Fate II

CCXVII

"Announcing the arrival of His Royal Majesty King Sinbad and Her Royal Majesty Queen Lucy!"

Trumpets blared and flags were raised as the citizens celebrated the return of the Royal Family. Crowds gathered in the capital city and shouts of joy and laughter were heard, each one calling out to either Sinbad or Lucy. It was evident to anyone how much the citizens adored their King and Queen and in turn, how much the Royal Family treasured their people.

"Alongside the Great Priestess of the Reim Empire, Scheherazade-sama, and His Imperial Honor Captain of the Fanalis Corps, Muu Alexius-sama!"

The cheers only grew louder for there was not a person who didn't know of Scheherazade and the renowned Captain of the Fanalis Corps who stood faithfully by her side. For a Magi to grace them with their presence, it was no wonder that they couldn't help but be excited. After all, it was rare to even be able to glimpse at her since she rarely left her Palace in the Reim Empire. Not to mention, how much rarer it was to even know where the other Magis were located.

Passing through the gates, the winged horses slowly began to descend. Their hooves clopped against the white, stone-paved ground, and with a neigh from Maris, they all came to a slow stop before the Royal Palace. The carriage doors opened and the guards and servants bent down on one knee as the Generals who had gathered prior to their arrival knelt down as well, welcoming the return of their masters.

"We welcome you upon your safe return, Your Majesties!"

Sinbad stepped down and grinned. "You have my gratitude for taking care of Sindria in our absence!"

"It is our duty and honor to be of help to you."

Ja'far helped Sikandar out of the carriage while Sinbad turned his attention to Lucy's carriage. Kuugen and Wu Kong exited first with Tomoyo right behind them. Kaede stepped out and turning around, he reached out his hand, escorting Lucy out. At the return of their Queen after her long absence, they realized just how much they had missed her presence in the Royal Palace which had become deathly quiet in her absence. Compared to before she left, she seemed to glow even more radiantly. Seeing that, they were glad she took the trip.

Sinbad reached out his hand towards her and she gladly placed her hand in his. Sinbad smiled fondly, his amber eyes shining with nothing but endearment for the only woman he would ever acknowledge as his Queen.

"The trip wasn't too uncomfortable, right?" he asked, his brows furrowed in worry as he checked her up and down.

"Not at all," she shook her head. "More than me, I'm worried about you."

He laughed and took her hand, clasping it firmly yet tenderly. "I'm more than fine."

A few weeks ago, he may have said otherwise but, the more time passed, the more he got used to the stuffiness and bouts of nausea he would feel from time to time. He didn't know how Lucy had handled all this during her first pregnancy but, he was glad that he could carry that burden for her this time around.

"It's only been a few hours and King Sinbad is already missing his Queen," a chuckle sounded, accompanied by the tinkling of golden tassels against each other.

The Generals and servants bowed even lower as they greeted Scheherazade.

"We welcome the Great Priestess of the Reim Empire."

She chuckled, a smile upon her lips. "Just treat me as you would any other guest of the Royal Family. I'll only be staying until the end of the young Royal Prince's birthday banquet."

"If it's the Great Priestess' wish," Drakon complied.

"Thank you."

Sinbad held Lucy close to him, his arms wrapped around her in an embrace. "What's wrong with me missing my lovely wife?"