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There were so many smiling faces in the crowd, clapping and cheering as Cici took her last bow. With her yoyo in hand, she sped through the alleys, waving to every person she encountered. If she had her way, she would have chatted and made friends, but the city guards were too eager to arrest her.
“Oh come on, you enjoyed it too, didn’t you?” The girl erupted in laughter as she leaped through the rooftops to escape, proud of breaking the law. It had been several nights since she first performed in Aberleen, and the guards never seemed to keep up with her. Sometimes they were too slow, clumsy, or lacked stamina - but on a few notable occasions, they were ordered to.
But why? When the coast was clear, Cici stopped by the castle to investigate and confirm her suspicions. There he was, the Duke of Aberleen standing on the balcony. Always there. All alone.
Maybe it was time to pay a visit to this man. She giggled and sneaked her way into the castle, imagining the upcoming encounter. It wasn’t difficult to climb the wall given the number of trees in the area. As she planned the rest of her route to the balcony, her train of thought was broken as she saw the garden of white flowers against the darkness. Odd. Were flowers supposed to bloom at this hour?
“Miss Cici, it would be unwise to proceed any further. The castle can be quite deadly to intruders.” A man spoke.
Cici almost jumped in surprise, instinctively stepping back a few steps away from the source of the sound. She gasped and covered her mouth, heart beating fast, looking around to see if the guards were already there to take her, A cloaked figure emerged from the shadows, translucent like glass at first, before slowly taking the shape of a human. “Aamon Paxley?”
“Yes, I am, and apologies. Maybe I would have introduced myself properly if we had met in more ideal circumstances.” Aamon removed his hood and bowed to Cici. Up close and face to face, without a disguise, he was nothing like other noblemen. In her mind, dukes were old, fat men with beards, wearing fancy jewelry. Aamon looked like the knights in her storybooks, but unlike their strong appearance, he was gaunt and as pale as the flowers that surrounded him. After a long silence, Aamon smiled and gently touched one of the white petals. “The moonflowers are in full bloom. When I was your age, I was not allowed to stay out at this hour. Your parents must be worried.”
Cici hopped towards Aamon, taking a closer look, trying to understand his intentions for being so friendly. “I don’t have my parents anymore, but my aunt Mimi takes care of me.” Aamon’s eyes widened but before he could speak, Cici interrupted him. This was the perfect time to bring up what she had been wondering all this time. “I don’t understand. Why did you ban us from performing? What is wrong with making people happy?”
“Oh, that…” Aamon scratched his chin, at the spot close to his peculiar scar. “I wasn’t the one who did that. I’m sure it was one of the elders, but I have to check the archives twenty years ago for the history.”
“Aunt Mimi made a noble angry and she was banned. That’s how it was told to me.” Cici shrugged.
“I was told it was for the safety of the city,” Aamon sighed. “The truth is always disappointing.”
“Can’t you do something?” Cici raised her voice, unable to contain her impatience. “This town is so gloomy and too serious.” She pointed to Aamon. “Just like their lord.”
To Cici’s surprise, Aamon’s face broke into laughter. She was mesmerized by the sight, so different from his demeanor earlier. He seemed to glow bright with happiness, color in his cheeks, before the laughter turned into fits of coughing. He wheezed and massaged his chest. “It will take a while before this law can be updated. In the meantime, the city guards are obligated to enforce it. Can you wait a little more?”
“Nope. Can’t stop now.” Cici shook her head, chin held up high in defiance and wearing a smug smile. “I’m inviting you to be my guest of honor tomorrow when I perform again. Front seat.”
“I’d be honored to, but I can’t do that as the leader. But I do wonder…” His eyes were dazed. “But I do wonder if my siblings would love to see your show.”
“That’s the spirit!” Cici grinned and gave Aamon a thumbs up. “Bring your entire family!”
“One day.” There was a tinge of sadness in Aamon’s smile. “We haven’t been complete in a while. My sisters are now married, and my younger brothers are in the army or at school. Then my brother Gusion, I don’t know where he is right now. I just wish he’s safe.” He coughed loudly, seemingly in pain. Before he was able to speak again, his eyes shifted to the direction of the sound of footsteps. “I’ll talk to the guards and make sure they do not see you. Please do not sneak into the castle again.”
Cici called out but Aamon was concealed by his cloak once again, leaving only the rustling of moonflowers behind his trail. Before she took her leave, she noticed a blossom that had fallen into the ground, wilted and alone. She picked it up and cradled it in her palm. “I’ll be your friend.”