A lil thing I have thought out after reading a book :]]

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Glimmering lights of blue, green, and yellow filled the Village as a glamouring memory along with the laughter of the villagers and children shared in that place. The smoke from the newly open night markets for cooking pastries and other street food flew above while the aroma stayed and attracted the people. The square was filled with dancers, traditional and partnering up while dancing with the music as they laughed in excitement and joy.

Tonight was going so well.

But the castle was quiet as ever.

Alux longed for the feeling to go out and see the festival of the stars, the festival that comes by once a year and lets the people admire the pretty lanterns and fireworks. He can see the lanterns flying above the night sky and the fireworks booming across just by looking out to his window, but that's not really what Alux wanted. No, he wanted to see what was going on in the village. Trying out any street dish he finds there, dancing with the people of his Kingdom, or even watching and clapping to their performance.

Sadly though, his father never let him out for that, not even once when the festival was happening. Even when Alux begged to just see the festival up close once and promise to not misbehave and let the guards come with him, his father declined with no hesitation. " A prince like you shouldn't waste his night anything like the festival. " was what his father said to him just right before Alux wanted to say to let his Father come with him. It shattered him.

So now Alux was sitting on his chair near his desk piled with books he was studying for the night for his following lessons on Friday, bored and longing to just see the happiness of the people of his Kingdom within the festival.

He turned his head over to the balcony, seeing the glimmering lights down on the village. He sighed as he wondered lost in his thoughts for a moment. Usually, he heard about the activities of the festival, carnival games, the cooking challenges of making their very own ideal meal in their way, and of course the traditional dance. Petro did tell him about the festival, loud but the people were always ecstatic, especially the children.

Petro did ask Alux if he wants to come by and possibly share their fun at the festival, sadly Alux denied it, knowing that if he asked his father about this again he was sure that he will shut the festival down for good.

He stood up from his chair, made his way over to the balcony and rested his arms, and leaned forward on the railings. Letting the cold breeze hit him with a cool comfort as he watched the village from afar, a frown formed on his face. The wish to escape the castle walls has been aching in his mind ever since, he wanted to see what the village is about, would that lead him to have new friends? Not that he never liked Petro, no, he enjoys Petro's company, but it was still lonely for Alux.

He sighed. " It would've been much more okay if I wasn't trapped here. " His voice was soft, saddened, and low. He watched from afar, before turning around and walking back inside his room until hearing a knock from outside his room. He made his way over to the door and opened it, seeing the old and wise butler he knew.

" Good evening your highness, " The butler bowed his head down as he perfectly balanced the teapot and cup on the silver platter he was holding. " I thought it would be nice to bring you some tea while you are studying. "

" That's kind of you Agustus, you can come in. " Alux moved a bit for the butler to enter and closed the door, he watched as the butler placed the silver platter on the spare empty desk in the distance, then turned his attention back to the village. He just felt so mesmerized by the colors. Such different color hues yet were very interesting. Blue was soft and cooled down like the blue sky, Yellow was just vibrant as ever like a firefly but also warm like a sun. 

And green.

Green was his favorite color, a color that lies between Yellow and Blue, it was just as vibrant but cool, calming like leaves that brush with the wind. It was a relaxing color to go with and Alux loved it.

" Would you like to go with Darjeeling Tea or just your usual drink? "

The Butler received no response, he turned his head around as he sees the prince spacing out with thoughts. He turned to see what he was looking at, he lets out a hum just as he knew what he was looking out.

" The Festival tonight is wild tonight. "

" Huh?- " Alux was quick to snap out of his thoughts and turned around to the butler. He processed what he heard before replying. " Oh- yeah it seems so lively down there. " He muttered a reply before turning back to the balcony, the butler hummed again as he poured down the tea carefully into the cup.

" Are you curious about what the festival is? "

" No, not really, I know the festival was meant for a night to relax from work with families and friends, a time to feel free for the time being. " Alux sighed softly, turning around as he watched Agustus approach him with the teacup and saucer. The Prince thanked him, holding on to the saucer as he took a sip of the tea.

