Dear Sweetheart,

The Royal Jubilee

Finally, the day has come. The people of Avalon lining down the streets from Redmont Palace to Kilstone Square while holding Avalon's flag.

Lara and Joy also lined up in the crowd. Joy was excited since they announced the celebration. She can see her prince charming once again. As for Lara, she wanted to keep her promise with Daniel, asked her to wave her hand if she sees him. He will march along with Royal's carriages.

Many canopies were set up at the Kilstone Square for the vendors hawked the souvenir jubilee flags, mugs and many more.

The pageant will comprise two acts. First, the traditional marchs of troops along the Kilstone Square. Second, the circus acts including a trapeze artist suspended underneath a huge balloon printed with image of Grand Duke Edward Steffen.

Lara and Joy found themselves a really good spot to watch the marching troops and Monarch's carriage.

The sound of firing canons can be heard to announce the departure of Monarch from the Redmont Palace.

Four black horses pulled the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess in the open carriage. The Avalonian expressed their gratitude for the beloved monarch. Grand Duke Edward waved to the crowds. Followed by His Royal Highness' carriage, there were 10 carriages convoyed carrying the royal families. The crowd continued to cheer loudly on the arrival of royal family.

From a far, Lara can see Daniel, in his uniform, marched along the carriage. She's so proud of him. She waited for Daniel to be closer to wave and cheered him.

When he's near, Lara waved her flags as a signal to Daniel. Thank God Daniel still noticed her even in the crowd. He only smiled a little but still showing his dimple. He saw Lara's big smile, excitedly waved at him.

Daniel proudly walked along the street after getting cheered by Lara.

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Carl seated inside the carriage with his younger brother, Prince Leonard. Prince Leonard waved to the crowd as he's also excited to be cheered on. He's only 13.

"Sit still, can you?" Carl sighed when he's being ignored by Leonard. He looked at outside where the crowd were. He always feel sleepy and easily get bored when he attended royal event. All this protocols don't suit him.

He blankly stared at the crowd. Suddenly, a figure amongst the crowd caught his attention. One woman wore a light yellow dress with her long brunette hair being tied with a scarf same tone of her dress.

She waved her flags excitedly when his carriage passed her with a big smile on her face. It was the first time he saw she smiled. It's beautiful indeed.

'I thought she hated royal family yet she cheered that loud' Carl's self-thought. He turned his head to see the lasting smile on her face.

'It'll be nice if she smiles at me like that' Carl grinned, imagined if that woman smiled at him. At least, something good happen during the event to cheer him up.

Throughout the day, many events organised to celebrate the Royal Jubilee. Royal families attended several events to approached the people of Avalon. From racehorse, archery competition and tree planting, the schedule was packed with activities.

The following night, the Redmont Palace opened its door to people of Avalon for royal banquet. Every citizen of Avalon being invited to attend the banquet, no one excluded.

Many people entered the palace with beautiful dressed and tuxs. Everyone in awed by beauty of Redmont Palace especially the grand fountain located at the entrance of palace.

Lara also attended the banquet. She went with Joy as she promised to do so. Lara wore a full length dark blue evening gown. She did her hair twisted in bun and few looses hair around her face She added a minimal crystal headband to lift her style. She also did her make up with natural tone and not over doing it. Even so, she's looking beautiful and elegant at the same time.

They walked into the ball room and caught their breathes. Crystal chandelier spiralled down the ceiling, illuminating the glimmering golden walls and the floor so polished.

The guests being entertained by famous classical singer, Antoinette. Her voice resonated throughout the hall.

Lara looking around if Daniel anywhere to be found but he's not there. Maybe he's on duty.

"Wow, I never dreamed to step inside this palace. Look at this hall. Three times bigger than our college hall" said Joy in amazed. Lara agreed with her. The interior were well decorated and reflected royal's status.

The banquet started with the announcement of Royal families' arrival. All guests stood along the red carpet and clapped hands when the royals entered.

Grand Duke Edward waved and shakes hand with several guests. Followed him, the princes and princess, and members of Avalon's parliament. Carl also entered the hall with Charlotte by his side, linked her arm to Carl's.

Grand Duke Edward stood at the podium to give his speech.

"People of Avalon. Let me start my speech by saying 'thank you' to all the thousands of kind people who have sent me congratulatory messages. I want to share this happiness with people of Avalon through tonight's banquet"

All guests clapped with Grand Duke Edward opening remarks. He continued his speech by talking about his vision of what Avalon will become under his reign.

"I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short, had been dedicated to serve the people of Avalon. Cheers to Avalon and it's future"

Grand Duke Edward raised his glass, followed by the guests. That indicated the beginning of banquet.

Some guests were dancing at the centre of the hall. While some chatted with each other.

