The sharp pain at the back of Billy's head pulled him from sleep. He winced, rubbing the spot instinctively, though there was no bump. The memory of the previous night flashed through his mind—Kai, the guards, the blow that knocked him unconscious.
"How did I get back here?" he muttered, scanning his modest royal chamber.
Knock, knock.
"Come in," Billy called out, pulling himself upright.
A young maidservant entered, carrying a pair of neatly folded royal clothes. Her black hair framed her light-skinned face, and her features were sharp yet gentle. She froze when her eyes landed on Billy, half-dressed, sitting on the bed in only his inner shorts.
"Oh! My apologies, Your Highness," she stammered, her gaze darting downward.
Billy grabbed the covers, pulling them over himself. "Uh, sorry about that. I just woke up."
She placed the clothes on the bed beside him. "You should freshen up quickly and get dressed. Today is your big day."
Billy blinked. "Big day? What day is it?"
She chuckled. "The kingdom is celebrating your return, my prince. The cities below are already buzzing with excitement."
"Oh," Billy said, his voice distant as realization dawned. He studied her carefully. "What's your name?"
Her cheeks flushed. "Catherine. From the Orthy tribe."
"How old are you, Cate?"
"I'm 22," she answered eagerly. "And you?"
"Two years younger than you."
"Not bad, Your Highness. Age isn't a problem," she said playfully, fiddling with her hair.
Billy raised an eyebrow. "So, can we—"
"Be friends?" she interrupted, and he chuckled in surprise.
Knock, knock.
"Don't come in, I'm naked!" Billy called out instinctively.
The door opened anyway, revealing King Morphine, his father, standing in the doorway. His stern gaze took in the scene—the half-dressed prince and the maidservant standing close to the bed.
"She just came to wake me up," Billy said awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.
King Morphine's expression remained unreadable. "Get ready. The celebrations are about to begin." Without another word, he turned and left.
Billy glanced back at Catherine. She showed no sign of fear, and instead, she smiled.
"Want to help me shower faster?" he teased. She blushed, giggling, and stepped back.
---
Billy stood on the castle balcony, watching the bustling kingdom below. The streets were alive with decorations, colorful banners, and fireworks. A new anthem echoed through the air, its chorus proclaiming, "Welcome back, Prince Billy!"
Ella joined him, yawning as she leaned on the railing.
"Good morning, Princess Ella," Billy greeted, eyeing her.
"Good morning, Your Highness," she replied dryly.
"You look stunning in that yellow dress," he said with a grin.
Ella rolled her eyes. "I hate dresses, but thanks." She tilted her head, looking up at the sky. "Today does feel special, doesn't it? Just look at the sun."
Billy followed her gaze. The sun, oddly frozen just above the horizon, cast a golden glow that lingered far longer than usual.
"It's strange," Ella continued. "The sun here does that sometimes. I've read every book I could find, but no explanation makes sense."
"You'll figure it out one day," Billy said. "You're brilliant, Ella. When you're queen, you'll know everything."
Ella laughed bitterly. "Queen? Please. My mother only cares about the throne. I'll never be like her."
"She'd probably skin you alive if you didn't want it," Billy joked, and they both chuckled.
"By the way," Ella said, turning serious, "where were you last night?"
Billy hesitated. "I was… sleeping. Why?"
"Forget it," she replied, her tone dismissive. "Our ride's here."
A royal spacecraft descended from the sky, its gleaming exterior adorned with decorations. It hovered gracefully before settling in the courtyard.
"Come on, let's go," Ella said, striding toward the stairs.
Billy lingered a moment, his gaze shifting back to the horizon. The sun's strange position felt like a sign—a silent reminder that his journey was only beginning. With a deep breath, he followed Ella, ready to face the day.
---
The grand celebration took place in Avan Kingdom's Royal Stadium, packed to capacity with citizens eager to witness the event. The stadium was equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, and massive TV screens hung high for those seated at the far top end. Food and drinks were abundant and freely available, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The royal family, led by King Morphine, entered the stadium amid a wave of cheers and ululation. Queen Lysandra was notably absent, but the rest of the family took their places on the elevated royal platform. Camera drones hovered around, broadcasting every moment to the kingdom.
King Morphine stood and approached the microphone at the center of the stage. He cleared his throat loudly, silencing the excited crowd.
"Good morning, citizens of Avan Kingdom," he began, his voice echoing through the vast stadium.
The crowd responded in unison, "Good morning, Your Majesty!"
"Today is a monumental day for this great kingdom," King Morphine declared. "Today, we celebrate the return of my youngest son, my beloved Prince Billy Morphine! Who's happy to join me in this celebration?"
The crowd erupted in roaring cheers, their excitement palpable.
King Morphine gestured towards Billy. "And because this day is all about him, I present to you... Prince Billy Morphine!"
The stadium shook with thunderous applause and cheers as Billy rose from his seat. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, he walked to the stage, waving at the crowd. They waved back enthusiastically, chanting his name.
When Billy joined his father, King Morphine leaned over and whispered, "Do you want to say something?"
Billy hesitated, shaking his head. But just as he thought he could avoid it, the crowd began chanting in unison.
"Speech! Speech! Speech!"
King Morphine chuckled and patted his son's back. "Looks like you have no choice now."
Billy sighed and stepped up to the microphone.
"Good morning, lovely citizens of Avan Kingdom," he began, his voice steady but nervous. The crowd responded with a renewed wave of enthusiasm.
"I'm pleased to be back, and I'm grateful to see such amazing support. Thank you for joining in this celebration." He paused, thinking he was done, but then a voice from the crowd shouted:
"Where were you?"
The crowd murmured in agreement, buzzing with curiosity. Billy glanced at his father, who nodded, encouraging him to answer.
Billy sighed deeply into the microphone, silencing the audience. "I was in... New York City," he said carefully. "A faraway place filled with wonderful people, but in a completely different... universe."
The crowd erupted in astonished murmurs and whispers, processing his words. Billy smiled faintly. "It's good to be back. Thank you," he said, stepping back and handing the microphone to his father.
King Morphine patted Billy's shoulder with pride. "Stand behind me," he instructed.
The king turned back to the crowd. "And now, my people, I present to you my firstborn, Prince Kai Morphine!"
The crowd clapped politely as Kai stood and walked to the stage with an air of confidence. Unlike Billy, Kai did not bow to the crowd. The silence was noticeable—there was no chanting for a speech.
Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the air, shaking the stadium.
"Who is the true heir?"
The crowd erupted into murmurs and shouts, their excitement reignited. King Morphine glanced at his sons, tension rising. He raised his hand for silence.
"Silence!" the king commanded, his voice firm. The audience obeyed, falling into an anticipatory hush.
"I have avoided answering that question for a long time," the king admitted. "But today, everyone will finally know. With no favoritism, the two heirs will resolve this question themselves—with a simple duel."
"WHAT?" Billy gasped, his eyes wide with disbelief.
The crowd roared in excitement, their cheers echoing across the stadium.
To Be Continued...