It had been one day since Divination Week began. After my performance, I had walked around with Stolas but ended up going back to the castle because I was exhausted. All of yesterday was spent in bed and sleeping. It had been a while since magic had taken so much out of me. But now I was renewed and ready to start the festival.

The streets were even more crowded than normal. I knew Flops wouldn’t like a crowd like this, so I had left her at the castle under the care of the doting castle staff. I had ditched the ceremonial clothes for my normal attire. It felt odd wearing those clothes, like I was in a costume. Like I was pretending to be someone I wasn’t.

”There you are.”

I lifted my gaze, spotting Alder. “Hi! Big crowd, huh?”

”Very,” He grabbed my hand and intertwined our fingers. “It is normally easy to spot you, but there are so many people visiting for the festival.”

“I didn’t get to explore much… where should we go?” 

Alder hummed and looked out over the crowd. “I hear they are giving out free samples of Empyrian dishes near The Market.”

”Really?” I started to bounce on my feet. “Let’s go!”

Alder laughed and we started to make our way through the crowd. I stayed close to Alder’s side, my hand holding his tightly. It felt like ages since we finally got to be alone like this. With me staying at the castle and him being occupied with the Atrophy, it was like there was no time for us to enjoy each other’s company. I missed him.

”Pastries!!! Ebulus berry filled pastries!! Free samples available!”

I practically dragged Alder over to the baker. “Ooo, what are these?”

”A special delicacy Acolytes have on holidays. A fluffy pastry with a sweet ebulus berry jam filling and icing on top.”

”Oh, that sounds amazing."

”Try a sample!” The baker handed both of us a piece of the pastry.

”Oh my!” Alder’s eyes widened in surprise. “I have never had a pastry this flaky before.”

”It’s so sweet… I need to buy some!”

The baker laughed. “I’m glad an attractive couple like yourselves enjoy it. You can buy a group of five for two silver coins. It’s normally more, but the bard that performed so beautifully at the opening ceremony deserves a discount.”

“You’re too kind,” I could feel the tips of my ears heat up. I reached into my pouch. “Flattery will get you far, Mr. Baker.”

After I paid and received the pastries, we continued walking. Alder looked down at me. “Flattery may get him far, but that appetite of yours will not get you far. Are you planning to buy everything we sample?”

”Yes.” I grinned mischievously before walking off again.

The baker calling us an “attractive couple” had my heart pounding. I didn’t know what to do about my feelings for Alder. I didn’t necessarily think about it. I just thought about how I missed him. It felt so confusing. It shouldn’t have been confusing. I should just focus on the now. Thinking too much would only cause trouble.

We went from food stand to food stand, sampling all the food we could. Eventually, we sat down at a table to enjoy our food. A bard was in front of us playing a tune on their viol as children and couples danced. Other than the shrines that were dotted throughout the streets, it almost seemed like a normal festival. It felt relaxed and fun. 

“So…” I rested my chin on my hand. “What have you been up to? We haven’t exactly got to chat recently.”

”I have not been up to much. The Atrophy has slowed in spreading, thanks to the hard work of the forest.”

”That’s good. At least it gives you more time to form a plan.”

He nodded and sighed, that worried look in his eye appearing whenever he mentioned the Atrophy. “It seemed like I would not be able to talk to Ilesh about it, but he has finally started discussing it with me.”

I lifted my head. "Really? That’s good! I’m glad the festivities didn’t hinder the talk.”

”Yes, well…” Alder let out another troubled sigh. “We still have the banquet and the ball. I am not sure how it will go.”

”Everything will turn out okay,” I reached out and grabbed his hand. “You’re a good king, Alder. You always fix things.”

”You are too kind, little blossom.”

”Shall we go check out the market?”

Alder nodded. I never let go of his hand. I knew he was only probably holding onto it so we didn’t lose each other in the crowd. But it was nice to think it was because he wanted to hold it. As we walked around, I kept glancing up at him. Even when he was doing nothing in particular, he looked handsome. I could see exhaustion had gathered in deep bags beneath his eyes. His hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail. Despite the stress taking an obvious toll on him, he still was the most handsome person I’ve ever seen. 

I cleared my throat and tried to focus my thoughts. “Everything is so expensive! I think more so than normal.”

”That is business, little blossom. Divination Week provides a lot of tourists, which is a great opportunity for business.”

“Is that not a sin?”

Alder shrugged. “Apparently, not a big one.”

There was temptation everywhere. Shiny jewelry, special items sold only during Divination Week… If I didn’t fear for my funds, I would have bought everything in sight. I also spent way too much money on sweet treats. I couldn’t help it, my stomach spoke louder than my brain.

”Cahira, come look.”

”Hmm?”

Alder stopped us in front of a stall. Ribbons in colors more vibrant than I’ve ever seen were laid out before us. Some were simple, solid in color. Others had intricate designs in different colored thread. They were gorgeous, but they were way too pricey. Especially for ribbons. 

“Have any caught your eye?” The merchant motioned to the selection. “We never sell the patterned ones. Those are normally reserved for nobles. But for Divination Week, we make them available to everyone at a discounted price.”

”Five gold for one ribbon? That’s discounted?” I scoffed in disbelief.

The merchant shrugged. “I can charge the normal price.”

”I’ll take these.”

Alder pointed to four forest green ribbons. Golden thread created vines that ran up the sides of the ribbon. They were gorgeous. The merchant’s eyes lit up and they clapped their hands happily. I looked at Alder. And then I inwardly groaned. Why was he so amazing and kind? How did he make everything seem so smooth and calculated? Why was I falling for him so quickly?

”Delightful! Thank you, kind sir.”

Alder placed the coins on the counter. “Please package them in two pairs.”

”As you wish.” The merchant quickly took the money and then packaged the ribbons in two delicate boxes. 

Alder took the boxes. “Thank you.”

”Alder, I don’t mean to alarm you, but you just spent twenty gold on four ribbons.” 

“Cahira, I am a king. Have I not told you that money is of no importance? Here.” He handed me one of the boxes.

I raised my eyebrow. “Another gift?”

”Please wear it at the banquet.”

I pretended to be skeptical. “You’re trying to butter me up.”

”I am trying to see that beautiful smile.”

A girlish giggle escaped my lips. “Well, it’s working. Thank you, Alder.”

”Anything for you, little blossom.”

Ah. He was so cute. What was I to do except fall in love?”