Chapter Thirteen
_ The Prince's Gift
* * *
He felt bored and suffocated by this atmosphere filled with false masks. He decided to leave the hall for now, and the nearest gate for him to exit was the main gate. He did not care for the complicated rules and protocols; he stepped out out of boredom and descended stealthily, leaning against one of the pillars scattered in front of the grand staircase where the carriages were lined up. The view was dull to him, but he continued to watch instead of suffocating inside the hall...
Despite the queue of carriages, a luxury carriage bypassed the line and was received with total respect. He saw the crest painted on the carriage: «The Blue Dawn». It was the crest of Altan. He watched the carriage calmly. The knight opened the carriage door; usually, the nanny comes out first, then the child, then the child's family, like the rest of the nobles. But what caught his attention was the child coming out first, then standing in front of the carriage as an escort. It was a truly interesting scene..
He continued watching with enjoyment. The Duchess stepped out before him with simple assistance from her child and held his hand in an elegant manner. He thought to himself:
' This child acts dangerously mature for his age... '
After they ascended the stairs, he seized the opportunity to approach them more and enjoy the observation, but what caught his attention was the beautiful smile on the Duchess's face. It was a pure and sincere smile; it was her very familiar smile. Despite the impropriety of the situation, he could not stop himself from approaching them and spoke in a cheerful voice:
" Greetings to Your Excellencies the Duchess and the Little Duke. It is a great honor for me to meet the little master... "
Elite looked at the one who gave the greeting: Eric, the Second Prince of the Empire of Sardia. The beloved son of the late Emperor, who carried the symbol of Roshan—the golden eyes. He resembled his father to some extent, except for his black hair which he inherited from his mother. He had a very strong build, similar to knights, perhaps even slightly larger. The reason for it was certainly his long life participating in the war, as he was one of the symbols of its victory..
" Duchess Elite di Altan greets His Royal Highness the Second Prince, Eric von Di Roshan.. "
She hinted in her tone at his previous behavior. It seemed Elite understood his hints, smiled, and responded politely.. It seemed Ian knew he also had to return the greeting, so he bowed slightly, imitating the man and remembering all the etiquette Rose had taught him:
" Ian di Altan greets His Royal Highness Prince Eric von Di Roshan.. "
Eric laughed cheerfully and looked at the child who acted politely, then looked at Elite, who looked at him with a kind of confusion:
' This man, he has never changed.. '
" Prince, will you allow us to enter?! "
" Certainly, I apologize for obstructing your path... "
He was acting formally and politely, but Elite felt a strange sense of familiarity. She looked at him after he moved out of their way and extended his hand, signaling them to proceed...
Elite glanced at him with a playful smile and entered. He looked at her and laughed...
* * *
In the vast, grand, and noisy hall filled with all the faces and agendas of most nobles—who show generosity and dignity while hiding malicious intentions within...
" Duchess Elite di Altan and Young Duke Ian di Altan... "
The usher announced their entrance, and silence fell over the hall. A woman who had not appeared recently in any social occasion, or more accurately since the birth of her child—as the only two occasions were her brother's wedding and his engagement party, both of which were in the East. Many rumors had circulated about her in the past: she was the woman who bore a grudge against Altan itself. But the rumors refuted themselves with other rumors:
' The Duchess who is so obsessed with her child's luxury that she even invested in the field of photography, which was close to a risk... '
' The woman who nurtures genius talents under her hands... '
' The woman who bought the largest number of mines in the Empire that were thought to be empty of everything, but the mines flourished under her hands like magic.. '
' She caused the execution of a number of her child's direct and indirect blood relatives to secure his seat.. In fact, she caused the imprisonment of the former Count of Bryant and caused his humiliation—he who was like a mountain that does not bow, but she turned him into a mountain of pebbles and removed him.. '
Elite became the Iron Lady who cannot be dealt with lightly: a Duchess of the Duchy of Altan with its great history, a daughter of Bryant with noble lineage, and a lady who governs the economy in Sardia, from the trade of magical tools to the trade of high-quality medical medicines...
Silence filled the noisy hall as Elite descended with dignity and a powerful aura surrounding her. The nobles' mouths almost dropped at the powerful presence..
Eric was watching everything from the back with a mocking smile. He took a glass from one of the servants carrying trays and moved calmly among the guests. He decided to follow the ceremony quietly, even though his presence never brings anyone peace...
Elite headed to the place where she found her sister and her children: Lorena, a miniature version of her mother at twelve years old, and Daniel, eight years old with blonde hair and bright purple eyes. The children acted elegantly and greeted her in turn:
" Lorena Elexia greets the Duchess "
" Daniel Elexia greets the Duchess "
After the formal greeting, they approached and hugged her, then approached Ian who, despite his happiness with his friends, refused to let go of her hand. It was an act that aroused Elite's confusion...
