CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

As the first light of dawn breaks over the kingdom of Aegalia, anticipation fills the air as emissaries and caravans from the four visiting kingdoms begin to arrive. The kingdom is bustling with activity as banners flutter in the breeze and heralds announce the arrival of esteemed guests.

Each kingdom arrives in a grand procession, their carriages adorned with intricate designs and heraldic symbols representing their noble houses. The streets are lined with cheering crowds, eager to catch a glimpse of the exotic entourages and regal processions making their way through the city gates.

The first to arrive is the Kingdom of Grathen, their banners bearing the image of a majestic phoenix rising from the flames, symbolizing resilience and rebirth. They are followed by the Kingdom of Raviel, whose warriors ride atop magnificent steeds adorned with glistening armor, their banners depicting a fierce lion.

Next comes the Kingdom of Xevaria, known for their mastery of the arcane arts and mystical prowess. Their procession is a sight to behold, with spellbinders and sorcerers casting shimmering illusions and conjuring displays of elemental magic as they make their way through the streets.

Cleon i said leaning close to his ear so that he can hear me amidst the noise of excitement. Is that not your birth mother's kingdom?

It is.

Hmmmm, i said as i leaned back and continued watching.

Finally, the Kingdom of Thanbra arrives, their banners emblazoned with the radiant image of the sun, symbolizing prosperity and enlightenment. Their procession is a dazzling spectacle of gold and silver, with nobles bedecked in jewels and finery, their chariots pulled by magnificent golden steeds.

The kingdom of Thanbra sure knows how to put their wealth and luxury in display, queen Cassia stepped forward to hug her parents and siblings alongside the king, princes and princesses, while Cleon and i looked on from where we were standing.

The royal visitors as well as nobles and everyone accompanying them, were shown to their various wings and quarters to go rest and freshen up before the feast begins in the evening.

Cleon and i followed the royal family as well as the council back to the throne room.

We've welcomed our visitors and nothing seems to be amiss, began the king. However i do urge everyone to be at alert and this warning goes to you especially Cleon, i don't want you creating a scene or causing trouble.

Understood father Cleon said.

You better Cleon for you really don't know what i will do to you if you bring shame and embarassment to not just this family but the entire kingdom in the presence of how guests.

Now i trust everyone here knows what to do, Flynn i also trust our children are ready for the competition tomorrow?

Yes my king, all we can do now is have faith in them.

Good, now my wife and children needs to speak to their relatives and i need to properly go welcome my inlaws. Let's all meet at the feast in the evening.

My king, everyone said with a bow and stood up as the royal family left first.

Everyone left and it was remaning Cleon and i.

Are you going to see your relatives as well?

What relatives Evelinde Cleon sad with a tired look.

You think this is the only place i'm unwanted?

The kingdom of Xevaria wants nothing to do with me, for reasons best known to them or if we are being honest it's simply for the reason that i am my father's son forgetting however that they gave their daughter to my father.

But that can't be right, what about your mother's family surely they will accept you.

I've never heard, seen or spoken to anyone related to my mother, not even a friend.

I'm not bothered Evelinde, i've been living like this since birth, there is nothing new. You can do whatever you want till the feast starts.

What about you?

I'm going to go check on the sentinel wolves to see if they know something.

Okay, but i can come with you.

It's fine, you've been more than helpful this couple of days, why don't you go see your friiend and Martha i'm sure they will be happy to see you.

Okay i will go see them then.

Don't worry Evelinde i will meet you in the feasting ground.

I watch as Cleon left, one thing i've learnt living with him is not to push or press him.

With a sigh, i headed towards the kitchen in search of Martha and hopefully i just might see Cedric there. I saw him earlier with his parents when the royal family were welcoming the guests and also not too long ago in the throne room, but i guess given all that has happened he just couldn't leave his parents side, not that i blame him.

The entire palace is abuzz with servants walking up and down carrying and doing different things and of cause you can find them in groups gossiping.

I reached the kitchen and it was a warzone. I found Martha and not that surprising Cedric in the middle of the chaos with Martha yelling out instructions while stirring several cooking pots.

Martha, Cedric i called as i walk closer to them.

Eve, Cedric said with a smile as he gave me a hug.

Child, look at you, each time i see you, you only get more beautiful.

Thanks Martha and i'm just as excited to see you both, i can see you have your hands full.

Yes child with the arrival of our guests and the feast, we have our work cut out for us.

Although i was hoping to see you here, i'm actually surprised seeing you here, i said to Cedric. I thought you would be with your parents and the other nobles doing what nobles do.

Well i came to pass a message to Martha from my mother.

Haaaaa, i see. Martha is there anything i can do to help?

By the spirits, no child especially not with that lovely outfit of yours. Why don't you children go out and mingle with our visitors, this is no place for youngsters like you. Here have some cake.

Thank you Matha we greeted as we took the cake and decided to let her be.

See you at the feast, we both said as we left the kitchen.

Hmmmmm, Martha is truly gifted i moaned as i bit into the cake while walking with Cedric.

I agree with you came Cedric's reply as he also started eating his own cake.

I heard you went with the prince to see his sick men.

Yes i did.

Hope you are alright?

I'm fine.

How was the journey?

It was okay.

Hmmmmmm, Eve why Cleon?

What do you mean?

Surely you know of his reputation, and you've seen and experienced for yourself the trouble that comes with being associated with him yet you don't seem bothered or worried.

That's because i don't have any reason to. I mean him no harm, i'm only here to serve him, why will he harm me?

Cleon may be many things but he is no monster plus he is not so evil that he will attack anyone unprovoked.

He is just someone that was born into a life he had no control of.

Evelinde, the entire kingdom thinks you are under his spell.

Let them think, for the first time in my life, i'm being treated with respect and care, if this is a spell then it is a spell i gladly want.

Just be careful Eve, i don't trust him.

I will be careful, but believe me Cleon couldn't care less about what anyone thinks of him.

So what did i miss?

A lot Eve, it's a shame you won't be competing.

It's fine, i heard one can still have fun and learn a thing or two as a spectator so that's fine by me.

Will you be competing?

Yes i will, nearly everyone is competing.

Well then i look forward to cheering for you.

Thank you Eve.,