The Big Day

To be a royal blood must be a wonderful thing, fancy clothes, lavish meals, and a life of ease. A privilege that no commoner would not want to have, but for the prince, it was a life with a price. A life compensated and cursed with a lack of freedom and free will, although he's not yet aware of this woe.

The sound of the cheerful horns coming from the kingdom's castle is what woke up Nicolas, he had always hoped for this day and now, it finally came, his seventh birthday. He eagerly jumped out of bed, his smile stretching from ear to ear as he headed straight for the window. His hair still messy as an old man came knocking at his door, holding a trouser, long sleeve shirt, a tie, and a pair of black leather shoes.

"Good morning your majesty, I should have known you would wake up early," the man kindly smiled as he placed the clothes at the end of the bed.

"Of course, I have been waiting for this day since I'm four Arthur, I'm finally old enough to wander outside this boring castle walls," he began prancing at his bed, his bedsheet getting messy with each jump.

Arthur could not help himself but smile seeing the playful prince celebrate even before his introduction to the whole kingdom. Not only Prince Nicolas is filled of excitement of course, ever since the day he was born, the king and queen had decided to only let him wander inside the wide but confined vicinity of the castle walls, all for his safety, after all, the royal family had receive threats since the queen was announced pregnant. He had never had any contact with the outside world, except for the workers and some visitors that enters the castle.

"Happy Birthday!," a rushing greeting came echoing from outside. Judging from the pitch and enthusiasm, Arthur and Nicolas already figured out who it was.

"Don't run on the halls Alisa," Arthur caught the girl by the collar, stopping her from her tracks. "I know being hyperactive is both your quirks, which can't be help, but please, just for this day, behave."

Although confined inside the walls, the little prince was not alone, he had a friend living the same fate as him. Alisa Valorona, daughter of the castle's head maid, Elisa Valorona. It also stemmed from the threat the royal family had received and due to the fact that her father was the Knight Commander.

"Got it, you can put me down now," she desperately freed herself and met with Nicolas at the window.

"Do you think they would let us roam around outside?," he still can't help himself but smile.

"Well, that depends on strict Arthur here," Alisa pointed to the gentlemen.

Being the center of attention, Arthur could argue no more, he knows to himself he is not the one to decide for the children's request. The King would most probably disagree and he knows it well, he knows how much the King and Queen love their only son, and Elisa knows the danger it could pose. 

"I would try my best to persuade each of your parents but I can't guarantee their approval."

The children rejoiced just by the fact that Arthur would try.

"By the way, happy birthday Nicolas!," she handed the prince a note, to which he was delighted.

"Happy birthday too Alisa," he replied, "but I have nothing to give you, so…," he went in for a hug.

"Silly, my birthday is tomorrow, and I'm not even asking for any gifts," they now parted. "but I would really appreciate going outside as a gift," she whispered before both of them laughed.

"Enough, with the greetings children, it's time for a bath and change of clothes."

It was past 12 noon when another horn was sounded and the residents of the kingdom had already filled the Castle grounds as soon as the gate opened. They are delighted to enter the castle, it was great admiring it from a far, with its symmetrical structure surrounded by sturdy walls and a 10-meter-wide moat connected to a calm river, but the inside has a better view, especially to the first-time visitors. Colorful flags are tied to the poles embedded at the castle walls, swaying gracefully with the breeze. Everyone was invited for a feast in the first ever official introduction of the Prince. Their smiles was a painting of joy, and their shouts and claps is showcasing their pleasure.

All heads tilted towards the balcony of the throne room as the horn was again sounded. It had been a place for many historic events in Gregoria ever since its foundation, and today, it will witness another historic moment.

"Welcome my people, and to our guest, King Ferrol and Queen Herina of Algernon," King Frederick commenced the event. "I would first like to extend my gratitude to each and every one of you," he was a splendid King, despite carrying the throne and duty at a young age since his father's death, he had been a great and kind ruler, listening to the cries of the people and reacting appropriately. He is a perfect king, and no one in the kingdom would disagree.

