"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.
Aaron leaned forward, curiosity written across his face. "So… what's the Reveal Festival all about? My family came here just for that."
Isabella's lips curved into a knowing smile. "It's a tradition as old as Alzaras itself. Before a princess can rule, she has to live as a commoner for three years. From the age of fourteen, she blends into society—no titles, no luxuries, no one knowing her true identity. It's the only way to understand the people she'll someday lead."
Estella leaned in, eyes sparkling. "And at seventeen—bam!—the big reveal. The whole city gathers, and for the first time, everyone sees who the princess really is."
Aaron raised an eyebrow. "Sounds… risky. Wouldn't someone leak their identity early? I mean, the internet exists."
Isabella chuckled softly. "Not here. During Reveal Week, our signal jammers silence every device in Alzaras. No cameras, no livestreams, no leaks."
Ishaan whistled. "So it's like Hogwarts with better WiFi security."
"That's not all," Isabella added, her tone turning serious. "Foreign guests must swear an oath of secrecy before leaving. If they break it, the World Justice Council comes after them. No one dares."
Aaron nodded slowly, though his eyes narrowed. "Convenient. Too convenient…"
Isabella tilted her head, catching his expression. "Skeptical, are we?"
"Let's just say," Aaron replied carefully, "I've learned that every tradition hides something."
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 question lingered in the air as if it could very well start or stop a new adventure that the brothers had no idea was about to start.