AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTER 38
Iasked to get ready on my own for the festival. I didn’t particularly like any of the handmaidens who helped me prepare for the introduction, plus I just needed some time to myself to recharge. I braided my hair and pinned it into a low bun, pulling out a few pieces in front to shape my face.
With my sudden arrival, I didn’t have time to have anything made for the Festival of Color, so I chose from the selection of dresses they had at the castle for guests. Earlier, Bennett brought up a whole bunch of gowns and spread them out on the massive bed. I sorted through the selection until I finally found one I thought was colorful enough for the festival. It was a red gown with long sleeves that flowed loosely around my legs, allowing me movement to dance. Swirls of gold and amber were stitched into the dress, reminding me of a blazing fire. It made me feel powerful, and honestly kind of sexy. I didn’t care if it was disreputable in court to wear the same gown on more than one occasion—I would definitely be wearing this again.
A knock sounded on the washroom door. “Are you almost ready?” Bennett asked on the other side of the door.
I rushed to open it, excited for him to see me in the dress. I swung the door open with a smile. “Ready!”
His eyes widened as he took in my appearance. “Rhia, you look—” He hissed as he reached out to touch me, but pulled his hand back as if it was burned.
“Are you okay?” I asked with concern, worried that perhaps I hurt him somehow with my craft.
“Oh, I’m more than okay, I’m going to the Festival of Color with the hottest girl in Vesper.” He smirked, like he thought he was clever, for coming up with that.
“You did not.” I cringed, covering my face with my hands.
“Oh, I did.” He wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me into a deep kiss.
I pulled out of his arms and laughed. “Bennett, maybe you should just go back to being mean to me.”
He gave me a look that worshipped me. “I’ll do whatever you ask of me.”
I rolled my eyes. “Come on, we’re going to be late.” I grabbed onto his arm as he led me out of the castle and to the city below. I leaned my head on his shoulder as we walked through the streets of Vesper. It was a little weird seeing Bennett wear something colorful; it was so unusual compared to his typical dark aesthetic. He wore a light blue button down with navy pants that made the color of his eyes pop. He looked just as handsome as ever. I’d be lying to myself if I said I didn’t have an ego boost, waltzing into the festival on Bennett’s arms.
We continued to walk down the streets of Vesper and I soaked in the sights of the kingdom I could now call my own. I asked Bennett if we could go the long way and he happily obliged. Green and purple streaks of light colored the sky, as if they’d been painted on with a brush, and although the sun had gone down, the stars were so bright it didn’t even seem all that dark out.
“I’m happy the introduction had a good turn around. I was worried there, for a minute,” I said, speaking my thoughts.
Bennett nodded. “Me, too.”
“I don’t know what I would’ve done if they didn’t accept me. If they hated me.” I shivered at the thought.
Bennett scoffed playfully. “I don’t think that would’ve ever happened, but if it did, the answer is pretty simple. We’d just leave.”
I brought my head off his shoulder and gave him a confused look. “What do you mean, leave? Where would we even go?”
He shrugged, untroubled. “I don’t know. I’m sure we would’ve figured it out. I know there are other villages and nations beyond the wastelands. Perhaps we would’ve made our way there.”
I shook my head in disbelief. “You would leave Vesper? Give up your rule over the kingdom?”
He looked at me sincerely. “I would leave them all for you.”
“But this is in your home,” I pressed.
“You’re mistaken. You’re my home now, Rhia.”
I lay my head back on his shoulder, not hiding the smile that grew on my face.
We continued to walk towards Artem Square where the Festival of Color was held, and Bennett pointed out different shops and pubs he liked, telling me the history of them and introducing me formally to people along the way.
When we arrived at the festival I was simply blown away. The entire square was filled with different paintings and sculptures all on display, made by the incredible artists in Vesper. Every flower imaginable was potted and placed in between each piece of art, adding even more color to the art walk. Hundreds of people roamed the square, looking at the different paintings, and I tugged on Bennett’s arm as I wanted to do the same. I was always jealous of people who had the ability to create something beautiful out of nothing. Perhaps I could take some art lessons from one of the painters here.
I pulled Bennett to the first painting that caught my attention. This artist painted a raging ocean. The details of it were so precise it looked like the waves could splash right out of the canvas.
I noticed a lone piece of parchment taped to the edge of the frame and gave a questioning look to Bennett.
“All of the pieces on display were donated by the artists in Vesper. The paper is for those who want to bid on the item. Each artist gets to choose which cause they want to donate the funds to. This festival is one of the biggest fundraising events held all year.”
