CHAPTER 22
“Are you sure about this?” Axel asked Mathias.
“What else are we going to do?” Mathias sighed, saying, “Besides, it’s too late now. They are arriving any minute.” Mathias said, pulling on his jacket as Axel picked up Phoenix who wore the most elegant clothes, looking like the prince he was even as a 2-year-old. Mathias sighed, glancing at Axel before leaning towards him, pecking his lips as his son was looking over Axel’s shoulder. “I love you.” He breathed.
Axel smiled back, muttering, “Me too. Let’s go before they get here.”
Mathias nodded, leading the way down the hall, and outside the castle’s main doors, to wait for their guests. Axel handed Phoenix to Detrick before stepping behind the king, standing straight as the carriages rolled into the yard.
He glanced at Eloise, seeming a smile on her face as the carriage rolled towards them. She hadn’t seen her father since Lona’s funeral more than 2 years before, but her brother not once since she’d come to the kingdom. He hadn’t met him yet, prince Adlai of Wymon. As the carriages came to a stop, the doors opened by servants, the king stepped out before his son did.
He was tall, taller than his father. Muscular, large, almost as big as Axel but not quite. Green eyes like his sisters, but unlike their red-head, he was blonde. Handsome, Mathias thought.
“King Mathias. Nice to finally make your acquaintance.” Adlai said, offering his hand in greeting.
“Nice to meet you as well. I am sorry it wasn’t under better circumstances.” Mathias said, greeting the king right after, “I pray the journey wasn’t so tiring.”
“It wasn’t so bad.” He said, going to his daughters and queen to greet them. “But 2 years without my queen is a long time.”
“It is. I assure you, you all will be safe within these walls.” Mathias said.
“Thank you, King Mathias. Ah! Is that my grandson?” Renolds exclaimed, seeing him in Detrick’s arms. Mathias took one step, wanting to stop him when Detrick moved towards Mathias instead, handing him his son.
“Phoenix.” Mathias said, “Say hi to your grandfather.” He smiled, holding the boy close, not planning to hand him over. Phoenix watched the man curiously, and when he reached for him, Phoenix wrapped his arms around Mathias, hiding his face against him. Mathias chuckled, rubbing his back as he said, “He’s not like his sister was. He likes to know people before jumping into their arms.”
“Oh, that is fine.” Renolds said, waving it off before he touched the boy’s back, “Just glad to finally get a chance to meet him.”
Phoenix whined, making Mathias turn around to hand him to Detrick but he reached for Axel, who merely glanced at him before looking straight ahead, standing his ground. Detrick grabbed him as he struggled for Axel, and when it didn’t work, he tried to slip out of Detrick’s hold.
“Why don’t you let the servants show you to your chambers to rest. If you are up for it, join us for dinner, otherwise inform the servants to bring your dinner to your chambers if it so pleases you.”
“Forever the gracious host, King Mathias.” Renolds said, he patted his son’s shoulder saying, “My son and I would appreciate the chance to get to bathe and change. A week’s ride doesn’t really give us the luxuries that we would like.”
“Of course.” Mathias said, “Detrick, see to it that they have everything they need.”
Detrick let Phoenix down as he bowed, “Will do your highness.” He said before his eyes turned to Phoenix who was now wrapped around Axel’s leg, trying to get his attention.
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Havoc of Betrayal
Misterio / SuspensoKing Mathias didn't expect to inherent the throne the way he did. He was second born, the thought of being shackled to a kingdom was so far from his mind that he allowed himself to dream, to love someone his family would never approve of, to plan a...