Whistles and claps filled the castle, but just with one hand raised by the King, the crowd silenced. "All of you already know that ever since my Queen and I had been blessed with a child, messages threatening the life of the royal family, had always been a normal occurrence. This had led us to the decision not to let the Prince wander outside the walls. Both for his safety and our peace of mind, but now, the time has finally come for you to meet him. Behold, my pride, my hope, and successor, my son, Nicolas Gregory." 

The crowd again cheered with all they got as if not expressing their love and anything under a wide smile is a crime. Whistles are again prevalent as the King stepped down. On the other hand, the introduction of his father did not excite Nicolas, not one bit, he will be facing a whole crowd expecting him to be proper and perfect, and he's not quite sure that he's that kind of person.

He was sweating profusely and his fingertips are starting to shake. "What if they don't like me?," he looked up, grabbing the dress of Queen Natalia.

"My sweet child, there is nothing for you to worry about, they will accept you for who you are no matter what you do," his mother assured him.

"Your mother is right, no matter what happens, we will always be here at your side, supporting you with everything we have," the King added.

He nodded his head while looking for the courage to step forward and show himself, but he still can't move from where he stands. "I don't think I can do this—"

The boy was about to chicken out when Alisa held his hand, "Don't worry, I'll hold your hand if you think it would help…"

The prince just stared at her for a moment before the crowd went silent. Painted in his eyes are the words of gratitude towards his only friend. Slowly and surely, he stepped on the pedestal towering over everyone, occasionally checking if Alisa had let his hand go, and to his relief, she indeed kept her promise.

"It's my pleasure to finally meet you people of my beloved land, Gregoria…," he paused and Alisa just kept reminding him that it's fine. "I am Nicolas Gregory… despite my young age, you can be rest assured that I will do my best to do my duties to help you with everything I got. I'm looking forward for our future endeavors as a kingdom, that's all, and thank you for celebrating this important day of my life."

There was no response from the crowd, this made him wonder if they did not like what he said and is now starting to contemplate what he had done wrong. Was it the way he spoke? What is because he is trembling from head down to the tip of his toe? Or was it just because they don't really like him in the first place.

Though none of those are true, in contrast, the people were amazed and enchanted by how he spoke. "He's only seven and he can already handle such speech in front of these many people?, he must be brilliant in everything," gossip started spreading from down below. While some just can't process his majestic black hair swaying gently with the wind that glows a slight brown with the right amount of sunlight similar to his eyes. His smile, so kind that it's contagious to everyone underneath. "He'll be one handsome prince when he grows up," another whisper came around before the crowd began its cheers again.

"See? We told you it's going to be fine," Alisa whispered to him as the crowd continuously chanted "All hail Prince Nicolas."

"Yeah," he replied as he waved at the crowd, finally easing up.

The day continued into a feast. Fruits, vegetables, pork meat, chicken thigh, lamb, beef, bread, honey, butter, juice for the kids and wine for the adults. Deem it edible and it's on the table waiting to be devoured. The jester provided the entertainment and the orchestra filled the castle with lively music. Nicolas and Alisa had never had this much fun before; they are happy with each other's company but having lots of new friends are a different level of fun for them.

"Glad to see you both enjoying yourself," Arthur still has a strict surveillance at them.

"Of course, this might never happen again so might as well enjoy every bit, right Nicolas?"

"But you know what is even more fun?," Nicolas held her by the shoulder, as they nod at each other. "Are you reading me?," he added.

"Going outside of course!," they went for a high five before begging Arthur to help them. Using their birthdays as an excuse to wish for a trip outside. The poor old man just sat there unable to give an answer when the head maid came.

"There will be no one going outside."

"Aw thank God, someone they will listen to," Arthur sighed in relief.

"But—," the prince and Alisa said in chorus but they are no match for Elisa.

"No buts," she firmly said. Although her tone was never an angry one, the two can't argue, not to Alisa's mom. "Why the long face? The Queen is calling you both at the dining table, come on now, chop-chop, and Alisa…," she dusted her daughter's dress and fixed her ribbon. "I know our King and Queen is used to both of you and Nicolas's fidgets but please behave. The Royal family of Algernon will be there with you."

"Yes mother"

"Yes Mrs. Valorona"

They were greeted with the other maids as they prepared both of their seats, all eyes on them as they finally sat on their respective chairs. The Royal family was seated on the opposite sides of the table, both the kings are happily pouring themselves another glass of wine while the Queens are sharing various stories that Nicolas does not care about.

