Aurora was a cheerful baby, and smiled often, which pleased her mother very much. As she reached the age of two months, preparations for the feast began to take up much of the village’s time. Harvests came in, and bonfires were erected in the fields. It was said that King Alaric would be in attendance. He would be heading for Italy soon, and it would be a great honor for Alexandru.

As the festival grew ever closer, many families began to arrive at the castle. Most were put up in lavish rooms, and given food to spare, but some of the more common people had to stay in town. There was simply no room for them all. King Alaric arrived only a few days before the feast, and many chambers in the castle were cleared for him and his queen, and their children.

Aurora was introduced to Alaric’s youngest son, though neither seemed very interested in one another, as they were both less than a year old. The day of the feast and presentation, Aurora was carted into town in a golden litter.

Everyone cheered.