The World Above

Chapter 23: The Birthday

"That was very good advice that you gave him." Chika remarks. "You know the best thing about you?" Sulya holds me as I sway, my feet hurting like hell. "What?" I ask, a bit sleepy.

"You are compassionate and attentive when listening to others. Your advice is always so thoughtful and helpful, and you have a way of making people feel at ease. It's a rare gift!" Boulder interrupts sulya. Sulya looks like he was going to murder him.

I laugh, "Alright then, where to next?" I look at Ignis who replies," The first birthday of the Emperial Princes." As soon as she says so, a door appears before us and we once again step into it.

A crowd is gathered in the fields of Magix, occupying every piece of land. The crystal palace buzzed with festive energy. Elaborate decorations adorned every corner, sparkling with enchanting hues of sapphire, amethyst, and emerald.

Musicians played ethereal melodies on crystal instruments, filling the air with harmonious notes that seemed to dance among the gathered guests.

We watched from a terrace along with the other celestials, shrouded in darkness and unseen by others. As the festivities reached a crescendo,  Emperor Inizio stood before the assembly, his presence commanding attention.

On his right side was The Empress Eve who held Crown Prince Aaron. On the left side was the Imperial Consort Vivendel holding prince Arliss.

With a dignified presence, Emperor Inizio gazed out over the sea of faces, his expression a mix of paternal pride and solemnity. The weight of his words seemed to hang in the air, echoing the significance of the occasion—the first birthday celebration of his twin sons, Prince Arliss and Crown Prince Aaron.

"My loyal subjects," the Emperor's voice, rich and resonant, carried effortlessly across the gathering. "Today, we gather not only to rejoice in the passage of time but to celebrate the dawn of a new era in our kingdom."

"Prince Arliss and Crown Prince Aaron," Emperor Inizio continued, his voice infused with paternal warmth, "are not merely my sons; they are beacons of hope, destined to shape the future of our beloved realm."

The crowd listened attentively, their hearts swelling with admiration for their young princes. Inizio continued, his gaze sweeping across the diverse assembly.

"As they embark on their journey of growth and discovery," the Emperor's gaze swept across the enthralled audience, "I implore each of you to lend them your unwavering support and guidance. Let us nurture their dreams and aspirations, for they carry the legacy of our kingdom upon their young shoulders."

"To Crown Prince Aaron, I proudly introduce his mother and my esteemed Empress, Eve," the Emperor proclaimed, turning towards the elegant figure of the Empress. "Her grace and strength are matched only by her boundless love for our son."

A wave of applause followed, honoring Empress Eve's role in the upbringing of Crown Prince Aaron.

"And to Prince Arliss," the Emperor announced, a twinkle of affection in his eyes, "I am blessed to have Consort Vivendel as his mother. Her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering devotion will surely shape him into a bright soul. "

Then, in a moment that stunned the court, Emperor Inizio shifted his focus to Consort Vivendel, his eyes alight with a depth of emotion seldom seen in public.

"I also wish to express my deepest love for Consort Vivendel," the Emperor proclaimed, his voice filled with genuine affection. "She brings light into our lives and has my eternal gratitude for the love she showers upon our children."

It was widely known that the Emperor's heart had always been devoted to Empress Eve , and Consort Vivendel had often remained in the shadows, her role perceived as secondary.