The Royal Quest

CHAPTER 2. Parade of Gifts

"Happy birthday, Princess." Prince Jax greeted Princess Dahlia, who is currently sitting on her decorated throne in front of all the people who made it to the celebration, while beside her is Tala. He handed her a bunch of flowers that were arranged perfectly in a basket that was covered with sparkling stones.

“Thank you, Prince Jax.” The Princess said and received the flowers when suddenly the Prince sharply claps his hands once. Then, the huge entrance opens wider to let the parade of gifts come in. Everyone gasps in surprise, as well as the other princesses and ladies who now envy the Princess. But the latter was also in shock since she is not expecting such a presentation. 

It was a parade of servants with the gifts in their hands. There are different kinds of elegant dresses, pieces of sparkling jewelry, and shoes. Also, other accessories like hats and such.

She stood up from the throne and handed the basket of flowers to Tala before she asks,

"Prince Jax, what are these for?"

"They are gifts from my kingdom, Your Highness. Only for you." Prince Jax proudly said, with a wide grin.

"I truly appreciate your effort and kindness, but this is too much. I'm pretty sure that I can already feed my entire kingdom with the cost of these gifts," the Princess complains politely. 

"Oh, that was nothing really, I can even give you more than that if you want.” He responded and winked at the Princess. The latter blushed with the gesture, while Tala was softly chuckling at the back. 

Suddenly, before the Princess could react or say anything, someone came and interrupted.

“Prince Jax, you know you can’t impress Princess’s heart with that kind of bragging.” It was Lord Duncan, the son of the Prime Minister, Zafiro Wick. He is also one of the popular men in the kingdom aside from Baron because of their undeniably handsome features. But just like Baron they are both into the Princess, the only difference is Duncan is vocal about his feelings towards Your Highness.

“A happiest birthday to you, my lovely Princess Dahlia.” He turned and greeted the Princess with his charming smile.

“Thank you, Lord Duncan.” She timidly replies.

“Alright then, let's see what you have brought for the Princess.” Prince Jax dared him, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

“Nothing expensive, really. I only brought my heart, which is priceless. I hope you appreciate it, Princess Dahlia.” He told the Princess, who only responded with a smile.

“Oh, come on. Don’t be silly, how could you even impress Princess Dahlia with your effortless action.” Prince Jax huffed while Duncan just smirked at him before he turned to the Princess again.

“By the way My Princess, I already have shared my present to the people of Westway Village, and they all want to send their greetings to you with so much gratitude.” Lord Duncan announced that made the Princess’s almond eyes widen.

“Seriously?” she inquired unbelievably. 

“Yes, Your Highness. Every family received an allocation that could help them start a livelihood, and thanks to my father, Prime Minister Zafiro Wick, and to my relatives who helped me to make it possible. Also, the good King Rainer donated and other Ministers so we could have enough for all. They supported me all along the process to give your heart delight on your precious day, Princess Dahlia.” He announced, feeling successful in affecting the kind-hearted Princess.

“Oh, Duncan, you know you don’t have to do that, but thank you, you truly made me happy today. Thank you for sharing your kindness to our kingdom, especially for those who are in need the most.” The Princess appreciated Lord Duncan’s action and sighed, remembering the awful moment that the people of Westway Village experienced in the hands of the ruthless Vampire King just a week before her birthday.

“Don’t bother yourself about it, Princess, I swear that one day, I’ll make that evil pay for his crimes.” Lord Duncan utters as he looks at the Princess with gentle eyes.

“Just see what you have done? You make the Princess sad on her birthday.” Prince Jax suddenly interrupted, mocking the handsome man beside the Princess.

“Oh no, he didn’t. I’m actually glad that you both are here. You made my celebration even more surprising.” The Princess commented with a smile on her face.

“Of course, My Princess. You quite knew that I’m good at surprises.” Prince Jax once again bragged about his not so impressive talent.

“Yeah right, just make sure that your Kingdom still has something to consume before the drought.” Lord Duncan scolded him. 

