CHAPTER NINE - MESSAGE FROM THE FIRST PRINCE

In the middle of the party, the crown prince stood up to make a toast to his father, the king.

'Clink Clink Clink' Crown prince Nathan hit his champagne glass thrice with a small fork. He is the second child and the first son of the Queen, so he was given the honor as the crown prince to give a speech. "Thank you all for attending this joyous occasion despite your busy schedule. It warms our hearts to see and know how much you love and care for our beloved king. " A round of applause followed his words. He continued after the noise had died down.

"I want you all to join me as I to- " Prince Nathan words was cut off when the room suddenly became dark. There were series of gasps and murmur as panic began to settle in.

"What happened to the lights? " One of the guests asked.

"Is there an attack?! "

"Your highness please do something. "

"Everyone calm down. The guards are on it and I can also assure you that this is not an attack, so please keep calm. " Prince Nathan said.

"Nicholas. " The King called his right hand man who had been serving him since he was young man.

"Yes your majesty. " Nicholas answered.

"Go and check what happened. " King Reeve instructed.

"Yes your majesty. " Nicholas replied as he bowed to the king. As he was about to leave the hall when a bright shone in the middle of the dinning table. It was a hologram of a man who looked exactly like the king but younger than him. The entire hall fell silent.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to me, happy birthday to us, brother... happy birthday to us... " The holographic man chuckled. "This song is still so funny , don't you agree Reeve. " King Reeve who was already standing, nod his head in agreement. The man from the hologram was none other than his twin brother, George Alistair Bisset, Evielyn's father.

"How are you doing? I know you are okay even though I'm not beside you. " Reeve shook his head as he whispered. " I'm not... okay big bro... "

" By the time you will watch this video, I probably might not be with you guys again. Tell mom and dad that I'm sorry, I love them and I also miss them so much. " Miran became a sobbing mess as she watched her first son holographic form. The pain of losing him resurfaced again in their hearts. Even Micheal was affected as tears gathered in his eyes.

"Ah!.. Enough of the tears now. Today is supposed to be a joyous occasion, so no more tears okay! " George laughed. "I have a surprise for you.." He disappeared from their view only to appear back again but he wasn't alone this time. He was with little baby girl who was giggling as he carried her. " This is your baby niece, Evielyn. Evie darling say hi to uncle. " The little girl smiled and waved her chubby hands at the camera.

"Untul! " Baby Evie giggled showing her deeply indented dimples that she inherit from her father.

" Look at her, she is only eight months old but she behaves like an adult. Make sure you take care of Reeve. She is my life. "

A lady with long black hair and pale blue eyes walked in carrying a tray of drinks. "Happy birthday Reeve. " she greeted. The lady was George wife, Arlene Blackburn. She was beautiful and youthful looking depite being a nursing mother.

Arlene serve the drinks to her husband and daughter. There were two glass of champagne and a bottle of milk.

"Let's make a toast lil' bro. " George raised his glass and both Arlene and Evielyn followed. Reeve also picked up his glass and the others followed suit. "A long life, a prosperous tenure and a loving family... to my baby bro , king Reeve Amatzya Bisset of Cordina. " George said.

Arlene : To king Reeve

Everyone in the hall : To king Reeve.

Baby Evielyn : Untul!! "

The video ended and everywhere became bright again. The hall was filled with different emotions. The younger generation were confused but the smart ones among them understood what the video was about. No one said anything as they waited for the King to speak but Reeve wasn't anything.

He quietly left the hall without saying anything to anyone.Nathan wanted to go after his father but the Queen stopped him. Micheal and Miran followed next. The place was still quiet until Queen Gabrielle spoke up. "The King needs some time alone. I hope you can understand why but nonetheless please enjoy your meal and have a good time. " Then she also left the room.