"Brilliant! I am so excited with your marriage, I can't wait to see my handsome nephew tie the knot with his husband! Thank you my dear for always looking after your aunt. See you then, I will wear the most beautiful dress for your wedding day! Have a great morning my dear. I miss you, always remember that aunt is always with you. Bye Bye!" my aunt Ma. Catherine who's the current Duchess of Akazia said while hanging off her phone. She's the godmother who protected me when i open my personality to the world. I still remember when my father come back from that Annual Offering Week.
"What on earth is happening? Why did you do that? How will we face the outside world? What will others think of us? of you?!" my father said in his angry voice. I don't even know what to say and where to start talking with his many questions.
He immediately called me for a private conversation right after he arrived from Ayatullah. "I almost lost my face while standing in front of the Royal Families of the kingdom!" he added when my grandmother entered the room followed by my mother holding several news papers.
"What's this??" my grandmother said while trying to calm my father. "Your most precious grandson has done evil things behind us! He never thought of the implications of his actions to the royal family and the country! He disrespects the royal family, our great ancestors, the people and the country! He is a big shame to us all!" my father shouted at me. "Your majesty forgive me for this upbringing of our crown prince." My mother uttered with a crying voice. "You should take a rest first and let's talk about this when we are all settled to listen and talk as family. You should be saying those words against your son who managed the kingdom well in your absence." my grandmother said. "But how can i rest when he keeps silent of all these happenings? After he puts me in a very shameful situation? Am i worth enough to face the people with this?" My father answered. "The national newspaper and other countries' publications covered our situation." my mother seconded while showing some magazines.
My father suddenly turned at me and sked me, "What now? Do you have plans after all these things that you did?" he asked me. "I will be asking forgiveness to our people and the country and I will also give my official statement regarding this your majesty." I answered with a shaking voice. "What will you tell them? That I am an evil prince? That I do not respect our cultures and norms? Forgive me?" my father said. "Constantine?! Your talking to your son, your successor. How can you just uttered those lines? Does it help the situation my son?" grandmother said. I am really afraid for i only heard her mention my father's name when she's seriously uncomfortable with the situation and the manner of discussion.
I feel like i am committing the most serious sin in the world that time. "Let's listen to the sentiments of our people, talk to the House of Ayatullah, and we will give our official statement. I know both of the kingdoms where dragged by this issue." my grandmother suggested. "Always remember that we are family, we have gone through many troubles in generations but the Royal Household remains respected across the land. Everything will be better." she added. "Our case is much different from Ayatullah your majesty, ours concerned the future king of Baltimore." my father said. "That's what worries me a lot that I can't even calm my thoughts. I don't want others to look down at my son and the kingdom." he added.
I don't understand why i suddenly burst my emotions after hearing those words from my father. "Whatever he is, he is my son. Before he becomes the heir to the Baltimore's throne, he is our only child, and the best gift we received." he continued. "I have known this already and i give him my blessings for I know he is happy with this too. It took me several months to understand what's happening. I can't see any lapses in his work, he projected the kingship of a kingdom at a very young age. As his grandmother, i lived with him, i saw how he tried his best to be the best of this kingdom. I can't say stop doing it and it never come to my mind to hinder his happiness." my grandmother explained.
"Let's invite the house of Ayatullah for a private meeting in Los Angeles Castle as soon as possible to discuss about our situation for our official statement then." my father said. "As for now, you keep your heads up and show that this issue didn't affect you my dear. Let us hope and pray that this will be understood by the people." my grandmother advised me.
I left my parents and my grand mother in the Library. I immediately asked my secretary to call Prince Raphael while heading to my palace. "Your majesty, his phone can not be reached as of now. I have already tried calling him several time." he updated me. I am so depressed by this situation. I felt like the royal family of Ayatullah had forbid Raphael to talk to me nor meet me. Several days passed and this situation still leads the publications in the land. Many gives their discomfort, shocks, opinion. Some publicly criticizes the kingdom and house of Ayatullah. Many others also blamed prince Raphael for playing with my very humble and earthly emotions. Some also said that this is a plot for Ayatullah to gain control of the Baltimore's throne. Many transactions concerning economic development in Ayatullah had also been suspended and cancelled.
I never think of this to happen, but despite all these negative news and assumptions of the people, the house of Ayatullah have been silent and maintain their integrity. Until one morning while we are having our breakfast in the King's Palace. "Your majesty, we have a Royal Messenger from the Kingdom of Akazia." My father's secretary whispered. I look at my mother with curiousity. It has been years since I heard the presence of a Royal Messenger visiting Westbledon.
