Jacob sighed as he walked into the open market. Much to his chagrin, he had lost track of time. It was already evening, and the festival had begun. Jacob wandered through the crowd, all the while worried that the Prince would be angry.
Who cares? He reassured himself. The Prince is an idiot.
Still, Jacob could not help but wish that he was back in his shack, enjoying a quiet evening at home. Jacob did not enjoy big crowds, especially those composed of people that he knew. As he attempted to manuever his way through the crowd, Jacob caught sight of the Royal Family.
The King was warm and happy, as always. He was a cheerful fellow, and ruled fairly enough. But then again, his rule had never seen anything but peace. He had a beard, that was probably once black, but was beginning to show signs of grey. Beside him sat his wife, the Queen Zelda.
It was she that had inherited the throne when her father passed on, not long after the kingdom was saved. She was a mysterious woman, and was seen little, but was usually very kind and soft-spoken. She had married the current king when she was very young, and most agree that she made a good choice. Jacob saw her rarely, but still he could tell that tonight she looked... differently. She seemed paler than usually, and rather depressed. She tried to smile as much as she could, but her eyes revealed no joy.
Her daughter sat beside her. The Princess Zelda looked and acted like a smaller version of her mother. Jacob saw her rarely, as well, but he always savored those times when he did. The Prince was not too keen on it, but Jacob didn't care.
The Prince sat beside the King, and he seemed overjoyed. He bowed low over the swarming masses of people, as they cheered him on. Jacob simple grimaced. He couldn't stand the Prince's arrogance, nor anything about him. He turned away in disgust, and returned to the festival.
Looking around, he could see nothing but morons.
Hmmm.... He thought. I wonder where Carlotta and her daughter, Teresina, are tonight. I could use some intelligent conversation before the night is over.
Jacob began to walk back to the castle, when something made him stop.
Well... maybe just one more hour. Perhaps something fun will happen. |