The Requirements for Legacy (Book 2)

Return to the Kingdom

The kingdom slowly came into view as the Legacy approached it. Jiro and Ichiro stood at the bow of the ship, staring at their childhood home. "Can't believe we are back so soon."

Jiro sighs."Yeah. For terrible reasons."

Ichiro turned to look at the ship, running a hand over the railing. "I'm going to miss this ship."

Jiro nods. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

Ichiro smiles at his brother. "Having my own kingdom with the most beautiful queen ruling beside me? Yes, I am okay with that." Lami and Umiko approached their husbands. They knew this wasn't going to be easily for them. Lami was holding her son as she stood by Jiro's side while Umiko stood by Ichiro.

Umiko was going to miss this ship and her family, but this was a choice she was going to stick to. She was going to remain at her husband's side. Maybe even finally have the children she had longed to have.

The boys wrapped their arms around their wives. Soon the ship docked and the Royal Guard was there to greet them. They bowed their heads in respect.  "Your Highnesses."Ichiro nods his head to acknowledge them.

"How bad is father?"

They shook their heads. "Not good. He is barely hanging on. He wanted to see his sons and their wives before he passed."

Ichiro nods. "Please, take us to him." They nodded as they escorted them to the royal chamber. Ichiro and Jiro paused outside the door. They tried their best to rein in their emotions. Umiko gently took Ichiro's hand and lightly squeezed it, as a silent reminder she was here for him no matter what.

Once they were collected, they nod at the guards to let the five enter the room. "Papa." Ichiro says, shocked to see how frail the man before them looked. He lay in the middle of a large bed, looking so small.

The king turned his head and smiled weakly at them. "My sons. And your beautiful wives." He said happily. The king gasped as he saw André. "Is this...."

"He is my son, Papa." Jiro says, trying to keep sadness from his voice. "His name is André and this is my beautiful wife, Lami." Jiro introduced to his papa. Lami slightly bows her head and that was all. André gave the king a very bored look that looks similar to that of Kid's.

Ichiro then introduced his wife. "This is my Belle fleur (beautiful flower), Umiko."

Umiko smiles sadly at the king. "It's nice to finally meet you, Your Highness. I wished it was on better circumstances." She respectfully says. The king smiles, for he felt over joyed his sons had found lovely young ladies that they loved and he had a grandson. He had always wanted grandchildren and was happy he got to see at least one before he passed away.

"I..." He started wheezing as he coughed.

"Papa!" Ichiro says as he got him a glass of water.

The king smiled at his son. "Thank you.......my boy." With Ichiro's help he slowly sipped the water. He sighs. "I don't have much time left." Ichiro and Jiro nod sadly.

"We know papa." They stated, giving into their sadness.

"I know I waited too late to do the right thing. You two suffered so much, because of that woman. I understand if you......" He had another coughing fit. "If you don't want anything to do with this kingdom. I won't force either of you to inherit the throne once I'm gone."

Jiro sighs. "We already talked it over. If the topic came up, Ichiro would be the best fit for the kingdom."

Ichiro nods. "Umiko has agreed to rule alongside me. If you need an heir, I accept the responsibility, Papa."