Glenmoor, the royal capital, had always been known for its beauty and splendor. The epicenter of aristocracy. A place many feared but also knew that nowhere could be safer than this.
It may not be the centre of the empire's business but like every other capital, it buzzed with businesses of all kinds during the day, merchants from all over the empire would gather on numerous occasions, trading exotic goods.
The night was marked by the numerous balls and banquets hosted by the nobles. There was never a night that passed by without a ball hosted by a young lady or young lord of a noble family as a means to show their affluence. Although oftentimes, birthdays of heads of noble houses were held where all members of all ages were in attendance.
But within this same Glenmoor, in the alleys was a world completely different from what the nobles knew.
Here is where you would find those who carry the empire in their hands. Here, you will find farmers, the minor traders, the refugees, those who carry out odd jobs for a living, and the home to many servants in the noble homes.
But unlike the aristocrats, these set of people have specific days and times when they all gather. Today just happens to be one of those days, and in these alleys, Edith stood with Davion by her side.
The stalls and taverns were up and operating. Lanterns lit throughout the streets. Children could be seen running from one stall to the other, and tavern to tavern trying out what was new and their favorites, laughing cheerfully. Their bright smiles seem contagious because Edith found herself smiling along with them.
While Davion just watched her in awe.
How she came to know about a place like that was still a mystery to him and he was curious to know but the sight of that beautiful smile was enough to make up for everything. After seeing her bottle up her anger and resentment earlier, this was a good change. A welcomed change.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Edith asked, looking at him with that priceless smile still intact. Her eyes were bright and warm, a side of her that Davion thought would take forever to see. But all it took was a visit to the residence of the commoners and watching their activities and interactions.
"It is," he replied, his eyes never leaving hers. He felt like he was being pulled into those bright blue eyes, trapped and entranced.
"This isn't the main event for tonight, so I've heard. We should go a little further," she said, reaching out to take his hand.
"I am quite curious to know how you came to know about all of these. Care to tell?" He finally asked, and she chuckled, a sound that had his heart skipping.
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
They stopped in front of a tavern, and she pushed the hood off her head. Turned to him and did the same. His brows furrowed slightly at her actions, but she shrugged her shoulders.
"We don't want to draw unnecessary attention. This may be the alleys, but they are quite vigilant. The town's guards roam here too, sometimes. So I've been told," she said, with a little uncertainty towards the end.
"And I'm even more curious to know who your informant is. Seems to know a lot more about this place than even I do," Davion commented.
"I have friends in very high and low places, your Majesty…."
"Davion," he corrected. Edith blinked, taking a second longer to understand. "Just Davion is fine. Especially now. And here. We don't want unnecessary attention, right?" He explained.
Although her voice wasn't loud, there was no telling what creature would walk past them and hear their conversation. The vampires and beastmen have the best hearing in the world. Should anyone like that be nearby, then their little secret would be out in the open.
"All right, Davion," she nodded her head.
"See anything you like, my lady?" the tavern owner asked. They have been in front of his tavern for a while but were yet to order anything but have been engaged in a conversation, he thought not to interrupt them. Now, since the conversation seems to have been concluded, he had to ask.
"Oh… uh… what would you recommend, kind sir?" Edith asked, her eyes looking through everything on display.
"You must be new in town. It's no wonder your faces are not familiar," he said with a smile that Edith returned. His gaze shifted to the man beside her. His expression never changed, not once.
Not very expressive, I see. The tavern owner thought.
Looking back at Edith, he couldn't help but notice how much her bright personality contrasted heavily with her companion.
"I will recommend this. The people here seem to like it so much," he said and leaned forward and said in a whisper, "It's also my specialty."
Edith giggled and accepted the unfamiliar candy from him. "Thank you. I will take one for him too, if you don't mind."
"It's my pleasure, my lady. Take as many as you want."
"All right, this should be enough. If we need more, I'll make sure to come back here," Edith said. Before she could pack up everything, Davion dropped a gold coin.
"Is that enough to cover the bill?" He asked.
Both Edith and the tavern owner paused for a second. Edith, because she didn't expect him to pay, but the tavern owner was shocked because he wasn't expecting a gold coin for just a few candies.
"Well, sir… urh " this is a little. Let me give you your change," he said and hurried started searching through his pouch.
"Don't worry about that. Instead, could you help us with a little information?" Edith asked, and the man paused, his brows pulled together, his eyes narrowed suspiciously. "As you already know, this is our first time here, and we heard of a certain festival. Is there anything we would need? Or what we are to expect. I don't want to feel out of place."
She saw his expression ease up a bit and she released a breath inwardly.
"In that case, take this. The lanterns are important for the song and dance that will take place later," he said and handed two lanterns to them.
"Aren't these yours…" Edith asked with furrowed brows.
He laughed healthily and waved his hand dismissively. "I can just buy another one. You've paid enough to cover for the expenses and more."
"In that case, thank you," Edith said and took the lanterns from him.
"Just walk a little further down there and take the next turn. You won't miss the festivities once you see it. Everyone is headed there already," he added.
Edith thank him beire handing one lantern to Davion who silently took. "Let's go. The festival is why I came here."
Davion nodded ans followed her but they only took a step forward when the tavern owner spoke again and the stopped.
"You both seem like honest people, so I'll give you this warning," they turned to look at him, brows furrowed but he didn't seem to mind. "These Alleys are not as safe as there used to be. A group of shady character waltzed in here a few days ago. And with the king's banquet soon approaching and guests from all over the continent gathering, many more will appear. There is no telling what will happen even on an occasion like this. So run at the first sight of danger."
"What do you mean by "shady characters"?" Davion stepped forward and asked but his advance like that startled the man.
Edith quickly came to his side, held his arm and shook her head. "I think he has told us enough. We shouldn't bother him any more than this…"
"There is rumors of some new product in the black market. Since many nobles and merchant will be gathered here in a few days, it's the perfect time to sell this item. Some rumors say it came from the Forbidden Lands," the man suddenly said.
The mention of the forbidden lands was all it took to snap Edith's calm and the shift in her demeanor was immediately noticed.
Taking a step forward, she asked, "What did you say?"