Chapter 157: Meeting The King And The Queen

(Amaia)

It’s soothing to sit with my mates in a royal carriage. I feel special and loved today. The giddy feeling twists my insides as I watch the twins bickering with each other.

My love-filled eyes shift from one to the other, and truly, I have even forgotten the nervousness of meeting their parents.

"Ignore him, Lassie. I was a saint," Alnitak purrs.

Mintaka loudly snorts at his answer, clapping his hands together. "You and saint?" His playful eyes drift towards me. "He was the naughtiest amongst us, pulling pranks on everyone, teasing, hiding stuff and whatnot."

Alnitak dramatically gasps at his brother and then turns his face towards me. "Look at this face. Do you think I am capable of doing what he is saying?"

He pouts his lips and gives me puppy eyes which makes my heart melt.

"Don’t let his innocent face fool you, Amaia," Mintaka warns, leaning back in the comfy velvet seat of the carriage.

I reach forward and pull Alnitak’s cheeks. "He can fool me all he wants." A massive grin comes to rest on his face hearing my words.

"That’s my girl." His hands crawl to hold my waist.

Mintaka, on the other hand, raises his hands and throws them down in defeat. "I rest my case with both of you."

We burst out laughing. The loud sound of Saiph’s motorcycle suddenly comes to a halt along with our carriage.

"We are here," Alnitak announces, his eyes swivelling outside. I follow his gaze and am left stunned to see a looming bluish grey palace from the window.

"Wow!" From its towering spires to the intricate details of the architecture, it’s a work of art. "It’s marvellous."

"It is," Alnitak answers with pride as the huge metallic silver doors are swung open by the sentinels.

Saiph starts his bike and enters first, followed by us. Our carriage slowly enters the huge palace grounds. It’s lit by torches mounted on long black poles that flank the cobblestone passageway.

The carriage smoothly rolls on the pathway. On either side, massive gardens lay. A vibrant tapestry of manicured hedges and colourful blossoms. The sweet scent of night flowers drifts through the open window, filling my nostrils.

"Welcome to Palace Esmelda," Alnitak warmly whispers, seeing me lost in the beauty of their place. The king has named the palace after his wife. The thought warms my heart. He seems to immensely love the queen.

"Thanks, it’s like nothing I have ever seen," I confide in them. Alnitak gently squeezes my hand.

The carriages come to a halt and the coachman steps down from the carriage and opens the door for us. Mintaka jumps out first and holds out his hand for me to take.

I place my hand in his, feeling the warmth and step down. Alnitak follows. Mintaka lets go of my hand, letting Alnitak take it and guide me forward.

Nervousness grips me like a vine, tightening its hold. Now that I am here, I can’t breathe fully.

On the other side of the carriage stands both King Orion V and his wife Queen Esmelda Orion. They have big smiles on their faces, seeing their sons. Saiph stands just behind the queen, like her overextended dark shadow. His glacial eyes are fixed on me.

"Father!" Mintaka acknowledges his father and they briefly hug. King Orion holds a hearty smile, his golden eyes are exactly like the twins while his silver hair has been inherited by Alnilam.

"How have you been?" He asks, patting his son’s shoulder. I sense pride in it.

Meanwhile, Alnitak greets his mother who holds him to her chest.

"My dear son, how I have missed you." She takes his face in her hands and kisses his forehead. Queen Esmelda is as gorgeous as I remember her from last time. With carmine hair that the twins inherited from her and deep violet eyes that are very similar to Alnilam, she possesses a combination I have never seen in anyone before.

Her voice is kind and gentle, and her eyes hold endless love and affection for her sons.

"Mama, I missed you too." Alnitak kisses both her cheeks before hugging her.

Both twins trade places so Alnitak can greet his father and Mintaka his mother. Once they have passed pleasantries, Alnitak guides me forward so I stand in front of the king and the queen. Both of them are tall, like their sons.

"Father, Mama, meet Amaia."

Respectfully, I smile at them. "Your Highness, thank you for inviting us over."

Queen Esmelda reaches out and holds my arms. A kind and motherly smile she carries.

"No need for formalities. Just call me Esmelda and I am hearing such good things about you. Thank you for joining us today."

"Truly said. We are glad to have you here," King Orion says with an enigmatic smile and I can see where Alnitak got his charms from.

I respectfully nod at them, keeping my smile going. That sense of dread and nervousness has left me, seeing how easy-going they are irrespective of being royalty.

Rahria and Kacir meet them next and they treat them as if they are their own kids. Frank and loving towards them, hugging them, which clearly shows what a strong bond all of them share.

"Let’s head inside and converse over dinner," King Orion ushers everyone with his hands and turns around to head inside.

Alnitak places his arm around my shoulder and guides me forward. "Still nervous? I told you our parents are cool."

"Not really, just a tiny bit," I admit, glancing around at the grandeur of this place.

Saiph remains behind us like the hulking shadow he is.

We enter the palace and arrive in a circular hall, made with polished black marble stones and mirrors.

Stunned, I watch and lift my head. A gigantic tiered chandelier with hundreds of lit candles hangs from the ceiling. It’s light reflected in the mirrors creating this spectacular lightning effect.

"Wow! This place is beyond my imagination," I quietly but enthusiastically tell Alnitak and he cutely smiles at me.

"Wait, till you see the rest of it."