The King's birthday had finally arrived, and the palace was more lively than ever. Servants hurried through the grand halls, hanging banners, arranging colourful flowers, and draping golden fabrics from every pillar. Noble families arrived one after another in luxurious carriages, while commoners gathered outside the palace gates, eagerly waiting for the annual celebration and the food that would later be distributed to them, everything was going according to plan.
Duncan arrived at the palace in an elegant black and gold outfit alongside his mother, Ruby. As soon as they stepped inside, they greeted the guests and exchanged pleasantries with the nobles. Not long after, Lord Skender arrived with Althaia and their children. The palace soon became filled with laughter, music, and cheerful conversations.
Meanwhile, at Mr. Benjamin's bakery, everyone was busy preparing the royal order.
Mr. Benjamin inspected every loaf of bread and every pastry himself.
"Be careful!" he shouted. "Nothing must go wrong today. These are for His Majesty himself!"
The workers nodded nervously, and after everything had been packed carefully into large baskets, they were loaded onto the royal carriage that had been sent to collect them.
Mr. Benjamin climbed aboard with a few workers.
Alora and Irene also joined them, and although Irene had never wanted her daughter to return to the bakery, she had no choice. Since Lord Duncan had been responsible for getting Alora's job back, she felt it was only right to thank him.
Still...
She had already made up her mind. She wouldn't allow Alora to get close to him. If anyone was going to thank Lord Duncan, it would be her.
Not long afterward, they arrived at the palace, Mr Benjamin spoke briefly with the guards before everyone was allowed inside. The moment they stepped through the enormous gates, they froze.
The palace was breathtaking.
Magnificent gardens surrounded the marble walkways, crystal fountains sparkled beneath the sunlight, and towering buildings stretched high into the sky.
"It... it's beautiful," one of the workers whispered.
"It looks like heaven," another murmured.
Even Alora couldn't hide her amazement. She had never imagined such beauty existed.
Without wasting any time, they carried the baskets toward the royal kitchens.
The palace servants carefully inspected every tray before tasting the bread and pastries to ensure the quality met the royal standard.
After everything had been approved, Mr. Benjamin prepared to leave.
To everyone's surprise, a royal servant approached them.
"His Majesty appreciates your work," the servant announced.
"You are all invited to remain and enjoy today's celebration."
Everyone looked at one another in disbelief.
"The King... invited us?" Mr. Benjamin asked.
The servant smiled politely.
"Yes."
Irene stayed close to Alora the entire time. Suddenly, Alora shifted uncomfortably.
"My dear, what's wrong?" Irene asked.
"Mother..." Alora whispered awkwardly.
"I... I need to use the ladies' room."
Irene sighed.
"Can't you hold it for a little longer?"
"I've tried..."
"I really can't."
Seeing the discomfort on her daughter's face, Irene finally gave in.
"Very well."
She approached one of the palace maids, who kindly led them toward the ladies' room.
Unfortunately, there was already a long queue. After waiting for what felt like forever, it was finally almost Alora's turn, but when Irene turned around...
Alora was gone.
Curious, Alora had wandered away.
Her eyes had fallen upon a magnificent white horse standing peacefully near the royal stables.
Without realizing it, she slowly walked toward it.
A warm smile appeared on her face.
It reminded her of the days when her father would take her riding.
"I miss those days..." she whispered.
Gently, she reached out and stroked the horse's neck.
The horse neighed softly.
For a brief moment...
It felt as though time had stopped.
Suddenly-
"Hey!"
A sharp voice startled her.
"What do you think you're doing?"
Alora quickly stepped back.
The coachman hurried toward her.
"Move away from that horse immediately!"
"I-I'm sorry..."
Alora quickly bowed.
"I didn't mean any harm."
She turned to leave.
"Stop."
A cold female voice echoed behind her.
Alora slowly turned around.
Standing before her was Maya.
She was dressed in a beautiful emerald gown that perfectly matched the jewels around her neck.
Her eyes were filled with disgust.
"So..."
"You're the one who touched my horse with those filthy hands?"
Alora immediately lowered her head.
"I'm sorry, my..."
She hesitated.
She didn't know how to address her.
Before she could finish-
Slap!
The sound echoed through the stable yard.
Alora stumbled backwards, her hand instinctively covering her burning cheek.
"Lady Maya," Maya snapped.
"That is how you address me."
"Don't ever forget it."
Tears gathered in Alora's eyes.
"I... I'm sorry."
"Oh?"
"You still have the courage to cry in front of me?"
Maya raised her hand again.
"I'll teach you some manners-"
Before her hand could fall...
Someone grabbed her wrist, and Maya spun around.
"How dare you touch me!"It was Lucas.
"I apologize, Miss Maya," Lucas said calmly, releasing her hand, "but I can not allow you to strike her again."
Maya glared at him. "And why not?"
"Because today is His Majesty's birthday. If this turns into a public scene, it will disgrace everyone involved."
Maya scoffed.
"You should be calling me Lady Maya."
Lucas remained composed.
"As far as I know, you are still Miss Maya."
"You have not yet married, Lord Duncan. I will address you by the title you currently bear."
Maya's face turned red with anger.
"How dare you!"
She lifted her hand to slap him.
Lucas caught it effortlessly.
"My lady..."
"I serve Lord Duncan."
"Striking me would be no different from insulting him. I've shown restraint only because you're his fiancée."
People had already begun gathering to watch.
Embarrassed by the attention, Maya angrily pulled her hand away.
"This isn't over."
She stormed off.
Lucas turned toward Alora.
"Are you alright?"
Alora nodded, though tears still filled her eyes.
"Y-Yes..."
"Thank you."
Lucas smiled warmly.
"My name is Lucas."
"I'm Lord Duncan's personal guard."
