The people of bloodstone gathered together at the crane castle to witness a very important day in bloodstone. The elder ministers and guardians of the bloodstone were all present.
The royal family sat in their positions at the high corner of the open ground. Everyone was excited and some were even nervous. They came to witness the second son of the crane house draw his soul essence from the bloodstone.
"Attention everyone," the prime minister called and everywhere became quiet. He continued, "we have gathered here today to finally witness the soul essence of our second prince. The king will begin the ceremony."
Everyone remained quiet as the king stood up to address the people.
"Greetings to the people of Bloodstone" king Maximilian began, "I'm honoured to have you all here to celebrate the soul essence of my second son, prince Markus crane"
"Markus," the king called and a young boy of eleven stepped out.
"My lord" the boy bowed.
"Go on Markus, I know you won't disappoint me." King Maximilian said as he patted the boy.
The boy bowed once more and walked out into the middle of the field.
Meanwhile, the royal family sat in their positions as they watched.
"You seem relaxed lady Genevieve," Vivian, the second wife of the crane house commented looking at her senior wife.
Genevieve chuckled, "I have no reason to be nervous, my son Markus would surely draw his soul essence."
"Still," Vivian continued, "we had all thought the same when the ceremony was conducted for prince Viktor but he had failed to connect with the bloodstone"
Genevieve smiled at Vivian, "you worry too much lady Vivian, you forget that Markus is not the son of a slave like the cursed prince."
"Gosh" Queen mother Emilia sighed, she was the mother to king Maximilian crane, "you ladies love to gossip a lot, don't you?"
"Why mother?" Genevieve said, "it's true that he is cursed, he's fifteen and is yet to draw his soul essence."
Genevieve smiled, her eyes falling on the first prince who sat away from them. She clicked her tongue in mock pity as she said, "if only he wasn't the son of a slave."
"Genevieve!" The queen mother called and lady Genevieve offered her a smile.
Viktor sat quietly as his ears heard everything that was said. If he was bothered, he didn't show it as his face remained indifferent. His mind went back to 5 years ago as he watched his step brother walk towards the bloodstone.
He had been excited to finally touch the bloodstone but the bloodstone only repelled him but didn't go through him. A cruel smiled adorned his lips as he remembered how he stood for hours before the bloodstone waiting to draw his soul essence.
As he watched Markus walk towards the bloodstone, he hoped the bloodstone would accept him.
Markus walked confidently towards the bloodstone although part of his mind was a bit scared. He heard that some princes couldn't endure the energy from the bloodstone and died.
"Bow," the head guardian said to him as he stood before the bloodstone.
Markus bowed deeply not wanting to offend the guardian or the bloodstone.
He looked at the guardian for an instruction as he didn't know how he was supposed to trigger the bloodstone.
"Your hand," the head guardian said bringing out a small knife.
"What?" Markus asked in worry, "no one said anything about...."
He couldn't finish as the head guardian drew out his hand and made a cut with the knife.
Markus eyes widened as he watched his blood drop on the bloodstone. The bloodstone quickly shown with a bright red light.
The head guardian smiled and said "the bloodstone recognizes you,"
Before Markus could say anything else, he felt a strong and painful energy pass through him lifting him from the ground.
Everyone gasped as they watched the light that engulfed the second prince.
Genevieve smiled as she watched, "I told you so." she said to Vivian.
Markus felt like his body was going to burst into flames. Just when he thought he was finally going to burst, he felt the energy bring him down to his feet and the light faded away.
"It's complete," the head guardian said with joy, " prince Markus has been gifted with the essence of water"
One of the guardians stepped forward with a bowl of water and handed it over to the head guardian.
The head guardian stretched the water towards Markus and said, "search through yourself my prince, and command your essence"
Markus shook his head"I can't"
The head guardian smiled at him "connect with your essence prince Markus, become one with the element of water,"
Markus closed his eyes as he felt a surge of energy within him. He opened his eyes and moved his hands.
Everyone gasped as they saw the water move out of the bowl and become ice. He continued to move his hands and the ice broke into snow and then into water, and fell back into the bowl.
The head guardian bowed, " congratulations prince Markus."
The people all stood up and began to cheer their second prince.
Markus bowed back and walked back towards Lord crane.
He bowed when he got there , "father" he called with his head bowed.
"I knew you wouldn't fail me," Lord crane said and turned to face the people, "I present to the people of Bloodstone, prince Markus"
Everyone clapped and cheered the second prince.
Viktor smiled as he watched his step brother. He was relieved that he didn't have to face the same shame and disappointment he faced 5 years ago.