Relentless

Chapter Two

“Prince Raphael, the royal family requests you in the king’s study.” the messenger said as he knocked on Raphael’s door. It was mid-morning and Raphael felt a lot more refreshed as he went to find his parents.

His family was crowded around a table in the middle of the room.

Orchid was the first to see him as he closed the door behind him. She ran up to him and jumped up to hug him tightly around his neck. “Thank you, their beautiful. Where did you get them? They look hand-made.”

Lillian hugged his side as Orchid went on.

Raphael looked at his brother’s confused.

“Orchid, let Raphael answer, let him breath.” Kaydian said pulling his wife into his arms.

“Come on, Lily,” Aidan did the same with his wife.

“What are you talking about?” Raphael asked.

Orchid was still smiling, “You brought us these beautiful necklaces.” She held up a necklace. Its chain was three beaded threads, each a different shade of green. The threads were intertwined to give them a vine look. On the left side of the necklace was a bunch of orchids. They looked like they had been carved from a pinkish purple stone of some kind. Raphael took it from her for a closer look. There were strange markings craved into the stone and when he held the necklace it gave off a pulse of energy.

Raphael handed it back to Orchid and turned to take Lillian’s necklace. Its chain was light and dark blue coral that led to the white Lily hanging from the chain. It too was carved from that strange stone. It also had carvings that gave off the energy.

Both were made by someone who knew how to use a knife, a master’s hand. They were light and had a delicate look too them.

“I did not buy these for you.” Raphael said giving them back.

Orchid looked confused, “But, no one else did.”

“I am sorry, sister.”

“They came with a note, ‘I wish you many years with your child and those to come.’” said Lillian.

“I want to thank whoever gave us these gifts, they look very expensive.” Victoria said.

“I will look into it.” Raphael said.

“Thank you, brother,” Kaydian said.