He was the man who had helped me organise the tournament in such short notice. Matthew smiled happily as he bowed,
holding both his arms out. His suit barely fit him and looked as if it had seen better days. I made a mental note to organise him a
new suit before the festival. I couldn’t have him stand there and address the king and queen looking a mess.
“Sorry I am late. I hope I didn’t keep you all waiting.”
“Nonsense, it’s always a pleasure to have you here. You didn’t have to come though. We know you are a busy lady.”
Matthew was perhaps a few years older than Norok, possibly by five or six years. He was married with five beautiful
children, and although new to the events post, I was happy to hire him for the job.
The rest of the committee sat in a small back room. One that was littered with candles. There was a wall decorated with
pictures with all the ideas for this year’s light festival.
They all smiled happily when I entered, and greeted me with respect before they went back to their discussion. I felt very
much like an equal as I walked through the minefield of everything that was to do with organising the festival and took a seat.
Once I sat, everyone else took their seats, and the meeting began. Mostly it was a discussion about timings. When things
were meant to start. When certain games of the day were to be played. Then how the evening party was going to play out.
The morning would be filled with a host of games, archery, bobbing for apples, and a talent competition, as well as a
puppet show for children. The afternoon then was mostly taken up by the jousting, a sword fighting demonstration, and then
finally the main event—the Festival of Light display—which would feature bonfires and fireworks.
Thankfully, Father has abandoned Mother’s idea of Norok having his wedding during the festival, and instead it would be
the following day. This worked out wonderfully for me, as Lord Cole was part of the guest list for not only the festival, but also
the wedding.
Which meant I would expect to see him a lot more over the coming days. I was hoping to catch him to discuss a few things,
and perhaps grant him my favour as Norok informed me he was planning to enter the jousting.
Thankfully, the meeting didn’t last as long as I expected. Matthew insisted on escorting me to the tavern to find Marcus,
expressing that no lady of my station should have to go in there alone. He was sweet and definitely embodied the protective
father. However, I was quite happy to just leave Marcus where he was and do a little exploring myself. It was rare I had the
chance.
“Thank you, Matthew, I will be alright from now on.”
“Are you sure, your highness? I do not mind keeping you company until your guard arrives.”
Sighing a little, I knew Marcus wouldn’t be impressed if I disappeared, but half an hour wouldn’t hurt. I was hoping I
wouldn’t be recognised while dressed so casually, it would be nice to be treated as an equal outside as well.
“The king would have my head should anything happen to you.”