' Ian is not used to crowded parties, perhaps '
Elite did not let go of her child's hand and began talking to Marquis and Marchioness Elexia with cheer and ease. Despite the approach of many who wished to speak with Elite, she spoke to them in an elegant and clever manner:
" It seems my younger sister will steal the spotlight from the Empress... "
Elaza whispered playfully to her sister, making Elite laugh quietly and say in the same whisper:
" Perhaps the Empress has many matters occupying her; she won't care about who steals the spotlight... "
Elaza looked at her sister in wonder, then remembered the rumors saying there are many problems occurring in the Imperial Palace, so she understood the matter..
' Sophia von Di Roshan, the Empress Mother and currently the mother of the Crown Prince. The person I took as my role model after my return: love, affection, discipline, and firmness...
The Prince whose mother loved him more than anything and did everything to protect her child and protect his heart from being drained by evil and greed in that current that lurks for those in power. But I criticized her for one thing: the mother who loved her son so much and protected him left her daughter alone to be devoured by the current...
The Empress's current problems are the Emperor's mood swings. In fact, I want to enjoy the scenes this time... '
" Mama!!.. "
" Ah.. "
Elite returned to reality when Ian tugged her hand. She looked at her sweet child who spoke in a slightly low voice...
" Mama, this place is noisy.. "
Elite forgot the entire atmosphere of the hall and lowered herself to her child's level, saying in a kind voice:
" Did you feel bad?! "
" The place is overwhelming, I don't feel comfortable at all... "
" Is it alright to wait for ten more minutes?! Then we can go to the balcony... "
She was asking her child with concern. In her heart, if Ian refused, she would leave the entire party and wouldn't even care about the Imperial family. But the child spoke with a smiling and kind face:
" Let's wait a little.. "
The timing was very appropriate as the horn was blown to announce the arrival of the Royal Family:
" Their Royal Highnesses, the Sun of Sardia and its Moon, Emperor Arthur von Di Roshan and Empress Sophia von Di Roshan, and the Young Prince, the Little Sun, Johann di Roshan, and the Princess, the Little Moon, Lydia von Di Roshan "
The four people sparkled under the light of the glittering chandeliers throughout the hall: the Emperor with golden hair and golden eyes, and the Crown Prince who was a miniature version of his father, and the Empress with fiery red hair and water-blue eyes that contrasted with her hair, and a beautiful three-year-old girl holding her brother's hand with fiery red hair and golden eyes that sparkled like stars in the middle of the sky...
Elite looked at them for a bit then returned to looking at her child, who had focused his attention on them...
' What is Ian thinking?! '
After the formal music stopped, Elite's gaze returned to the Imperial Family. The Emperor raised his glass and spoke before raising the toast in a deep voice:
" I am happy with the birth of my strong offspring and happy with your arrival to share my happiness. Let us offer a toast to the Crown Prince... "
" A toast to the Crown Prince!! "
Shouts rose from the adults for Johann's toast. Even Elite raised a toast like the others. After everyone finished drinking their glasses, Elite set her cup down without touching it because she does not drink alcohol...
The children were absorbed in what the adults were doing and focused their attention on those who had arrived. Of course, Ian was watching everything with focused eyes then looked at his mother:
" Why didn't Mama drink from her glass?! "
Elite smiled at Ian's curious question, as usual for anything new he sees, and said in her kind, wise, and honest way as usual:
" What everyone drank is called alcohol regardless of its many flavors. It makes a person lose their right thoughts if they overindulge. Your mother does not drink alcohol for two reasons: because I do not like it, and the other because I want to remain in my right mind without distraction... "
" Mother is a reliable person as always "
Warmth spread through Elite's heart at her child's sweet observation, which made her kneel on her leg and caress her child's cheek kindly and in a warm voice:
" And Ian is a wonderful and considerate child.. "
No one looked at Elite because of their intense interest in the Imperial Family, which made it comfortable for her, and she basically does not like to tire herself with paying attention to anyone. Elite stood up straight, adjusted her posture smoothly, and said in a kind and steady voice:
" Let us offer our greetings, my little one "
The child held his mother's hand and moved with her obediently until they reached the front of the throne where the Emperor sat and next to him the Empress. Slightly in the back were the chairs for the Princes; to the right of the Emperor was Prince Johann and to the left of the Empress was Princess Lydia...
Elite stepped forward as the family of the highest status, despite the presence of two duchies: the first was Estroyn, whose lineage ended due to the treason of one of its followers, and the other was Melody, which was lower in status than Altan...
" Duchess Elite di Altan greets Their Royal Highnesses... "
" Ian di Altan greets Their Royal Highnesses "
Ian simulated what she had taught him a while ago: moderation in everything—in praise, blame, and respect as well...
