Chapter XXIX

Ayaan turned to his side and sat up gently. His body had gotten used to waking up early for training. He moved to his window and pulled the curtains a little. The twilight was beautiful and he watched as it was slowly brightened into day.

"Ummm..." Raphael muttered as he stretched his limbs.

"Raph you're awake?" Ayaan turned to the bed.

"Yup. Morning," Rapheal returned.

"Good morning," Ayaan said.

"I can't wait to start eating already," Rapheal grinned.

"You just woke up and all you're thinking about is food." Ayaan laughed.

"Of course," Rapheal said funnily.

"Alright then I'll just take a bath," Ayaan said reaching for his bathing robe.

"Okay then, I'll just go get water I'm kinda thirsty." Rapheal said.

"Okay," Ayaan returned and entered the bathroom.

Rapheal went down to the kitchen and got a glass of water. The younger maids giggling as they watched him. All he did was smile. Then he returned to his room to get ready. When he was done he brushed his hair and smiled at himself in the mirror.

"Hey handsome," he smirked.

"All done, let's go see if Ayaan is ready." He said and closed the door behind him.

As he walked back to the palace's main entrance the maids and guards were putting finishing touches to the decorations. He strode to his best friend's room picking an apple from Gisselle's tray of fruits.

"Thanks Gisselle," he said.

"Rapheal, you'll never change." She laughed shaking her head.

Ayaan was staring at the leaf he had plucked as it now laid in a glass jar which he placed on the table close to the window.

"It's beautiful," Rapheal said from behind as he had just entered.

"Aha," Ayaan smiled at him.

"You're ready?" Rapheal asked.

"Yup I am," Ayaan said.

"Let's go then." Rapheal said.

The two friends walked around the palace admiring the decorations. Ayaan looked at the fountain and an idea popped in his head. He moved to it and placed his hands on it, turning it into a fountain of ice. It looked wonderful.

"Way to go frosty!" Rapheal said as everyone stared in amazement and Ayaan smiled.

They went back into the palace and found the King and Queens in the dinning room. After exchanging greetings they all sat round the table waiting for the guests to arrive. Little by little people began filling the palace. The gates were open as everyone was invited.

As the feast went on, Dutchess Arian and Liam arrived the palace. Queen Ara and Maya welcomed them. Ayaan had gone to pick something from his room when he returned and saw them from the stairs. He was surprised yet happy to see them so ran to hug his aunt and cousin.

"Aunt Arian! Liam!" He called.

Arian and Liam looked up to see him coming towards them. Hugging Arian tightly as he got to her.

"My little Ayaan. Look at you, all grown up." She said patting his back.

"I missed you, all of you." He returned.

"Ayaan," Liam said.

Arian let Ayaan out of her embrace and he moved to his cousin.

"Liam," Ayaan said and hugged him tightly.

"I'm sorry," Ayaan cried.

"It wasn't your fault. It's all in the past now," Liam returned patting him.

Those words soothed him and he smiled again.

"Where's Rapheal?" Liam asked.

"Rapheal," Ayaan called. Rapheal as usual was filling his plate with fruits and all he could eat.

"Hey," he turned and moved in their direction.

"Good afternoon Dutchess Arian," he greeted.

"Rapheal, my do you kids grow so fast." She smiled.

"Liam!" He said and moved to hug him.

"You guys must be starving, come." Queen Ara said.

The feast was on all day. Everyone ate and drank to their fill. Ayaan seemed to be lost in thought when his mother found him in the garden.

"Ayaan," Queen Maya called.

"Ma," he looked up.

"I've been looking all over for you." She said sitting next to him.

"I got fired so I came here," he returned.

"Ah, I see. You seem worried, anything the matter?" She asked running her fingers through his locks.

"I just never got to thank Reem properly." He said.

"Reem?" She asked.

"Yes the Princess I met while I was with Emress." He returned.

"Oh yes... I remember. The one from Anubahd right?" She asked.

"Yes her." He answered.

"Well you really should visit her." She said.

"Really mother?" He asked excitedly.

"Well of course. She helped my Ayaan and  Anubahd isn't that far." She smiled.

"Thank you so much," he hugged her.

"So when do you want to go?" She asked.

"Anytime you're free mother. That's fine with me," he said happily.

"How about the day after tomorrow?" She suggested.

"That would be perfect. I love you Ma so so so much." He said hugging her tighter.

"Okay okay Ayaan I can't breathe," she chuckled.

"I love you more my winter bear. Now let's go inside," she said standing up.

"Yes I hope we still have cakes?" He asked funnily.

"Hahaha Rapheal!" She laughed.

"Don't worry he's being a gentleman," she added and they both laughed as they walked back in.