Ari’s eyes were as wide as her mouth whilst her gaze jumped across the various colours of the clothes store. From the most vibrant purple satin, to the dark cherry red velvet, with pine, grass, moss and lime greens and a perfect dichotomy of black and white dresses, there was no shortage of beauty for the bunny girl to explore. The shopkeeper smiled benevolently, bearing the same pleased expression as Lux. The two watched the small bunny jump from dress to skirt to tunic and finally to cape and cloak, never seeming to settle on anything.

“Do you need any help?” the shopkeeper stepped in, as she’s had her fill of just watching. Ari deflated as the interruption came a bit suddenly, but hearing the offer, she nodded. “Okay, let’s get that cloak off and see what body type we’re working with…” the shopkeeper began, but instantly stopped as she noticed the growing amount of bare skin with no other clothes in sight. Blushing, she stepped back, much to Lux’s amusement.

“That’s kind of why we’re here...She doesn’t really have anything else except for that and the boots she’s wearing.”

“Oh, my, then I’ll be choosing a whole wardrobe!” she replied in high spirits, her business senses tingling. The minstrel was quick with the retort, though.

“I think we’ll just settle on one outfit for now. We’re not nobles, you know,” Lux calmly, if a little defensively added. Hearing them talking about money, Ari immediately rummaged through her cloak and took out her pouch. Undoing the knot almost instantly she let a couple of gems fall into her hand and cheerfully showed them to the delighted shopkeeper.

“Well, then...looks like your friend here has more than you knew about.”

“Indeed she does...Indeed she does,” Lux replied slightly disturbed, but still having his signature smile plastered on his lips.

Without even batting an eye at his snide remark, the shopkeeper guided the girl towards the plethora of beautiful attires Ari’s mind could not even fathom.

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The sun’s warmth had lost its intensity by the time the two were out of the store. Two heavy bags hung on Lux’s back, as he valiantly pushed forward, with Ari gleefully skipping next to him. As much as he understood what had happened in that store, he couldn’t be upset when he saw the bundle of joy frolicking all around him.

Many things lay inside the bag, however the one that she loved the most was the one she wore. Fluffiness seemed to be a recurring theme in her choices, and her outfit reflected exactly that. Her dress was a field of white, only a couple of green streaks on her shoulders, around her waist and on the hem of the many frills that swayed as she hopped gleefully. Her already fair arms were made even fairer by the puffy sleeves that let a small part of her shoulder breathe freely through a small gap that added a plus of flexibility to her fit. Lastly, she complimented the attire with a pair of thigh-high stockings that were neatly tucked in a pair of cream ballet shoes. Accessories and different hairstyles didn’t really appeal to Ari, but she didn’t miss the opportunity to decorate her ears with matching grass-green ribbons.

As the little snowflake danced around on the way to the castle, Lux couldn’t help but just smile to himself, as he carried the mountain of clothes Ari carelessly bought. In spite of not agreeing wholeheartedly to the reckless spending, at the very least she was dressed and, more importantly, happy.

“Do you like what you bought?” he answered, as he readjusted a bag that was slipping off his back. Ari instantly skipped and flipped over him as a response, her smile shining even from a couple of metres into the air.

“I’m glad you’re happy, but...come a little closer,” Lux beckoned her. “It’s best that you keep that pouch of yours hidden around these parts.” Ari’s eyes widened in confusion. “The city is big. There are many people like those bandits that lurk in the shadows. And you never know how far those shadows stretch.” For the first time, Ari saw Lux’s smile fade slightly, devolving into a pained grin, as his eyes had an uncanny veil of sadness thrown over them. “I wouldn’t want you to go through that again,” he added as his expression returned to normal.

Ari was lost, but she couldn’t help but nod in agreement. She didn’t understand why people wanted those gems, but remembering what happened, she got a sense of dread about them. How could something that bought such cute things also be the source of such a strong trauma. Not only that, but what power did these things hold that could make her companion don such a grimace? Those were the thoughts going through her mind as her hopping stopped and her pouch got stashed even deeper into her pockets.

It wasn’t long until the walls of the castle began to rise between the cracks in the line of buildings. Seeing just a blue butterfly floating above the stacks of rocks and a couple holes here and there didn’t really paint the picture Ari had in mind when she heard that was where the prince lived. Even for her, the concept of royalty wasn’t foreign, so the fact that his residence wasn’t any different from the rest left a dissonant impression of human leadership. But only after leaving the side streets and getting to the large plaza that preceded the castle, Ari finally realised the true majesty of the royal family.

