Today was the day the festival would commence. People had started to arrive at the court the day before, dressed to kill.

Business was booming as all species mostly wanderers, arrived for the hunting festivals. News of the future king participating had already spread far and wide.

Even the most remote dark elven villages in the gulf knew the news.

The council had gone all out and several kingdoms’ representatives had arrived.

The streets were bustling with people and there were stalls on every corner of the streets selling things from all four continents.

Traders had been permitted to sell and give just a small profit to the kingdom in exchange.

Children played happily around the square undisturbed with little to no worries. Soldiers stood at every corner of the street monitoring for a sign of danger or if a fight broke out.

Manipulators stood on standby ready to help if something went wrong.

Demons, humans, beastkin, and elves interacted on this rare occasion that happens only once every year. The fact that the dark elves had opened their gates and allowed other kingdoms to attend just made it better.

"My wife really went all out," Atheline said, looking down at the large group from the palace windows.

Rustling came from his right before two more people joined him on the large windows.

"This is actually the best thing that could have happened, " Helther said," the dark elven forests have one of the best hunts just right below the demonic continent."

"Really, is that why everyone responded to her invitations, this is just too many. The court feels too crowded now."

"Let’s forget about that, will you be joining the hunt?"

Atheline turned to the two. His brother and the prince.

"Of course."

"Of course, I heard there are treasures everywhere in these parts of the continent. I want to see what the hype is," Solaris said, light in his eyes.

Atheline could feel the anticipation rolling over them. As of now everyone was waiting for the reflective image stones to be activated and watch the introductions to start.

Lilith should have been the one to do it but she had been serious when she said she wasn’t going to participate unless something went wrong.

Winter was about to come while fall was almost at its end waiting for Atheline to be crowned. The mountains provided a shade to the sun, though it wasn’t bright but it reflected the different coloured image stones floating in the sky like lights.

The colours made everyone happier than they should have been when there were a lot of deaths during this period.

"Look, it’s starting," Atheline quietly said.

Just after he said that, a flash of light appeared in the sky calling for everyone’s attention. Soon hologramic screens appeared in many parts of the court.

Even those at the lower rings got theirs. There were also announcement devices appearing in major cities outside the court commentating on what was happening. This gave a little satisfaction to those unable to attend.

"Your highness," a voice reached him.

Atheline turned to see a servant standing by the door, head bowed slightly.

"Yes."

"You are required to present yourself before the council. The horse racing will start soon."

Atheline nodded.

"Thank you. Tell them I’ll be there in a fraction. "

The servant bowed and hurried away.

He glanced at the other two.

"We should get going before the speeches start."

"You’re the main character today... " Your highness," Helther said jokingly.

He reached out to Atheline but he skipped back avoiding his hands. He made his way to the door the two following behind him.

The blank hologramic screen blinked twice then it lit up, and below shouts vibrated through the Court everyone’s attention already stolen by the lighting image.

The excitement was infectious, even those who had no interest stopped and looked up. Below, a merchant sold portable chairs at exorbitant prices but people bought them despite the atrocious price and sat in the middle of the streets.

The anticipation for the opening speech from the Noble elder was too much. He was the one responsible for opening the first day of the hunting competition.

Louder cheers followed as the picture became clearer and the noble elder came into view.

He was dressed in dark traditional robes, carrying the aura of a leader. He walked to the middle of the makeshift stage, a kind but professional smile on his lips.

"People of the world, greetings. Our kingdom has gone through a challenging but beautiful change. We have moved away from our traditional views and have opened our gates for foreigners with love and acceptance."

Cheers vibrated through the court everyone agreeing with him. As an authority figure, the noble elder was just as revered as the queen. An older generation among the dark elves.

While the queen was the governing body and the ruler, he was akin to a spiritual leader second to Lilith, since she rarely attended such mundane functions.

"Isn’t he a little too excited, " Solaris said, whispering to Atheline who was seated beside him.

They had managed to change into their horse riding clothes and teleportated to the racing grounds since they were outside the courts.

Only a few had been allowed in the grounds hence the reflective magic.

"His youngest son will be participating, this is the best platform to establish his authority. "

"Over you?"

A forced chuckle escaped Atheline.

"As if. We are almost the same in strength. We are all age mates after all."

Solaris nodded.

"That is true."

The elder droned on.

"That is why this year’s festivals will be much grander than any other festival we have ever had. We are to celebrate the new addition in the royal family and the luck our queen happened to come upon. Even if we have lived hardened lives in this kingdom we have managed to survive and grow enough to welcome visitors into our homes. The Goddess has blessed us with abundance and has enabled our kingdom to flourish to what it was."

It was a heart-warming speech especially for those who knew the history of the dark elves and the problems they had faced just to survive.

"Our families and friends who shed blood to ensure this day would come will surely rejoice at what we have become. Dear citizens, this is a message from our beloved Queen, let us celebrate the week-long festivals in recognition of all their sacrifices and our victory against fate."

"Wow, that was passionate," Atheline said in an amused tone.

Beside him, Solaris chuckled.

"You’ll be in the spotlight in a few minutes."