MID-SUMMER DREAM

Chapter 11

"Time is a river, silent and deep,

A fleeting shadow we long to keep.

It lingers in echoes, yet slips away,

Turning tomorrow into yesterday."

A buzz of excitement swept through the town as preparations for the Blue Moon Festival continued. Stalls were being set up along the main streets, and colorful lanterns were strung between buildings, swaying in the gentle breeze.

The scent of freshly baked bread and spiced cider filled the air, mingling with the laughter of children who dashed through the streets, eager for the coming celebration.

Among those preparing for the festival was Isla, who had spent the entire morning assisting Mrs. Moore at the flower shop. Bouquets of vibrant petals lined the wooden counters, each one carefully arranged for festival-goers who wished to adorn their homes with nature’s beauty. As she handed a bundle of lilacs to an elderly customer,

Mrs. Moore leaned in with a knowing smile.

"So, Isla," she began, her voice light but teasing. "Have you considered inviting him"

Isla nearly dropped the next bouquet she was wrapping. She quickly composed herself and gave the older woman a confused look. "no I'm not inviting a stranger."

Mrs. Moore chuckled, brushing a stray petal from the counter. "Oh, dear, do whatever you want after all it's your choice."

A strange feeling settled in Isla’s chest. She hadn’t seen Leon since their walk by the shore. Was he still in town? And if so, why hadn’t he come to see her? She bit her lip, unsure of how to respond.

Before she could dwell on it further, the sound of bells chiming at the town square caught their attention. A messenger had arrived, and from the murmurs rising in the streets, he carried news that had everyone talking.

"The Veymont family is attending this year’s Blue Moon Festival!"

A wave of whispers surged through the crowd. Isla’s brows furrowed. The Veymont family? She had heard of them before—one of the most influential noble families in the capital. Their presence at a small-town festival was unusual, to say the least.

"Why would nobles come all the way here?" Isla mused aloud.

Mrs. Moore gave her a thoughtful look. "That’s what everyone is wondering. Something tells me there’s more to their visit than just the festival."

A sense of unease settled in Isla’s stomach, but she quickly shook it off. There was no use worrying about nobles she had never met. Right now, she had preparations to focus on.

That evening, Isla made her way home, her thoughts still lingering on the Veymont family and Mrs. Moore’s words about Leon. As she walked through the cobbled streets, the town continued to glow with festival preparations. Strings of lanterns illuminated the path, casting a warm golden hue on the faces of excited villagers. Music played softly from a distant shop, and the scent of roasted almonds filled the air.

When she reached home, she found Isha sitting on the front steps, untangling a roll of ribbon. Their father had left earlier that morning, called away on business that kept him from partaking in the festival preparations. Isla sighed, knowing how much he wished to stay.

"Did you hear?" Isha asked, tying a section of ribbon into a neat bow. "The Veymont family is coming."

"Yes," Isla replied, setting her basket down. "The entire town is talking about it."

"And for good reason." Isha stood up and dusted off her skirt. "Some say they have connections to the royal family. Others say they’re here to look for someone."

Isla frowned. "Look for someone? Who?"

Isha shrugged. "That’s the mystery, isn’t it?" She gave Isla a playful nudge. "Maybe they’re here for you."

Isla laughed, shaking her head. "Don’t be ridiculous. I have nothing to do with nobles."

But as much as she dismissed the idea, a small voice in the back of her mind whispered otherwise.

The following days were a blur of activity. Isla and Isha decorated their home with festival ornaments, weaving ribbons through the wooden railings and hanging delicate paper lanterns along the porch. The entire town pulsed with energy as vendors set up their stalls, musicians practiced their melodies, and dancers rehearsed in the town square.

Yet, despite the joyful preparations, Isla couldn’t shake the feeling that

something was amiss.

It wasn’t just the sudden arrival of the Veymont family—it was the lingering thought of Leon. Was it just a coincidence that he had shown up in town just before the festival? And why did she feel like she had met him before, long ago?

She stood by her window that night, staring at the moonlit town. The Blue Moon Festival was only days away, and though she tried to focus on the celebration ahead, her mind remained restless.

Little did she know, the answers she sought would soon come to light.