Chapter 14: My 10th year

[Character reference pics--->:

 Aiden/MC:(Click)

 Maximilian/Dad:(Click)

 Eleanor/Mom:(Click)

 Seraphina/Sis:(Click)

 Celeste/Friend:(Click)

 Amara/Friend:(Click)

 Daxton/Friend:(Click)

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Aiden's 10th birthday was unlike anything Paradis had ever seen. From sunrise, the entire capital was buzzing.

Banners, streamers, and flags decorated every corner, and flowers were everywhere—on windows, doors, even draped over street lamps. The air smelled sweet, a mix of fresh pastries and grilled meats from the vendors setting up early. 

Music filled the streets. Drummers were pounding out beats, and performers were already dancing. Some kids were chasing each other, laughing and spinning to the music.

The adults weren't far behind, swaying to the lively tunes as they made their way through the city. 

Everyone was heading toward the Grand Arena. The place was massive, and today, it was the centre of everything.

People were dressed in their best clothes—bright colours and fancy fabrics as far as the eye could see.

Parents carried their kids on their shoulders, trying to get a glimpse of the royal banners waving proudly above the arena. Everyone knew this was going to be a day to remember.

The royal family had been planning this for weeks, and the rumours had been flying. How was Prince Aiden going to make his grand entrance? What crazy surprises did King Max have up his sleeve?

The crowd couldn't wait to find out. It was like the whole capital was holding its breath, waiting for something spectacular.

The parade through the streets was insane. Performers were doing flips, twisting and tumbling through the air. People on stilts waved and tossed out sweets to the kids, and a few clowns stumbled around, making everyone laugh.

The whole city was moving toward the arena, packed with excitement and anticipation.

Vendors were everywhere, selling candy, fruit, and little trinkets for the occasion.

The smell of roasted meats and fresh bread filled the air, and people were lining up to grab snacks on their way.

Every now and then, someone would shout about how they couldn't wait to see Aiden, and the crowd would cheer back. It was a party like no other.

Even the buildings seemed to join in. The old stone houses were draped in the colours of House Fritz, and every shop window had something to celebrate the young prince. Some had cakes shaped like the Grand Arena itself, while others had toys and figures of the royal family on display.

The whole city was in on the celebration.

The Grand Arena loomed in the distance, growing closer with every step. It was huge, a marvel of architecture. The gates were wide open, and people were pouring in, taking their seats and chatting excitedly.

No one wanted to miss this. The place was going to be packed, and the energy was off the charts.

Meanwhile, back at the palace, Aiden was still getting ready, completely unaware of just how wild things were outside. Sure, he knew there was a party in his honour, but he didn't realise the scale of it. And honestly, he wasn't too thrilled about being the centre of attention.

He liked his quiet moments, working on his little projects, but today... today was all about him. 

As the morning went on, the crowd around the city only grew. More families, more music, more laughter. The parade was nearing its end, but the party had just begun. Paradis was ready for a birthday bash no one would forget anytime soon.

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The royal procession began with a thunderous fanfare. Aiden sat beside his father in the royal carriage, while Sera was on his other side, arms crossed and pouting slightly.

"This isn't fair," she muttered, glancing out at the massive crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of them. "My 10th birthday wasn't *half* as big as this." 

King Max chuckled, patting her head. "Oh, come on, Sera. You had a grand celebration too. Besides, you were the one who didn't want all the attention, remember?"

Sera huffed, but there was a slight smile on her face. "Still… this is ridiculous."

Outside, the streets were filled with roaring cheers. People threw flowers in front of the carriage, and the royal guard marched in perfect unison behind them.

Bright banners waved high above, and the entire city seemed to be alive, pulsing with energy and excitement.

Aiden couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed. Sure, he was used to the attention, but this? This was a whole new level. He caught sight of his mother, Queen Eleanor, riding in the carriage ahead, waving gracefully at the crowds, her hair shining in the sun.

She looked back and gave him a wink, making him feel just a little bit more at ease.

The procession wound its way toward the Grand Arena, the largest building in the capital. The structure was ancient, a massive stone coliseum with towering pillars that seemed to scrape the sky.

The people gathered outside the arena parted like the sea as the royal carriage approached, chanting Aiden's name over and over. The noise was deafening, and it made Aiden shrink back slightly.

"You alright?" Sera asked, nudging him. "You look like you're about to pass out."

"I'm fine," Aiden muttered, trying to sit up straighter. He gave her a playful nudge in return. "But if you keep whining, I might just take your seat."

"Oh, please, like you'd fit in it," she teased back, glancing at the thrones ahead. His was comically large, towering over the others. The sight of it made her snort. "Good luck climbing into that."

Finally, they arrived at the arena entrance. The grand gates opened wide, revealing the packed coliseum. Thousands of people filled the seats, and the arena itself had been decorated with lavish banners, all in the colours of House Fritz.

As the royal family made their way to their thrones, the entire crowd stood up, a massive roar echoing through the space.

The thrones were arranged on a raised platform, and, just as Sera had pointed out, Aiden's was far too large for his current size.

It looked like something meant for a giant. King Max plopped down in his own seat with a satisfied sigh, while Queen Eleanor gracefully took hers. Sera glanced at Aiden with a smirk, clearly waiting for him to make a fool of himself.

With a little effort, Aiden managed to climb up onto his oversized throne, looking like a kid sitting in a chair meant for a king.

The crowd loved it, cheering even louder. He gave a sheepish wave, feeling like a miniature in a king's seat.

From below, a booming voice rang out. It was the Lord Steward, dressed in the most elaborate outfit imaginable, standing proudly in front of the crowd. He raised his arms dramatically, his voice full of reverence and passion.

"Honoured guests! Citizens of Paradis! Today, we celebrate the 10th birthday of our beloved Prince, Aiden Wilhelm Fritz!" The entire arena seemed to shake with the force of the crowd's cheers. Aiden winced slightly at the sheer volume of it.

The Lord Steward continued, his voice rising with every name. "Joining him today are the most esteemed members of the royal family! His Majesty, King Maximilian Otto Fritz, the ruler of this great land!" 

The crowd erupted once again as Max stood and gave a grand wave, his smile wide and prideful.

"Her Majesty, Queen Eleanor Amalia Fritz, the heart of Paradis and the light of our kingdom!"

Queen Eleanor waved gracefully, blowing a kiss to the crowd as they cheered even louder.

"And let us not forget the radiant Princess Seraphina, the eldest of House Fritz, a true gem of our nation!"

Sera stood up, giving a curtsey, though her face held a mixture of amusement and embarrassment as the crowd showered her with praise.

Finally, the Lord Steward's voice reached a fever pitch. "But today, the day belongs to none other than our young prince! The boy who will one day rule us all! The future of Paradis! Prince Aiden Wilhelm Fritz!"

The crowd roared, so loud that the ground beneath them seemed to shake. Aiden stood up, feeling small but doing his best to put on a brave face. He raised a hand in acknowledgment, and the arena responded with another wave of cheers.

He sat back down quickly, the sheer magnitude of it all making his head spin.

Sera leaned over, grinning. "Well, you survived that part. Now comes the fun stuff."

Aiden glanced at her, unsure if he should be excited or terrified. Either way, the day was far from over.

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