Winter had embraced the entire capital. Snow weighed heavily on the rooftops, tree branches, and even the shop signs. The streets were covered in white, and the sound of crunching snow under the footsteps of passersby echoed through the air. People walked the alleys wearing woolen coats, warm hats, and long scarves. Mothers, with gentle hands, shielded their children's faces from the cold, and their breath steamed into the air like fading smoke.
Albert, his cheeks flushed from the cold, held the hand of his little sister, Sara, and walked with her among the bustling crowd. It had been a year since the day their lives changed forever—the day Princess Diana, with her kind heart, not only saved his sister's life but also created an opportunity for both of them to have a real life. Since that day, a deep sense of respect and loyalty had taken root in Albert's heart toward Diana; she was more than a princess to him—she had become a guardian angel.
Their layered warm clothes, worn but clean woolen gloves, and leather boots protected them from the harsh shivers of the past. They no longer needed to seek shelter from the cold under bridges or fill their empty stomachs with empty hopes. Life had taken on a new color.
Albert, with joyful eyes shining brightly, said to his sister:
"Today's the New Year's celebration! Everywhere is lit up, full of colors and lights! The streets are filled with happy, laughing people... I'm so excited. Sara, what do you think?"
Sara, her lips red from the cold but with a warm smile, replied:
"I'm really happy too, brother! We can wear our new clothes! I heard the streets are full of free treats, people are dancing, and there's music everywhere! I want to have lots of fun with you today."
Albert laughed, looking at her with affection, and said:
"Just be careful not to eat too many sweets, or your teeth will hurt again!"
Sara nodded seriously in her childish tone:
"Okay, I promise!"
Albert squeezed her hand and continued:
"But first, let's get some warm bread for breakfast. There's nothing better than fresh bread in this weather."
They walked together toward the local bakery. A long line of people stood in front of the shop, filled with the smell of hot, fresh bread. The sound of wooden paddles tapping inside the oven, the warm steam escaping from the bakery window, and the murmurs of the crowd gave the street a special atmosphere.
Albert patiently waited in line. Memories of past days flashed in his mind—the days he had to secretly steal bread to save his little sister from hunger. But today, with pride and no shame, he could buy it. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the counter. The baker, a chubby man with a thick mustache, smiled as he looked at Albert.
"Two loaves of bread, please."
The man picked up the breads with tongs and wrapped them in paper.
"That'll be two copper coins."
Albert respectfully placed the coins on the counter and put the warm bread in a cloth bag. The warmth of the bread could be felt through the bag.
On the way back home, the sounds of vendors, the bustle of people, and the scent of spices from the shops revived the spirit of the New Year market. Sara eagerly looked at the shop windows, where fabric dolls, colorful balloons, and paper lanterns were displayed.
When they reached their small home, Sara excitedly prepared the old wooden table. Albert placed the breads in a basket on the table. The metal kettle on the fireplace began to whistle, steam rising from it. Sara took the jam and butter from the cabinet and carefully arranged them on the table. The table was simple but full of warmth and love. Although small, their home was filled with peace. This was their real home.
Sara eagerly spread jam on the fresh bread and took a bite. Albert, holding a cup of tea, gazed at her. Sara's smile was more precious to him than gold. They were no longer hungry, no longer wearing torn clothes, no longer sleeping on the streets at night. All of this was thanks to a girl with a crown of kindness: Princess Diana.
Sara paused for a moment and asked:
"Do you think Diana will celebrate with us today too?"
Albert smiled softly and said:
"Probably tonight they're having a ceremony at the palace, with nobles from other cities. I don't think she'll come out."
Sara sighed, turning her gaze from the snow outside the window with sadness:
"But I wish I could celebrate with her..."
Albert stepped forward, took her hand, and said:
"You know what? When it gets crowded tonight, let's sneak closer to the palace. Maybe we'll get to see Diana from afar and wave to her together."
Sara's eyes sparkled:
"Really? Can we?"
Albert winked:
"Yes! But we have to be very careful, like spies!"
But before that, their duties were not yet done. Together, they began setting the New Year's table. According to ancient traditions, they carefully arranged the Haft-Seen items on the table: shiny red apples, gleaming coins in a small copper dish, eggs painted with childlike designs, a sprouted wheat grass that Sara had grown herself, a small goldfish swimming calmly in a bowl, fragrant sumac, and sweet senjed. The room was revived with these signs of spring.
As the evening grew darker, the sound of drums, string instruments, and singing echoed through the streets. Lanterns lit up, casting colorful lights from homes and shops. People wore new, colorful, and glittering clothes, smiling broadly, dancing, laughing, and offering sweets. Children ran around with bright lanterns.
Sara and Albert, dressed in their new clothes and holding hands, walked joyfully through the heart of the celebration. Sara laughed, ran, and played with other children, while Albert's heart warmed watching her happy face. Life was still hard, but now hope, warmth, and love filled their hearts.
And the night was just beginning...
Meanwhile, in the royal palace, nobles had gathered, all busy dancing and celebrating. Servants dressed in coordinated outfits moved silently around, serving guests.
The king and queen sat on their thrones. The king wore his crown proudly, looking confidently and excitedly at the celebration. The queen, with her tall head held high and a proud demeanor, sat beside the king as if looking down on others.
The celebration had reached its peak, and the nobles were chatting. Some tried to increase their status by conversing with high-ranking nobles, while others were simply passing time, attending the party for political reasons.
Next to the king and queen sat Princess Diana, the king's second child, about ten years old, dressed in blue and white. The eldest prince, Allurion, fifteen, wore red with golden robes, sitting confidently with a smirk. The youngest prince, Asterius, seven, dressed in emerald green, looked bored and occasionally yawned as he watched the party.
The hall had tall gilded ceilings with floating chandeliers, white marble columns decorated with magical engravings, and gentle music filled the air with various fragrances, creating a luxurious scene.
The king laughed heartily and turned to the queen:
"This celebration is truly beautiful, don't you think, my queen?"
The queen gave a faint smile:
"Yes, Your Majesty. It has been another year filled with your wise rule and endless kindness, blessing all our people. I hope the new year brings many successes for the kingdom, through your strong hands and wise mind."
The king laughed again, looking at the queen with love and affection:
"Your words are always like birdsong to me, full of love and kindness."
The king stood up, extended his hand to the queen, and said:
"May I have the honor of a dance, my queen?"
The queen smiled warmly and gently took the king's hand. They rose from their seats and moved to the center of the dance floor, holding hands. The nobles cleared the floor upon seeing the king and queen.
They began to dance, the music perfectly matching their every move. The nobles watched, standing silently. The king and queen danced with loving eyes fixed on each other, their dance like flames—warm but burning.
Diana watched her parents dance with excitement, her enthusiasm growing. Prince Allurion wore only a smirk, thinking about the day he would be the center of attention like his father. Prince Asterius, somewhat less bored, seemed to have his attention caught by something in the otherwise dull party.
After the king and queen's performance, everyone applauded, and the celebration rose to its peak once again.