"I'm Alora."
"I know." He smiled.
"Lord Duncan asked me to look after a few matters."
Alora looked confused but didn't ask any questions. "I should return now," she said.
"My mother must be worried."
"I'll take you to her."
Lucas escorted her back.
Not long afterward, Irene came rushing toward them.
"Alora!"
The moment she noticed the red mark on her daughter's cheek, her face changed.
"What happened?"
"Mother..."
"I..."
Lucas explained everything.
Irene sighed heavily.
"Oh, Alora..."
"You touched Miss Maya's horse?"
"I got carried away."
"It reminded me of Father."
Irene's anger softened.
She gently held her daughter's hand.
"Listen to me carefully."
"From now on, you stay beside me."
"Do you understand?"
"Yes, Mother."
Irene turned toward Lucas.
"Thank you."
"If you hadn't stepped in..."
"I don't know what would have happened."
Lucas smiled.
"It was nothing."
"Miss Maya has quite a temper. I'm sure things will settle down." He bowed politely.
"I should return to my duties."
"Take care."
After Lucas left, Irene looked at Alora.
"Now..."
"Let's go."
"And this time..."
"No wandering."
Alora smiled sheepishly.
"I promise."
The celebration continued as music echoed through the grand hall. Nobles laughed amongst themselves while servants moved from table to table, serving exquisite dishes and fine wine.
Maya stormed into the hall, her expression filled with anger.
Ruby immediately noticed her.
"My dear," Ruby called gently. "What happened? Why do you look so upset?"
Maya forced a smile before letting out a sigh.
"Mother Ruby..." she began, "a commoner ruined my mood."
Ruby frowned.
"A commoner?"
"Yes." Maya folded her arms. "She wandered into the royal stables and touched my horse as if she owned it. When I tried to teach her a lesson, Lucas had the audacity to stop me."
Ruby looked surprised.
"Lucas?"
"Yes! He even grabbed my hand in front of everyone."
"What?"
"He embarrassed me before the guests." Maya pouted. "I don't understand why Lord Duncan keeps such an arrogant guard."
Ruby's expression became serious.
"I'll speak with Lucas later. He may be Duncan's personal guard, but he still has his limits."
She gently patted Maya's shoulder.
"For now, calm yourself."
She pointed toward the dance floor.
"Duncan is over there."
"Go and enjoy the celebration."
Maya's mood immediately brightened.
"Thank you."
She adjusted her gown before making her way toward Duncan.
Duncan was chatting with a few young nobles when Maya approached.
"My Lord."
Duncan turned around.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"You look beautiful tonight."
Maya smiled proudly.
She wore a deep emerald gown that shimmered beneath the palace lights. Her corset perfectly accentuated her figure, while the delicate jewels around her neck matched the elegant bun her brown hair had been styled into.
"Thank you," she replied softly.
"Would you honour me with a dance?"
Duncan extended his hand.
Maya immediately accepted it.
"I'd love to."
The two walked toward the centre of the ballroom as the musicians began another graceful melody.
For a while, neither of them spoke. They simply danced. Finally, Maya broke the silence.
"My Lord..."
"Hmm?"
"Something unpleasant happened earlier."
Duncan looked at her.
"What happened?"
"There was a commoner who touched my horse."
"I tried to discipline her, but Lucas interfered." She frowned.
"He even grabbed my hand."
Duncan remained quiet.
"He embarrassed me before everyone." She looked into Duncan's eyes.
"I think you should dismiss him."
Duncan raised an eyebrow.
"Dismiss him?,or have him punished."
"He deserves it."
Duncan's expression remained calm.
"Maya..."
"I'll speak to Lucas. If he acted improperly, I'll deal with it. But I won't punish a man without hearing his side of the story."
Maya stopped dancing.
"So..."
"You're defending him?"
"I'm being fair."
"No!"
"You're choosing your guard over me."
Several nearby nobles glanced toward them. Realizing they were attracting attention, Duncan lowered his voice.
"This isn't the place."
"It can wait until after the celebration."
Maya folded her arms.
"It always can."
Without another word, she turned around and walked away, joining a group of noble ladies. Duncan sighed quietly. He hated unnecessary arguments.
Especially today.
A few minutes later, Duncan found Lucas standing near one of the palace entrances.
"You wished to see me, my Lord?"
"I heard there was an incident."
Lucas immediately bowed.
"Yes, my Lord."
"It involved the young woman... Alora."
Duncan's attention sharpened.
"What happened?"
Lucas explained everything from beginning to end.
How Alora had wandered toward the stables. How she had innocently touched Maya's horse. How Maya had slapped her and how he had stepped in before a second slap could land.
Finally, Lucas lowered his head.
"If I acted beyond my authority..."
"I accept whatever punishment you decide."
Silence followed.
Then Duncan spoke.
"You did exactly what I would've expected from my personal guard."
Lucas looked up in surprise.
"My Lord?"
"You prevented a disturbance during His Majesty's birthday. You protected someone who couldn't defend herself. You also prevented Miss Maya from causing an even bigger scene."
A relieved smile spread across Lucas's face.
"Thank you, my Lord."
Duncan nodded.
"You've done well."
Lucas bowed once more.
"I'll return to my post."
After Lucas left, Duncan stood alone beneath one of the palace balconies.
"So..."
"She's here."
A small smile appeared on his face.
"The only thing left..."
"...is to see her."
Unknownst to him...
Ruby had been standing behind one of the marble pillars. She had heard everything.
Her brows slowly furrowed.
"Alora..." she whispered to herself.
"Who is she? And..."
She glanced in Duncan's direction.
"Did Duncan really protect her?"
Ruby remained where she stood, deep in thought.
For the first time...
She found herself curious about the mysterious commoner named Alora.