The Royal Children
999 Words
Prince Michael POV
I'm waiting on my grandmother and mother to come. They said we had to meet in the garden by this really old stool. My cousin Gabriel is here too with Hatach and Hegai. Rebeckah is still too little to come outside. She will be with Aunt Raquel.
"Boys please behave yourselves when you venture behind these palace walls." Uncle Isaac said from the doorway. We nodded obediently.
"Why are we going into Susa anyways?" Gabriel asked.
"Father said that when he was our age grandfather Xerxes took him into the villages so he could understand the people. I think its something in regards to one day becoming king." I answered which left him confused.
"Michael is right. You must learn what it means to be impartial and fairly judge the people. Being king is more than sitting on a thrown." Hegai agreed.
Soon the most beautiful and important women of Persia arrived giggling nonetheless. As they approached we bowed reverently. A smile graced grandmother's face. Normally we would just run and hug their bodies.
"My princes are we ready to depart?" Mother asked.
"Yes I believe we are." Gabriel responds.
Soon we are all in our liters departing the palace. The first place we visited was the marketplace. Next we ventured to grandmother's old home. She lived not so far from the palace with Uncle Moredecai. I turned to see Hatach smiling fondly at the old house. We then went to outer wall of Susa. We were greeted by the Immortals who guarded our capital city. After many hours of traveling throughout Susa we returned to the palace.
"Tomorrow you will accompany the king to the training grounds at dawn." Grandmother spoke to us.
I was excited. An entire day with my father. I don't get to spend time with as often as I would like. I'm always studying to become king. Gabriel however looked scared. He had never been invited to the training grounds before. This would be my second time. As we entered through the main gate, the Immortals drew their swords in honor of our arrival. I saw someone waiting for us.
"Benjamin, my love!" I heard mother exclaim as she quickly rushed out her liter.
Father smiled warmly with arms open wide as she ran into them. Grandmother giggled at the sight.
"Michael its your turn!" He yelled and quickly ran to greet him as well.
"Gabriel, I'm waiting." He said as my cousin slowly made his way to us.
"Hello Uncle Benjamin." Gabriel said shyly.
Father chuckled and pulled him into a hug. He then kissed Grandmother's cheek. We went inside and enjoyed a wonderful family dinner.
Prince Gabriel POV
It seems like I'm scared of my uncle but I'm not. He's just always in king mode so I never know when to approach him as a nephew. Father said its important to reverence a king. I know protocol well and always try to obey it.
"Gabe why are you so awkward with my father?" Michael asked as we headed towards our bedrooms.
"I never know when I am allowed to speak freely with him. He's a king." I answered.
"He's not mean and you can always approach him in private. I know he's hard to understand and I'm his son but he loves us. You're lucky you didn't spend a lot of time with grandfather Xerxes. He was scary sometimes." He said walking into his room.
That is true I was 3 years old when our grandfather died. He didn't even perform my coronation. He was ill so I understand. I met him once that's it. Michael was 5 years old then so he knew him well. I turn into my bedroom to rest peacefully.
Princess Rebeckah POV
I stared at this woman who was holding me. Mommy said she's my auntie Raquel. Daddy said she's his little sister. I say she's weird but not as weird as Uncle Isaac. I like grandma better. She sings alot and tells me stories. Grandpa tickles me in my sleep with his kisses.
I'm a little princess at least that's what Mommy says. My big brother looks like Daddy. He's also very loud and hurts my ears. I cry because of it but he always rocks me gently and kisses my cheeks. Mommy and Daddy smile at us. They say we are cute.
I start wailing and wait for Daddy. I want him not Mommy. Soon I hear his voice and wail louder.
"I'm here my sweet little girl you can stop crying now." He says.
I start giggling as he nuzzles me. I love my Daddy. He tosses me into the air and laugh.
"Someone is a happy baby. Oh Rebeckah you are a big part of my world. You look like Sarah so much. You know I love your mother and brother dearly but I think I might love you more. Don't tell them I said that." He chuckled.
I smile at him and then Mommy comes into the room. She smiles at me.
"How's my baby girl? Did you miss me princess?" She asks taking me from Daddy.
I frown and start to wail kicking my feet. She rocks me and I start wailing louder. She sighs in frustration and hands me back to Daddy. I immediately stop crying.
"She hates me Benjamin." She cries and I frown again.
I start reaching for her face and Daddy moves me closer so I can kiss her cheek. Mommy starts giggling profusely.
"Doesn't look like she hates you to me." Daddy said to her.
I yawn really big and they smile at me, why I don't know.
"Is our little one sleepy?" Mommy says and lays me in my crib. I yawn really big again and close my eyes.
Mommy starts singing me a lullaby and I drift off.
"Goodnight Princess Rebeckah, we love you." Mommy and Daddy say.
"Goodnight Princess Rebeckah, I love you more." Grandpa says and kisses my cheeks.
- Writer