" Happy to meet the Duchess and the Little Duke. I was worried the Duchess wanted to hide her child forever... "
Elite straightened from her bow and said in a calm and smiling voice:
" Isn't it the Duchess's duty to protect the future of the Duchy.. "
The Emperor laughed at Elite's thorny words. She knew he was hinting that Elite did not show Ian because perhaps he was not an Altan, despite the confirmation of the heads of the Eastern families that he carries the Altan symbol and had received the blessing of the Temple. But he remained skeptical until he saw him with his own eyes: amber-red eyes and shimmering silver hair, resembling the previous Duke greatly in features. Thus, he dismissed the doubts and said..
" Certainly. I hope the Duchess enjoys the party.. "
" Thank you, Your Majesty.. "
She asked for permission to leave and took her child with her. Everyone began offering greetings, and after finishing, the priest approached with the sword, the crown, and a golden robe...
The ceremony for crowning the Prince as Crown Prince began. The priest helped Johann wear the robe and gave him the sword that his seven-year-old body could barely carry. Then the King gave the crown and spoke:
" By the pride granted to me by the Sun of Sardia and its protector, Emperor Arthur von Di Roshan, by announcing his decision...
The Young Prince and first son of the Emperor, Prince Johann von Di Roshan, you have been given the right of succession to the throne and by appointing you Crown Prince of this land and its coming Sun... "
Johann sat on one knee and bowed his head. The Emperor took the small crown and placed it on his son's head, while his eyes were monitoring a specific spot at the same time. After the crown was fixed on the Prince's head, he made the child kiss his robe...
" I, Prince Johann von Di Roshan, Prince of Sardia and its Crown Prince, pledge protection and loyalty to it... "
After finishing the coronation speech, for both the Emperor and the Crown Prince, the festive atmosphere began and other children approached Johann. Some were enthusiastic and some were executing what their parents told them...
" Shall we offer our greetings to the Prince?! "
I smiled and looked at my child who nodded yes. I held my child's hand tenderly and signaled to the maid who came with her and whispered to her:
" Bring the gift "
The maid moved quickly at her mistress's words...
* * *
The Empress was wandering very close to her son, holding her daughter's hand. As for Johann, he was talking quietly with the other children; some were older than him but Johann was a mature child...
" The bracelet the Crown Prince is wearing, it is strange and wonderful.. "
" It is a gift from my uncle, Prince Eric "
" Wow, it's wonderful "
Johann, the mature child, smiled happily and looked at the bracelet with a kind of pride. Anyone seeing the matter would realize that the relationship between Eric and Johann is very good...
" The Azure Zara Bracelet, the light that protects its owner. It is a truly interesting item.. "
It was Ian's enthusiastic voice. Elite looked at her child in wonder; she knew that her child was very well-read and asked many questions. His knowledge of the bracelet truly amazed her. She felt a surge of pride and approached the children in a kind voice:
" Happy birthday, Your Highness the Crown Prince... "
" Thank you, Duchess "
" Happy birthday, Your Highness... "
" Thank you, Young Duke "
The flow between mother and child was harmonious and balanced; there was no excessive coercion or excessive indulgence, but the deep affection and warmth were completely clear. Despite Johann's young age, he noticed it easily. Johann looked at Elite in astonishment then returned the greeting with a kind smile, and turned his gaze back to Ian who was smiling spontaneously and who bowed, imitating his mother..
Elite spoke to break the silence with a kind and confident smile:
" Ian, let us present your gift to His Highness "
Usually, gifts were sent first, and rarely is a gift delivered on the day of the party. But Elite wanted to display the gift and also confirm its purpose; she suggested delivering the gift at the birthday party..
Ian looked at his mother and smiled broadly and took the box covered with a light, silken piece of cloth. He signaled to the maid who placed a small table in front of him, so he placed the box on it and uncovered it...
Johann's eyes opened wide, even the children and adults who approached out of curiosity for the gift the Duchess and her son would present—their mouths dropped at the gift. It was not an ordinary box, but a small cage inside which was a pure white and beautiful beast resembling birds, with white feathers and crest, deep black eyes, a mouth like a dragon's jaw, and claws like a falcon's. It was clearly a predatory beast, but the creature inside the cage was an infant and small, the size of a pigeon. Everyone was shocked that it was a Griffin-Dragon hybrid, but it is a highly dangerous beast, and it is a good friend when tamed...
" A Griffin hybrid?! "
" Yes, it is a good and strong friend "
It was the Empress's voice that broke the silence. Elite did not respond; instead, Ian responded first then looked at his mother as if to say 'did I do a good job?':
" It might be dangerous; even taming it is difficult... "
The Empress's doubts were justified, but Elite smiled and said:
" It is not difficult, is it, Ian?! "
... To be continued ...
Note: For those who would like to see pictures of the characters, you can find them on my Wattpad account or Telegram channel.
@sara_luffy11