Chapter Five: The Anniversary

Chapter Five

The Anniversary

The pauper learned of Alythia’s anniversary in one of their discussions a month’s time in the past. He taught of arranging a surprise. He wanted the princess to feel really special. There are other people that could be preparing something but he was not deterred by the possibility that his efforts could be kept back.

The pauper just finished attending an assembly of commoners when he passed by the hallway of the Chamber of Annals. It was the eve of the princess’ anniversary. She appeared cheerless, while holding an archive. He wasn’t expecting to see Alythia in this manner, for he was intending to present a proposal.

He felt awkward but he has to try. He mustered all his courage and strived to remain calm.

“My lady, you look so sad.” Said the pauper, who is still unconfident. “Oh, I’m sorry. Do I look miserable?” The princess responded and tried to smile.

“Do you have something before you for your anniversary?”

“Well, I don’t know.”

“Do you think your friends have something in store for you?”

“I’m not really sure about that.” And she continued with her reading.

“This could be my chance.” He thought. Attempting to utter what he intended to say and not to waste time, he tried to invite the princess to dine with him. Alythia seemed apprehensive at first but the pauper pleaded.

“Please, my lady, you won’t have to bother about spending a single cent.”

“Hmmm... okay, I’ll go with you tomorrow then.”

The pauper left the princess and glanced her smiling at him. He returned to work elated with his fortune. His heart thumped thrice as fast than normal. He felt like walking in fluffy clouds. He is in a daze. He wanted to shout. He wanted to jump. But he tried to keep the thrill inside him.

He was all too grateful to the Great Master. He was jumping in front of the Holy Chambers, still ecstatic just thinking of spending time with Alythia. Then he snapped to a realization that he needs to think how the dinner should go. They are not that intimate of acquaintance to dine exclusively.

“My Master,” he prayed, “I want to be alone with her so that we could converse better and know her well. But it seems to be out of place. There has to be a companion. But who will I take with us? It has to be someone we are comfortable with and someone that could help facilitate a good exchange of words and ideas.”

It is her anniversary already. Even though the princess agreed to dine with the pauper, he was still uncertain and unconfident that the dinner would be realized. But even so, he tried to appear well-groomed. He was ready to whatever will happen.

He saw Alythia unusually beautiful. She was wearing a nice flowing dress. It accentuated her simplicity. He greeted her and she smiled and thanked him in return. He wanted to say how beautiful she was but he stammered. He was enthralled.

It was almost supper. He has to ask the princess to confirm the appointment.

“Uhm... my lady, I... I just want to ask if we will still push on with our dinner.”

Alythia’s countenance suggested that it won’t. But without delay, she invited the pauper to join her and her friends. They would go to the traveling fair of Trycitus. She said that there are various sights to see. There are notable entertainments also. And there is an abundance of delicacies that will satisfy their gastronomic desires.

The pauper’s heart sank but he is not altogether sad. If he would join the princess and her company, he would be safe from any suggestions that he has a particular interest with the princess. But he felt that he’ll be a stranger in the group. Though one of her friends, Freia, is familiar to him because they both came from Acropetros, they really don’t have a good acquaintance with one another.

The group headed to the fair first. The pauper trailed. He struggled. He wanted to go home instead but he is reminded of the firmness of the princess’ invitation. He does not want to fail a royalty, especially someone he esteems so highly.

He reached the fair and tried to locate the group of the princess. It was not that difficult to find them. He was readily welcomed by a warm smile from the celebrant. There were other young men who joined, including Wahrin. Alythia was a fine hostess. The pauper was treated as one of them because of her hospitality.

Alythia’s friends had several commitments to attend. She was left with the pauper. The pauper wanted to leave also but it would be uncaring to the princess. Besides, this was opportune time to have a privy moment with Alythia. They rode a common carriage towards home. The pauper brought her to her lodge. He was astonished how grandiose it appears. They bid each other goodbyes. And he left.

The pauper was in a daze until he reached his humble abode. He is thankful and prayerful.

To be continued…