The next day, the entire royal palace was bustling with guests all around, different meals were displayed and people who were invited fed to the fullest.
Word had spread throughout the city of Sinclair that a new king had been born. The news, however, was met with mixed feelings. It was not a cause for celebration for many, for they feared the newborn would be as harsh and mannerless as his father. Yet amid that fear, the people also mourned the death of Queen Laura, one of the kindest and gentlest souls anyone had ever encountered. She was a woman of dignity and welcoming.
Laura loving nature was so profound that it tempered the people's harsh thoughts toward her husband, King Julien.
"King Julien, cheers to your victory for bringing an heir into this world — one who will carry forth your legacy!" Alaric, Julien's old and best friend, announced with a smile, raising a golden cup to his lips. He sipped a measure of its rich contents and then swallowed with a satisfied sigh.
"The birth of your son deserves a grand celebration that should tear the seven realms," David slangs of the southern sees kingdom chuckled with a smile then picked the golden cup with a rich content of wine pushing it towards his lips and sipped then gasp in satisfaction.
"King Julien, this is not only a breakthrough for your kingdom and your supreme strength, but a step ahead — a sign that your enemies can no longer shame you. Surely, your legacy rests in strong hands," David slangs added grinning approvingly.
"Yes, indeed, but that doesn't mean we should let our guard down," Derick Winfrey of the northern sand tribe added, voice edged with warning. "I am certain our enemies will try to kill the boy to exact revenge — to hurt King Julien where it will sting the most, and you all know the prophecy of the child, we have to keep him safe at all cost,"
"Derick, you mustn't always dwell on the worst, and fear," muzan, the uncle to Julien replied sharply, laughing as he waved a hand. "Yes, we are aware of their recent advances, and we understand how close the threat is to our borders, but that doesn't give them the chance to win. If they attack, they will fall, again and again," he added with a scoff.
Julien remained silent, his hands moving softly on his beards as he listened to all they were saying and just then, he brought down his hands and gasped before speaking.
"Thank you all for coming," King Julien said at last, rising from silence. "I am grateful for your efforts in attending this gathering. I will raise my son to honor my will and make sure he becomes worthy of this kingdom. Now that you're here, I will name him — not only to honor your presence, but to make you part of the moment when the future ruler of this land is announced," Julien added and the honored guests nodded in agreement. "We are happy and glad to bear witness of a stance of victory," they said in unison.
Julien snapped his fingers, and Fiona, who had been standing quietly behind the door, stepped forth. She cradled little Jordan in her arms then handed him over to Julien.
Julien gazed deeply into the boy's tiny brown eyes before rising from his chair. "This is my legacy," he announced. "The future king of mighty Sinclair kingdom. From this day forth, he will be called Ryan. I have chosen this name because I wish to honor the lessons passed down to me by my grandfather — the man who shaped the king I am today."
After Julien declared, a wave of applause echoed and the honored guests seated suddenly stood with a bow.
The all lifted their wine cups. "Cheers to the new little king! May we live to witness the glory of his reign!"
After the ceremony, Ryan was returned to Fiona, who carried him to his royal room and laid him down upon a dangling bed adorned with threads of gold. Everything about the room spoke of extravagance and belonging purely of royalty.