The Prince (2)

"You need to remember to be gentle."

"No, not like that."

"Almost..."

"Yes, right there. That's perfect."

Matteus looked down at the stuffed black teddy bear with precious blue gemstones for eyes. The nursery room was packed full of them, as Adaline had gone overboard with the decorating. Still, when she gazed at him with begging eyes he couldn't find it in himself to say no.

After a maid had delivered the mock training dummy, Scott had gone into full-blown teacher mode. Instructing Matteus on all the different ways a newborn should be held.

The King was already growing tired of his nitpicking and decided to distract him just a bit.

"How is your son? He's only a few months old now, isn't he?"

The man seemed to deflate.

"Don't remind me. I have no idea how the little bastard can have so much energy when all he drinks is milk. Not to mention the set of lungs he has. All Father above, I can't wait for him to grow out of it."

Matteus almost chuckled at his struggles but quickly shut his mouth. He was also a new father now, he might have the same struggles in the future.

Scott watched his friend as he carefully handled the stuffed animal. He was secretly jealous, it took him more than a week to master holding his son. It was such a shame, he couldn't tease Matteus anymore.

"Well, I guess that brings an end to your lesson. Give me that. Time to do this for real."

Scott took the black bear from his hand and pushed him towards the Prince.

Matteus hesitated only momentarily before gently easing one hand below his son's head while the other cradled his back.

Both men froze and held their breaths as the baby wiggled, they let out a soft sigh when it was clear that he would remain asleep.

Scott couldn't help but get just a little emotional at the sight of his friend holding his child. At that moment he sent a prayer to the All Father begging them to allow his and Matteus' sons to become best friends.

The king, oblivious to the man's thoughts, could only focus on his son who seemed to have gotten comfortable in his arms. He had curled into his chest, seeking the warmth that seeped through the long sleeve cotton shirt and gold buttons.

"I'm leaving,"

"Your Majesty, your Highness."

Scott bowed as the two left, shaking his head at Matteus' enthusiasm.

The maids and knights felt their hearts lighten as the father son duo passed through the large halls. It would soon spread to the rest of the workers that once again, all was well within the walls of Asteri.

Adaline had only just woken from a nap when the two entered her room.

When she saw the healthy child she almost burst into tears. The heavy stone-like guilt that had been weighing her down immediately evaporated like water.

Not so much as saying a word to Matteus she held her hands out in a silent demand.

Matteus coughed and shuffled back, cuddling his son further into his embrace.

"You are still recovering. You should rest a bit more."

"Matteus, I will not ask again. Give my son to me."

Golden eyes clashed with purple in a war of wills. The staring contest would have lasted much longer if not for the little whimper that came from the newborn.

"See, he must be hungry. Give him to me."

There was no further protest as the child was placed into her arms and soon began to feed.

"Have you thought of a name?"

Matteus mirrored the question back at Adaline.

"Do you have any suggestions?"

"No, besides it's customary for the King to name the firstborn, isn't it?"

"Then for his first name, Azra. His Royal name shall be Caspian"

Adaline blinked at him in surprise. She was sure he would pick something strong and masculine. Azra sounded... pretty.

"It is the ancient language, meaning pure."

Adaline looked down at her son and couldn't help but smile. He looked as if he had floated down from the heavens straight into her arms.

"It's perfect."

If someone had told her a year ago that she would become a royal concubine to the King and eventually give birth to a prince, she would have cursed them and deemed them crazy.

Yet here she was, basking in a moment she was sure would become one of the happiest in her life. Still, there was something nagging at her, something she had yet to tell the king.

A secret.

"Do you remember when we first met, and I proposed to you the deal? I said I would give you an heir if you promised me protection."

Matteus said nothing, but from the way his gold eyes were trained on her, she knew he was listening to every word.

"I think it's time I tell you who I am and who I asked you to protect me from, but in order to do that I need to go. 

"Must you really go? Can you not just tell me?"

A wry grin worked its way onto Adaline's face.

"I would, but I can say with certainty that what I will tell you is going to be the most insane thing you've ever heard. It's better to have evidence to make it all seem more believable."

The King frowned but knew better than to argue anymore with the stubborn woman.

"In that case, take a group of knights with you."

Adaline almost burst out laughing. If only he knew who she was before she became his concubine. No matter, he would soon find out.

"It won't be a dangerous trip, I'm only going to pick up some things. It will be much quicker if I move alone."

Before the king could open his mouth to protest even further, there was a knock at the door.

Upon Matteus allowing entry, one of the knights that was tasked with guarding the door entered. His uniform of dark metal armor clanging slightly as he knelt on one knee.

"Your Majesty, Sir Ryan is waiting to announce the news to the people. He has refused to leave until it has been said by His Majesty."

Matteus looked over at Adaline and their son, still hidden under cloth while he fed.

He had been so caught up in his own world that he momentarily forgot that the people were also waiting anxiously.

"Let it be known the firstborn of the eleventh generation of Alfonsi, Prince Azra Caspian, has been born of good health."

"By your word."

The knight quickly exited the room and walked down the large glossy halls until he got to the main floor of the palace which was used to house large gatherings and temporary guests.

As usual, Sir Ryan's voice was heard before one could even see the man himself.

"-And I have already told you, I will not leave this room until the news of the Prince has passed through my ear first!"

The knight walked in to see one of the many maids of Asteri trying their best to calm the man who stood in front of a glass table filled with teas and small snacks.

Sir Ryan otherwise known as 'big mouth' Ryan was the official announcer that bridged the gap between The King and the people. He delivered every important aspect of news to the people below and was known to be an avid lover of gossip in his free time.

With his tall ridiculous feathered hats and styled mustache, he was a difficult man to miss. Just the way he liked it.

"The King sends his word of the birth of his Highness Azra Caspian Alfonsi. He is of good health."

Ryan focused his gaze on the knight for a moment before letting out a loud laugh. Without warning he clutched his large green hat firmly to his head.

"Duck!"

The knight quickly shielded the maid as the announcer jumped to hover in the air for a moment before flying through the room and halls. Leaving the maid and knight to deal with the mess powerful winds had made of the waiting room.

"His Majesty has already warned you against using wind magic within the halls!"

"Oh no, there he goes."

"Someone open the entrance door before he crashes into it again!"

Two large sleek steel plated doors barely opened wide enough to allow the man to shoot through them.

Ryan continued to laugh as he passed the greenery and rosebushes planted outside before taking a hard turn and plunging straight down over the edge of the floating land.

Below, the main square was decked out in colorful decorations. The people of Alfonsi considered the continuation of the royal bloodline as a blessing from the All Father themself. To them it was a promise of good health and fortune for the future.

"Mama! He's coming!"

"Everyone clear the stage! An announcement is about to be made!"

The dancers that were performing on the large smooth stone stage quickly scurried off and onto the cobblestone street where others gathered.

The man landed dead center of the raised platform, the dust around him settling for all to see the large smile on Sir Ryan's face.

His voice carried through the streets, further amplified by the wind magic.

"Let it be known far and wide that on this glorious day, the Alfonsi bloodline has been extended with the life of the firstborn Prince. His Highness Azra Caspian Alfonsi. Rejoice!"

The news took root of the people like a flash fire. Spreading the word all through the nation of Alfonsi, past Amaris forest, rushing through the stone buildings of Amaryllis and over the mountains to the settlements beyond.

From one side of the world to the next, his existence became known. The tiny prince was born into the world known as Llyria.

Realm of mages.