How bold! They were practically proposing a marriage between the prince and me! Although it was only a pendant, it was given by the king to his wife on their wedding day, it signified the marriage life of the two royals so the gift, although subtle, had a deeper meaning behind it. I subconsciously uttered a dissatisfied grunt that caught the delegates’ attention.

“It seems that my daughter is getting tired because she has been seated for a long time now,” Father said.

Duke Abothier laughed awkwardly. “As I see, Your Majesty.” He seemed to realize that I could understand what the underlying message behind the gift he presented was.

Father didn’t accept nor reject the gift, instead, he bore his eyes at the young prince behind the gray-haired man. Not being able to take the pressure anymore, Prince Ashburnham moved forward. He put his palm on the middle of his chest and bowed, “Greetings to Hwan Adrian and Hara Licentia. Greetings to Dayang-dayang Iris and to Her Royal Consort Luna. I am Ashburnham Fergus, twelfth son of King Kong Fergus of Aryela Kingdom.” After introducing himself, he greeted us using the kingdom's way of greeting- putting his right hand on his chest and making a fist before bowing his head. I see that these two came prepared, they know how a Cerulean person would act, they even studied my kingdom's language.

The three grown-ups nodded but didn’t say anything in return. Father, however, changed the topic. “I heard brother Kong fathered yet another daughter.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. My little sister was born last fall and is now turning one this coming month. Father wanted to come here and celebrate with you but he couldn't part from my newborn sister.”

“He has always been a fool to all his daughters! Every time we meet, he wouldn't stop talking about Dayang Mia and Dayang Catania. Now that another daughter was born, I could already hear him boasting about how adorable the youngest is.” Father and King Kong’s friendship goes way back, together with Agreveda’s crowned prince, the three were the ‘old musketeers’. [1. Dayang = literal Cerulean term for the word princess.]

“Now that you have a daughter of your own, you would certainly not lose to King Kong, My King.” The queen added.

“Of course! I have my own precious daughter that I could boast of!” He proudly seconded.

Thankfully, the atmosphere went back to normal and the tension dissipated.

Smiling, father continued, “Brother Kong is really blessed, he has children that could aid him with his work as well as put his mind at ease. All I have is seven spoiled sons who only know how to play around and cause trouble, five of which aren't even of age yet.” He purposely made his voice louder each sentence for my brothers to hear.

“How could you say that, Hwan? The princes are all well known throughout the land. Muda Lothario recently passed a law that will benefit your people in the long run. I also wish to learn a thing or two about swordsmanship from him, he’s been at the top of the list for a couple of years now. The other princes, although still young, all have potential to be great influencers in the future, all thanks to their parents' support and teachings.” [2. Muda = literal Cerulean term for the word prince.]

“Hmph! I'm sure that those aren't the only reasons why this firstborn of mine is known in the land.” My father muttered while slumping on his seat.

The queen cleared her throat. “I see that although young, you already know how to please your elders.”

“Not at all, not at all. Everything I said is nothing but the truth, Hara.”

The queen then turned her attention at the long-forgotten old man beside the prince. “Now that we are on the topic of Aryela’s newborn princess, may I trouble the Duke to pass my gift to King Kong and his wife who recently gave birth? Although it is not as precious as the gift you presented, it is one of the things that I cherished. Please also relay my message that although we weren't able to come and see the birth of the princess, we would like for both Saridayang Iris and Saridayang Tahnia to become friends in the future.” [3: Saridayang = the literal Cerulean translation of the term young princess. It can also be used as an endearment by parents to their daughter.]

‘This Queen! She’s low-key telling the man that although I am a concubine-born daughter, she still calls the shots when it comes to my welfare.’ Although she did not accept the gift, she already acknowledged it by merely mentioning it. This woman! Also, asking Duke Abothier to relay her message to King Kong while the king's son is in front of her means that she acknowledged that the prince would be staying here longer than the Duke, perhaps to talk about the marriage.

Getting the underlying message, the Duke widely smiled. “Certainly, Hara. Although what I say has no worth, I assure you that My King also feels grateful for your gift.”

“As a thank you, I would like to accept your gift on behalf of Saridayang.”

“Actually, Hara, that is not the only gift My King has prepared.”

The queen lifted her head more than she already had as if taunting the old man to say more.

Duke Abothier cleared his throat and nervously wiped his forehead. “I would not dare say it out loud but My King strictly instructed me to deliver his exact words to you and do not dare replace even a single word of his message.” His gaze went back to my father, not sure if the latter would get mad or give him permission.

Father straightened his posture and looked directly at him. “I’ve been friends with your king for decades, I’m already accustomed to his way of speaking so don’t be afraid and say exactly what he told you. I won’t take offense.”

“Then firstly, I apologize to both Hwan and Hara as well as the mudas for what I would say next.” He gulped, looking uncomfortable, a bead of sweat already forming on his face he continued, “Adrian, we both know that although your land is the most blessed one, I am the most blessed father among us friends. You only have eight children and although I got married after you, I already have thirteen; three of whom are daughters. I know more about child-rearing more than you do and as a friend, I would like to help you but not to the point of sending my wonderful daughters to you. So as compensation, I'm sending my twelfth son, who’s the closest to my lovely princesses, to help you. Young as he is, he accompanies his sisters every day to play, he knows full well how to handle the whims of my delicate flowers; your daughter can have a playmate who understands her. Don't even try to refuse my generosity, you won't be able to rely on your sons as all they know is to break a woman's heart.”

Father choked on his own saliva. He quickly stood up and pointed at Duke Abothier. “How bold, that Kong! How could he say that I don't know how to raise a daughter?! Tell him that I, too, know how to raise one. And if I ever need help, I won't ask for his help! Never!” He shouted, unintentionally halting the festivity when people stopped whatever they're doing as their king exploded.

The two delegates were quick to ask for forgiveness- the prince bowed his head while the duke kneeled.

Mother, who was only watching the entire time, finally stood up. She looked at the queen and silently asked for permission before walking to Father's side when the latter nodded her head. “My King, please ease your anger. The duke and the prince traveled from far away so please don't chase them away just like that. Also, Duke Abothier is only following his king's command to tell you exactly what the king had said and to not omit nor change any words. Besides, you and King Kong are friends for many years, you know how he talks and I know that you know that he means well and that's just how he is. Please calm your anger as to not frighten Dayang Iris.” Mother coaxed.

Father heavily sat on his throne, his body creating a thumping sound as he sat. He waved his hand, indicating that he would no longer entertain the two delegates.

Still looking at the ground, the two didn't see that Father shooed them away already. Mother looked at them and walked down the flight of steps. She took the prince’s hand and directly talked to him: “The king is only angered for a moment; he would forget everything once he calms down and won’t take what King Kong said to heart so don't worry about their friendship being ruined. It is true that none of us know how to properly care for the princess as this is the first time in generations that our nobility had one but we will do our best to cater to her needs. Nevertheless, I am still grateful that my daughter would have a friend like you. It would be nice if both fathers and children are friends. It's late already, why don't you retire first and I would send an attendant for you tomorrow to assist you while you stay in the kingdom?” 

Prince Ashburnham nodded, “It is indeed late. Thank you, Royal Consort Luna for tonight. I would retire now as you have suggested.”

Mother shifted her attention to the kneeling man. “Stand now, Duke Abothier. Thank you for relaying King Kong’s message to His Majesty. Please tell your king that King Adrian would contact him soon and catch up with him.”

“Thank you, Royal Consort Luna.” He looked ahead and once again bowed, “Your Majesty King Adrian, Your Majesty Queen Licentia, Princess Iris, princes, and consorts, thank you for accommodating us today.”