We all went to the Royal Hall after the breakfast to welcome the messenger and see what's with him. My mother seemed restless while seating in her throne. Everyone was intrigue why the King of Akazia sent his personal secretary accompanied by several generals. The messenger come and handed the sealed red envelope to my father's secretary. My father reads the message silently then look at me. My heart suddenly beat faster. "King Felomino send this message asking for you to visit and stay with them for the time being." he said.
I don't know why that message gives some relieved from the pressures I and the family is pacing now. "Accompany our visitors to their quarters as we discuss of this matter. We will get back to you as soon as possible." My father ordered his secretary.
"Your father wanted a visit from your son." my grandmother told my mother who's smiling. "Yes your majesty. It has been almost five years since our prince visited his mathernal relatives." my mother answered.
"I want to know what's your opinion crown prince?" my father asked. "I am happy to be with my mother's family for the time being your majesty." I answered.
Outside Westbledon, people have different opinion and asking why did the Kingdom of Akazia sent its Royal Batallion to Baltimore. Many speculated that a war is about to happen. Soe are thinking that the Kingdom of Akazia condemned my relationship with Raphael. This news reached the House of Ayatullah.
"Your majesty please give me my phone, i want to know what's happening in Westbledon. I need to know your majesty." "I am begging you mother." Prince Raphael requested his parents. "My Prince, let this issue subside and we will talk to the royal family of Baltimore later on. Let them handle this." His mother answered. "Our Kingdom had suffered so much because of this affair you entered to. It was misinterpreted by others and started distrusting us, listen to us for the good of you." His father advised kim. "But why did the Kingdom of Akazia sent 10 thousand of its troops in Baltimore? Why did the elite troops entered their kingdom? I don't want to see Baltimore in war because of me and James." He said with a worried voice.
"My son, that will never happen. The Royal Family of Akazia is Prince James' mathernal family. Queen Cecilia is the eldest daughter of King Felomino of Akazia, maybe its a family matter so we must respect them." Queen Roanne explained to Prince Raphael.
Back in Westbledon, "Your grandfather sent thousands of Royal Armies to accompany you and for your safety travel. He said in his message that the royal envoy will not return in his kingdom without you." My mother informed me. "Your majesties, we heard of such rumors about the presence of Akazia's military in the kingdom, about condemnation of his majesty's situation." My father's secretary informed us. "I have just talked with King Felomino on phone and he did all of this because he is worried of possible uncertain events on your way to Akazia. He said, My Tiger must be safe." my grandmother informed us.
After two days, I prepared my things for a long vacation to my mother's land. I remember how they took good care of me when Baltimore is in uncertain position. "I have ordered your elite royal guard to accompany always wherever and whenever you are in Akazia. Baltimore will send Twenty Thousand of its troops to be garrisoned in Akazia while you spend your days their." My father informed me. "I will be missing my dear grandson. You call me everyday okay? Be healthy always." My grandmother uttered while hugging me. "You keep an eye with our Crown Prince always." she instructed my secretaries.
The main gate of Westbledon opened and five royal carriages comes out. I have mixed emotions while leaving Westbledon. I am worried of what I have brought to the royal family at the same time I am badly missing Prince Rapahels' voice. But behind all of this, i am smiling because I will be meeting my grandfather and my beautiful aunt, Ma. Catherine.
Many people lined up and bowed their heads as my carriage passed by escorted by hundreds of elite troops from Akazia and Baltimore. I saw kids, man, woman, all folks of life.
As our convoy enters the lands of Sour, I saw many people waving flowers and some bowing their heads to us. "I have heard that this convoy has been one of the largest in terms of escorts and military guards your majesty." my secretary said. "This is how you were loved by your family your majesty. You were respected by all people of the land too." he added. My secretary thought that i am depressed by my situation.
Military troops of the Kingdom of Sour welcomed my convoy and secured the Valley of Wei where we camped for the night. I was sitting and reading in my royal tent when my secretary entered. "Your majesty, Westbledon had issued a statement just his afternoon that the Crown Prince of the Kingdom will be on vacation to the Kingdom of Akazia upon King Felomino's order to ease the speculations about condemnation and misinterpretation of your travel. "Our people maybe worried about me." I answered. "Yes your majesty, I have observed the faces of the people while we are on our way. Many seemed to be worried of you your majesty." my secretary seconded.
After spending a night in the Valley of Wei in Kingdom of Sour, we set off to continue my five days travel. The Generals of Akazia and Baltimore accompanying me had suggested to continue my travel even at night for the mountainous ways in the village of Repu of Sour is not safe for camping. I agreed after they assured me that the forty five thousand of troops are all okay to travel. We reached the first valley of the Kingdom of Tleste and decided to camped in the Valley of Cit, a territory of the Kingdom of Eastern Land near the Yle River. I enjoyed the scenery.