Lara waited at the side, enjoying watching people. Joy was invited for a dance by a gentlemen just now. So she been left alone. At the same time, her eyes wandering around, looking for Daniel.

"Looking for me?" A voice familiar to her came from her back. She smiled brightly as the person she's looking for are found.

Daniel looked stunning tonight. His black tux was exquisitely and perfect match for his inverted triangle built. There's a earpiece at his ear, a sign he's on duty.

"Enjoying the night?" Daniel asked.

"Not that much. Can you stay? You don't have to be near. Enough for me to see you" Lara felt more comfortable when Daniel's around.

"Don't worry. I'll be here. Have you eaten?"

Lara shakes her head. Surprisingly, Daniel brought a plate full of dessert that he hid behind his back. Lara's touched by his act.

They both enjoyed the ball while chatted with each other. For Lara, this was the best part of the ball. Secretly met during the event.

"I really want to invite you for a dance but I can't. Sorry" said Daniel with a hint of regret in his voice. He's sure Lara wanted to dance like other guests.

"Don't be sorry. To be honest, I'm a terrible dancer. I've two left foot when I danced" Lara whispered to Daniel's ear and made him laughed.

"Then our next date will be a dancing class? I'll be your teacher" said Daniel with flirty voice. His warm hand held Lara's in secret.

Lara's cheek turned rosy with Daniel's suggestion eventhough she didn't put any blusher. Daniel noticed it too and tried to control himself from kissing those cheeks.

From afar, a pair of eyes watched the lovely birds. The feeling of jealousy filled his entire body.

'That smile. That laugh. Those eyes'

How can she showed all of that to other man rather than me?

She laughed so happily when she talked with him.

What they're talking about that makes her laugh?

Carl unconciously clenched his fist to surpress his feeling.

'Daniel. How did he knows her? His cousin? No. Daniel said he don't have any relatives besides his aunt. His long friend? How can they be a friend? Daniel don't attended any school or college. Wait. No way. That's the girl? The one Daniel told me about?'

Carl kept on wondering any possibilities. He don't care people around him. It just between him and the couple.

'But at the mall, why Daniel acted like he don't know her? Because he's on duty?'

When he came back to his sense, Daniel and the woman dissapeared from his vision. He looked around but they're nowhere to be found.

"Carl, here's your drink" Charlotte handed him a glass of champagne but Carl just left. Charlotte was frustrated by Carl's ignoring her but she kept on smiling so no one will talk about it.

Carl looked around amongst the crowd. He looked at the dance floor but they are not there. He went to next hall. It was darked and no one was there. He planned to leave but he heard people's talking.

Carl sneaked slowly until he arrived at the balcony. There were two people there. Carl got closer to get a clear view.

He saw Daniel and Lara stood there, enjoying the view. That night were light up by moonlights. Carl saw Daniel hugged Lara from back. His suspicion turned out to be right. She's the one Daniel told him. The one Daniel loves.

"How I wish we can just enjoy the night without having to hide from people" said Daniel.

"I know right but I'm okay with this. With us have to secretly dating. There's fun in it" Lara turned around and wrapped her arms around Daniel's neck while Daniel's hands holded her waist. She smiled affectionately.

Daniel leaned forward and kissed her lips softly. Lara smiled.

"Then, you're not regret dating me? You still can back off" Daniel teased Lara.

"Are you? You can still walk away from me. After today, I'll cling to you until you sicks of me. By the time, no more exit door" Lara raised her eyebrow, tried to return Daniel teased.

Their eyes met. Only love showed in their eyes.

"I will not sick of you. Never. That's my promise to you. I love you so much Lara Becker" Daniel kissed Lara again, and this time harder than before.

Lara tightened her wrapped around Daniel's neck, closing the gap between them. Daniel too, brought Lara's body closer to his, so he can feel the warmth of her body.

Lara slightly moaned when Daniel's lips moved to her neck. Her pulse throbbed in her neck when he kissed it.

Daniel lost in Lara's sweet musk, warm skin and honey tasted. He didn't want to let her go. Lara's fingers ran through his hair. He wanted to take Lara in every possible ways he could imagine.

Daniel ran his finger tried to find Lara's dress zipper at her back when out of sudden, a phone call restrained him to do so.

Both of them in shocked if there's other people too, watching them. Daniel asked Lara to silent while he slowly walked to the sound. Lara held her breathe. She's worried this could bring harms to Daniel.

Daniel flipped the curtain and saw no one was there. Not even a shadow. He walked to Lara and held her arm to leave the place. It's not a good idea to stay there.

Before they back to the banquet, Daniel once again kissed Lara. He cupped her face and kissed her. Lara kissed him back. Tonight were unforgetable to both of them. Finally, Daniel asked Lara to go back to the hall.