The Heirs

Ethan: Family Gathering

Chapter 2:

(Ethan POV) -Albuquerque-

It had been a few days since I had last seen Damira but still my mind kept on going back to her. I was trying to get her out of my mind as I waited for the carriages to arrive. As the oldest and current heir to the throne it was my responsibility to greet all visiting royalty, even if it was my own family. My aunts and uncles were coming out today to "talk about the state of affairs," which really meant that my Mom and her siblings wanted to see each other and that I would spend the day with my cousins. I used to see Andrew, Aidan and Della everyday at Royal Prep along with Alden but since Andrew, Aidan, Della and myself graduated we started only seeing each other at family get togethers and even though I wouldn't say it to them, I kinda missed having them around.

I watched as an Enchancian carriage flew in and watched as Aidan, Della, Lorelei, Aunt Amber and Uncle Desmond unloaded from the carriage. I walked over and bowed, "King Desmond, Queen Amber." The bowed/curtsied as well, "Prince Ethan." We stood up and I smiled, "It is nice to see you both again. My parents are in your usual meeting room. Mom already sent for tea Aunt Amber and Alden was hoping to talk to you later Uncle Desmond." The both smiled and nodded, "It is good to see you too Ethan. Thank you." They walked inside and I went over to my cousins. I was about to bow when Lorelei spoke up, "Are you going to do the whole greeting thing to us too? Because to be honest it is a little weird, I mean we are cousins." I laughed as he older siblings silently scolded her but I knelt down and whispered, "I agree, but the higher ups seem to think otherwise." She looked confused, "Who are the higher ups?" I laughed again, "You know Emma and Mia are out in the garden waiting for you and Ella." She smiled and ran back to the garden and I couldn't help but laugh again. I looked over and Aidan and Della, "Where does she get that personality from again?" I jokingly asked. They both shrugged, "No idea, Mom blames Uncle James." Della said. I laughed at that, "Sounds about right. Do we need to do the introductions now or does that seem kinda pointless?" They both sighed, "Yeah it does." I pulled Della into a hug and did the same with Aidan, "It is good to see you both." We all took a step back and I turned over to Aidan, "Alden is in the library but he is going to join the rest of us later and Andrew isn't here yet." He nodded his head knowing I answered his questions. Della then spoke up, "We'll go keep an eye on the little ones. Knowing them, one of them is going to push them into the pond." I looked over at her, "Mia would never..." I started but then she interjected, "I meant Emma or Lorelei." "Oh, yeah that is a valid concern" I agreed and she went off. I looked back up at the sky, "Why are they always late?" I asked Aidan. He just gave me a shrug.

(Andrew POV) -on the edge of Enchancia and Corinthia-

I looked over my shoulder as I snapped harder on the reigns making my way deeper into the forest. She was gaining on me as she was coming around next to me. "I am going to beat you this time Andrew," She smirked. I just shook my head, "Oh poor, sweet Ella you forget. My racing skill are the reason for your existence." I snapped hard on the reigns one more time and pulled up noticeably ahead. Ella was trying to gain more speed but it was too late I had already won. I hopped down and watched as she came in, "How do you do that?" She asked as she hopped down. "I was trained by the best rider in the family," I smiled. She thought about it for a moment, "Aunt Sofia." I shook my head. She thought about it again, "Uncle Hugo." I again shook my head. "Dad?" she asked questioningly and I laughed a little, "No, Mom." Ella nodded her head realizing that was always the correct answer.

I heard the sound of horses coming near us and saw that Mom and Dad were making their way over to us. Mom came in first followed by Dad. I leaned down to whisper to Ella, "See what I mean." She stifled a giggle as we walked over to Mom and Dad, "There you kids are. We are going to be late we are due at your Aunt Sofia's in an hour." I nodded my head, "Sorry we figured we could get a race in before we had to leave." I said while Ella said, "Why do you call it Aunt Sofia's castle when she married into being Queen of Albuquerque? Shouldn't it be Uncle Hugo's?" Mom looked over at Dad, "Your child" was all that she said and now it was my turn to hide a laugh. Dad looked over at me, Andrew you know I saw a letter from Tangu at the house addressed to you." My eyes widened as I stood still. "If you will all excuse me," I said while walking over to my horse. I swiftly saddled up. I then heard Dad say to Mom, "See how quickly I can get him back to the manor." I glared down at him, "Is there really a letter?" He shrugged, "Maybe?" I rolled my eyes and turned to Mom. "I did not see any letter but, there could be that I didn't know about," I sighed.