Prince Merick enters the castle together with his guards and Chief Knight, Ethan. It's evident that Merick missed his home so much. He has been on a voyage for 3 years, trying to explore the world to gain experience as preparation for his kingship since it is expected for the first-born son to inherit the throne.
"Sir Ethan, someday, this whole castle shall be under my rule, isn't it?" Prince Merick speaks in a boastful yet playful manner.
"Indeed, Prince Merick, for you are the only son of King Silas," Ethan replies.
"When that time comes, I'll make sure that you'll be holding the highest position in Knighthood, as reward for your undying loyalty to me," Prince Merick says.
"All the men in the kingdom will envy you, and all the women will adore you."
Ethan smiles with what Prince Merick uttered. Then he responds, "It's my pleasure to fight and die by your side, my prince."
The two continue walking inwards the castle. As they reach the hallway, Prince Merick is met by an overly excited Princess Mizhka. She is followed by Leilah.
"My brother!" Princess Mizhka exclaims as she runs towards and hugs him.
"Oh! My lovely sister, I have missed you the most!" Prince Merick says as he happily carries and swings her sister playfully. As he puts her down, Prince Merick's attention is caught by Leilah's fascinating charm.
"It's also a pleasure to see you again, young maid," Merick tells Leilah.
Leilah bows down to the prince, "Welcome back, Prince Merick!"
"Brother, I can't wait to hear all your stories about your adventure," says Princess Mizhka.
"Of course! I will tell you everything," he swiftly replies.
Their conversation will be interrupted when Queen Arida, their mother, comes in to greet her son. Although age is already evident to her, beauty has not yet faded from her face.
"Merick! My son!" she exclaims, "welcome back!"
Merick hugs his mother and says, "thank you mother! It's good to see you again!"
"My twins, I'm happy to both see you together again. There's nothing more precious for a mother than to see her children all safe and sound," says queen Arida.
Princess Mizhka and Prince Merick are both touched by what their mother said. Ever since they were young, the twins are really close. They are each other's best friend. Since Princess Mizhka is not allowed to go out of the castle, Prince Merick would always sneak in to her room and tell her all the stories in the outside world. However, Prince Merick decided to go on a voyage, which saddens Princess Mizhka, but she knew and understood it was for the best. They claim that even distance is between them, they feel each other's emotions.
Aztec suddenly comes in.
"Prince Merick, welcome back to Armadonia!" says Aztec as he bows down.
"Thank you, sir Aztec," Prince Merick replies.
"I don't wish to interrupt, but the king has already asked for you to prepare yourselves because the festivity is about to commence," Aztec continues.
The queen replies, "Mizhka, Merick, it's probably best to continue the talk some other time. In the meantime, let's get ourselves prepared for the festivity."
Princess Mizhka and Prince Merick agrees. They hurriedly leave the hallway and separated ways.
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"Behold! The King of Aramdonia is here! Bow to King Silas!"
The king slowly walks towards his throne, escorted by the queen. Everyone bows down. The women are all cautious not to look at the king's face. As he reaches the throne, he faces the people, mostly composed of men.
"Armadonians, it is such a delight to hold such festivity for the 18th natal day of my beloved children," King Silas starts to speak. "It is such an honor to present to you today, the blossoming of my son and daughter, the twins of Armadonia, Prince Merick, and Princes Mizhka!"
The twins enter the royal hall by each other's side. They both look stunning and striking in their royal suits. Everyone is in awe over the siblings.
"Merick, it's such an honor to share this eventful day with you," Princess Mizhka says while she gracefully smiles to the crowd.
Prince Merick holds her sister's hand in his arm as they continue their ceremonial walk. While walking in the hallway, Merick catches a glimpse of Leilah who is serving some guests in the crowd. Leilah catches him looking, she looks away awkwardly. The twins reaches the throne, and bows down to the king as a sign of respect. The king touches their heads as sign of blessing, then the twins stand up and face the people.
"Let the feast begin!" King Silas bellows.
And so the celebration begins. Princess Mizhka and Prince Merick dance to a classic music together with a group of other boys and girls. After a while, everyone is socializing with each other while feasting on served food and beverages.
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Princess Mizhka and Prince Merick are wandering off the castle, reminiscing their childhood years.
"I remember having so much fun as a child," Princess Mizhka says. "There was so much happiness and…freedom."
Princess Mizhka turns sad again.
"Mizhka, cheer up, this is supposed to be a joyous celebration," Prince Merick says.
"I'm sorry brother, I just can't help but wonder what happened to our father. He used to be a man of virtues. He was just and kind, so far from who he became as he inherited the throne from our grandfather," Princess Mizhka tearfully expounds.
"Everyone has his own reason," Prince Merick responds. "He must've had a good reason to change."
"I hope you don't become like him when you become the king."
"When I become the king, I'll make sure that you get all the things you deserve in life."
The two hug each other.
Aztec then comes in and call for them, "Prince Merick and Princess Mizhka, you must now return to the royal hall. The king is making an important announcement."
The two are puzzled with what Aztec said. They make their way to the royal hall.
As the two reaches the royal hall, the people are already gathered, waiting for the king's message. The prince and the princess approaches the king.
"Oh, my children you're here!" King Silas exclaims.
"Stay still, for I have a surprise for you, especially for you my princess."
Princess Mizhka looks confused because she thought Prince Merick is the surprise his father is talking about.
King Silas talks to the people, "Today, my people, I am announcing the marriage of my daughter!"
Everyone is abuzz. Princess Mizhka is aghast. She asks, "What are you talking about, father? I haven't given my heart to any man, how can you be talking about my marriage?"
The king just grins at her. Princess Mizhka stares at Queen Arida as if asking her about what is happening. Queen Arida just looks at Princess Mizhka with pity. She can't do anything about it. Princess Mizhka then looks at Prince Merick, but Prince Merick is quite baffled as well.
"Armadonians, the prince of Gibraltar has arrived."
Everyone looks at the door when an announcement was made.
"Welcome, Prince ZIdane!"
Princess Mizhka and Prince Merick are shocked as Prince Zidane enters the royal hall.
END OF CHAPTER 2