Two spires with their azure flags waving in the wind towered over the entire area, united by a wall that rivaled the city’s in terms of crenellations and imposure. With the sun setting behind it, the walls cast a disheartening shadow, the dark bricks turning into a lugubrious mortar with only a couple of torches shyly dancing to light it up. The main gate appeared a crimson red, the metallic hinges and ornaments gaining a fearsome sharpness in the fading sunlight. With the two armoured men silently guarding them with their pikes raised, the entire scenario seemed horrific to Ari’s inherently timid self.

As the two approached, Ari slowly began to trail behind Lux, ending up hiding behind him as he neared the gate. When they tried to pass through, the two pikes immediately fell to block their path, to which the two reacted in their usual way: Ari yelped as she dug herself in the sack-burrow of Lux’s back, meanwhile he only smiled warmly at the guards.

“My, my, that’s a warm welcome,” he joked as he looked at one of the guards. He was given a chilling glare in return. “His highness invited us, me to play and her to attend.”

“Prince Edward or King Julius?”

“The Prince. I was also told that the King was quite interested in meeting my beautiful companion,” Lux added as Ari peeked from behind him, her eartips perking up.

“I see,” one of the knights coldly replied. “Stay here, we’ll go check.”

One of the guards disappeared behind the massive gate, as the other firmly stood guard in front of it. Lux crossed his arms as he waited, while the guard’s pike dangled ever so slowly towards his head. Meanwhile, Ari tried to catch a glimpse of the world behind the ajar gate, but the knight’s firm and reprimanding gaze jolted her back to her safe space. The metallic clinking of armour returned as quickly as it left, with the soldier opening the gate wide with a tired sigh.

“Yeah, it checks out, go in.” As the two passed Ari’s keen ears picked up another line that Lux failed or pretended not to hear: “The Prince really likes to invite peasants to duel with for sport, right?”

“Ah, you came! I was wondering when you’d show up. Sun is setting quite fast these days…”

“Well, we do like to be punctual. Can you show me to our room, please? We’ve gone on...quite a shopping spree, as you can see.” Ari shyly poked her head out, long enough for the prince to take note of her.

“My, oh, let me see you,” he said as he circled around Lux to see the girl. To his disdain, she mirrored his movements, landing on the other side of her companion, hidden by one of the huge sacks. Still, he could catch little glimpses of her ribbons, her sleeves and her dress, enough to form an image in his head.

“Ah, my dear, you look stunning,” he exclaimed loudly in his princely voice, much to Ari’s fear. His words were minced with the same attitude he had when they first met, although a lot less aggressive.

“Still holding a grudge, eh?” he asked, a little deflated. “Can’t blame you, alcohol tends to get the best of me. Still, I’d like to apologise,” he continued, this time a little more convincing, but something in his tone made his apology hard to believe. Ari dug herself deeper into the bag, in an attempt to drown out the prince’s empty words.

“If it isn’t too much to ask, may we rest for a bit before the banquet?” Lux chimed in with his usual cheerful tone. The prince shot him back a forced smile, but invited them inside the castle.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“Of course, of course, where is my hospitality. Right this way, I will let you in the care of...Goya!” he summoned one of his servants. Just as she heard her name being called, the maid instantly popped into the room, much to Ari’s startling. After all, she was nowhere to be seen mere seconds ago.

“You called, sire?” she asked, bowing her head.

“Please escort these two lovely guests to the room I had you prepare for them. If you don’t mind, there are still some matters I would like to discuss with my father, so I will take my leave. I’ll see you at the feast!” he concluded, as he turned with a flip of his cape.

“Follow me, young masters,” the maid announced as she led the two down a corridor opposite to the one the prince took. Floor to ceiling windows allowed Ari’s gaze to feast upon the beauty of the royal garden. The white lilies mingled with the splendid blue irises, as the sun’s last rays glazed the two with a beautiful caramel. In the distance, an artesian well sprinkled water over another row of flowers, this time gracious tulips that looked like blood drops on the twilight field.

It wasn’t long until the two reached their destination and Lux could finally breathe a sigh of relief. He set the bags right next to the doorframe, on the floor and cracked his back, causing Ari to recoil at the noise. The maid chuckled a little, but she returned to her usual, proper self.

“I hope this room is to your liking. I humbly apologise for anything that might be out of order. We didn’t have much time to prepare anything, so please, ring the bell on your nightstand if you need anything. Please rest and I will come get you right before the festivities begin,” Goya hastily explained what seemed to be a very often rehearsed tune. However, the two wondered, after she left, if there was even anything to apologise for.

