Upon realization of the prince’s disappearance, the royal guards desperately searched for him. What was supposedly a small break turned into an hour long search. Hurriedly sweeping the gazebo and surrounding areas only to be met with the same realization. He was gone. But where? Where they that caught up in conversation?

Their hearts sank realizing they needed to break the news. So they made their way back to the ceremony. It had been almost two hours and all the guests had grown restless, most notably the princess who was moved from center stage to a garden table nearby. There was no entertainment besides soft music to stall the crowd so it was surprising that many had stayed and endured the wait.

The royal guards made their way to the court to break the news to the kings and queen. Princess Cirrus noticed the guards’ return and made her way back onstage eager to see if Raine was back so the ceremony could continue. The crowd slowly shifted into attention as well.

There was commotion in the court. The Kings and Queen flabbergasted at the news but tried to remain composed as to not stir the attentive crowd. They framed the situation as if Raine had just fallen ill and the event would be postponed. But King Stratus had a sickening feeling of déjà vu run through him. His heart began to race in anger at the potential defiance of his second son.

The court addressed the both the princess and the crowd.

“Thank you all for attending the coronation of Princess Cirrus and Prince Raine but unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances involving Prince Raine, the event will be postponed until further notice.”

The crowd gasped and whispered under their breath.

P O S T P O N E D

That word struck Cirrus at her very core. The excitement and giddiness had vanished as that word rang in her thoughts. Even in the utter disappointment of the day’s events, Cirrus couldn’t help but be worried about Raine.

“Very unfortunate you’ve fallen ill. Rest up, my love~ I hope to see you soon in good spirits! Things may not have gone smoothly today but, next time everything will be perfect! I just know it.”