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Chapter Twenty-three

  AVERY

  Grimore canceled our lessons for today because he had a meeting with the Count and His Majesty. I was left alone in the tea room, reading.

  Senha entered the room a few moments later and set a tray of snacks and tea. I smiled at her.

  "Thank you, Senha. Is His Majesty done with their meeting?" I asked and Senha shook her head.

  "Not yet, Your Majesty. They've been in there for quite a while now." She replied and I just nodded.

  I wonder what their meeting is all about.

  "Do you... want to visit the town, Your Majesty?" Senha asked. I looked at her, eyes wide and excitement buzzing all over me.

  "Can I really?" I squealed and Senha giggled, nodding.

  "Of course, Your Majesty. I'll let Sir Leonis and Sir Richtan know." She said and immediately rushed out of the room. I looked at the tea and nibbled on a few snacks while waiting for Senha.

  Sir Leonis agreed to guard us during the trip and Sir Richtan also agreed. I decided to bring Meylin along and after I got dressed in warmer clothes, we headed out.

  The carriage that we were riding was huge and I was stunned by its size. When it stopped in front of me, my mouth hung open for a bit. Sir Leonis offered his hand and I snapped out of my thoughts and placed my hand on his.

  "This carriage is huge." I gasped when Sir Richtan opened the door.

  The inside was spacious. It was warm and the interior was red and gold. I got inside followed by Meylin and Senha who sat in front of me.

  "The carriage is big because His Majesty has a huge build. I remember Grimore asking for this because he needed a more formal mode of traveling." Senha explained and I nodded.

  "Right. Because... his dragon is not a formal way of traveling." I giggled and Senha did as well.

  Meylin huffed, "I was really surprised when I saw it. It was so big."

  "You don't have to worry about Calagon. He's kind and sweet when he wants to. He grew up here so... I can say he's like a cat." Senha said and smiled brightly.

  "A huge cat." Meylin mumbled softly and I giggled.

  I looked out the window and finally, we got out the palace walls. The ground was still filled with snow and I marveled at how how people come and go despite the cold weather.

  I just hoped Typhone could have joined me.

  **********

  We stopped the carriage on a street where there was a lot of people. I looked out the window and noticed that everyone did not mind us.

  "I wonder how the people will think of me." I mumbled out loud.

  Senha gasped, "They'll love you, Your Majesty. I'm sure!"

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  I smiled at her and then the door opened. Sir Richtan offered his hand and I took it. I got out of the carriage and looked around. The town was buzzing with people and the stores were brimming with goods and food.

  I took a whiff of something sweet and I hummed.

  "That smells so good." I mumbled.

  "Shall we go to that bakery, Your Majesty? They serve the best sweets and pastries." Senha asked excitedly and I nodded.

  "Yes." I said happily.

  We walked towards the bakery and I was surprised by how kind and cheerful the people are despite the cold weather. When we reached the bakery, the man beamed at us.

  "Senha! Good to see you out and about again!" The man exclaimed. Meylin and I were surprised with his loud voice while Senha laughed.

  "Her Majesty finally had time to go out. What's new on the menu?" Senha said, scanning the variety of sweets and pastries.

  "Oh! How rude of me?! Good day, Your Majesty! Please help yourself in my delicious pastries. They're all freshly baked and new." The man said and I gave him a kind smile.

  "I'll pick the best for you, Your Majesty!" Senha offered, making me giggle.

  "Senha, just buy 5 of each. I'll bring some to His Majesty, anyway." I ordered, smiling. Both Senha and the owner gawked at me.

  "R-Right. Of course, Your Majesty." Senha stuttered and immediately went to recite my order.

  Meylin sighed softly, "There you go again spending so much on food that may or may not be eaten."

  "Oh. Hush now. I'll just give them to the servants if we don't get to finish them all." I giggled, watching as Senha rushed to Meylin and I.

  "Are you sure about this, Your Majesty? It's a lot." Senha said and handed the bags to Sir Leonis who handled it with ease.

  "Don't worry. Those won't go to waste." I reassured her and we began walking around, looking at some things that caught our interest.

  I noticed some strawberries on a stick shining like glass. I approached the stall and admired the shiny strawberries. The female vendor smiled at me.

  "Would you like a taste of the candied strawberries, Your Majesty?" She asked and my eyes widened at her.

  "Candied... strawberries?" I asked in disbelief.

  "Yes. They're sweet and delicious." She beamed and handed me a stick. 5 strawberries were placed on top on each other like a skewer and I marveled at how shiny they were.

  I took a small bite and the crunch of the strawberries shocked me. The sweetness spread through out my tongue and I moaned softly.

  It's so sweet and delicious! It's addicting!

  I finished a strawberry and handed the stick to Meylin.

  "You must try it, Meylin. They are absolutely delicious!" I said, chewing on the strawberry. Meylin took the stick and removed one strawberry, popping it whole in her mouth. She gasped and moaned in delight.

  "So sweet and crunchy." She mumbled as she chewed on the strawberry.

  She passed the stick to Senha and she copied Meylin. Senha gave me the stick and I offered the two extra strawberries to Sir Richtan and Sir Leonis.

  "Excuse me, do they melt?" I asked the vendor and she chuckled.

  "Not at all, Your Majesty. How many would you like to buy?" She asked, grabbing a box.

  "I'll take 5 please." I said excitedly. The vendor bagged up the strawberries and I happily took them. Sir Richtan offered to bring the bag and I gave it to him.

  We walked around, looking at stalls and stores. I bought a few things like ribbons and books. I also bought a few things for Typhone. A red brooch caught my eye which had a dragon design and I decided to buy it for Typhone.

  After walking for a while, we decided to go home. We stopped in the middle of town and Sir Richtan grabbed the bags Sir Leonis was holding.

  "I'll bring the carriage here, Your Majesty. Please wait for a while." Sir Richtan said and walked away to get the carriage.

  I looked at the fountain in the middle of town and admired how bright it was. I noticed a man playing a guitar and in a whim, I approached him.

  "Excuse me, sir. Can you... play me a tune?" I asked and the man nodded, smiling.

  He strummed the guitar and I took a deep breath. Then, I sang. The melody of my voice was better than before. I was hitting every note and the setting sun added to my mood, making me sing louder and more beautifully.

  I closed my eyes and sang my heart out.

  After the song and hitting the last notes, I was surprised with how much people had gathered. They were clapping and cheering. I smiled and bowed.

  Then, the carriage arrived and I bowed to the people one last time before getting on the carriage.

  "That was so beautiful, Your Majesty. You're so good in singing." Senha said, sniffling.

  I smiled and looked out the window where people are waving at me. I waved though the window.

  I think... I'm beginning to love Lazarith.

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