Updated, finally!
Chapter 1
Crystalia leaned breathlessly against the cool stone wall lining the inner court of the castle. Just a little closer, she thought. She could smell the newly shined armor the soldiers wore for special ceremonies, and she wondered briefly what occasion would bring such formality. Her thoughts were left unfinished, however, when the guards’ patrol route took them close enough for her to catch their hushed words.
“..and they say that’s why he was so much more insistent upon having the Parade. Every age he pushes it further, and one of these days something’s bound to go wrong.”
Another guard spoke up. “The wars are coming too close to the Realm to be sure about our safety. There’s always a chance that one of these days a mercenary will sneak in. They would only need a moment...” She heard him sigh deeply. “They could slip by masses of commoners with no problem. We can’t cover every part of the Realm, no matter how strategically the King deploys us -”
The first soldier interrupted. “We have to take things one day at a time. Concentrate on the Royal Parade for today. We'll worry about the rest tomorrow.”
So that’s it! Crystalia thought. The Royal Parade is today! She longed to see it once again. Memories from three ages ago streamed into her mind. She could taste the rare sweet treats, hear the crowd cheering for the entertainers, and feel the sense of awe in the air as the King and Queen paraded a mere half-dragonlength away.
“Hey! What are you doing here?” enraged shouts were directed at her. Realizing she had lingered too long, the girl leapt up, springing toward the darkened alley which led to her home. Hearing heavy footsteps still following her, she quickly changed her direction, instead sprinting into a wide street full of people waiting for the Parade to start. She wove her way through the crowd, ignoring the surprised protests as she mercilessly pushed her way through the masses. The rushing of noise threatened to overwhelm her senses, but Crystalia just focused on losing the guards long enough to sneak back to her house. She risked a glance over her shoulder. The guards were standing back at the edge of the crowd, engaged in a heated discussion with one another. Finally, one of the guards stalked off back toward the inner court. Hesitating momentarily, the second guard followed, but not without a final glance over the crowd.
Crystalia sighed in relief and made her way back home, cautious that no one was following her. She took her time, not wanting to even consider what the reaction would be from her brother when she walked in the door.
“Where is she?” Malkin muttered again, pacing in front of the door. He had thought little of it when he found her bed empty this morning. She was always off grabbing a news flyer or a few oranges. But after two bells had sounded, he began to worry. She wouldn’t be out for this long, even on a market day. Unbidden, his mind produced images of secluded shadows striking out with knives and rowdy soldiers grabbing the innocent girl. A familiar noise interrupted his dark thoughts. Crystalia opened the door, quickly slipped herself inside, then shut and locked it.
Malkin grabbed her by the shoulders and made her look at him. “Where have you been?” he demanded.
“I-I was looking for a free news flyer. You know how long it takes these days to find one. Everyone saves them to keep up with the battles.” Her silvery-blue eyes glistened.
“You couldn’t have been out past the ninth bell for that! Where else did you go?”
Crysi hung her head. “I passed the castle courtyard on the way back,” she began hesitantly. “I saw the guards talking on their patrol route. They usually like to have a flyer with them for interest, and I sneaked closer to hear them -”
Malkin stuttered. “Crys, do you know what would have happened if you had been caught? They would have brought you to the king and thrown you into the dungeon!” He sighed and rubbed his head.
“Malkin, I’m sorry...” she said meekly.
He avoided her tearful gaze for a moment, wishing once again he didn't have to play the parent. "Just don't do it again," he said at last, looking up at her.
He led her over to the unsteady table. “Someone dropped by with a fresh loaf of bread and a packet of butter,” he explained, seating himself.
“Well then, let’s celebrate!” Crysi said. “It is the King’s Day after all. Can we go to the Royal Parade? Oh, to see those gowns and trinkets again!”
Malkin hesitated, charmed by his little sister’s young enthusiasm but slightly frustrated that she had not seemed to have learned her lesson. “Perhaps,” he replied, breaking off a piece of the bread and handing it to her, “but not until after the chores are done. The inspector should be making his visit soon, and I’d rather not have to pay him extra again to keep quiet. I promised the place would be straightened up, and we have to store away your things.”
Crysi nodded, buttering her bread. She was used to this procedure and she didn’t want to forget again. Malkin’s previous disappointment in her was worse than any physical punishment she could have received.
They ate in silence, then proceeded with the chores: Covering the bookshelf, placing a book under the short leg of the table, picking up loose papers, and finally moving Crysi’s belongings into the back of her closet and covering the entrance with a worn tapestry.
As they completed the last chore, they heard a growing roar of excitement announcing the Parade had come to their part of town.
“Crystalia, pay attention to what you’re doing,” Malkin warned, picking up a sheet of parchment his sister had absentmindedly dropped.
“Sorry, brother,” she apologized, still only half concentrating.
