The Past, Alex' POV
***
In honor of my fourth birthday, a grand feast is being prepared.
The birthday party is about to start. All the influential people in our country have arrived; they are all waiting for me, and it seems that today I will be crowned crown prince. I am only four years old but my father has decreed that I would reign over this empire...
****
After dressing up, I walk down the aisle, greeting each person with a cheerful smile. At last, I reach the throne room where the celebration is being held.
I am in front of the door leading to the banquet hall. The doorman announces my presence as he opens the door. "The eldest prince of the Great Tierra, Alex Reyole De Frandes, has entered."
For my birthday I am wearing a gold-embroidered vest, with a white tunic and breeches below.
My hair is short and curly, silver, and tied up in a ponytail at the back of my head.
When I step into the center of the room, everyone stands up, applauding loudly. "Happy fourth birthday Prince Alex!"
They shower me with gifts: fine clothes, jewels, money... And there's one more gift in particular which I am very happy to receive tonight. It's from my mother. She has provided me with a new sword, made of solid steel, and decorated with silver inlay. The blade is so sharp that it can cut through stone without difficulty.
"My son," said my mother, smiling proudly, "Happy fourth birthday, my lovely son."
"Thank you, Mother!" I say, bowing slightly.
The concubines with their children were sitting with my mother. The first concubine had her son and daughter with her, the second concubine had her daughter with her whereas the third concubine had her son with her. The children seems to be enjoying the banquest as they were smiling brightly under the bright light.
I stand in front of my father. My father, the emperor, looks down at me as he stands on his throne. He says, "Son! Happy birthday!"
As I approach him he extends his hand. I shake it and bow my head slightly. I say, "Thank you for coming today."
"I'm glad to be here," replied my father. "It's a blessing that we're celebrating together on such an auspicious occasion." His eyes look over the room and take note of all those present. I follow his gaze and see all the dignitaries gathered around the birthday table. They smile politely as they greet each other.
From across the room, I heard someone call out, "Happy Birthday!"
A miniature doll-like girl with light blue hair runs forward. She says, "Happy birthday, Prince!" Her face lights up when she sees me. A man standing nearby smiles at her and says, "Happy birthday Prince Alex. I am Duke Nicolas Flor Espada and this is my daughter Rose Flor Espada. "
"Hello Duke and Rose" I replied.
Due to the girl's fascination with the banquet and her interest in exploring the hall on her own, the duke asked me and left to find her on his own.
I turn away from the child and begin to walk through the crowd. Everyone turns to watch me pass by.
When I reach the birthday table I sit beside my mother.
"How did you like your presents?" asked my mother.
"It's magnificent," you reply.
She nodded approvingly. "Yes, it certainly is and you will receive a surprise in a while."
She sits back and watches the festivities unfold before her.
The party has begun.
Around the birthday table, conversations flow freely. From time to time, a toast is raised or a joke is made. Toasts are always made forthe emperor and empress' health.
Jokes are often told about my father's younger brother, the prince regent.
As the guests laughed and drank their fill, the servants brought food to the table. The most delicious delicacies are prepared: roasted lamb; steamed clams in butter sauce; freshly baked breads with rich toppings.
Mother takes a bite of everything. But she won't eat more than half of it. She had already eaten so much that day.
Suddenly, there's a commotion at the front door. It opens and a group of musicians enter the room. They set up their instruments and begin to play. Their music draws attention from everyone. They tune their instruments and begin with the familiar strains of "Hail to the Victor."
Many of the guests stand up and raise their glasses high. They wave their hands in the air and cheer as the musicians continue to play.
Then the emperor rises from his throne, and his voice booms across the room. "Let us give thanks to God!"
At this command, the guests lower their glasses and bow their heads. The emperor begins to speak.
"I thank you all for joining me at my birthday celebration," he says. "And now, I would like to share some words with you all."
" I will announce that Prince Alex is officially crowned as crown prince today. And I will also announce the engagement between Duke Nicolas' daughter Rose and Crown Prince Alex."
When he is finished speaking, the guests rise to their feet again.
One of the guests shouts, "Cheers to that!". A toast is raised to the announcement of the emperor.
***
The cake was bought for the main event. As I cut the cake, everyone clapped.
Within an instant, while everyone was focusing on me, a servant clutching a blade charged toward the empress.