Cecile hugged her wiping away her tears.
"Cecile, what's this?"
"That's your outfit for the royal banquet. Although I wished it was a dress this time."
"I'm fine with pants or a suit. Besides, it's a Knights' awards ceremony. It will be comfortable to walk in."
"Even so you look more beautiful in a dress. Like that day."
-"That day?"
She recalled the day when she turned back in time.
"Yes, that day was special." She mumbled smiling.
"Right! I almost forgot about Jack."
"Milady. Should I prepare clothes for your friends?"
"Friends?"
"Sir Jack and Sir Nine," she replied in a hurry.
"Well...yes, please take care of it for me."
"Yes, I will. Please allow me."
She hurried out of the room.
-"The banquet...is tomorrow."
"Tch!"
The clouds drifted off with a cool breeze as winter made way.
The new soldiers lined up with a protocol to the royal palace. The highest-ranking officers and nobles were invited to the banquet.
Charles gazed out at the carriages from the porch outside his room.
"The demon lords finally arrived." He chuckled.
"Your grace everything is set."
"Good to hear that."
The servants bowed and left the room silently.
"It's time I made an appearance." He drank a glass of champagne and departed for the banquet hall.
Evening drew in as Sloane waited outside the guest quarters for the boys. Nine came out of his room greeting her.
"You took your time well." She crossed her arms.
"I apologize for making you wait."
"Well, I am going to let you off since we have some time on our hands.
" What about the lord?"Nine asked puzzled.
"Father and Yulia departed a long time ago. It's just us. Where is Jack?"
-"As usual he has to attend conferences in the palace."
"He...is still in his room milady."
He avoided looking at her afraid that she was pissed off.
Sigh*
She took a few steps forward and knocked on the door.
"Jack are you ready?"
The door slowly creaked open and the boy came out of the room.
His lifeless indigo eyes showed no interest in anything other than grieving over the death of his mother.
He slightly nodded but kept his gaze low.
"The outfits suit you two."
She looked at them. The three of them wore matching outfits.
-"Good job Cecile."
Nine placed his hand on Jack's shoulder to comfort him.
—————————
ROYAL PALACE OF ATLANTA...Conference room.
"How much has the investigation progressed so far Lord Valentino?" The King sitting on his high chair inquired Sebastian who looked at him with contempt.
"Rest assured your highness you won't be disappointed. We have actively progressed in this operation."
The King burst into laughter while Charles sat grinning.
"Good, good.As expected of my son.Ahahaha!"
-"This blonde bastard doesn't know how to react. And who is he calling his son?"
Azriel had been thinking the same thing as him. He was pretty much annoyed by these meetings.
Most of the state's work was done by his subjects. Whereas the military affairs were handled by the holy swords of the kingdom.
"Sire I propose we expand security at the Nethi-Atlantan borders."
"I agree with Lord Valentino My lord." the court agreed with Sebastian.
Azriel was obviously at the neglected prince's side.
"And how are you planning to do it?"
"Please leave it to me. I have devised a plan for this matter."
—–——————
The carriage arrived by sunset at the Palace.
The three knights to-be boarded off the carriage and climbed up the steps of the White Palace.
The building was majestic as they entered it Nine and Jack looked around with awe. They never dreamed of entering this place in their lives.
However, her case was the opposite. She was reminded of the bitter past in this dark place.
The only thing she admired was the grand portrait of the late queen.
-"There it is."
She stopped in front of the mystic painting. Wavy blonde hair that reached the knees and those crystal blue eyes that showed gentleness. Her smile was perfect which only reminded her of her mother.
"The queen is like a reincarnation of the saintess," Jack said.
"Yes, she looks like her."
The painting was similar to the one at the temple of Yvonne and her mother.
"I see the last ones have arrived."
The familiar voice but what sounded unpleasant to Sloane's ears. They turned around only to find the sly-crowned prince approaching them.
They offered their greetings by humbling themselves to him.
"Greetings your highness the crowned prince the future light of Atlanta."