THE BLOOD ROYALS Book 2: Long Live The Queen!

Chapter Forty: Tribute To A Fallen King Part 2

Prince Relian's POV
"The earliest memory I have of my father is when he was in the throne room with a crown on his head. I was about three feet high and standing at the bottom of the stairs leading up to his throne made him look regal but also distant. He was after all the king and I like most of you was his subject. But that is not the man I remember. The man I remember is simply my father. An approachable man with faults. That's what I want to focus on." I paused to observe the thousands of eyes looking my way and millions more watching from different parts of the world. Many have showed up to bid him farewell.

"Cathan Kaelan, my father, was just like any father in this audience. He wasn't perfect but he was in every way the number one dad in my eyes..." I looked at Nilsa. She wanted to give the tribute because she's the firstborn. My grandmother raised hell and Nilsa backed off. "...and I am certain that my sister shares the same sentiments. When he wasn't ruling a kingdom, he was goofing around in the palace with us. He taught us how to swim, he taught us how to ride bicycles even though he lied about staying close so that he can catch us when we are about to fall." That made a few laugh. "He taught me how to fish. He could never keep quiet so the fish didn't get close but we occasionally caught one or two. He used to help me with my homework although he was clear math is not his thing. He taught me how to get the girls. He was actually there on my first date. He was seated in the back of the movie theater coaching me on what to do." I chuckled lightly. "I had my first drink with him. I did a lot of things with him that gave me a somewhat ordinary upbringing."

I looked at my grandmother. She's still crying in Renee's arms.

"He always did say to me that he isn't the king but my father. I can stand here all day just to talk about his achievements as a father, a son and a husband. Nothing can begin to summarize his life. He was a great man. His absence is felt and will be felt for w very long time. He was a pillar of strength and support not only for his family but his kingdom, his people. To see all of you here, in large numbers speaks volumes over how much he will be missed. Just to share something he said at his father's funeral, it's never goodbye but simply a transition and we will see each other again. He was a great King, a formidable Supreme Commander, a loving son, a good husband, a dotting grandfather... But mostly, an adoring father. I will always remember him as my father. Dad, we love you and we will miss you."

I stepped away to take my place beside my grandmother. I took over from Renée. I took her hand to squeeze it. I don't think I can hold myself together any longer. I have for the past few days but I'm about ready to break. I just need to hold it together a little longer. We are almost winding up. By 1pm, my father will be buried and I can stop holding it together.

With high noon inching closer, most of the guests started to rise up in readiness of the 21 gun salute. The three gold canons to be used are set, inspected and ready. For each canon, five members of the Royal Artillery Company stand ready in their black trousers and emerald coats.

"Reli." Renée sought my hand. My grandmother is no longer weeping. "Are we supposed to stand? I don't think she can stand up."

"I'll stand up." We both took her hands and helped her.

My mother whispered something to Renée. She came to stand beside me. I gave my mother a small smile. Nilsa stayed on the far end with her daughters in between my mother and her.

There was a moment of silence as the clock narrowed down to seconds before noon. My mind wandered to the last gun salute in commemoration of my grandfather. Dad wore ear plugs. I haven't brought any. I want to hear the thundering in the sky when the canons are fired. I want to remember everything even the sounds at his funeral.

The Elite Fleet and the Silver Fleet will be discharging 7 rounds of heavy artillery in honor of their fallen commander. The other three military bases will be observing the 21 gun salute at exactly noon as well.