MISERANDA

Chapter 2

As soon as Màdámmë turns the corner and into her room,Abel steps inside his room to hold his child.He has always loathed his mother regarding her as an emotionless woman.However his father had always taught him to respect and so he does that.Now he is a father himself.Holding his baby close to his chest he unknowingly lets out tears of joy.

"I thought you were now a grown up ,I mean being a father already and then look at you still a cry baby huh?" Verolla mocks her brother.

"ohh shuh sister...you'll never stop,will you?How about congratulating me instead?"

"Congratulations Abel and yes Diana as well..I must admit your baby is our perfect prince.Dont worry i will certainly teach him all the bad!"She winks at Abel before giving him a swift hug.

They were aware that they should maintain their so called royal attitude of not blabbering so much and hiding emotional showoff,however,this was a happy moment for all of them and this would be least of the things that mattered right now.

"Okay so we will give you a moment together.See you later",Verolla smiles at Abel and starts to move out.

Abel claps his hands twice and orders"Depart.You will be called if needed."

The maids move out leaving Abel with Diana and their baby.

Abel glances over at Diana.Her eyes of full of tears from the earlier pain and now the joy.He secretly admires how beautiful she looks even without makeup and weary of pain.

Diana gives a welcoming smile to him as he approaches their bed.He plants a small kiss on her forhead and murmures a 'Thankyou.."under his breath.She can barely hear him but she can make out the words forming in his mouth.Very like his mother Abel is not so good at expressing emotions so this also meant much for her.

"What should we name him?"Abel turns to Diana.

"Well..uhm...i have thought of a name but i am not sure if  Mother would prefer deciding one herself."Diana slowly said.

Almost at once Abel shouts a no,he certainly had issues with his mother,"He's my son.Màdámmë has no business with him.What name have you thought of?"

"Richard?"

"What?"

"Ummm...i thought that would be.."

"That is the best gift to him."Abel had tears in his eyes."Welcome home Richard",Abel grins at his son.

Ohh father how i miss you today,Diana wants my son to possess your name.He is so very lucky to have that.Bless my son father,bless me that he will never leave me although you had to.. Abel is thinking to himself.

+++

Its the eleventh day from Richard's birth and according to rituals priests have been invited to conduct the name keeping ceremony.The priests and the family members are in the hallroom where it is taking place.

The mansion is filled with guests as well,each pair of eye eager to meet the newborn his highness.Any moment now the ceremony would be over and the baby would be brought up to the balcony for the locals to see.

As pathetic as it sounds,this family has always had the tradition of limiting the contacts of the new member until the age of 12 i.e. they live in the house and do not communicate with the locals.

Inside the hallroom,the ceremony is almost over.The  royal priest carries the baby and places him upon the velvet cushioned throne,just the size for a new born to be laid.

The baby wears a golden robe making him look perfectly cute.A small throne made of cloth is paced on his head so he seems the best definition of royal.

"With all blessings of god,in presence of all his disciples, the baptising is now to come to an end.It is time to announce a name for his highness"The royal priest bows.

He then turns to Màdámmë," Màdámmë,what have you decided?"

"Richard,we want him to be named Richard in the memory of our father",Abel speaks just as Màdámmë has given a nod to the royal priest and is about to speak.

Màdámmë is taken aback.So is everyone in the room.Blu and Verolla who are seated side by side glance at one another giving an approving smile.Abel's brothers are also happy with the decision.

" Màdámmë,are you sure if.."he tries to confirm.However Abel cuts off again.

"Oh yes.yes.very much.She has no problem.Its already discussed."Abel emphasizes.

Màdámmë just nods.Although she is shocked, she hates her family issues exposed and so she stays silent.

"As you wish"The priests says and lifts the baby.

"His highness,with the consent of god will be reknowned as RICHARD."
He announces.

He then hands the baby to Diana who now along with Abel march towards the balcony.

"His highness along with missus Diana,lead by Màdámmë are here with the new born highness.He has been named as Richard and we wish all the very best for his life as a prince and someday soon as our king."The minister announces and there is a roar of cheering and clapping in the crowd below.

The trumpet silences them all.Abel and Diana step to the balcony smiling,not just for showing as always,but happily,very happily,the reason of their happiness being held in Diana's hands-Richard.

Diana tilts the baby abit so that he is seen to the crowd below.The cheering is ever so loud and there is a rainfall of flower here and there.

Life would be so easy if happy days as these were constant....