she stood next to Reyes, also looking at the residents’ houses, in the distance. "They need this celebration," Viana whispered. "To convince themselves, convince everyone, that everything is alright now."

Hearing her whisper, Reyes turned towards Viana, and bowed respectfully.

***

A week passed, and the day the festival began, the atmosphere in Elysia felt very different. Joy was felt throughout the kingdom.

The streets were filled with people, wearing their best clothes, and their faces were all radiant. With full enthusiasm, they filled the streets, listening, and dancing along, to the rhythm of the music, from the stages.

Food overflowed, on the sides of the streets, making the people cheer, praising the royal family.

Wearing a golden gown, matching her hair color, and also symbolizing prosperity in Elysia, Viana stood on the palace balcony, looking at the overflowing crowd, in the palace courtyard, and on the capital’s main thoroughfares.

A deep pride, crept into her chest, also happiness, because it turned out, saving herself, also saved everyone. She was not the Viana, who liked to waste money, like before, anymore.

"Viana, are you ready?" asked Queen Isabella, who had been standing beside her.

"Ready, Mother," Viana smiled sweetly, and both of them then entered the hall, where the celebration also took place.

***

Meanwhile, far from the cheers, Count Lazarus sat, in a large armchair, one hand holding a glass wine goblet. The sound of music, and cheers, which also occurred in his territory, could be heard penetrating the walls of his castle, far in the mountains.

Those sounds triggered his anger again, the same anger, as when he asked his father, for a dog, as a pet, which was immediately beheaded, in front of him.

Since then, he viewed all things as meaningless. Even his own family; they all became victims, if they did not fulfill his wishes, until he finally became the only person, from the Bloodworth lineage, remaining.

But when he received reports about this festival, it was like a hard slap, in his face. And it was even done, by a small, petite girl, not yet twenty years old.

She had successfully escaped all his plans, to make her his wife, to subjugate her, to get the throne she possessed. Instead, she had made Elysia stronger, than before.

And now, she was celebrating her success, as if mocking him.

Lazarus snarled, and crushed the glass goblet in his hand, until it shattered into pieces. The fragments pierced his skin, causing blood to flow, but he paid no mind to it.

Instead, he raised his bleeding hand, into the air. "How dare she!" he roared, his voice hoarse. "How dare that little princess, do all this to me! She should have been mine, and kneeling before me now!"

He roughly rose from his chair, and paced back and forth, inside his study room. He threw a small bronze statue, towards the fireplace, creating a loud, deafening crash.

The servants, and personal guards, who were outside the room, dared not enter. They already knew, that if the Count was angry, it was better, for no one, to approach, or speak, to him.

Lazarus stopped, in front of his study window, looking at his county, in the distance. The noisy sounds, could still be faintly heard, in his ears.

"I will not let her win, she will still be mine," he hissed, his voice calmer now. An idea formed in his mind.

He thought about it for some time, while still gazing at his county. A sly, and terrifying smile, crept onto his lips.

Then he turned, towards one of the dark corners, in his study room.

"Dexter!"