Chapter 6: Masquerade Festival Part 2
Will’s POV
The Masquerade Festival at Silverlya was always a grand affair that was enjoyed by everyone who lived there, but this year was something else entirely. The air was filled with the beautiful, melodious tone of the violin, and the guests were all dressed in their finest attire, their faces adorned with masks of all shapes and colors. As the dong of the clock attached to the Silverlya castle rang throughout the kingdom with a chime, it signaled to everyone that the main dance was about to begin soon.
It was then Will inhaled before exhaling a soft breath. "I'm impressed the kingdom is even more full than last year; I guess you've gotten more popular these days?" Will said with a playful grin on his lips as he glanced over his shoulder as he heard the sound of footsteps heading towards him, which belonged to his dear friend Cedric, who was walking towards him to stand beside him.
A soft chuckle left Cedric’s lips at his friend’s remark, “You guess? Also, don’t forget you never are invited; you just show up and make a mess for me to clean up,” he said with a soft smile as he looked outward towards all the crowds of people who were currently filling up the plazas and streets of the kingdom from the castle’s balcony.
Cedric's sly smirk widened as he looked over at Will. "Funny you should mention that, Will. I seem to have a hard time remembering where my loyal and beloved best friend is," he teased, his eyes flicking from the crowds of people below to the meltdown that seemed to be brewing inside Will.
As soon as Cedric made his snide comment, Will's right eyebrow began to twitch, and his face twisted with anger. "I swear, you're just asking for it one of these days," he said through gritted teeth. But just as he was about to snap back at his best friend, something caught his eye. A glint of emerald green caught the moonlight, and Will's attention was drawn to it. He leaned over the balcony railing, trying to get a better look at what it was.
“Why are you wearing that thing? I haven’t seen you wear it since the Great Sorcerers’ War, so why are you wearing it tonight?” Will asked as he looked at the emerald green shaped dragon stone that was attached to the gold band that Cedric was currently wearing on his left ring finger, while his family crest that symbolized being a member of the Silvers family was a silver lion head that was carved out of a gem that stood upon a silver band that Cedric wore on his right ring finger.
Cedric looked away from Will and leaned on his arms, resting them against the balcony railing. As he gazed at the crowds below, memories flooded his mind. Lost in thought, he spoke softly. "I guess I couldn't help wanting to remember that day.
Cedric's words were unnecessary for Will to understand the significance of the ring. It was a reminder of the terrible events that took place when the Great Sorcerers’ War began. Will had known since that fateful day in the past.
Cedric continued to lean against the balcony railing as he explained that his uncle had suggested he wear the ring tonight without providing any further details. "Well, my uncle was the one that suggested that I wear it tonight, and he didn't give me any details on why that was," he said before turning to look at Will, who was already wearing an annoyed expression.
Will's annoyance was noticeable as he spoke. He was not surprised that Cedric's uncle had suggested he wear the ring tonight, given Will’s disdain for him. Will's concern, however, was whether it was safe to be wandering around with the ring, given what was sealed inside it. "So, your uncle told you to wear it tonight? I'm not even surprised, and after what's sealed inside, is it even safe to be wandering around with it tonight?" Will's words dripped with annoyance as he made his feelings about Cedric's uncle clear whenever he spoke about him.
Cedric's sorrowful tone was evident as he spoke. He acknowledged Will's concerns but reinforced that it was his choice to wear the ring despite his uncle's suggestion. Cedric couldn't let go of Cresidia Zinnia, no matter how much time had passed, and he wondered if Will felt the same way since she had been his friend, too. "I know, Will, but it was my choice to wear the ring tonight despite my uncle telling me to wear it. I really just can't let Cresidia Zinnia go, no matter how much time passes. Don't you feel the same? She was your friend, too?" Cedric's gaze returned to the people dancing in the plaza, but his eyes revealed the pain that continued to haunt him.
Cedric's mention of Cresidia's name caught Will off guard, and he felt a jolt of emotions surge within him. He let out a small sigh, mentally cursing himself for bringing up the ring. Will disliked Cedric's uncle and his involvement in Cedric's affairs. He felt that the man's personality only added to his dislike. Will hated the fact that Cedric's uncle seemed to be involved in most of Cedric's decisions, including the decision to wear the ring tonight, even if Cedric claimed his uncle wasn't the only reason he wore it.
Will's uncaring tone didn't match the emotions flickering in his dark green eyes. He responded to Cedric's question with a retort, but it was obvious that he felt the same way about Cresidia. "Geez, and you call me whiny," Will said. "You already know the answer to that question. Besides, she wouldn't want you to be so gloomy on such a happy day, now would she?" Will smiled softly before he straightened up from leaning on the balcony railing. He reached into his pocket and retrieved a black and gold masquerade mask, placing it on his face.
Cedric chuckled softly, a grin spreading across his face. "I think I need a new best friend, wouldn't you agree, Will?" he teased, moving away from the balcony railing. Cedric reached into his pocket and retrieved a silver and gold masquerade mask, placing it on his face.
Will rolled his eyes at Cedric's comment. "Pft, please, you'd be lonely without me here. Come on, let's go. I'm sure people are dying to have a dance with the prince of Silverlya," he said, his sarcasm evident in his tone.
As Will walked ahead of Cedric, leaving the castle with him, a frown appeared on his face. He couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that made him feel sick to his stomach. It seemed like something bad was lurking around the corner, and it was only a matter of time before it was bound to make itself known.
Will was aware of how much Cedric was still affected by the loss of Cresidia. He was just as saddened when he received the news, as he hadn't expected it. However, the last thing he wanted was for Cedric to dwell on it during a joyous occasion like tonight. But Will's mind was preoccupied with a bigger problem. He couldn't understand why Solomon would want Cedric to wear the ring that held such a dark history, including what the ring held inside it. The thought made him uneasy, and he couldn't shake it off.
“What was that just now? I knew coming here was a terrible idea!”
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