Finally Malkin announced it was good enough. He watched as Crysi ran out into the hall, eager to see the Parade. As he began to follow, he caught his image in the shined mirror on her wall. He absently attempted to tame his blond hair, which had grown dirty and disheveled from the hard work he did as he tried to earn enough gems to keep the house. His pale silver-blue eyes, trademarks of the white dragonkin, had grown dark with worry and maturity. The past three Seasons had changed him into a man, giving him responsibilities he was not sure he could handle.
Crysi reappeared in the room, wearing her cloak and offering him his. “Worrying about your pretty face again?” she laughed, dragging him away from the mirror. “Come on! We’re going to miss the King and Queen if we don’t hurry.”
“All right, all right. Lead the way,” he said, a slight smile on his face. His sister’s excitement was contagious, and by the time they closed the front door behind them, he was sorely tempted to laugh along with her.
By the time they reached the parade route, it seemed the entire neighborhood was pushing for a clear view. With a slight nod to one another, Crysi and Malkin split up, concealing themselves within the crowd while still remaining within each other’s sight. Malkin checked to make sure his money pouch was secure by his side. He looked around for a sweets tray so he could buy his sister one of the rare treats.
Vendors wandered around through the crowd with their trays secured at chest level. Poles ran up from their backs above the spectators’ heads, each pole unique to the type of trinket the vendor was selling. Many were decorated with striped streamers and a few had bells at the top. One only had to locate the pole they were looking for and follow it to its owner.
The crowd bustled past each other, fighting for a better view or to be within reaching distance of a prime vendor. Families struggled to stick together throughout the chaos and to control the children who had a habit of wandering off to find sparkling fancies. Shouts arose from all over: cries of who had the best goods, boasts, complaints, and mothers calling for their children.
Finally finding the aqua- and pink-striped pole he was looking for, Malkin slowly made his way to the sweets vendor. Taking a small gem out of his pouch, he motioned to the vendor, who immediately offered his tray. Malkin chose a delicate chocolate, probably filled with some cream filling, handed over the gem, and thanked the vendor. He returned to what he thought was his previous spot - it was so hard to tell with the sway of the crowd - and looked for his sister. Finding her, he held up the treat and motioned toward her.
Crysi's eyes lit up. Keeping her composure, she wove through the crowd and finally reached her brother. Giving him thanks and a hug, she eyed the treat for a while before consuming it. It was sweet both to the eye and the stomach, and it was a special event in itself. She ignored her brother's chuckles as she closed her eyes and enjoyed every last bite, licking the melted chocolate smears off her fingers.
A sudden cheer arose from the crowd. The mass surged forward, carrying Malkin and Crysi along with it. Shouts could be heard near the front as the guards showed their swords, attempting to deter anyone from crossing into the parade's path. The siblings grabbed hands, furiously trying not to be separated in the fray. Streamers and whistles reverberated through the crowd, announcing the arrival of the king and queen of the realm.
Gasping in the stifling heat of both the writhing mass and the season's wind, Crystalia pressed on, leaving her brother's grip. She found a good spot by a tall man in a heavy cloak. Nodding hello to him, she eagerly searched the parade route for some indication of the Royal Family's whereabouts. The man looked down at her briefly, then returned his attention to the parade. A cool breeze began to blow and Crystalia shivered as it cooled the sweat on the back of her neck.
The crowd surged forward suddenly and Crysi caught a glint of sunlight on a crown. She felt an electric excitement surge through her, and she tried to find the king's face.
Heronius glanced here and there through the crowd, a genuine smile on his lips as he waved from the carriage. He had always loved putting on a parade for the people, no matter what his advisors told him. There hadn't been an accident for centuries; the White Realm prided itself on the high standards set for its soldiers. Only the most intelligent and skilled could become Royal Guards, and half of those accompanied the Royal Family during the Parade.
The king looked over at his wife and children. Queen Agrytta was fanning herself; she was not fond of the heat. Prince Tenik also remained reserved. Against his father's orders, he had brought some book with him and was intently focusing on each page. Only Princess Vyselle, the king's pride and joy, seemed to be reveling in the celebration. She took every advantage of the large, open windows, waving regally at those who would someday be her own loyal subjects.
Heronius turned back to the crowd. He liked to make eye contact with as many people as he could, to make them feel that they truly mattered. Each single mother, each young man, each tiny child --
An explosion slammed the carriage over. The crowd silenced. For a moment, the world stood still. Finally, in one breath, it shattered into chaos. Nearby guards ran to help the Royal Family. A crown lay nearby, ejected from the carriage. The people screamed, frantically pushing others out of the way so they could save themselves. Other guards further away changed form, trying to control the stampede.
Reminds me of men of war back in the 18th/early 19th century, when they rang bells to indicate the time, because it was practically impossible to tell the time if you were moving across the world. So thos brought a reminiscent smile to my face almost. I'm really liking this world you've introduced so far. It seems very in-depth.
I love how you gave the imagery for the celebration, it was almost as if I was there...amazing 
I know he's old for his age, but.. yeah. I can talk to you about it, though.