"Here they are," Natalia presented both of them. "This is Nicolas, my mischievous son, and beside him is the daughter of my friend Alisa. Come on children, say your greetings to our visitors."

"Nice to meet you Queen Herina," Alisa started followed with Nicolas who did the same.

"Such polite children you are raising Natalia, anyway, here is also my Princess, Meriane, she is a bit shy but I'm guessing you three are around the same age, so please be good to her."

Shy is an understatement, Nicolas tried to talk to her, Alisa too offered her food and instigated a chat but they got no reply, not even a single nod nor grunt. Nicolas even thought and whispered to Alisa that the princess is either a snob or just mute, into which Alisa slapped him on his side in protest.

"At least get to meet her first before judging her," she whispered.

"Fine," the prince did not pay much attention as he chewed down the chicken thigh.

Little did they know that Meriane was more bewildered than shy, she can't speak not because she's afraid but because he looks at Nicolas as if he was sparkling, a perfect image, a glistening jewel that she would like to preserve. She wanted to be his friend badly but her awe is what's comes first. Nicolas on the other hand find it weird that the princess is not talking and just eyeing both of them from across the table. If his parents did not raise him well, he knows he must have spewed every bit of his inner monologue on how much that girl Meriane is creeping the hell out of him.

"Are you done Alisa? Can't we just move on, I really want to get out and we're burning daylight," he put down the sparkling clean thigh bone onto his plate.

"I was just thinking the same thing, but look—," she gestured at Arthur.

The butler is also busy indulging himself in some wine, well they can say he deserved it. It is not every day that the high-grade wine from the basement cellar is available for leisure drinking, this will only be the second time he got to drink such fine wine since his long service at the castle. He was just about to fill his glass when his little devil runts decided it's time for them to go, after politely asking the Queen to leave the colorful yet desolate dining table.

"Arthur are you drunk?," Alisa poked him.

"No, young master, at least not yet" he cackled.

"Then you still have time to ask our parents and accompany us outside, right?," Nicolas added.

"I thought Head Maid Elisa made it clear to the both of you that there will be no one going outside, right? Tell me you can understand that. You're seven years old, and Alisa is hours away from being so. Spare this old man a minute from my butler duties will you?," he pleaded to the two which left both of them disappointed.

But children this age does not take rules and regulations well. If they wanted something, they would either cry as loud as they could or lay on the floor then wiggle as if they are struck by lightning. Luckily these mischievous mice have more shame and are better at planning an escape than kids their age.

"Well, I guess it's up to us now."

"So? What should we do, I don't want to get spank again like last time you know," Alisa reminded Nicolas of the last time they tried something.

It was just a week ago when they decided to run around the halls full of gigantic vases just their height. It was fun at first, sprinting and tagging each other around the castle, not until they knocked over one of those porcelain vases and its breaking sound echoed though the walls. They were lucky only to get scolded by the King, because if it's Alisa's mother, she is the type of parent that's strict on morals and disciplinary action.

"Oh, come on Alisa, it's not like we are going to be long, we'll be back before the fireworks even starts," Nicolas argued. "Now, once the guards are distracted from what I'll do, we run like hell outside, got it?"

"I don't have much faith on your plan, but I guess we can try."

And so, Nicolas started to distract the guards, spewing lies as if it's as natural as breathing, "The king said you can now take a break," which the guards did not argue. Why would they? They have been standing there since morning watching people get their fill and share of fun. With his wide big smile, he had gestured the ok sign to Alisa and they both escaped. Arthur on the other hand despite being a bit wonky from all the wine, had taken a glimpse of the two slipping out from the gate. 

"Those two—," he just sighed, quickly stood up, drank the remaining wine from his glass then followed.

For Nicolas and Alisa, the outside was a wide place, a common view if you had spent your whole life inside an enclose perimeter. Outside is where they can finally have an adventure aside from the forbidden dipping on the pond at the back of the castle, playing beside the deep well, and trampling over the tulips in the garden. They met with the other children on the bridge as they finally felt that they are really outside.

"Can we join?," Nicolas asked while Alisa tailed him from behind.

"I don't know, can you run?," one of the children asked.

