章節 17: Chapter 16

"The music finally ended, and Adrian and Aurora pulled apart, both with smiles on their faces," Adrian remarked.

"I guess so," Aurora replied, her smile widening. Just then, the sound of hooves approaching reached their ears, and they turned their gaze to see King Cedric riding on his horse, with Sir Roland riding alongside him.

The crowd immediately fell into hushed silence, not expecting the king's presence. They bowed to show their respect as the two riders approached.

A grin spread across King Cedric's face as he dismounted from his horse, standing tall and regal as he surveyed the people. "Rise!" he commanded, and the people did so, looking at their king with a mixture of admiration and, in some cases, a hint of fear.

King Cedric's blue eyes fell upon a woman with golden hair, now darkened by the night sky, and his grin widened.

He addressed the crowd, "Continue, my dear subjects, and enjoy this splendid night."

As he spoke, the red moon began to rise, casting its crimson glow over the festivities. The crowd erupted into cheers, and the music band started playing once more. The people returned to dancing, drinking, and celebrating under the enchanting glow of the red moon.

"Shall we go grab some drinks?" Adrian suggested to Aurora. He noticed her eyes darting around, searching for Mary in the bustling crowd, but her friend seemed to have disappeared. Aurora's thoughts were clearly preoccupied, and Adrian wanted to bring her back to the present. "Aurora?" he called, gently drawing her attention away from her search and back to him.

"What?" she asked, her brows furrowing in confusion as she hadn't caught his initial suggestion.

"I was suggesting that we go get some drinks, but it seems like you're a bit distracted," Adrian replied with a reassuring smile.

"Sorry, but I don't drink, and I was trying to find Mary. I wonder where she went," Aurora explained, her eyes still scanning the bustling crowd. Just then, she felt a gentle hand on her chin. Adrian's hand softly cupped her chin, guiding her to meet his gaze.

"She should be around here somewhere," Adrian reassured her before gently taking her hand. "So, how about that drink? There's always a first time for everything, right?" He gazed into her eyes, causing her heart to flutter.

"Today seems to be a day of many firsts," she responded with a faint smile.

"It certainly does," Adrian agreed with a chuckle, guiding her towards the drinks area.

King Cedric was approached by one of the village elders, who offered him a seat with a slight bow. "I didn't expect to see you at an event like this, Your highness," the elder villager, named Eldric, remarked. He had known the royal family for years, and they had rarely attended such celebrations alongside common folk, especially one as special as the Red Moon festival. Their appearances were usually reserved for events within the palace or for distinguished guests from other kingdoms and higher-status individuals.

The King took the seat while Roland stood by his side, his hands behind him. "Why? Does my presence bother you?" Cedric asked, his gaze narrowing to the old man who seemed slightly shaken.

"Nothing as such, my king. It was just more of a surprise, that's all," he said. Just then, a server came forward holding out a drink and a glass, which he had been ordered to get specially for the king as soon as his presence was spotted. He handed the tray to the village elder, who in turn waved his hand, telling him to leave.

"Your highness," he then spoke, offering the glass. Cedric stared at the glass for a moment before he collected it. "This wine is the finest of its kind, and I assure you it would suit your taste," he said with a smile, gently pouring the wine into the glass.

"It's a must it does, else someone has to pay the price to fill the gap," Cedric stated with a grin, but something about the way Cedric looked at him set a shiver down his spine, causing the old man to pause, his gaze shifting to Roland, who stood wearing nothing but a blank expression.

Cedric, noticing the fear in the man's eyes, suddenly chuckled. "I was just joking," he said and finished pouring himself the drink and immediately took a large gulp. He hummed as he savored the taste. "This is good," he remarked, patting the old man on his back, who in return responded with a nervous chuckle that sounded rather forced.

From behind, someone called his attention. "Excuse me, my king, I have some matters to attend to." The king nodded, and he saw this as a perfect getaway to distance himself from the king.

As the old man excused himself to attend to other matters, Roland finally spoke. "Would you like me to call the girl over, your highness?" he asked.

Cedric considered it for a moment, glancing at the crowd. "No, let her enjoy the festivities," he replied, his eyes still following the golden-haired woman who had caught his attention earlier.

Cedric took another sip from the glass, but this time, a look of disgust flashed in his eyes. With a distasteful expression, he handed the nearly full glass to Roland. "You can have this," he spoke, his gaze not leaving Aurora.

Roland collected the glass from the king and stared at the content in it before taking a sip from it.

Meanwhile, Aurora and Adrian now sat in a small bar where drinks of different types were being served. "What kind do you like, sweet or sour?" Leaning on his wooden watching Aurora, who seemed to be contemplating her options. Seeing her take her time to decide, he then remarked, "As this is your first drink, I would suggest you take the sweet kind."

Aurora nodded at his response, and he waved his hand at the server. "One glass of curdle delight," he said.

The server nodded and went towards the back. "What's that?" Aurora asked.

"You will find out," he said with a sly grin.

Soon the server returned, holding a glass which was handed to Aurora. She stared at the content of the drink. It had a thick, creamy consistency, like a foam or mousse. The top of the drink was light and fluffy, and it had a frothy layer that sat on top of the liquid. The color was a creamy white, and it had a shiny sheen that caught the light as Aurora swirled the glass. There was a subtle hint of golden color from the wine, which gave the drink a delicate glow. It was beautiful and delicate, and it looked almost too pretty to drink. Aurora lifted the glass to her lips, curious to taste this mysterious drink.

As Aurora took a sip, she was surprised by the flavor. It was sweet and creamy, but it also had a light, crisp taste that was refreshing. The flavor of the wine came through, but it was subtle and delicate, rather than strong or overpowering. There was a slight tang from the citrus, and it was just the right amount of sweet without being too cloying. It was surprisingly light and refreshing, and it felt as though it was melting in her mouth. The texture was smooth and velvety, and it seemed to melt away as soon as she swallowed.

"How is it?" Adrian asked.

Aurora paused, considering her answer. "It's unlike anything I've ever tasted," she said. "It's sweet, but not too sweet. It's light, but not watery. It's refreshing, but also filling. I can't quite describe it - it's unique and unlike anything else."

"You're right," Adrian said. "It's difficult to describe. Perhaps that's why it's so beloved - because it's simply impossible to replicate."

Aurora smiled and took another sip. She savored the delicious drink, maintaining a graceful, ladylike posture as she had been taught from a young age, her spine straight and her shoulders back.

"You have something on your lips," Adrian said, noticing a small dollop of white foam staring at her lips that she didn't notice.

"What?" She asked, confused as she tried to wipe it herself but kept missing the spot. Adrian couldn't help but smile at the charming sight.

"Here," he said, leaning forward and gently brushing his thumb against her lips, wiping away the foam.

"Thank you," Aurora said, her voice slightly softer as she looked into Adrian's eyes.

"Well, well, well." Matilda suddenly appeared from behind, startling both of them and causing them to jump slightly.