' Darjeeling, not what I expected but it's nice.  ' The prince thought after he tasted the drink before hearing Agustis spoke up again.

" If you'd like I can take you to the festival. "

The brunette could've choked on his tea when he heard that, and he did, lowering the cup on the saucer, spilling a bit as he coughed. The butler used on his side but Alux gestured for him not to move any closer as it was alright. He stood up straight again as he looked at the butler in surprise. " P-pardon? " Alux cleared his throat just as he replied, looking at the butler who had a soft smile on his face.

" The Festival is one of the nights the village will be so alive like this, I want to help you, at least let you go there so you can have fun for yourself. " Agustus said as he turned around to the balcony and watched over the village. " I think your study nights can have a pause so you can relax. "

" I would love that but you know how father is Agustus, he won't ever let me leave this place even with reason. "

" Oh no, we are not going to talk to your father to let you out for tonight. "

Alux stared at Agustus in confusion, his mind processed what he said before his mind clicked on the meaning. His head snapped in shock. " Wait!- You don't mean- "

" Trying to escape the castle walls? Yes, your highness. " a grin formed on the older's face when he turned to Alux. 

Alux was hesitant though, a thought of it came in, a bad one. " But, what if someone saw us? Agustus this is risky, even if it was me. My father will probably drop you out or let you live on the streets for letting me sneak out. "

" Your father will never find out, trust me, young man. I may be old and wise at the moment but I do know how to be sneaky, especially in this heavily secured area. "

A chuckle left the prince's mouth, " This just sounds like you were a robber in the past. " He said jokingly, and Agustus laughed at the comment. " I am not, but I do sneak out of my house just to go out in the night alone. "

Alux smiled. Agustus may be old but he's fun to talk to, even for an old guy he still acts like he's 20 or 18. The prince enjoyed the butler's presence more than the other maids and butlers, Agustus was different.

" Now, go put on a cloak. We're going. "

" Wait now?! "

" Quiet down now mister or the guards might hear us. And yes, now. "

»--•--«

If Alux was to think the castle was that heavily guarded and there wouldn't be a chance for someone to get in or out, he was sure proven wrong. The night came by as Agustus led Alux to the hidden gateway out of the castle, they passed by Amalia the maid when she was walking down the hallway, they passed by some guards and hid behind a statue and under a bush just to hide from them as they walk by, he was even surprised that they passed by James when he was talking to one of his Elites about something.

How was this castle not even guarded well?

As time passed they made it to the garden of the castle, silent and empty. They walked to the nearest bush as Agustus lifted his hand and pulled down the vines. There showed a rusty metal-like gate, covered by small vines and such. Agustin pushed the gate to open it, it made a small shrieking sound but not loud enough for anyone to hear, then the butler turned to Alux.

" You must come back when midnight comes around, so don't be too distracted by the fun at the festival alright? "

Alux nodded in understanding, he already knew that the guards would be checking if there were anything suspicious going around. He even knew that there will be guards around the festival as well, so he had to be careful outside.

Alux took a step forward to the gate, he stopped and looked ahead again, his anxiety crept up on his back.

" There's nothing to be nervous to be this mischievous kid, " Agustus gave the boy a small pat on the back to calm him down, and Alux relaxed a bit as he turned around to face him. " It must've been harsh to let you be trapped here, I'm giving you a chance to see what's really out there, so have fun. "

The brunette smiled, quickly pulling the butler in a tight hug before letting go, " Thank you, Agustus. " Alux muttered, bringing the hood on his cloak over his head before he started to speed off outside the castle walls. Agustus watched as the boy reached far before he closed the gate and hid it again with the bush, making sure nobody saw, and walked away, pretending that he was walking in the garden to have a walk in the night sky to relax his nerves.

Alux was so quick, he ran through the forest and was quickly out of it and was now far from the castle. He had never been outside of his castle before, it was an odd feeling of anxiety but a sweet relief of freedom washed over his guts. He was outside, he's finally outside.

A grin formed on the prince's lips, before turning around just as he heard the blasting music near the marketplace of the village was at. Ecstatic as he is, he rushed into the village in an instant and was immediately struck by awe.

