The atmosphere of the Imperial Palace was so suffocating at times, Cassandra couldn’t help but feel such a difference now that she was out. Even if it was for a short time, she just wanted to enjoy this as much as she could.
Kairen kissed her again, caressing her cheek. They were in the middle of the street, in the middle of a crowd, but neither really cared. There were dozens of lovers here, many couples just enjoying the Celebrations. They were just a little bit differently clothed.
“I’ll bring you here again for the Celebrations next year,” he whispered softly. “And all the years you want after that.”
“Is that a promise?” she asked with a smile.
“Yes.”
He grabbed her chin and gently sealed their promise with a long kiss. Cassandra smiled against her Prince’s lips, enjoying this little minute of intimacy with him. There was something unique about being able to act like this with her lover, in the middle of a busy street. Like she could show her love to the world, without fear of judgment. A few weeks ago, she was always so afraid of what people would say, what people would think. Now, she was able to act however she wanted with him. Somehow, she had become so comforted by Kairen’s feelings, she knew nothing could stop her love for him anymore. Cassandra didn’t care much if he wasn’t vocal about it. He was telling her just enough when she actually needed it.
“Hinue! Look!”
Missandra ran up to them, and ecstatic, put a big flower crown on her older sister’s head. She had a wide smile on and had apparently forgotten all her hatred for the Imperial Family. Cassandra was so happy to finally see her act her age. She had one of those big flower crowns on too, and behind her, Dahlia was playing with some flower bracelets.
“Aren’t these pretty! Should you get one for the ceremony? Come!”
Missandra pulled her to come to the flower stall, and check all of the flower crowns. It was the first time she showed interest in the Rain Ceremony, so Cassandra was happy to check out the items displayed with her. For once, they felt like a pair of sisters hanging out naturally, having fun with their friends, and chatting happily over trivial matters.
Cassandra was made to try several crowns by Dahlia and Missandra, so many that her hair was covered in petals after a while. The merchant was happy to have caught the girl’s attention and was overdoing it with the flattery.
“Those white lilies are so fresh, and suit Your Highness so well! You should try it! Your hair is so beautiful, any of those look perfect on you!”
Cassandra chuckled. White lilies again! She picked the flower crown, made of ivy, white lilies, and pink lisianthus among some filler leaves. Putting it on in her hair, Cassandra checked herself in the mirror, blushing a bit. She rarely felt so pretty. That evening, her hair was down, she was wearing the pale dress that complimented her rosy cheeks so well, and radiating with happiness.
She turned to Kairen, standing behind her, to show it.
“Do you like it?” she asked.
He nodded, but he was clearly looking at her instead of the crown. Cassandra smiled and turned to the merchant.
“Could you pack this up for me?” she gently asked.
“What are you talking about! You should keep it on,” said Missandra with a cute pout, Dahlia nodding behind her.
“Your sister is right.”
Behind them, Kareen and Shareen walked up to them, both looking at the crowns of flowers. The merchant immediately bowed politely to Lady Kareen. Like many people around them, he recognized the ruler and owner of the City. The Imperial Concubine handed him some money.
“You young ladies should have fun. Have your sister and that servant of yours pick some, too.”
Immediately, Missandra and Dahlia’s eyes shined in excitement. Those flower crowns were expensive, not something they would have been able to spend their pocket money on. However, the shiny gold coins the Imperial Concubine had handed the merchant were more than enough for them to pick anything they wanted.
They both thanked Kareen profusely, and started picking some flower crowns for themselves, even bullying Anour into trying some too. Shareen chuckled, crossing her arms while watching the scene.
“A Prince being forced to wear a flower crown by two servant girls. This world is really changing faster than I thought! Mother, you can’t spend it all on Anour and the girls. What about your actual daughter?”
The Imperial Concubine sneered.
“What about her?”
Shareen frowned, crossing her arms and pouting.
“Aren’t you going to buy me anything, Mother? With this heavy purse of yours? When do you ever gift me something?”
“Gift you something?” said Kareen, turning to her with her eyebrow raised. “When does this daughter of mine ever visit her mother? I’m already this old, yet neither of my children pampers me or worries about me. What should I buy you anything for? You heartless children seem to be doing well enough without me!”
Cassandra had the hardest time repressing her laugh while Kareen walked away, looking as proud as ever, and pushing Dahlia and Missandra to come and see some food stalls, probably to spoil them more and anger Shareen.
