ENDLESS

S7 Chapter 4

JULY

''Lillith, Eir! Come girls! Your father has a surprise for you.'' Jia Yuen ushers her twin girls to Lewis' office, an anticipating grin on her face.

Neither of them knew what this surprise could be. Their father gives them gifts, sure, but that is about the extent of what he does. They look to him for when they want things and look to their mother for everything else.

And judging by the fact it's their birthday tomorrow, they certainly couldn't be receiving anything today. Perhaps he wants to give early presents?

The answers to their burning questions revealed itself in the familiar figure standing inside the King's office when they entered. From the mere glance of his wavy brown hair, the twins instantly perked up in unison. ''Holden!''

Their childhood friend turned around to face them with a gentle smile. ''Hi.''

Both Liliane and Eir ran towards him, engulfing the boy in a bear hug. He returned the embrace equally as tight, closing his eyes in relief. All of the built-up emotions from their time separated poured out through touch alone.

''How are you here? Why didn't you come back sooner?'' Liliane asked before Eir could.

Holden glanced over to the Ice King who sat in his chair overlooking the children. ''Our King convinced my parents to let me come back for summer break.''

''They didn't want you to come back for the summer?'' Eir grimaced.

''No..''

''That's so mean! Don't they want to see you?!'' Liliane erupted in passionate rage for her best friend.

''Liliane, use your inside voice.'' Her father interrupted with an order before standing up from his seat. ''You three go and catch up, alright? And remember what we talked about, Holden.''

''Okay, my King.'' Holden bowed his head formally.

Lewis nodded with a satisfied look. ''Go ahead, now. I must prepare.''

''Father, are you preparing for our birthday party?'' Liliane asked, her confidence failing to falter despite his reprimanding only a minute ago.

He gazed at her with an indecipherable glint in his eyes. ''Yes. I'm very busy with it.''

''Okay, let's go guys!'' The little girl didn't need to hear any more, linking her arms with both Eir and Holden's before strolling out the office.

Jia stayed behind, waiting until they were down the hallway before locking the door. ''Why are you lying to our girls? You haven't done a single thing regarding that.''

''I ordered the servants to take care of it, so that counts as doing something.'' Lewis said wryly. ''What do you want, Jia?''

''What did you tell Lumi and Douglas for them to decide to bring Holden home? When I talked to them, they said he'd been acting out and they wanted him to learn some discipline at the boarding school. They seemed adamant about keeping him there for the rest of the summer.'' She eyes her husband suspiciously. ''Yet.. days later, and he's back.''

''I don't need to tell them anything, really. I'm their King. If I want something, then they know better to do it.''

Jia refrained from rolling her eyes, bubbles of annoyance starting to tense up in her head. ''No one is doubting your authority, but still, it's not your business what your advisors do with their kids, is it?''