The Royal Quest

CHAPTER 1. Grand Celebration

The entire Haru Kingdom joins the celebration of their humble Princess Dahlia's eighteen birthday. They decorated each village and town with a bunch of colorful flowers, while everyone wore their most stunning clothes as they danced and sang along with the joyous music played by the musicians who traveled around the region to bring warmth and happiness to the people.

Each family also offers gifts such as crops, silk fabrics, and golds, depending on what they can afford. However, the Princess doesn't want this idea of receiving gifts from them because she knew how these people hardly labor only to provide for their own needs, and instead, she wanted to be the one to give some blessings from the palace. It's just that, sometimes she can't stop some people from showing their gladness to the kind Princess which she truly appreciated in return.

Meanwhile, the Princess is getting ready for her grand festivity to be held in the palace hall. Making sure that she is looking presentable, especially to the eyes of their guests from other kingdoms, who are also invited.

Her brunette hair was fixed in a curled plait. Her corset is being pulled tightly from the back to boost her beautiful body posture before she wears her glamorous wine gown with golden threads, made by the most famous tailor in their kingdom.

"Happy birthday, Your Highness." Tala Norris, her servant and a friend since they first learned their awareness. She greeted her as she handed her a scarf with floral embroidery, which she personally made. 

"Thank you, Tala. I love it, I'm sure that this will be the most beautiful gift I will ever receive because it came from my best companion and I'm certain that you did this with your heart." The Princess complimented and gave her a warm embrace when suddenly someone interrupted and knocked on her room's door.

"Princess Dahlia, the King and Queen are already asking for your presence in the hall." It was Baron Frigg, a loyal, fearless soldier. He is the Princess's chaperon wherever she goes outside the palace. But little did they know that the brave soldier has something for the Princess, and always willing to sacrifice for her.

"We're coming!" Tala yelled as she giggled.

"I'm sure he woke up earlier than the chicken just to get ready for today." She added while putting the golden tiara with diamonds and precious stones on top of the Princess's head gently, making sure that her beautifully made hair will not be ruined.

"Oh, we both know that he always wakes up early every day." Princess Dahlia commented, rolling her eyes and slowly moving to finally attend her own party.

"But today is special because it is your birthday." Tala insists and winks at the Princess before she opens up the huge wooden door with great and stunning carvings on it.

"It is just an ordinary day, Tala. Just like how the sun rises and sets." The Princess argues playfully.

"The Princess is right, just an ordinary yet a wonderful day for all of us." Suddenly Baron appeared and interrupted from behind. He walked past the Princess and turned to kneel before her in respect.

"Happy birthday, your Majesty. I wish all the stars to be kind and generous to give what your heart desires." He uttered with his head bent down.

"Thank you so much, Baron." Princess Dahlia said, and extended her hand forward to gesture the courteous soldier to get up.

While on the side, Tala is blushing at the sight of her friends, looking so perfectly together. Baron is standing six feet tall in front of the Princess, who can barely match his shoulder while looking up at him. He is wearing his shiny steel armor while he grips his helmet on his left arm, revealing his impressive features.

Baron suddenly pulled out something and handed it to the Princess.

"What's this?" The Princess inquired, staring at the small box in her hand.

"Just a simple present, My Princess," Baron said as he rubbed the back of his neck because of the shyness he felt.

Princess Dahlia opened the box and gasped when an elegant golden brooch with flower-designed gems showed up.

"Oh dear, this is beautiful!" She was stunned.

"He might not eat for a year to be able to buy such a gift, Your Highness." Tala teases Baron.

"Baron, I really appreciate your gift, but I don't think I can accept this." The Princess said, closing the box again.

"Don't listen to this bird-headed servant, My Princess. I should have died already if I hadn't eaten for a year." He retorted, looking at Tala with sharp eyes.

"I started saving a long time ago to be able to have a lot of money to buy you a nice present when you reach this precious day of yours. So, I begged you to accept the fruit of my hard work, Princess Dahlia." Baron said as he bowed in respect to the Princess again, and she smiled.

"Thank you so much, Baron." She handed the box to Tala to put the special gift on her gown and show her gratitude to the faithful guard.

"It's my pleasure, My Princess." Baron acknowledges the kind gesture.

Tala and Baron lead the Princess to the palace hall and before they can enter, a manservant loudly announces.

"People of Haru! Kings and Queens! Princes and Princesses! I present, Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Haru!" And the crowd applauds with so much excitement and a wide wooden door with carvings as well and gold linings open that uncover the most elegant and stunning Princess Dahlia.

She smiled genuinely and waved to appreciate everyone for coming to her grand celebration. Baron escorted her as she walked towards the elevated and bejeweled throne where her royal parents were waiting and bowed to the Royal Family. Princess Dahlia smiled at him before the polite soldier turned and walked away.

"Happy birthday, my dear Princess." King Rainer Reese greeted his princess daughter as he held and squeezed her hand gently.

"Happy birthday, my precious." Queen Olive said as well and gave her beautiful daughter a warm embrace.

"Thank you so much, and for this celebration. If not because of you two, I will not be here today. I can't ask for more for myself because you already have given me so much love and happiness. I love you both." Princess Dahlia said, looking between her parents. 

"Of course, and there is more love to come. We love you too, you are our life." King Rainer responded while Queen Olive was smiling.

"Now, I guess it's time to welcome your guests, dear." King Rainer added.

Princess Dahlia took a deep breath and smiled before she met everyone who made it to her birthday celebration.

"I thank you all for joining me today and making this festivity possible with your presence. For all of your gifts, thank you. I truly appreciate it with all my heart and soul. I hope you all enjoy the celebration and leave later with a joyous heart." And with that everyone cheers again, together with loud music that rumbles around the wide, glamorous palace hall.

*****

Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Gorgax,

"Happy birthday, love," Massimo muttered, looking up at the enormous portrait placed in the center of the dark palace hall.

"I missed you, every day for the hundred years of my life. I always crave for your blood that no one has ever had, even those awful vampires who sucked your blood dry, tastes horrible." He sadly added, stepping closer to touch the portrait as if he was trying to feel her warm skin.

"Amaia, when are you coming back? Aren't you done yet with the apples, love?" Slowly, closing his golden flared eyes.