The room was simple, but elegant in its simplicity. A simple, white and thin curtain veiled the large window that led to the interior courtyard. The well-trimmed trees and bushes provided a level of intimacy, but more than that, they spread a delicious fruity perfume throughout the room. A clean red carpet softened the hardwood floor, so much so that even Lux’s heavy steps were silenced by it. Lastly, the chamber was completed by two simple, yet neat beds and a small table on the opposite end with a floral arrangement of wolfsbane and poppy.

Ari slowly approached the weird, snow-like pieces of cloth and cautiously tested them with her hand. The incredibly soft and warm sensation prompted her to jump on top of it and let herself be swallowed by the comfort of the mattress. Lux paced towards the window and let his eyes wander. There were quite a lot of guards standing at the ready outside, probably for the best, given the amount of important people that were going to be present at tonight’s feast.

Ari rose her head up from the sheets and looked at Lux. She has often wondered what he is always looking at, everywhere he goes. However, she could never ask him that. Instead, she jumped out of the bed and settled right next to him, looking at the marvelous, dimly lit courtyard.

“It’s quite pretty, isn’t it?” Lux mused as she saw her reflection in the window. Ari nodded. “You’ve seen quite a lot of things today, but I have a feeling that the best is yet to come,” he continued as his eyes joined the shadows dancing atop the walls.

Not long did they get to stay like that before a knock interrupted their contemplation.

“Master, if you will. The prince wants you to start your duty. The lady can come as well,” Goya announced. The two nodded to each other and followed the maid as she guided them towards the banquet hall. Unsurprisingly, she knew her way throughout the maze of doors quite perfectly, as they crossed through the labyrinthian hallways of the castle. Once in front of the door, she beckoned them to go in, as she stayed outside.

The banquet hall was dominated by the large tables laid in a square with an incredibly empty space in-between them, where the guests who already came were mingling. The cacophony of sounds that entered Ari’s ears reminded her of the atmosphere at the bar, only the rowdiness was significantly quieter, but the sounds were much sharper. The clinking of crystalline glasses, the metallic soles and heels of the guests as they patrolled around the marble floor and the rustling of their decorative swords at their hips made for a palette of noises Ari didn’t enjoy very much.

“Ah, there you are!” the prince’s voice distinguished itself from the crowd as his highness approached the two. “If you may, join the rest of the musicians there, you’ll find a new lute to enchant us with. Yours to keep, by the way. Least I can do to repay you for the one you...lost,” he taunted with a devilish smirk on his face, but Lux’s smile was impervious to that. “As for our delightful young lady…” Ari hid behind Lux, but to no avail. She has been spotted. “If you could please follow me. My father has been dying to see you!” he exclaimed as he grabbed her hand.

Ari tried to oppose his grip, but she couldn’t muster up enough strength to fight the prince’s. Her eyes pleaded soulfully towards Lux. The minstrel only replied with his signature chuckle, as if to reassure her that everything will be fine. After all, he was certain that the prince’s conduct whilst surrounded by lords, dukes and nobles will be far from his disorderly behaviour from the bar.

Letting herself be dragged by the prince, she found herself standing behind a row of people, all sporting two tails from their behind. Their faces all looked the same to her. Same gray fur on their chins and cheeks, same short, silver hair, same shiny stick hanging on their hips and the same large gestures they decorated their conversations with. However, Edward only had business with one of them. He called to the one being surrounded by the most people and Ari could feel his expression light up from behind. The King swiftly turned around her and in a second, he was greeting her.

“My, my, lovely, gorgeous! What stunning hair you have, and these clothes suit you perfectly, dear!” the king exclaimed delighted, his grandfatherly compliments unbecoming of his appearance.

Ari stood still, her ears stiff and stuck to her head. She tried to make herself look as small as she could before the imposing stature of the king. Julius was a man who, in spite of his wizened hair and beard, didn’t look his age. He stood tall, not even the prince being on his level, with his chest and arms perfectly defined under his tailcoat. The most notable feature of his face were his eyes, a cerulean island in a sea of wrinkles. On his otherwise plain and dry face, his blue gaze exalted youth and vigor, as his stare instilled a sense of respect in anyone who dared stare off with him. All of these features gave Ari nothing but warning signals, in spite of the sweet warmth of his words and tone. As Julius bowed down to grab her hand, the girl instinctively stepped back.

“Oh?”

“She doesn’t do well with humans, father, “ the prince whispered somewhat bitterly in the king’s ear. A slight sadness clouded Julius’ eyes.

