If only he found the note earlier, he thought to himself. But what would it have changed? The law and his role prevented him on acting on his feelings, but he could have told her. How could he not have realized?

Ever since his marriage to Mav’ra of Oakenrock had been announced, Cristobal had withdrawn into himself. He knew this alliance was so very important to the kingdom and that he had a duty to uphold, but his feelings for Sayuri had grown over the years into love. He had always assumed she would not return his affections after the way his kingdom treated her. He knew their friendship was genuine. She was his closest confidante and partner in crime. Oh, the frights they would give the poor groundskeeper when they would hide in the thick bushes of the garden then jump out yelling.

But if he hadn’t been so wrapped up in himself, he may have noticed Sayuri had also withdrawn into herself. Maybe he could have said something that would have made her stay. Maybe she would have left anyways.

Since the wedding, Cristobal thought of Sayuri often, wondering where she was and if she was safe. As he thought of her more and more and why she left, he enacted laws freeing those formerly kept as pets, in the hope that others like them would be able to love and live freely.

Today is the day, Cristobal thought to himself. His stomach was twisted in knots and it wasn’t from the thought of talking in front of his kingdom. Cristobal prided himself on being able to speak to the masses with passion, confidence, and sincerity. It was the subject of his speech that gave him panicky butterflies in his stomach.

Cristobal knew it was the right choice for his people despite what his advisors said. There would always be people against change, but he would just have to show them the good this change would bring. Kitsunes, Nekos, and other so-called “half-breeds” (the derogatory term used in impolite company) would no longer be considered lesser beings, kept as pets and slaves. They were to be treated as equal to the other races, true citizens of Sephria.

It took many discussions, council meetings, and public forums to get the masses on board with the change, but they did it. It was finally happening. Today would be the proclamation of equal rights in Sephria followed by a extravagant festival to celebrate. Cristobal shook his head to shake away the remaining doubts floating in his mind and went to find his wife and daughter. His speech was to take place at noon at the central commons. They would need to leave soon to allow time to get through the crowds.

Mav’ra fussed with her dress and tiara for the umpteenth time, straightening and re-straightening them. She didn’t care for the flashiness of public speeches in Sephria, she much prefered the subdued, restrained deliveries of the people of Oakenrock. But it was her duty to attend as Queen.

Belliana should be ready by now, Mav’ra thought to herself, hoping that her daughter would be able to distract her anxiety and worries. Walking along the normally busy corridors, it was surprisingly quiet. Most of the staff had been given the day off to enjoy the festival. Her footsteps echoed softly on the tile. As Mav’ra approached her daughter’s quarters, she could hear Meryl, an older women with a warm smile and a propensity for stories, chatting excitedly to Belliana. She paused outside the door and listened.

“Your father is a great man, my sweet Belle. He’s making life better for so many, but do you know why your father is doing this?,” asked Meryl to Belliana who was trying to stick up straight while the tangles were brushed from her hair. Not leaving a second for the toddler to respond, Meryl continued. “Your father had a Kitsune best friend growing up, but the laws and his duty prevented them from being more. They may never have said as such, but old Meryl could see what they had from across the garden. That’s why he has worked so hard to make things right. And if rumors are to be believed, that very friend is back in town today. What a sight for sore eyes she will be.”

Mav’ra knew about Cristobal’s old friend and pet. She knew the close bond they had before she left the day of their wedding. It definitely left an impression on Cristobal and affected their already strained marriage. And now she might be back in town? Mav’ra had been arranged to marry Cristobal to secure an alliance between their kingdoms. She knew any love between them would have to grow over time. It had already been a difficult time between the two of them, but she knew what this alliance meant for their kingdoms and would do her part. Would he continue to do the same now, despite the reappearance of his old friend?

Clearing her throat, Mav’ra pushed open the door. Both faces turned to her, Belle’s face lighting up like the sun shone through her. Leaving Meryl and the hairbrush behind, Belliana ran toward her mother, her dress and ribbons fluttering behind her. Mav’ra carefully crouched down to receive her daughter in her arms, hugging her close.

“Will you be joining us for the ride over, Meryl?,” Mav’ra asked without taking her eyes off of Belliana.
“Thank you, your grace, but I will along shortly. I have a few more things to tidy up before I’m on my way.” replied Meryl.
“Very well, Meryl. Now my sweet Belle, let’s go face our kingdom.”

As their carriage approached the stage, Cristobal looked out over the crowd. It was quite the turnout. It looked as if the entire city had come to hear the proclamation. The carriage had slowed to a crawl as the crowd parted to make way.

The carriage shuddered to a stop and the door was opened from the outside. The bright summer sun shone in. Cristobal stepped out of the carriage and turned to offer Mav’ra a hand. In public, as a couple, Cristobal and Mav’ra played their roles with dignity and grace. Behind closed doors, their relationship was formal and almost business like. Knowing the expectation of the crowd, Mav’ra formed a small smile and accepted Cristobal’s help out of the carriage while balancing Belliana in her other arm. The surrounding crowd cheered at the sight of the royal couple and young princess.

They climbed the stairs to the platform stage. Mav’ra stood to the side of the podium, standing straight with Belle at her side, holding her hand. Cristobal went to the podium, surveying the crowd until their cheers dulled to a quiet murmur.

“Citizens of Sephria! We are gathered here today…” Cristobal and his counsel had prepared this speech for months in advance, but it was Cristobal’s charisma that worked the crowd into a frenzy. “Now let’s celebrate!” With that conclusion, music started playing from a band to the side of the stage. A joyous, happy tune. The crowd began to move out to the bazaar where vendors of all sorts were selling their wares next to jugglers and minstrels entertaining the crowd.

Cristobal turned away from the crowd and went to Mav’ra and Belliana. Belle was rubbing her eyes and yawning.

“The speech went over well.” Mav’ra said without much infliction to Cristobal while lifting the tired Belle into her arms.

“I believe it did.” Cristobal replied. “The crowd was in great spirits. Our little Belle is looking a bit tuckered out. Would you like me to have Meryl take her back to the castle?” He knew that Mav’ra did not like the hustle and bustle of the city crowds, but could not say such directly to her.

Looking only at Belliana, Mav’ra said “I gave Meryl the afternoon off to enjoy the festivities. I’ll take Belliana back in the carriage. Take care among the common folk.” With that, she walked off the platform and back to the carriage that brought them here.

Looking after his wife and daughter, Cristobal sighed a breath of relief. This was one day he could do without an argument. The days of proclamations, particularly positive ones, were very important occasions where the royal family would join the people in their celebration. Gathering his small entourage (which he hated, but was required by his counsel in public), he made his way to the bazaar, following in the wake of the crowd.

Everywhere Cristobal turned, he could see smiling, laughing faces. Many citizens were crowding around Cristobal’s security entourage, thanking and cheering him on as he made his way through the festival. The band was already in full swing, drawing people in with a lively tune. He could barely see past the waving hands, but Cristobal could make a few people already dancing along. A quick glimpse of fox ears caught his eye, but the crowd around him kept him moving along, like a leaf carried away on a river.

Those ears… Cristobal thought, Could they be Sayuri’s? No, no, he crushed that dream down quickly. It couldn’t be her. Sayuri was long gone. It must have been someone else’s. I’m bound to see a lot of familiar looking ears today. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Cristobal continued through the bazaar to the food stalls. The smell of smoked meats and fresh bread permeated the festival and made Cristobal’s stomach growl. Letting his nose lead the way, Cristobal started his journey among the food stalls, greeting the vendors and sampling the fantastic assortment of dishes.

[Happy New Year!]