Episode 1: Chapter 4-Perfect choice
1124 Words
The palace buzzed with excitement long before sunrise. Servants hurried through the marble corridors carrying baskets of fresh flowers while maids polished silver ornaments until they reflected the morning light. The aroma of freshly baked bread drifted from the royal kitchens, filling the halls with warmth. The cheerful voices of servants echoed faintly through the corridors as preparations continued without pause. Princess Aliya had been invited to accompany the royal family on the annual Spring Festival, a tradition reserved only for those considered close to the crown. The invitation alone was enough to spark endless gossip.
"They're practically engaged already."
"I heard the Queen herself requested Princess Aliya's presence."
"The wedding announcement can't be far away."
The rumors spread through the palace faster than wildfire.
Raymond heard them.
This time, he didn't deny them.
Outside the palace gates, the capital had transformed into a sea of colors. Market stalls stretched across the streets, overflowing with handmade jewelry, silk fabrics, painted pottery, and sweet pastries dusted with powdered sugar. Bright banners fluttered overhead in the gentle spring breeze. Children ran through the crowds carrying bright ribbons while musicians played cheerful melodies that echoed between the stone buildings.
"It's even bigger than I remember," Aliya whispered.
Raymond smiled.
"The merchants compete every year."
"For what?"
"The King's Favorite Stall."
She laughed.
"That's a real competition?"
"You'd be surprised how seriously they take it."
As if to prove his point, two bakers began loudly arguing over whose strawberry tarts deserved the royal prize.
Aliya covered her mouth, laughing.
"I missed this kingdom."
"So did it."
She looked at him.
"That's a very diplomatic answer."
"I've had years of practice." Raymond said smiling.
For hours, they wandered through the festival.
They sampled honey cakes.
Watched blacksmiths forge intricate blades.
Listened to wandering storytellers recount ancient legends.
Children chased one another through the busy streets while merchants enthusiastically called out to passing customers.
Even Raymond seemed more relaxed than usual.
At one booth, an elderly woman sold handcrafted wooden charms.
She looked at Raymond, then at Aliya.
Without asking, she handed each of them half of a carved wooden pendant.
"When two halves belong together," the old woman said with a gentle smile, "they always find each other."
Aliya smiled politely.
"Thank you."
Raymond accepted his piece.
"What does it represent?"
"Destiny."
The old woman winked.
"But destiny has a funny way of surprising people."
Raymond chuckled politely.
"I'll keep that in mind."
Neither of them noticed the strange look in the woman's eyes as they walked away.
The elderly woman watched them disappear into the crowd before quietly returning to carving another wooden charm.
By afternoon, they reached the royal gardens overlooking the city.
The noise of the festival faded into the distance.
A gentle breeze stirred the cherry blossoms overhead, sending pale pink petals drifting around them.
Aliya reached out and caught one before it touched the ground.
"I used to think these trees lasted forever."
"They bloom for barely two weeks."
"Then why do people love them so much?"
Raymond considered the question.
"Because they're beautiful while they last."
Aliya looked at the blossom resting in her palm.
"I think people are the same."
He looked at her.
She smiled faintly.
"We don't stay the same forever. We change, so do our dreams."
Her words lingered between them.
Raymond suddenly found himself wondering, what had happened to his own dreams?
Had he ever chosen them?
Or had they always been chosen for him?
The gentle breeze carried another wave of cherry blossom petals across the quiet garden path.
Later that afternoon, the royal family gathered beneath a pavilion overlooking the lake.
Queen Elean watched Raymond and Aliya from across the garden.
The king followed her gaze.
"They suit each other."
"They do."
"You look relieved."
"I am."
The King smiled knowingly.
"You've worried about him."
"For years."
"He carries too much."
"He always has."
The king rested a reassuring hand over hers.
"Perhaps..."
"...he's finally found someone to share the weight."
The Queen hoped he was right.
A hopeful smile quietly settled upon her face.
As evening approached, lanterns were lit throughout the palace gardens.
Golden lights reflected across the calm lake like hundreds of tiny stars.
The soft glow transformed the gardens into something almost dreamlike.
Guests slowly began returning indoors, leaving the gardens nearly empty.
Raymond and Aliya lingered behind.
Neither seemed eager to end the day.
"It was wonderful," Aliya said softly.
"It was."
"I'd forgotten how peaceful this place could be."
Raymond looked across the water.
"So had I."
Silence settled comfortably between them.
Not awkward.
Not forced.
Simply quiet.
The gentle sound of water rippling against the shore filled the silence.
Then Raymond spoke.
"Aliya."
She turned.
"Yes?"
He hesitated.
The words he'd rehearsed countless times suddenly felt heavier than expected.
He remembered the conversations.
His parents' hopes.
The council's expectations.
The kingdom's future.
And the promise he'd made.
He took a slow breath.
"You once asked if something was troubling me."
"I remember."
"I think..."
He stopped.
How could he explain something he didn't understand himself?
Instead, he smiled.
"I've been thinking about the future."
Aliya waited patiently.
"I've known you for most of my life. You've always been someone I trust, someone I admire. Someone I can imagine beside me."
The words formed naturally.
Because they were true.
Every one of them.
And yet, deep inside, his heart remained strangely silent.
He ignored it.
"Princess Aliya..."
She watched him carefully.
"Would you allow me the honor..."
he came one step closer
"...of courting you?"
Time seemed to stand still.
The breeze faded.
Even the rustling leaves felt distant.
Aliya stared at him.
Surprised.
Her eyes widened slightly before warmth slowly returned to them.
Then, a smile slowly spread across her face.
"I would."
Relief washed across Raymond.
This was right.
It had to be.
He had chosen.
The kingdom would rejoice.
His parents would finally have peace.
Everything would fall into place.
Wouldn't it?
High above the gardens, hidden behind the balcony pillars.
Someone watched.
The figure remained perfectly still as Raymond and Aliya smiled at one another below.
For just a moment, the hand tightened around the stone railing.
The knuckles turned pale beneath the pressure.
Then, slowly, they let go.
Without a single word, the figure turned away.
The sound of quiet footsteps disappeared into the palace.
Later that night, Raymond stood alone in his chamber.
The wooden pendant from the festival rested in his hand.
He turned it over thoughtfully.
The smooth wood caught the soft glow of the candlelight.
"When two halves belong together..."
He smiled faintly.
"I've made the right choice."
Yet, for reasons he couldn't explain, the pendant felt...
Incomplete.
He frowned.
"...Strange."
- Writer
