The next morning, it was raining heavily. The trees were swaying gently while the water cascaded through the branches.
Everyone in the castle was rushing around frantically to finish all the preparations for the banquet. The servants, maids, and guards were getting ready. Some were cleaning up the messes and dust in the hallways.
Others were fixing up the decorations and paintings and setting up tables for the party. And lastly, others prepare breakfast for everyone.
In short, it was chaos.
Cyril sat by the dining table with his parents and sisters, eating his breakfast. He listened closely to what they said while eating.
It was important for him to take care of his manners because of his status, and his parents wouldn't allow him to act like the typical child of nobility.
His parents were discussing the guests they invited. It should be interesting for them. And then suddenly his father called his name.
"Cyril, my brave man"
"Yes, Father"
"Don't you remember tomorrow is your 18th birthday?"
That was the moment he remembered that he got a whole week off. He forgot all about it because he kept himself busy every day, going to the academy, studying, training, and sometimes doing chores.
However, tomorrow is his birthday and he had promised Eline that they would celebrate it together.
"Of course, I remember it"
"I have to say that you look good, young man," said the Duke. "I'm very proud of you."
Cyril blushed a little when his father complimented him. He smiled brightly at him and thanked him for all he had.
"My son, you've grown taller than me and look more handsome every day. I'm extremely happy that you're going to follow my steps"
"Thank you," replied Cyril politely. "I always wanted to follow in your footsteps someday."
"And you'll do great, trust me," said the Duke smiling broadly at his son.
"You have been training hard for so long and now you're almost done. I believe in you."
"Thank you, Father."
"How was the meeting yesterday with your advisor? Is everything going alright?" asked Lady Britt.
"Yes, mother. Everything was fine. But there was one problem that caused me to lose my temper. I don't know whether we should talk about it or not,"
admitted Cyril looking down.
"It was probably due to his stupidity."
"What kind of problem?" asked his mother worriedly. "Tell us what happened, Cyril"
"I guess, he was just trying to convince me that the recruits have to be properly trained to survive and I think it's useless to waste energy training young people like them before they get used to army life," Cyril answered with a sigh.
"Well, I agree with you that training them before fighting in battles is unnecessary, but I would like you to learn from him and learn from those mistakes," explained his father in a stern voice.
"He's not worth our respect. But if we will fight against the enemies tomorrow, we will need every advantage we can. This must become the foundation of your life. You must never expect your enemies will take things slow. We must be ready for anything so that we can defend against attack at any given time".
"Yes, Father," Cyril said solemnly, nodding.
Suddenly, his father gave him a small smile and patted his head affectionately.
"Remember the promises I made to you last year. I promised to make the biggest banquet in the whole empire for your 18th birthday, and I meant it. I hope you are ready." Duke Ruben said patting Cyril's head.
Cyril chuckled.
"Thank you. I promise to make you proud"
His father smiles in satisfaction.
"And I have good news."
"What is it?" Cyril asked excitedly.
Duke Ruben and Lady Britt look at each other for a brief moment and smiles. Eline also gives a mischievous smile. Cyril was confused looking at them.
"Princess Amandine will be attending your birthday banquet "
Cyril's face brighten up after hearing what his mother said. The fact that she mentioned "Princess Amandine "widens his eyes.
Almost everyone in the royal family noticed that Cyril has a thing for Princess Amandine. It's also noticeable that the princess favors him.
They haven't seen each other for about 3 months since Cyril's training had started. His Inauguration ceremony is just a few days after his birthday so Cyril was busy with all these things.
Princess Amandine is the only heir of the Kingdom. The truth is that Cyril likes Princess Amandine since the first time they met at the Royal Ball in Palace Courtyard. He noticed from the very beginning how pretty and intelligent she is.
She has a bright smile and deep brown eyes. She's very elegant and very graceful. He thinks she looks like someone who's in charge of ruling the kingdom, and he wants to be in charge of protecting her and her people.
"Thank you for telling me" Cyril replied to his mother bowing.
The rest of the day was busy with the preparation of the banquet. Cyril was very excited to finally be able to meet the princess again.
To be continued...