While in my travel, Prince Raphael gets sick. "Your majesty, this is of over fatigue." the royal physician told Queen Roanne. "I think we should give him his phone your majesty. It was a gift from Prince James and I think they should at least know their whereabouts." Prince Reuz suggested to his father. "Do you accept your brother with this? Shall we support him?" his father asked him. "Raphael has been more cautious and more responsible since he met Prince James. He is happy as well. I think we must accept this. He is a man of his words and he stands with his decisions in life." Prince Reuz answered. "Then let us give him his phone once he gets well." the King replied.
Finally, i have concluded my travel as I enter Zambiza, the capital of Akazia. I am really amazed by how the people of Akazia welcomed me with dancing and celebrations in the streets. I saw my beautiful aunt when my carriage is opened. She looks like my mom and waving her hands with her big smile. Beside her is my grandfather the King, standing. A dignified man.
I walk towards them to give my respect, i bowed to my grandfather and aunt. "Crown Prince James Reynold give respects to the King." "My Big Tiger is finally home! Let's all celebrate!" My grand father ordered!
I am treated as the most valued prince in the Kingdom of Akazia. My aunt run towards me and hugged me! She kissed me too! "Oh i missed my boy! You miss you beautiful aunt?" she asked. "Catherine, you're in the hall." my grand father uttered while looking at the crowed. "I miss him a lot. My baby boy is here! I am very happy. I will accompany you in your palace okay?" she said. "Generals of Akazia, my appreciation for accompanying our prince. You look for the settlement of the troops from Akazia. I welcome you all in your second home." My grand father said with authority.
While in my palace, "My baby boy? I have hard about Prince Raphael's bravery. He is so sweet." my aunt uttered with a big smile in her face. "I know you well since your kid, you have a soft heart, caring and sweet one." she added. "Aunt? thank you so much" I answered and hugged her. "Don't think too much about it okay? I will always be here for you. Don't listen to those you will hear while you're here okay?" she added.
My grandfather visited me in my palace. "My Big Tiger is really a man now!" he said while looking at me. "I know you will be the most respected king of Akazia someday. Your grandfather misses you a lot. I will send hundreds of thousands of troops next time to kidnapped you from Baltimore if you're always busy their." he said and laugh. "Your majesty." i replied with a big smile. "Grandfather? You said I will be king of Akazia but my father said I will be king of Baltimore too." I uttered. "This is the reason why i called you here, I am announcing to the world that starting tomorrow, you're the Heir to the throne of Akazia." he answered. "Did aunt Catherine agreed to this? How's my Baltimore?" I confusedly ask. He replied with a smile.
After our dinner, my aunt accompanied me in my palace. She brings my favorite snacks and come to my bedroom. She always do this every time I am in Akazia. She never leave me until i fall sleep. She was preparing some fruits when "Aunt?" i asked. "Yes my dear? have you called your mom and grandmother?" she answered. "I am confused why will grandfather announced me as his successor?" I asked. Then she started explaining.
"When I heard about your affair with Prince Raphael, I was shocked. Father even get sick. He was worried of how will people treat you after knowing this. He is against of this affair. But I said, you know what you're doing. You have the Akazian Spirit with you. You're a loving person. We always talk about you every single time. I have suggested that you must gain more power for people not to mock you and treat you with disrespect. Father asked me to think of the best options. I presented a scenario that you're the Crown Prince of Baltimore being the only child of the Kingdom. I think of this many times. I am unmarried and have no kid, so I told father to get you here and announced to the world that you're the heir to the Throne of Akazia too. In that way, people will think of your responsibility, of your power, of you influence before they could think of your affair with Prince Raphael."
"But aunt, will you be okay with it?" I asked. "I will be okay for as long as you are okay my dear. You're the most precious gift our family has. Your safety and security matters above all." she answered with a big smile.
I am thankful for having a supportive aunt like her. She's so selfish for my own sake. The following day,
"To all the people of the Kingdom of Akazia, across its bountiful lands and territories! Let it be known that I, King Felomino III, officially crowned my only grandson, Prince James Reynold as the Heir to the Throne of Akazia in addition to his present official title!"
It was announced in all parts of the country. This news shocked all the kingdoms in the land, including my country, Aseana and all its kingdoms including Baltimore and Ayatullah.
"My daughter, Princess Ma.Catherine will be the Duchess of Akazia." my grandfather added. My aunt look at me with shock and a big smile.
When I had the chance to seat and have come rest, my secretary came "Your Majesty, your phone has been ringing since this morning. The Queen Mother and Prince Raphael is also calling too."
I just hope that this will helped me be accepted by the people in the land. May they accept and permit my relationship with Prince Raphael. I wish that they will become like my aunt.