“Well, I strongly believe that it is none of your business, my dear friend.”

“No, it isn’t, I’m just worried for your people.” Lord Duncan retorted when suddenly the biggest Palace bell rang loudly throughout the whole area. To give warning to everyone that it is already late in the afternoon and that everyone needs to be safe inside their houses surrounded with blessed crucifixes, scattered salts, and a bunch of garlic rings, which they believe could lure away the evil that is roaming around every night, especially when the moon is full. 

“I guess you better hurry then, Prince. Or might the Vampire King will suck your blood dry till your last drop. That is, if your blood could satisfy the Evil, because if not? He will slaughter you good.” Lord Duncan mockingly said to the Prince and laughed hard.

“Hey, stop teasing Prince Jax.” The Princess said as she chuckled softly at their childish manner.

“That’s so kind of you, but you don’t have to worry about me because I am staying in the comfort of Haru Palace. Right, Your Highness?” Prince Jax retorted with a playful grin.

“Sure, there’s always a room for everyone in this Palace.” the Sweet Princess answered.

Later, after the furious noise of the bell, one by one, the visitors and guests decided to leave the party before darkness could spread all over. While the Noble Princes were left in the Haru Palace to join the discussion the next morning regarding Princess Dahlia’s future. But the latter doesn’t have any idea about it yet and thought it was just a gracious gesture by the Kingdom for their safety.

*****

“Are you sure about it, Your Majesty?” Queen Olive asked her king husband about their decision towards their daughter, Princess Dahlia. 

“I don’t have any choice since Dahlia is my only heiress and I will let no one else acquire my throne aside from her.” King Rainer firmly said as he coughed badly because of his sickness. Queen Olive immediately attended to him and gave him his medicine.

“But she is still too young to get into a marriage. What if it doesn’t turn out well and only ends up sorrow for our dear daughter?” Queen Olive sadly inquired.

“This is not what I dreamt of her. I want her to walk down the aisle with the person she loves waiting at the end.” She added and sat on the wide bed soft mattress beside her husband, who only took a deep sighed.

“If only there is another way, I will never agree with the Ministers.” King Rainer said and just embraced his wife tightly, trying to ease the sadness she has.

Suddenly, their emotion pulled back when someone knocked on their door.

“Mother? Father? Are you guys still up?” It was their daughter, Princess Dahlia.

“Yes, dear! Come in!” King Rainer cried.

Princess Dahlia slowly opens the wide door of her parent’s room and peeks with a smile glued on her face before she enters.

“I thought you guys are already sleeping.” She said as she slowly walked in their direction.

“We’re about to, but yeah. Do you need anything, dear Princess?” King Rainer asked.

“Nothing, I just want to thank you for today and to tell you that you filled my heart with so much happiness, especially for supporting Lord Duncan to his good deed to our people in the Westway Village.” Princess Dahlia said, sitting between her parents.

“That was nothing, dear. Besides, I will never say no if it is for our people.” the great king said.

“Anyway, speaking of Lord Duncan, what do you think about him?” Queen Olive asked, trying to get some hint.

“What do you mean, Mom? Of course, he’s a good man and I can’t think of anything negative about him. Most of all, he’s a perfect gentleman, that’s why a lot of ladies are attracted to him.”

“So, tell us. Are you one of those ladies?” Her mother teases her.

“Mom! You’re making me embarrassed in front of my father!” Princess Dahlia complains while she blushes, but her parents only laughed at her.

“So?” Queen Olive insists.

“I like him,” she let out. Her parents briefly look at each other with her confession.

“But that’s it and nothing more.” Princess Dahlia added.

“What do you mean, dear?” King Rainer inquired.

“I like him just like how I like Baron and everyone else. Don’t worry you guys, if you think that I’m already getting married because I’m at the right age, then you’re wrong. I’m still enjoying being your baby, you know. So, yeah! Love can always wait at the perfect time, right mother?” she explains, and that made her parents even more lonely for tomorrow’s announcement.