The festival looked even more amazing than he had ever thought of, sure it maybe be a little crowded by people but the number of balloons, but the whole village was a beautiful sight to see.

String flags were raised from one roof to another, balloons and lanterns were hung on each stall, and children ran around the marketplaces with small flint rods in their hands as they laugh in excitement, even the laughter and chatting of the adults filled in the festival with the music in the center of the village square, and there he spotted many dancers, couples and small children enjoying their night at the most lively moment ever.

Alux never had felt this happy to see the joy spreading in the village, and he was so happy to even witness it in front of his eyes. He walked into the village, eyeing the festival around him, he could say that the village tonight was the most amazing place he could ever see. Unlike most parties he had seen in the castle, it was calm, and boring for Alux to be a part of really. But the Festival was more exciting than Alux could ever think of.

Alux was so mesmerized by his surroundings that he didn't even see he was going to bump into someone. Alux accidentally bump someone on their back, both of them letting out a sound before Alux backed up a bit.

" Ah- I'm sorry sir- "

" It's alright, no need to apologize. "

The brunette eyes widened from hearing that voice, he was so familiar with it, and he knew to who it belonged. Alux looked up at the person, it was Petro, with short and braided hair with an Indigo star hairclip that matched his eyes. He was also wearing a Navy Blue silk cloak like Alux wore with a diamond emblem as the lock, but the cloak was short that it only reached Petro's knees.

Without a thought in mind, Alux spoke out. " Petro? "

The boy in blue tilted his head in confusion, his eyes blinking for a moment as he processed the voice before replying. " Alux? "

The prince stiffened from being called by his name, quickly pulling Petro close and covering his mouth; which made Petro surprised by the sudden movement. " SHH! Don't say my name. There are some guards around! "

And with that said, some guards passed by in the distance, each inspecting the people in the village before one left and the other followed them. Petro pulled Alux's hand down and glared up at the cloaked boy. " I would say I'm sorry but you being here took me by surprise. " He released himself from Alux's hold and looked at Alux. " How did you get here anyways? I thought your father wouldn't allow you to get outside, and- the guards and that? "

The brunette looked around his surroundings to make sure there aren't any guards around, before replying to Petro in a soft voice again. " I, may or may not, have sneaked out of the castle? " Alux sounded unsure when he said that out, he did get some help from Agustus to the secret and hidden gate to get out, even promising to not say a single thing about his disappearance for the prince to sneak out the night. Alux watched as Petro stared in disbelief, he was probably even thinking about how to respond to that.

" How?- "

" To sum it up, the whole guarding around the castle wasn't that okay? I don't even realize how bad the protection is until tonight. "

Petro shook his head after hearing that, honestly should be surprised, but then again he couldn't disagree that the guards are dumb as ever to not be aware of their surroundings by night. " I honestly don't know if I should be surprised by this information.... "

" I was kind of proven wrong about this too. " Alux shrugged before turning his head around the festival again, hearing many people shout for joy. He could be distracted by all of this in one second and he wouldn't care. Petro noticed the sudden silence of the prince as he watched Alux stare, he nudged the prince before wrapping an arm around him.

" Well, since you're here, what do you say we can finally spend our time here for tonight? " Alux looked at Petro with a giddy smile and nodded quickly, Petro returned with a soft one, before pulling Alux to one of the game stalls as they waste their time in the night. 

»--•--«

Tonight, Alux would say he had fun. He never felt so energetic until he was finally in the Village for the Festival of the Stars. He and Petro played games together, they both won at least some of the strategy games with darts and bows and arrows and received some small candies and one gold ring with a gem in the middle. Petro gave the ring to Alux, feeling like it matched him for that reason. Now they were tuckered out from playing, walking to the side of the village where they can calm themselves down while eating street food that Petro bought for them both.

