Behold, The One {Book 1 Of The Behold Series}

~Chapter 22~ The Amulet

Recently On Behold, The One:
The five get along well with the royal family of the Jewel Empire. Queen Amber then brings Celestine and Alexander to her royal treasure room where she allows them to choose something special for King Robert, Alexander's father, to receive.

Chapter 21's Ending:
Of all the things we could get, our choice had to be limited to one.
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   For the past one hour, Celestine and Alexander were still choosing and discussing between what gift to give King Robert.

   "Since we already got the Celestial Baton, we won't want to get another, am I right?" Celestine asked sternly, Alexander agreeing obidiently.

   "Then, we can't get a pendent as it is super common. Why don't we get something else, like a ring?" She continued, suggesting a ring.

   The duo groaned as they continued looking. A ring is sort of lame though. Okay, so here is a baton, a pendent, a crown, a ring, a magical aura globe thingy, a bracelet, wait a minute... A globe?

   Snapping back into reality, Celestine walked towards the globe, examining it carefully. It shimmered under the dim, yellow light of the room, making its Rainbow colours sparkle with excitement. She called Alexander over to look at the marvellous spectacle.

   "This is the perfect gift!" Alexander exclaimed enthusiastically as Celestine put it in a protective bubble.

   At that very moment, Amber walked towards them. Upon seeing the globe in Celestine's hands, she inhaled sharply. Swiftly, she placed it back into its alter.

   "I'm so sorry I forgot to tell you something. The globes here are to keep the Treasure Room standing. Without it for one whole day, the room will collaspe!" Amber explained with a look of horror on her face as she apologised sincerely once again.

   Celestine and Alexander exchanged worried glances. Through their eyes, they were debating on who talks to Amber. Obviously, Alexander lost. He walked up to Amber, telling her it is alright that she did not tell them earlier.

   "We just need to find... something else." He ended off with sarcastic enthusiasm, plastering a fake smile on his lips.

   Celestine nudged him, hissing under her breath as she did so. Out of the blue, an enthusiatic queen Amber dragged them into another room, which was pitch dark.

   "Where are we?" Celestine asked in worry as she tried to look for Alexander and Amber.

   Due to the tight space, she decided to use her spear instead. Alexander removed his fire sword from its cover, bringing dim light into the room.

   "Oh, there you are." Celestine whispered as she tip-toed towards him.

   Suddenly, with a click, the lights turned on. Shocked by the sudden movements, Celestine pointed her spear before her, accidently stabbing the wall instead. Okay, calm down Celestine, calm down. She thought warily as she unsummoned her spear. It disappeared into stardust, returning back to where it came from.

   Adjusting to the bright lighting, the duo realised that they were in another treasure room. Although this time, it was smaller and with more valuable items such as a scepter, or amulets. To the duo's surprise, Amber lunged before them. Celestine tripped over something and fell. Just when she was about the touch the ground, Alexander caught her in his arms.

   The older queen watched, laughing slightly. Celestine and Alexander looked into each other's eyes, blushing profusely as he helped her up. Focusing at the task at hand, they diverted their gaze to Amber. Their confused gazes, that is.

   "Oh, of course." Amber started, clearing her throat.

   "This is the secret royal treasure room. Well, to thank you for not insisting on keeping the globe, I'm giving you this." Amber continued, presenting a lovely amulet to the duo.

   It was a transulcent white jewel, shimmering under the dim light. It was coated with some sort of liquid, making it look a lot like an Opal.

   "This, is the rare Cloudy Opal gem. Or at least, that is it's nickname. In reality, it is called the Cotton Celestine, which also happens to be part of your name young dear. Celestine, is actually a very rare, one of its kind, yet fragile jewel." Amber explained, occasionally refering to Celestine.

   Several times, she cringed at the fact that her name was a gem's name as well. Fragile? Wow, just wow. She thought sarcastically as she muttered under her breath.

   "I was named after another version of the word Celestial. Celestia is my grandmother's name, therefore my mother did not want to name me as such." Celestine explained, clearing up the situation.

   "I see. Let's get back to the topic. This amulet is very unique, in fact, one of a kind! I wanted to give it to Jacob this year but..." Amber continued, voice trailing off upon mentionig his husband's name.

   She still has not forgotten him. The man she married and devoted her life to for many years. The duo felt apologetic but kept quiet. It was the least they could do for Amber as she stood there, emotionless.

   "Ah, where was I? Oh yes. I've decided to give this to you. May you give this to bring happiness upon your family." Amber blessed, passing the amulet to Alexander.

   Alexander looked at the amulet, smiling brightly. He turned to Celestine who returned a sweet smile.

   "Thank you, Aunt Amber." Alexander and Celestine thanked profusely in unison, waiting for Amber's next statement.

   "Why not you stay over tonight? I'm sure you would want to return back to the Elemental Kingdom after 3 weeks but you should be exhausted by now." Amber teased, as if reading Alexander's mind.

   Accepting her offer, the duo followed Amber into the sleeping chambers of the Jewel Empire Castle.

   "I put your rooms all together, to make it easier for you to commute. It is now around five in the evening you are free to do what you want to do until dinner at seven before bed. Do have a pleasent stay." Amber informed us as they approached their rooms.

   Alexander's room was beside Celestine's, not to their surprise of course. They went into their rooms respectively, resting before dinner.

   It was a quick yet hearty meal, everything seems practically perfect, as usual in the Jewel Empire. At about nine, they returned to their rooms to have an early night's rest.

   Tomorrow is the big day, the day we return.