“Ah, my apologies then, miss,” he excused himself as he dropped to a squat. Standing like this he was still barely taller than her. Looking straight into her eyes, he continued in a hushed, soothing tone, “Pardon my brashness, young lady. It’s not too often I get to meet someone as special as yourself. Would you be so kind as to do me the honour of letting me accompany you to your seat?’ He slowly extended his hand. Ari momentarily hesitated to grab it, but his candid tone and his gentle gestures were enough to convince her that the giant in front of her meant her no harm. She grabbed his hand, wincing a bit at the roughness of his palms.

With a smile reminiscent of Lux’s, the king straightened himself as he pointed towards the table with a noticeably bigger and more ornate seat. Slowly, careful not to rush the young lady, the two slowly paced across the hall, the King occasionally stopping to acknowledge old friends and guests, but never for too long. Gently, Julius sat down on his throne, as he guided Ari around it and saw her sat next to him, to his right.

As soon as the two sat down, a distinct clink announced the food being brought in, as maids and butlers began carrying in trays and trolleys filled with delicacies. The smell of smoked meat, baked potatoes, carrots, peas and green beans as well as the sweet and sour aroma of the various sauces filled Ari’s nostrils, serving as a reminder that apart from her small breakfast, she has yet to eat anything else. As soon as the saute vegetables were laid before her, she snatched the entire tray and laid it in front of her. The guests around her were left aghast, but the king smiled understandingly.

“You must be quite hungry.” Ari nodded dejectedly, as she looked around to see the disgusted gazes she was shot. “Now, I don’t think a small girl like you can eat an entire tray, so how about this,” Julius continued, as he grabbed a silver spatula. Cutting a large chunk out, he served the girl, and returned the tray to its place.

“That should be enough, right?” Julius asked, to which Ari nodded like a scolded child. “Now, here, take this,” he continued handing her the fork. She grabbed it like a sword and looked at it quizzically.

“Hold it like so…” Julius softly adjusted her fingers into the correct position, but that only served to strengthen her confusion. “Now, just stick the pointy part in the food and then bring it to your mouth.” Seeing her befuddled expression, he wisely added, “That’s the way we eat here.”

Upon hearing those words, Ari’s expression lightened up, with her ears perking up a bit. Her situation just dawned on her. She was surrounded by humans, in their home, eating their food just like they did. She unsurely stuck the fork in her food and shakily brought it to her mouth, dropping a little back on her plate. Just as her palate got to taste the heavenly meal, a familiar music flooded her ears.

Lux’s lute echoed throughout the quiet room, as he played a very reserved and melodious tune. Soon enough the softer sound of a violin joined him, as well as a deeper bass, their harmony spreading across the room. Ari glanced at her companion, but something seemed wrong about him. His expression was blank, emotionless as he stared emptily at the ground. His hand moved mechanically across the chords, while his relaxed posture deformed into a strict slouch. As if feeling her eyes on him, Lux turned to her, only for his lips to purse into his signature smile, his eyes remaining just as void.

Ari was a little put off, but her hunger took a bigger priority at this point in time. Quickly forgetting what she saw, she continued to dig in, her ears gently swaying in the rhythm of the music. Without even noticing, her plate emptied as a butler quickly collected it. Looking around, she noticed that many of the guests had leftovers in front of them, but most were finished.

Her ears jerked up as she heard a seat slide on the marble floor. The prince, whom she just noticed on the other side of the king, got up and headed towards the centre, a small glass filled with a reddish liquid in his hand.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming! I am pleased to know that all of you are welcoming me back home. This is a celebration for you too, as my return marks the end of the war and our victory! With the peace treaty signed, we have successfully acquired the one thing we were looking for. The mines of the Warussian mountains are ours!” The crowd shortly cheered, as the prince paused for effect. “As for our spoils, behold two swords made by our blacksmiths with the first ever ore dug out that belongs to Heanne!”

As he said that, a servant brought in two plain leather sheaths and handed them to the prince. He quickly disappeared, leaving the entire scene to Edward.

“However, it’s not enough for me to just show them to you, is it now?” he continued invigorated, as he drew the two crimson blades. The King groaned in annoyed surprise, prompting Ari to look at him. Her ears clung to her head as she noticed the disappointed glare he pointed at his son. The prince turned around to showcase the weapons. After he was sure everyone has had a perfect view of them, he stopped, facing the musicians. Lux’s tired eyes met Edward’s as the former guessed the latter’s next words.

“Minstrel! I believe we have a record to settle. Why don’t you come over here so that I can even the score?”