Chapter 139: Fun (2)
Annalise continued to look around the market as she followed Rafael. There were children running around, couples walking hand in hand, and almost couples walking with someone behind them most likely for the young lady.
"Is it like this in other towns? A big gathering like this?" Annalise asked since this was the only town she visited.
"It differs from town to town how grand it can be. We mostly have festivals instead of big balls. There are a few parties held by the nobles and wealthy for the season so their daughters and sons can marry. If you ever go to Lockwood, this little gathering will seem boring. The capital is much more extravagant than all the other towns. They should be having a big ball by now," Rafael answered.
He only kept up with the ball for the king’s birthday around the winter. If there was no trouble, he might be able to attend once again.
"I have never visited the capital. I have heard how interesting it is. You must visit a lot since you are the commander of the great knights," Annalise said, trying to make his title leave her lips as sweetly as possible. As if she was one of his fans.
"I can hear the dislike in your voice. I rarely visit the capital unless I am visiting friends or the palace calls for me. I was there a lot in my youth after I was introduced to the prince. I had only seen him from afar whenever I visited the palace with my father. Then when I officially became a knight, I visited a bit more, but then it stopped when the prince became king," Rafael explained.
He remembered the good memories he had from the palace. Despite the inner battles they were yet to notice, they had fun as children until they grew up and had a role to play. Tobias was finally named king, Edgar took on his title as duke, and Rafael became the commander of knights. The days when they could run around, doing whatever they wanted were gone.
"Did something happen between you and the king?"
Rafael peered down at Annalise. "I don’t like the way your eyes lit up after you asked that. Are you fishing for gossip to tell the other maids?"
Annalise looked away to hide her excitement. "I do not gossip-"
"You were just telling me what the knights said about me and women," Rafael interjected.
"That wasn’t gossip. That was something else," Annalise mumbled, trying to think of a word for it. "Someone like me will never get close to the king and seeing a duke was a good surprise. I am just curious about Lockwood where they are from. I hope to be able to visit it one day."