Once Upon The Life of The Wise King

The Third Prince's First Birthday

ONCE UPON THE LIFE OF THE WISE KING

Volume 2

The Fall of The Royal Family

Chapter 28 - The Third Prince's First Birthday

The Royal family did not let go of the bandits that ambushed the Royal carriage before. For the next couple of weeks, the palace deployed soldiers to search for them. The bandits thought they can lay low for awhile until they forgot the incident and they can go out to another town to start anew. But, they overestimated their selves. One by one they were cornered and uprooted. There were no less than 20 persons that got captured by the palace soldiers.

Several weeks passed and the baby finally opened his eyes. The Royal family was both surprised and fascinated by the color of the Third Prince's eyes. It was the color of ice blue.

For the past several months, Luciel Kingdom was peaceful. The damages caused from the last storm were all repaired. The farmers harvested a good crop and the businesses in town were profiting well.

"It will be his birthday soon. We must prepare early," King Wenhart said over dinner.

"Yes, that is right." Queen Cielisse forked some vegetables and placed it on Prince Alphonse' plates. "We should send out invitations to noble families and prepare a feast for our people to join the celebration as well."

Prince Alphonse was not happy when his mother placed more vegetables on his plate. Noticing his displeasure, Prince Colin sneakily ate the vegetables. "Thank you, brother!" The Second Prince grinned at his older brother.

"Anything for you," Prince Colin said as he ruffled the child's blonde locks.

Prince Luciel's birthday was fast approaching. The palace got busy and the invitation letter were already sent. The occasion was special because of the status of the Third Prince as the heir, although it was not made public yet.

Soon, it was Prince Luciel's birthday. One by one, the noble families arrived. Also, the palace prepared feast in town for their people.

"Hey! Colin!" Leo called out the First Prince as soon as he arrived. He ran to his side, and slid an arm around his shoulders. "You did not tell me you have another baby brother! It took me by surprise to suddenly receive a letter saying it is the first birthday of the Third Prince!" Leo let out his dissatisfaction for not being informed on time.

"Sorry, a lot of things happened before that I forgot." Prince Colin rubbed the back of his head. His face showing a crooked smile.

When everyone went to the hall, the King and his family appeared at the grand staircase. King Wenhart wrapped his left arm around the shoulders of his wife, who held Prince Luciel. Prince Colin stood to his right side, holding his younger brother's hand.

The King briefly introduced his youngest son to the guests. As expected many questions were raised. They asked why the child's hair was as white as snow to which the King said that it was inherited from their ancestors. They also wanted to know if he was the heir to which the King quickly denied.

The noblemen were saddened to learn that the youngest Prince was not the heir. Some of them started hating the current generation of the Royal family, but they did not show it on their faces.

"Let us begin the celebration!" the King announced.

Joyful music started playing and couples danced.

Prince Colin was talking with Leo over some food when suddenly someone jumped on his back. "We meet again!" He heard a young lady's voice that sounded so familiar to him. Looking over his shoulder, he saw that it was lady Alyssa.

Oh, no! It is her again! the First Prince exclaimed internally.

"Come on! Let us dance as well!" Lady Alyssa pulled Prince Colin's to the dance floor, leaving Leo behind.

"Who was that?" Leo blinked. His food in his hand was already forgotten.

"Let go of me, Alyssa." Prince Colin pulled away. "I am not dancing with you," he said and turned his back on the young lady, but was pulled back.

"No! You must dance with me!" She exclaimed, her voice was a pitch higher.

"Why would I dance with you?" The Prince frowned. He did not want to dance with a woman such as lady Alyssa. I can't handle this woman.

"Why? It is because I am your fiance, so you should dance with me!"

Covering his ears, Prince Colin thought, Geez! What a shrill!

Not waiting for any reactions, lady Alyssa took the Prince to the dance floor and started a slow dance. Prince Colin did not want to embarrass himself nor did he want to ruin his baby brother's birthday, so he allowed the young lady to lead him.

With a numb face, Leo watched as the First Prince dance with a young lady. "Hm?" He felt something tugged his pants. Looking down, he found the Second Prince, who was already 3 years old. "Hello, Second Prince." He kneeled.

"Brother. Where is brother?" Prince Alphonse asked.

"Oh, your brother? He is there dancing." He pointed towards the dance floor where Prince Colin was.

"Brother!"

"Ah, wait!"

Prince Alphonse suddenly ran to his brother. Leo wanted to stop him but he accidentally bumped into the waiter. The Second Prince only had his eyes on his older brother that he did not notice lady Alyssa's leg.

"Ah!" The Second Prince fell on his back.

"Brother!" Prince Colin pushed the young lady away and rushed to his younger brother's side. "Are you okay?"

"It hurts..." Tears started welling up in Prince Alphonse' eyes.

Helping his brother up, the First Prince carried him and said, "Let us go back first and treat you wound, okay?"

"Okay."

The two of them left the hall, ignoring lady Alyssa whose face was turning blue from embarrassment as others were looking at her accusingly for hitting a child.

"What!? Why are you looking at me? It's not that I mean it! Go back to your own business! Hmp!" She turned around and walked briskly out of the hall, stomping her feet as she did so.