A few hours have passed since the conversation between Laplace and his father, and the parade will start any minute now. Laplace crossed paths with his sister in the red and imposing hallways.
"Are you ready, brother?" Sapphire asked while trying to hold in her excitement. Laplace nodded and took a deep breath, calming his nerves slightly while looking at his sister.
"It's too late to think of that, right? I can't let the citizens of our kingdom down." Laplace let out a nervous laugh and scratched the back of his head. Sapphire slapped the prince's back and gave words of encouragement, a somewhat serious look on her face.
"Look, I know you are my older brother but I have been a royal longer, so you have to listen to my advice. Whether you fail or not, the crowd will cheer you on. It's not everyday you find the long lost heir of your kingdom, you know." Sapphire said, then walking away and waving her hand. "Now make the crowd lively, oh dear prince!" She chuckled under her breath, waiting for Laplace's reaction.
Laplace nodded and shook his head to let out the stress. "Will do, oh dear princess!" He exclaimed.
Or at least I will try.
Laplace sighed and stood straight up. He walked to the main hall of the mansion, where his family was waiting. The red, lavish hallways eventually ended and there was a big opening with two stairwells descending from the floor. They led you to the main hall.
"Where is mother?" Laplace asked when walking down the grand stairs. He looked curious and interested.
"Her Majesty is managing the parade from the outside. You will see her eventually." A house maid answered cheerfully. She was holding a red robe and golden jewelry.
Once he walked down the stairs and met with the rest of his family, she handed him the clothing. "Thank you," Laplace said. The maid bowed down and acknowledged Laplace's compliment.
"Change into that clothing quickly. We are supposed to make our entrance in about three minutes." The King ordered Laplace. He seemed serious and somewhat grumpy like always.
Three minutes? How do people except me to change that fast?
"Yes, father." Laplace bowed down and rushed to the nearest changing room, nervous and embarrassed.
The changing room was beside the restrooms, and there were at least two restrooms everywhere he looked. In the main hall, the restrooms and changing rooms were directly under the stairs.
Laplace quickly put on the red plush robe on top of his plain white shirt. Next, he put on a striking golden ring on his right hand, indicating that he has not found a partner and is not married. After he put on the ring, he put on a majestic golden necklace that had rubies and diamonds implanted in the middle of the necklace. He did everything in a rush, yet he looked lavish, like a true royal.
He exited the changing room and headed to his family, but a thought interrupted him: What is in that box that father gave me? He said open it when I am ready, but what if that is a test of pride? A King should have some pride, right?
He quickly ran up the stairs, dashed through the hallways, and opened his bedroom door. His eyes locked with the long box. He knew he had to be quick, yet not make sound.
He walked to the gift his father gave, and put his hands on it. Laplace unlocked the box and lifted the box cover up carefully.
Here goes nothing, he thought. When he opened the box, his eyes found a pleasant sight. A long golden staff, one that princes and people of the royal family usually hold. As to be expected of his father to give such a royal and gorgeous gift.
Father also has a staff like this.
He took the staff out the case and brought it with him down the stairs. When he reached the main hall, he saw that his sister and father were already walking out the door, waving to the eager crowd. They tried to stall as long as they could for Laplace, forcing smiles and waves.
"I'm back!" Laplace yelled under his breath. He was panting, so he took a moment to catch his breath.
I'm ready.
He walked beside his family, and began to saw the crowd. It was like a bright light. He felt a feeling he never felt before. He felt as if the citizens of Crystal were depending on him and had their hopes on him.
So this is what it feels like. This is what it feels like to be a hero. Laplace let out a cheerful laugh as he walked outside the large doors.