"Are mocking the prince?," Alisa retaliated upon feeling offended from the question.

"You are the Prince?," the others began crowding in.

After a bit of explanation and introduction, they are now playing tag with Hunter and the other children. Could this be the life outside? Happy and free without restriction that you can do what you want and no one will forbid you from anything. That's what both of them thinks as they played until they can taste their own sweat. Not until they saw Arthur closing in from the distance.

"He's here— A— Alisa?"

"I know, I'm not blind."

"Guys? are you familiar with the town square?," Nicolas asked as he slowly made his way to the other end of the bridge, father away from the castle.

"It's not that far, do you want to go their?," Hunter presented. He must have been the leader of these children, cause most of the time, he is the only one who answers.

"I would love to!," the prince felt more ecstatic. He knows he should not be doing this, but it felt good doing what's forbidden.

"I would also like to see the statues of the past Kings, and the flowers, and the fountain!," Alisa added.

As soon as Arthur finally recognized them, both of them and the children are now sprinting towards the town square. The sun started to say it's goodbye and the streetlamps began to glow. It's a mysterious thing, but it's a simple trick, glowing moss, abundant at the sides of the root-like river that spreads over the capitol of Gregoria, providing a picture-perfect scene for the eyes with the occasional armies of fireflies.

"Hold up you two!," Arthur caught his breath as he too had reached the town square.

It was a square lawn, in the middle was the statues of the past Kings except for one, Alvor Valorona, Alisa's father, a great knight who fought for Gregoria's sovereign and safety against the invading kingdoms, and sadly, lost his life after a request of assistance from Yggdryas, the oldest city believed to have been created. Beside it, he found the two, telling tales from the past war.

"Have you met him?"

Alisa shrugged her head from Nicolas's question, "He died at the war remember? I never got the chance to meet him, maybe I did, I guess so, but a 2-year old's memory is hazy. Although mother did not forget to tell me what kind of person he is, seeing this statue was the top reason why I wanted to go out."

"Have you at least felt close to him just by seeing his statue?," Arthur settled behind them as the other children started to head back.

"I guess so."

"We can always come back, you know, if you somehow miss him," Nicolas empathized.

"You should have told me earlier that this is what you wanted to do, I could have accompanied you properly."

"We tried, but you're too drunk to reconsider remember?," the prince said as he sat down on the grass.

"Well, your majesty, at least Alisa had some real reasons to do so, unlike someone we know."

Alisa could not help but laugh when Nicolas made the excuse "I just wanted to see my grandfathers," to which Arthur did not buy, but since they are already there then they might as well take their time.

"So, did you at least enjoyed your stroll outside. With this kind of stunt, I doubt you're going to get another chance at it. Well, not if I don't tell any of your parents."

"You would do that for us?," Nicolas eagerly lent his ear.

"Sure, but this will not be a fair trade if you can't give me something in return—"

"You know you're posing yourself as a bad example by presenting those terms right?," Alisa laughed.

"Well, Anton, my son, had become a fine man despite my not so good example ways as a father, so your argument is weak," Arthur replied with his own fashioned out of breathe laughter. "Isn't it time to head back soon, the King and Queen especially would be worried and furious if they found about you sneaking outside without proper super vision."

"Yeah, I finally got to do what I want, and now there's nothing left but to watch the fireworks," the prince stood up.

"Uhm, Logan—," Alisa got both of their attention as the gentleman dusted the prince's clothes. "Isn't the designated area for the fireworks is the empty space after the moat behind the castle?"

Arthur wondered why the girl would ask such a thing, he assured her that it really would be there and the sky would soon be filled with bright lights of joy.

"Then, what are those dark hooded men doing?"

"What do you mean?," Nicolas wondered.

"I'm certain that there are no changes of plans for today's event," Arthur pushed, but his eyes went wide went an explosion finally occurred and obliterated one of the houses in the vicinity.

"RUN," he immediately ordered as he recognized those cylindrical things that sparkles at the tip before it explodes. It was dynamite, and as soon as they decided to run, the three of them got flung several meters away before hugging the ground.

"Alisa! Nicolas! RUN"

It was the last thing they heard from Arthur before both of their hearings were filled with the ringing sound of panic and disorientation.