Similar scenes were taking place all over the city. People from all over the kingdom were fawning over the many luxuries their capital offered, causing many to look forward to the future, when these improvements would surely make their way to the rest of the cities.
Yet, for every two people who trusted their rulers implicitly, one doubted. For the latter, questions began to rise, whispered in hushed, uneasy conversations at the edges of festivities.
Should they abandon their homes to live in the capital, to ensure they weren't left behind? Would these wonders truly reach the furthest corners of their kingdom, or would they remain confined to the capital, jealously guarded for the enjoyment of an elite few?
Fortunately, the small number of doubters, skeptics, and pessimists did not suppress the city's festive atmosphere. Singers, dancers, and musicians created a cacophony of joy that made it almost impossible for anyone to remain dour.
Streams of vibrant silk fluttered overhead as acrobats soared through the air, combining magic and physical effort to draw delighted gasps from the crowd below. Although the power of aetherium made acts like these easier, it also sparked the performers' imaginations to create increasingly fantastical performances.
Food and drink stands were spread generously throughout the city squares and winding streets, freely feeding the masses, much to everyone's delight. Previously, and still currently in other parts of the kingdom, such indulgences were reserved for those who could offer something in trade. But not today.
With smiling merchants and cheerful cooks passing out delicacies to eager, outstretched hands, the organizers paid for everything in the shiny new currency that had suddenly appeared everywhere, symbolic of the kingdom's newfound prosperity.
Yet, beneath this cheerful spectacle, an undercurrent of shadow play was unfolding. People with sinister expressions and carefully masked intentions gathered quietly in small clusters, lurking in alleyways or concealed beneath arches and awnings.
These were the ones who looked at the carefree citizens with contempt and even anger, for reasons ranging from jealousy to outright resentment. Not everyone was happy with what'd been happening lately. These people resented the king who'd surrendered their country, the emperor who'd subjugated them, or the princess who spread her legs for a foreigner.
Unfortunately for them, they were not alone in the shadows.
"Found another one," a man growled with obvious disgust, his voice low, almost inaudible amidst the celebrations. Cloaked in shadow and dressed in dark clothing that made him nearly indistinguishable from his surroundings, he pressed himself against the cold stone of a building, watching intently from around a corner, mere steps away from one of these sinister gatherings.
"They're talking about starting a riot during the ceremony," a female voice responded in a harsh whisper, her tone trembling with righteous fury.
She was dressed much like the man, equally hidden by the shadows. Her eyes narrowed as she glared fiercely at the small cluster of conspirators. "They speak as if they love the princess, yet curse her in the same breath, accusing her of—of—things I dare not even say!"
With trembling fingers, she quickly traced a strange sign across her chest, casting her gaze upward at the sky, as if pleading silently for forgiveness from unseen forces above.
"Disgusting," the man spat softly, his eyes burning with barely-contained rage. "I don't mind the uneducated masses, at least they know how to appreciate a good thing—but people like these are a blight upon our kingdom."
The woman nodded solemnly, her features hardening before her lips slowly curled into a cruel, anticipatory grin. "That's precisely why we're here, isn't it? To remove these blights and ensure the union of our princess and Lord goes off without a hitch?"
The man nodded sternly, a flicker of pride and purpose crossing his face as a blade quietly appeared in his hand, gleaming subtly with intricate runes that glowed to life along his skin. Simultaneously, glowing circles of magic began forming before the woman's hands, her eyes burning with fanatical intensity.
"Remember, no killing," the man warned, his voice firm but cautious as he prepared himself to strike. "Our Lord and princess wouldn't want their joyous day tainted by blood. Besides, the high-priestess still wishes a chance to enlighten them, to bring them onto the path."
The woman's eyes flashed dangerously, her disappointment clear, but she composed herself quickly. "Hmph, these traitors don't deserve such mercy," she muttered darkly. "But I'll respect our orders. Still, they might lose a few fingers for their blasphemy—I can't let their insults go unanswered!"
The man opened his mouth to rein in her enthusiasm, but she had already moved forward. Silently, with deadly grace and spells shimmering in her hands, she charged toward the unsuspecting conspirators with furious excitement. He rolled his eyes but quickly gave a swift signal into the darkness before darting forward to follow his zealous partner.
At that same moment, six more shadowy figures leapt forth from hidden alcoves and concealed doorways, emerging silently from the darkness. In complete synchronization, they converged upon the startled group of unhappy citizens.
It was over in a flash.
They descended in perfect silence, swift and relentless. In mere moments, the conspirators were bagged, gagged, and swiftly dragged away into the shadows. Nearby partygoers continued their dancing, singing, and feasting, utterly oblivious to the subtle struggle that had unfolded only steps away from their merriment.
And yet, as the conspirators vanished without a trace, the air seemed lighter, as if the very mood of the city had shifted subtly upward. Unknowingly, the crowd laughed a little louder, cheered a little brighter, and danced with greater abandon, swept up fully once more in the boundless joy and celebration that engulfed their capital.
And as the people celebrated the upcoming union, as well as the recent victory over their would-be conquerors, the moment of the ceremony rapidly approached…
***
Back in the palace, Erik began making his way through the halls, accompanied by Runa and Leila. They could hear the joyful sounds coming from the city, which caused Erik to smile. "They sound like they're having fun," he chuckled softly.
Runa, who knew her son better than most, even after so much time apart, glanced at him with a small smirk. "I can see you enjoy it, Silvy. I don't think I would have ever expected my introverted son to enjoy a crowd. Especially not one in his honour."
"Not just in my honour." Erik laughed modestly. "Many of them haven't even seen my face before! But yes, admittedly, I'm surprised with how much I'm enjoying rulership."
Beside them, Leila scoffed. "Rulership, he says. You know it's mostly my brother, niece, and that bossy wife of yours doing all the work, right?"
"Yes," Erik nodded, smiling with a complete lack of concern.
For a moment, Leila stared at him, expecting him to somehow excuse his behaviour, but no more words came.
Eventually, she rolled her eyes and gave up. "Whatever… Just remember," she continued with surprising solemnity, "Not everyone is happy about this. There might be troublemakers…"
Erik's smile turned a little mysterious. "You worry too much..."