Return of a favour

“So, if you don’t mind me asking,” Aaron started, his brow furrowed with a mix of curiosity and confusion, “what were you two doing in such a sketchy alley? It’s kind of strange for locals to wander there.”

Isebella shifted slightly, a flicker of intrigue dancing in her eyes. “Well, we were on a hunt for this hidden gem of a cafe,” she replied, her voice almost too calm, considering the circumstances. “We took a wrong turn down that alley, and before we knew it, we found ourselves in a bit of a pickle. And then, while we tried to make our escape, I twisted my ankle. Classic, right?”

Aaron couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at her nonchalance. There was something enigmatic about her demeanour, almost like she was relishing the story more than she was letting on.

As they all settled into a cosy booth at the nearby cafe—a quaint little spot suggested by Ishaan, who had stumbled upon it while gathering snacks and supplies—an air of casual camaraderie began to weave between them. It was an unexpected twist to the day, but something was thrilling in the uncertainty that lingered as they shared their stories.

“So, what’s the deal with this cafe anyway?” Aaron probed, leaning in with genuine interest. “Is it that special, or just another ‘hidden gem’?”

Isebella exchanged a glance with Ishaan, and a small smile crept onto her face. “Let’s just say, some places have secrets of their own,” she teased, inviting more questions than answers, leaving the air thick with unspoken intrigue.

As the afternoon sun dipped low in the sky, laughter and chatter filled the air. The girls, now feeling more at ease, decided to take Aaron and Ishaan on a little tour of the bustling marketplace nearby.

Curious about the local traditions, Aaron couldn’t help but ask, “What’s this reveal festival all about? My family and I came here specifically to learn more.”

Isebella smiled, happy to share. “Well, it's a crucial part of our culture! You see, before a princess ascends the throne, she must face numerous challenges—part of which involves living among the common people. Their identities remain a mystery; the public doesn’t know what they look like. It’s a rite of passage—they live as commoners for three years, starting at age 14, to truly understand the lives of those they will someday rule. It's believed that a ruler should govern not from a pedestal but as a member of society."

Estella chimed in, “Once the princesses turn 17, they are revealed to the world, but the unveiling only happens here in Eldoria. The secret is closely guarded; only the people of Eldoria—and a few fortunate foreign visitors—ever get to see their true faces and understand their identities.”

“Wait,” Ishaan interrupted, raising an eyebrow, “isn’t there a risk? I mean, they’d become internet sensations in no time!”

Isebella chuckled, “That’s where our special jamming system comes in. It temporarily blocks all signals, so electronic devices become useless during the reveal. Afterwards, the princesses head abroad for a year to learn about other cultures, ensuring they are well-rounded leaders.”

Aaron looked impressed but still sceptical. “But what if someone tells a secret?”

“Ah, that’s the catch,” Isebella said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Before leaving, all foreign guests must take a vow of secrecy. If anyone dares to break it, they face severe penalties from the World Justice Council. It’s a serious commitment, so information usually stays protected, and once they turn 18 and ascend the thrones, they are then revealed to the public.”

The girls exchanged eager glances, their pride in their unique traditions evident. As they continued to wander through the vibrant marketplace, the importance of the festival—rooted deeply in their culture—hung in the air like a treasured secret waiting to be discovered by the world.

"I see; intriguing, a multitude of challenges indeed," Aaron remarked, his voice steady, yet his gaze drifted elsewhere. Thoughts swirled in his mind, pulling him into deeper contemplation. "They spoke as if this knowledge flowed through them effortlessly, too detailed, too precise... Am I overthinking it? Perhaps. Yet, an unsettling curiosity gnawed at him. What secrets lie beneath their polished words?"

The marketplace buzzed with life, wrapping the afternoon in a blend of colours, scents, and laughter. Estella tugged Ishaan from stall to stall, her excitement overflowing in every step. Ishaan, who usually hung back a little, matched her energy this time, bouncing from shop to shop like they were kids let loose from school, arms loaded with trinkets, tasty snacks, and half-finished haggles.

Aaron, on the other hand, strolled at a slower pace. His eyes scanned the lively scene—fluttering silks, glowing lanterns, and the vibrant shouts of vendors mixed with the smell of roasted spices. He took it all in quietly, hands shoved in his pockets, though he couldn’t shake off the slight stiffness in his posture.

Isabella stepped closer, curiosity twinkling in her eyes. “You’re quieter than your brother,” she remarked, tilting her head with a smile.

Aaron gave a small, almost shy smile back. “I’m not the best at chatting with strangers. Usually, Ishaan does all the talking for both of us. He’s my go-to guy for that. I just like to listen.”

“Yeah, I noticed that back by the fountain,” Isabella replied, her voice warm. “But you know, even if you don’t talk much, you still stepped up when it mattered. You helped us, and that says a lot.”

Aaron looked away, warmth creeping up his ears despite himself. “It wasn’t a big deal.”

As they continued walking, the sky changed from blue to shades of amber and violet. They eventually found themselves near the inn where the brothers’ family was staying. The girls slowed down, exchanging glances like they were on the brink of something.

“Wait!” Estella said suddenly, her eyes lighting up. “Before we head in—there’s something we need to ask.”

Aaron raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. Isabella chimed in, looking serious. “You saved us today. Honestly, if not for you, things could have gone south. We can’t just brush that off. So—how can we repay you?”

“There’s no need,” Aaron replied, his voice steady. “We did what anyone decent would do.”

But Estella shook her head, determined. “Still, we believe in repaying our debts. It’s bad luck to leave things unsettled. If we can help, we want to.”

Just as Aaron opened his mouth to insist again, Ishaan jumped in with a broad grin. “How about you give us a tour?”

Both Aaron and Estella blinked in surprise. “Huh?” Aaron exclaimed.

Ishaan spread his arms as if it were the most obvious idea ever. “Think about it! Our parents won’t be able to explore before Reveal Week, and once the ceremonies start, we won’t have time to sightsee. What better way to enjoy the days we have than with locals showing us around?” He leaned closer to Aaron, a playful glint in his eye. “Plus, we’ll save a ton! No tourist fees.”

Aaron narrowed his eyes, trying to hide his bemusement. “You’re impossible.”

“I know!” Ishaan shot back, grinning.

Now both brothers looked to the sisters, anticipation buzzing in the air. Estella crossed her arms, deep in thought, while Isabella tapped her chin, her face giving nothing away. The moment hung in the air, thick with suspense.

Would they say yes?

The answer balanced on a knife’s edge, waiting to be revealed...