MATCHED

24.

It is the day that all participants will meet for orientation. Kieran, Kasper, and their parents are on their way to Elven land. Kieran is quietly looking outside the window. He turned his head to his right when he felt a hand on his, it was Kasper.

He smiled at him to assure him that he was fine. Kasper nodded and intertwined their hands. Kieran leans his head on his mate's shoulder.

"Everything good back there?" Mew asked glancing at the rear mirror.

Kieran and Kasper glanced at each other and smiled.

"We're good, Da," Kasper answered.

In no time, they arrived at their destination.  They were welcome and were guided to a chamber. The other participants are already there.

They all stand up to greet the famous royal couple. It's not every day they get the chance to meet the power couple.

"Your majesties," they greeted.

Mew just nodded with his poker face trying to be cool while Gulf gave them his killer smile.

"Ethereal," one of the participants said earning a glare from Mew.

The twins are just standing behind them. Kieran's eyes are wandering around. Not that long the Elven King arrived.

"Mew, Gulf," Grandel greeted and they hugged.

"Grandel, it's good to see you again," Gulf said.

"Likewise. Hello, young princes," he greeted the twins.

"Hello, King Grandel," Kieran and Kasper greeted back.

"Congratulations on winning your battles," he said to the two.

Kieran smiled shyly. "I was surprised and happy when I heard that you participated, not to mention, in a 1 on 1 category," Grandel said making the other participants shocked.

"Prince Kieran fought the 1 on 1?"

They turned to them. "Why? Do you think he's not capable?" it was Kasper.

The others panicked, "No, Prince Kasper. That's not what I meant. I mean no offense to Prince Kieran. My apologies," the guy replied.

"We were just surprised because we thought it was you who we were going to battle," The other guy added.

"Yes, Your Highness. Honestly, we don't want to do this. Working with you guys to keep the peace is already an honor, but the elders told us that we should see to ourselves that each of us is capable of this important matter," another one said.

The elders turned to the twins, waiting for their response.

Kieran bit his lower lip before walking forward.

"It's okay. I'm not offended and I agree with what you said. I or Kas will not accept it either. This is about maintaining peace and protecting others. A very important matter that needs capable people to handle it," Kieran said making them nod.

"So, I expect each of us to give our best to prove that we deserve the next generation's hope," he added making the three participants nod.

"Cool, so, what are your names?" Kieran asked excitedly.

His parents chuckled at his swift change of mood. The three formally introduced themselves. Kieran learned their names, Kris, Jake, and Levi.

"Okay, boys, we will let you know each other more as we need to discuss something important," Grandel said.

Kieran looked at his papa who smiled at him and caressed his hair.

Now the five of them were left in the room. It was awkward but they were all trying their best to lift the atmosphere.