Twilight descended upon the Kingdom of Fawful, a stream of visitors from the neighboring realm of Fare poured in, welcomed by an endless procession of ornate chariots.

High above the bustling streets, Princess Sutaro stood on her balcony, anxiety etched across her features.

Her foot tapped an impatient rhythm as she scanned the horizon, searching for any sign of Charles. He had confided in her about the plot earlier, but since then, an eerie silence had fallen between them.

A shiver ran down her spine as the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the castle corridors. Her heart raced, mind conjuring images of what – or who – might appear. When a knock finally came, the door creaked open to reveal not the fearsome figure she had imagined, but her mother, resplendent in a new crown and festival cloak.

"Sutaro, my dear," Queen Dranir's voice was tinged with excitement. "Are you prepared? This year's float is truly magnificent – a Phoenix. You've always been fond of those majestic creatures, have you not?"

"Griffiths..." Sutaro murmured, her mind elsewhere.

Queen Dranir's gentle tap on her head brought Sutaro back to the present. As they made their way through the dimly lit castle halls, the Queen attempted to dispel the tension with a familiar tale.

"You know, before the royal guard was established, your father and I would often spar in the training yards. The only time he ever bested me was when I promised to make him my prince if he succeeded."

Sutaro listened intently, the story taking on new meaning from her mother's perspective. "You planned to confess your feelings that night, didn't you? But you let him win. Dad told me you invited him to dine with your family afterward, though he and Grandpa Jerrod ended up doing all the cooking."

Queen Dranir's eyes sparkled with nostalgia. "Oh, heavens! It was the most delectable meal I'd ever tasted!" The memory of that night flooded her senses – the aroma of the dishes, the laughter of her family, the nervous excitement of young love.

Her tone grew more serious as she continued, "Sutaro, when the time comes for you to choose a prince, remember that he must be responsible, powerful, and grounded. And, of course, handsome wouldn't hurt,". "You'll make a magnificent queen someday, my dear. I only ask that you be prepared for that day when it arrives."

Sutaro released a heavy sigh, the weight of expectation bearing down on her shoulders.

As they approached the festival grounds, Queen Dranir's excitement bubbled over. "Look, Sutaro! The floats are just ahead. This year's celebration will be truly spectacular!"

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Battlelord Darroch. His urgent tone caused Queen Dranir's brow to furrow in frustration.

"Your Highness! My troops report strange noises emanating from the kingdom's borders. Shall we investigate?"

Queen Dranir's response was swift and forceful. "Absolutely not! It's surely nothing of consequence. Focus on securing the festival route! Maintain your positions!"

"As you command, Your Majesty!" he hurried away, leaving a wake of confused whispers among his soldiers.

With a deep breath, Queen Dranir turned back to her daughter. "I must prepare for our grand entrance, Sutaro. Wait here, I'll return shortly."

Left alone, Sutaro settled on the floor, absentmindedly picking at her elaborately painted nails. The pungent scent of polish filled her nostrils, heightening her sense of unease.

Just as boredom began to set in, a soft murmur caught her attention, followed by a series of gentle taps on a nearby window. Her heart leapt – it was Charles.

"Sutaro? Are you alone?" he whispered, eyes darting around the room.

In an instant, Sutaro was at the window, throwing it open. A gust of cool night air rushed in, but she barely noticed, her focus entirely on Charles.

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"Charles! What kept you?" she demanded, a mix of relief and frustration in her voice.

He reached out to her, his touch reassuring. "No time to explain. The plan is in motion. We need to leave now – there are others waiting for us."

With some effort, Sutaro squeezed through the narrow window opening, her ornate dress catching on the rough stone. Once outside, she took a moment to smooth her garments before giving Charles an affectionate pat on the head.

"Well done, Charles. Now, tell me about these 'others' you mentioned."

In response, Charles produced a tiny shell from his coat pocket and blew into it. Though no sound emerged, something clearly heard the call. Sutaro gasped as a massive, winged shadow materialized before them, its yellow eyes piercing the darkness.