" I really should start trying out the food here, this empanada tastes soooo good! " Alux raised the small food before taking another bite, savoring the taste as if it was not going to last forever. Petro chuckled at the childish act. " For a royal like you, I thought you would like what the royal cook would give you for dinner. "

" Yeah, but it is not as good as this! "

Petro chuckled as he nudged the prince playfully, and Alux returned the gesture. It was nice, both of them had a blast tonight. They always shared moments, but never like this, but it felt right for them both to be out in the night and have fun. They hoped that it would always be like this, but knowing Alux wasn't meant to be outside, it was hard. But they always had to spend time with each other during the days and lessons they learned together.

Them giving each other comforting company is at least what they want for now.

Then a shout in the distance was heard by both " LANTERNS WILL BE RELEASING IN 30 MINUTES! "

Petro perked up from the moment, " Oh my god, I almost forgot! " Alux was about to ask but he was quickly pulled by Petro back into the festival. 

The sounds of the drums blast in his ears, the singing voices of the women, and the tapping of the boots had shared in the town square. They quickly stopped in one of the stalls and Petro lets go of the hand, going up to one lady as he both two small paper-like lanterns, along with a small box of matches as he slid them into his pocket and paid for the papers. Petro turned around but discovered Alux was no longer on the spot where he left him.

Petro looked around, concern now filling in his mind as he held both of the lanterns in his hands. " Alux? " He walked around as he searched for his friend, he walked around the village. Did the guards catch him? What if he got taken away without any notice? Petro sure will know he's going to be responsible for the disappearance of the prince if he disappeared out of nowhere. That feeling of concern quickly washed away as he saw the familiar cloak of the prince in the distance, in the corner where some children have circled him.

The young ones were so lively, it brought Alux so much joy. All of them sang songs as Alux clapped to the beat for them before they ran in their own ways. One kid run up to him and tugged at his cloak to get his attention. The prince turned around and spotted the young kid, kneeling to the kid's level as he spoke softly to them. The kid looked nervous but brought confidence as he pulled a small bouquet of blue orchids that was wrapped in a small white cloth with a golden ribbon.

Alux stared at the for a moment, before smiling at the kid as he gave them a small ruffle on their hair, he accepted the bouquet and stood back up. He watched as the kid ran back to his mother with a huge smile on their face and walked away, Alux could smile at that, yet felt saddened as he looked at the bouquet once again. A reminder went into his head from looking at the orchids, yet he shook his head at that.

Petro finally made his way over to Alux and gave a pat on his shoulder. " You alright? "

" Mhmm, the kids here are just so alive and free and so kind. " Alux said softly as he watched some of the children screaming in joy, chasing each other for them to be the next target in their little games and have fun. 

Alux felt like he missed out a lot when he was young, and he did, he felt saddened that he never spent his young days just playing around in the village children and maybe possibly at least having friends to be with until today. Yet that never happened, he was a prince so he was never out of the castle much, focused on his royal studies to become the next ruler and to b a loyal prince in the throne room with his father.

Petro patted Alux's shoulder again, " They can be a handful, but there spend their lives being young and free, like how this festival was made for all people to be free tonight. " Alux looked at Petro again and smiled, before being handily shoved by the lantern in his hands. " I know a spot where we can see the lanterns, come on. " Then Alux was backed being dragged by his friend again, almost dropping his stuff but managing to get a hold of them tightly.

They were quickly out of the village, going over to a small open field. They were people around, sitting on the ground while also lighting up their lanterns as they got ready for the start of the activity. Alux became happy and now caught up on Petro's pace as they reached the top of the hill. They both settled for a moment as they sat on the small hill, Petro pulled out the small box and opened it as he starts to light up the small matching stick.

Small sparks came to life as it lit the small stick into flames, Petro now lighting up both of the lanterns as they stared in awe.

" I've... never felt so happy just being out here, it's almost unbelievable to even bear this feeling. "

" Well, I'm just glad that you were able to have fun tonight. "

The countdown started, and the lanterns were now released from the villagers' arms. Petro and Alux let go of theirs as they watched it fly above the sky. Alux was mesmerized again, watching all of the lanterns up close and above never felt so magical than watching from his balcony. It lit up the sky even more than the stars above, everyone watched in awe as they flew above, a smile brought up to their faces.

The Festival of the Stars was bright and just, bringing joy to families and friends. A night to celebrate and enjoy their lives.