"A Drakarier!" Sutaro breathed, awe evident in her voice. "Charles, it's magnificent!"

Meanwhile, across the kingdom, Jack and Kori were setting their part of the plan into motion. Disguised as festival-goers, they blended seamlessly into the crowd.

Jack’s hair gleamed with a hue reminiscent of watery depths, matching the local folk, while a satchel filled with small explosive devices and pyrotechnics completed his guise as a firework tender. Kori, her additional limbs hidden beneath an intricate phoenix costume, moved with grace amongst the revelers.

As they navigated the vibrant festival, Kori’s eyes shone with wonder. “Jack, this spectacle is truly enchanting. Dost thou reckon this to be a date?”

Jack’s lips curved into a smile. “Perchance. How about I vow to grant thee something even more special once our task is done?”

“I would be most pleased,” Kori replied, her voice tender with affection.

Upon reaching their destination—a modest hut brimming with festival relics—they slipped inside unseen. Working swiftly and silently, they distributed the explosives throughout the structure.

“Jack, the fireworks,” Kori whispered urgently.

With practiced efficiency, Jack divided the remaining explosives between them, carefully placing his share around the hut. As the final preparations were made, tension filled the air.

"Kori, the light," Jack murmured.

She handed him a stone and steel crest. With a few deft movements, Jack coaxed sparks from the implements, igniting the fuse. Without a backward glance, they sprinted southward, intent on rejoining Charles and the others.

Back at the castle, Charles and Sutaro made their way towards the looming form of Geralt. Charles cast a quick glance at his companion. "If all has gone according to plan, those fireworks should be starting any moment now."

As if on cue, a tremendous flash lit up the night sky, followed by a cascade of smaller explosions. The sound echoed across the kingdom, signaling the start of their daring escape.

Jack and Kori raced to rendezvous with Sutaro and Charles, arriving just in time to see the princess in all her finery.

“Good evening, Princess,” Jack said with a respectful nod. Kori’s eyes widened with admiration. “Indeed, she doth look resplendent in that fine ensemble!”

Sutaro blushed at the compliment, a small smile forming on her lips.

Charles, ever mindful of their precarious situation, cut through the pleasantries. "Yes, yes, she's a vision. But we haven't much time. Those distractions won't hold them off forever. Let’s go!"

The gravity of his words sobered the group, and they quickly prepared for their departure.

Just as they were about to leave, a familiar voice shattered the night air. "S-Sutaro?" King Jeram's voice cracked with confusion and fear.

"Papa!" Sutaro's heart clenched, the weight of her deception suddenly overwhelming.

"What's happening? Who are these people?" King Jeram's gaze darted between Jack and Kori, realization slowly dawning on his face.

As the brilliance of the fireworks continued to illuminate the night sky, Sutaro took a tentative step towards her father. "I... I should have told you sooner," she began, her voice trembling. "I wanted to, but I couldn't find the words."

Seeing the turmoil in his daughter's eyes, Jeram's expression softened. Sutaro rushed into his arms, tears flowing freely.

"I promise you, I'll be alright," she whispered fiercely.

Jeram held her tightly, his heart a maelstrom of pride and fear. "My brave, beautiful girl. I trust you to make the right choice. Know that no matter what, I love you more than life itself."

"I love you too, Papa..." Sutaro choked out, reluctantly pulling away. She memorized every detail of his face, knowing it might be the last time she saw him.

Jeram gently wiped a tear from her cheek. "Go now, my love. Follow your heart. Whatever path you choose, know that I'll always be here for you."

With a final, tearful glance, Sutaro turned and followed Charles, Jack, and Kori into the night. The sky above them continued to explode with color, a fitting backdrop to the beginning of their grand adventure.

As they disappeared into the darkness, King Jeram watched, his heart heavy but filled with an inexplicable hope. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew his daughter would face them with the same courage and determination she had always shown. And though the pain of separation was acute, he found solace in the knowledge that Sutaro was following her own path, just as he had always taught her to do.